beemerphile1 wrote:
If the load is ten feet from the fulcrum (axle) and the counter weight location is five feet from the fulcrum, double the weight is required for equilibrium.
ie;
F = 300 pounds
L = ten feet
X = five feet
then
W would require 600 pounds
F x L = W x X
As huntindog points out, these numbers are just an example. The fulcrum is the point between the 2 axles on a double axle trailer. On yours, measure from that point forward to the coupler, then back to the storage platform. Force = weight x distance, so in the example above 300*5=600*10.
Also agree that the previous owner didn't put 600 lbs of concrete there for the heckuva it. Guaranteed he had a terrible sway problem loading firewood and heavy items on the back like he did.
Before you do anything you need to get the trailer weighed. Go to a CAT scale at a truckstop, or most gravel pits, recycling yards and moving companies have scales and will weigh you for $10 or so.
Read here about how to measure tongue weight using a bathroom scale.
Then you can use the formula above to calculate the effect on tongue weight based on how much weight you add to the rear platform.
Or get a Hensley and don't worry about it.
