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Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Dec 26, 2017

Help with CAT Scale weights - NEW Hitch and NEW Weights

Hello all--

Previous post had first hitch and first weights.

Today I have NEW weights.

I'm back with a new hitch installed!

NEW Hitch has been set up following the Equal-i-zer directions.
Hitch is a 1400/14000 model with a 13" rise shank.

Trailer is now LEVEL!!!!

5 washers were used and the L bracket mounted on trailer (where bars attach) is set leaving two visible holes on top (see pic).

Drove it approx. 25 miles to CAT scale. Drove great!

Here are NEW weights:

Weight #1 (Truck and trailer WITH WD engaged):

Front axle: 3400#
Rear axle: 4680#
Trailer axle: 8140#
Total: 16220#

Weight #2 (Truck and trailer WD NOT engaged):

Front axle: 3220#
Rear axle: 4980#
Trailer axle: 8040
Total: 16240#

Weight #3 (truck only with new camper shell and 40# in bed):

Front axle: 3700#
Rear axle: 3280#
Total: 6980#

So.....is this better than where I was the first weigh in and previous hitch?
Are further fine tuning adjustments needed? If so, what exactly?

Thanks!!




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First Thread from 11-21-17:
After discussing in a previous thread about my Equalizer hitch 1200/12000 model and if is appropriate for my truck / trailer, I believe it would best to get real CAT weights.

Below are my CAT scale weights today. The weights / procedures were
found here on RVnet as recommended for finding trailer tongue weight, trailer weight, WD weights, tow vehicle weight, etc

Tow vehicle - (with one 285# occupant):
FULL fuel tank
Approx. 100# in bed

Trailer -

Ready to travel...
FULL propane
FULL water
Full gear in forward storage (table, chairs, BBQ, etc)
Clothes, dishes, pots/pans, books, linen, tools, etc.



Weight #1 - (trailer connected to tow vehicle and WD hitch hooked up) front TV axle on scale 1, rear TV axle on scale 2, and trailer axles on scale 3

Axle 1 (TV front axle): 3360#
Axle 2 (TV vehicle rear axle): 4680#
Trailer axles: 8120#
Total axles: 16,160#

Weight #2 - Same set up as above except WD hitch NOT hooked up and WD trunion bars placed in back up pick up bed

Axle 1: 3240#
Axle 2: 4840#
Trailer axle: 8060#
Total axles: 16,140#


Weight #3 - Truck ONLY (all above apply...occupant, fuel, bed weight)

Steer axle: 3740#
Drive axle: 3160#
Total axles: 6900#


So, please help me understand what all of these numbers mean!

I would like to know the following so I can proceed with purchasing the correct WD hitch and truck receiver hitch.

My current Equalizer hitch is a 1200#/12000#
My trucks receiver is factory WD 1250#/12500#


1. Trailer tongue weight (so I can purchase correct WD hitch and truck receiver hitch

2. Trailer weight

Thanks!
  • I'm a little confused by owner's manual statement.....

    It doesn't tell me what percentage loaded restoration weight should be.....50% or 100% of unloaded weight?
  • from my owner's manual...

    Load equalizing hitch When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the following procedure:
    1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it can level.


    2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of the vehicle.
    3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in Step 2.
    Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
  • Baja Man wrote:
    Am I trying to get as close to the 3740# truck front axle weight (unloaded, truck only)?

    Is 50% back the number between 3700# and 3220#?
    If so, then I need to be at or above 3460#, correct?

    Equalizer manual states to ADD washers to increase weight distribution.

    Anyone know approximately how much weight can be expected per washer?

    Should I add 1 or 2 washers?

    I'm inclined to add 2 to get as close to the 3700# as possible? Is too close back to unloaded front axle weight a negative?

    Moderator note: Sorry about the edit. I hit edit instead of Quote.
    Barney

    Lets see if I can get it right this time. :o
    I don't think it is a negative. I try to get mine back as close as possible to the unloaded weight without going over. This makes the headlight aim correct and I have never noticed any adverse handling from doing that. Some truck manufacturers tell you to return all the weight and some say 50% or so. I go for the 100%. :)
    Barney
  • Here's a link to a calculator. Put in your scale numbers and it will calculate for you.

    As far as front axle weight restoration, check the owners manual for your truck. Some manufacturers recommend 100% restoration. Some only recommend 50%.

    My F250 manual is one of those that recommends 50%. If my tongue weight takes 400 lbs off my front axle, Ford only recommends that I restore 200 lbs (50%).
  • Am I trying to get as close to the 3740# truck front axle weight (unloaded, truck only)?

    Is 50% back the number between 3700# and 3220#?
    If so, then I need to be at or above 3460#, correct?

    Equalizer manual states to ADD washers to increase weight distribution.

    Anyone know approximately how much weight can be expected per washer?

    Should I add 1 or 2 washers?

    I'm inclined to add 2 to get as close to the 3700# as possible? Is too close back to unloaded front axle weight a negative?

    Moderator note: Sorry about the edit. I hit edit instead of Quote.
    Barney

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