Tongue weight question??

[Matt400]

I have a late model TT that requires a load equalizing hitch, its about 6K loaded.

Without the load equalizer the truck sags too much so I use it.

I am not sure what the tongue weight is.

I am thinking of hauling a light motorcycle on the back of the TT. Bike & carrier would probably be 300 lbs.



Since the axles set about 2/3rds back and are not centered I don't see the tongue weight would be reduced by that 300, possible more like 100-150 lbs and was thinking this would work without using the load equalizer bars.



I would still use the rest of the hitch with sway stabilizer, just not the torsion bars. Is this a bad idea?

 

[RustyJC]

At the end of the day, you'll still want 10% to 12% of the total trailer weight on the truck as hitch weight. If it's light on the hitch weight, that's a sure recipe for sway.



I'd suggest disconnecting the WD bars and running the rig over the scales to see where you are before making the mod.



Rusty

 

[Matt400]

But when you crank up the WD bars don't you effectively reduce the tongue weight anyway?

 

[RustyJC]

Well, you actually apply a torque on the receiver hitch frame that tends to unload the rear axle and load the front axle. My point was that I'd like to know the actual weights (i. e. , with the bars disconnected) just as a point of reference and comparison. If you can get weights with the bars disconnected and a reweigh with them connected, so much the better.



Rusty

 

[TGibbs]

Toungue weight is approx. between 10%-15%. Any less or more is dangerous

 

[DPelletier]

My buddy tried the same thing (against my advice) with his 15' tandem axle travel trailer. He almost crashed on the highway first time out! By the time you space the bike carrier back far enough away from the camper to give you comfortable clearance, it's a good 30" - 36" back from the bumper.

I always like to have a good 12% to 15% on the tongue (before WD bars) and would much rather error on the heavy side.



His solution was to add steel plates to the tongue! I'm now waiting to see if his trailer frame cracks in the middle! Most TT frames are really light duty.



I don't think it's a good idea.



Cheers,

Dave

 

[TRCM]

Ok, so TT tongue weight is 10%-15%, but gooseneck/5th wheel is 25%-30% ??

 

[Matt400]

Ok, so TT tongue weight is 10%-15%, but gooseneck/5th wheel is 25%-30% ??

Not really the same comparison with the hitch over the rear axle.



My TT is 25 feet if that makes any difference, dunno. I for sure would not try it with a 15' trailer like that dude did.

After doing some more research I read where people have had sway trouble with just platform extensions for generators & coolers on a TT.



An interesting concept is this set up:

#ad


Company says it will haul 1000 lbs, has a single wheel on a swivel and torsion suspension that wont jackknife. They don’t recommend it for TT’s due to the uncertain change in tongue weight, 5ers are ok.

What I would like to see is a much shorter version to load the bike sideways and carry most all the weight.



Now I just load the bike in the truck but that means taking off the tail gate cuz it won’t fold down with the trailer connected, then I have to jackknife it to get the bike out, not much room for the ramp and its kinda a PITA so I was looking for something more simple.

 

[TKingsbury]

But when you crank up the WD bars don't you effectively reduce the tongue weight anyway?

Using a weight dist hitch doesn't reduce tongue weight, it moves some of the load from the rear of the truck to the front of the truck. The trailer is still balanced correctly so it wont whip.

Travis. .

 

[TRCM]

I wasn't tryign to compare... just trying to make sure I have the percentages right.

 

[Matt400]

Using a weight dist hitch doesn't reduce tongue weight, it moves some of the load from the rear of the truck to the front of the truck.

I see that now, just had to get the visual in my mind on how the leverage is being applied, thanks.

 

[MKeliher]

Tongue Weight

Try these sites. www.rv.net and www.irv2.com I also have posts on this subject. There are lots of ideas great posts on what is right. There are differant ideas of where the weight goes when useing a weight distrabution hitch. I am looking for what is leagal and safe. The builder of my hitch has been a great resource.