Maybe we are not yet ready for a summary. Perhaps we first need to have an agreed definition for "tongue weight".
In another topic, the originator asked the question, "How do you know what your tongue weight is?" Two of the responses were:
--- First, I had the van weighed full of people and gas (front axle # and rear axle # weights which together make total van gross or curb weight)
Then had the van and trailer weighed (with the weight bars done up)
Subtract the vans axle weights from from van and trailer weight.
and
Lots of ways to do this. I weighed the truck alone. I then hooked up and weighed the rig. The increase in the trucks axle weights equals the tongue weight, and it shows how much weight is being transferred by the weight distribution system.
What it does not show is the actual dead weight of the tongue, and I still do not know what that is exactly, although I could lower the tongue jack until the stinger has play in it and then detension the weight bars to find out. The decrease in the truck weight or the increase in the trailer weight would then equal the tongue weight. ---
On edit: and yet another definition from the same topic
Remember to add in the weight of the hitch, or anything else in the tow vehicles receiver. ---
In the second quote, the term "actual dead weight of the tongue" is used. Have not seen that one before.
I might be a little dense after a week off, but I do not see how either of these two recommended methods measures the tongue weight. Can anyone explain?
Ron
