Snowman9000 wrote:
We had a complete wheel by wheel weighing today, with the truck and trailer loaded for travel. Weighing was done by Stacey and his wife at http://weighit.tripod.com at Casa Grande, AZ.
Comments:
This is a pretty light trailer but the bed slide and front storage really puts the pin weight up there for such a relatively small 5er. I'd be better off running a full tank of fresh water (58 gals) in the far back of the unit. And/or better if I got a (solidly mounted) storage box on the rear of the trailer to replace the one in the truck bed.
Hi Snowman9000,
Congratulations on your first step to safe towing by weighing all wheels. Your trailer axle weight distribution is very good; good job! I have a few thoughts for you to consider.
1. It is best to weigh your rig when it is fully loaded and all tanks are full, (i.e. fuel, fresh water if you dry dock often, propane, etc.) just as if you're on your way to camp.
2. You state that the front axle weight did not change. That could also indicate center of your 5th wheel king pin is positioned nearly over the rear axle or most likely behind the rear axle. It's best to position the king pin center 3-6 inches in front of the rear axle. By doing this, some of the weight will be shared on the front axle therefore reducing some weight off the rear axle. Also, by doing this, you may discover improved towing and handling. If the king pin position is correct, then you're correct in redistribution of some of the weight to the rear of the trailer.
3. Find the truck's GCWR to ensure your not overweight.
4. You'll find some good reading material at
Fifth Wheel St. as well as a printable weight safety report.
Your numbers indicate you're marginally overweight. But you could discover it's worse once you weigh your fully loaded rig.
