BurbMan wrote: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.
I may be mistaken, but I believe the fulcrum would be the rear axle. The equal distance point between the two axles does not make contact with the ground. A fulcrum must have contact with a load bearing surface. The load on the platform will increase the load on the rear axle, but remove weight from the front axle. Putting ballast in the front of the trailer will add weight to the front axle while removing weight on the rear axle. The load on each axle most likely will not be the same; one will be loaded heavier than the other axle. This is just my personal opinion only.
Ray
Or get a Hensley and don't worry about it.
