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dnhx's avatar
dnhx
Explorer
Feb 04, 2016

Sherline Tongue Weight Scale question

I weighed my TV and TT at the CAT scale and the tongue weight came out to 620 lbs. I have a Sherline tongue weight scale, and weighing right at the trailer ball coupler, it only showed 560 lbs. I would think the scale should be more accurate, so wondering what I did wrong.
The trailer was level and we did not move anything around in the trailer between the time it was weighed on the CAT scale and the time I weighed with the tongue weight scale. All the tanks were empty both times.
All I can think is maybe I read the scale too soon after raising the tongue jack.

thanks
Don
  • lbrjet's avatar
    lbrjet
    Explorer
    Feb 05, 2016
    The Sherline is finicky as Barney suggested. Do several readings. The slightest bit of angle can throw off the reading.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Feb 04, 2016
    Often stiction because of slight sideways pressure via placement of the tongue on the Sherline will cause erroneous readings. I would take several readings, moving the scale ever so slightly between them, and then average the readings. The height of the tongue will make the reading vary also. Make sure you measure at the same height each time - preferably when the trailer is as level as you can get it.
    Barney
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Feb 04, 2016
    How did you determine the tongue weight on the CAT scale? Direct weighing or subtracting weight of truck with weight with the truck hooked to the trailer?

    I would rely on the Shurline scale over the CAT scale for that small of a reading.

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