Tongue Weight

[GCross]

Does a weight distributing hitch compensate for having additional tongue weight? I have a 10,000# GVWR 24' box trailer loaded for moving and I believe that the tongue weight is a few hundred pounds over my 1200# limit. I have a Reese hitch rated for a 12,000# trailer.



Also I read somewhere that a bathroom scale could be used to get tongue weight, can anybody tell me how this is accomplished?



Thanks for any help

-George-

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

No a weight distributing hitch does not compensate for having additional tongue weight. Your hitch will be rated for a higher tongue weight when using a weight distributing hitch than not but it doesn't change what the tongue weight is. Here's some information on it and how to do the bathroom scale method you asked about: http://www.easternmarine.com/em_showroom/tech_info/hitches_tech_info.html Note that they say on there "Tongue Weight is the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler with weight-distributing devices, if any, deactivated. "

 

[GCross]

Thanks Steve, that link was very helpful.



-George-

 

[Kirwin]

Just for a reference I have about 1675 lbs of tongue weight as verified twice by the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF) on my travel trailer and so far after about 20K towing miles no ill effects. I'm not recommending anything just wanted you to know you are not alone. I do watch thoses rear attachment bolts and brackets closely. Ken Irwin

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Here is what I use to determine tongue weight for trailers that have movable loads (read that as non RV type).

http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm



I works great!



Dan

 

[GCross]

Here is what I use to determine tongue weight for trailers that have movable loads (read that as non RV type).

http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm



I works great!



Dan

Thanks Dan, that looks great, and much easier that messing around with bricks, pipes and bathroom scales.



-George-

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Yes - much easier - since that is what I used to do. I move tractors/trucks/cars/junk around (call it a hobby) and one time didn't have enough tongue weight. Makes the $110 for this well worth it. You can order it directly from the company or from a local drawtite dealer. HOWEVER drawtite adds a $50 markup - so - I got it straight from them - very nice and easy to deal with.



I just got an RV so after I know where I'll be storing all my crap I'll weight it and make sure I don't exceed the recommended 10-15% tongue weight.



I see you are in CA - should be fast shipping since that is where they are located.



Dan

 

[DaveHess]

For those wishing to use the kitchen scale method... I'd make sure the "Kitchen Boss" was nowhere within a 3 mile radius because mine walked up right as my tongue weighing contraption of 2x4's and 900 pound tongue very soundly crushed her scale. I did my very best Tim Allen look and laugh, then very quietly got into the Ram and to Sears to buy her a new scale. You had to be there to appreciate her expression. It wasn't quite as good as the time she opened the dishwasher after coming home unexpectantly early and finding two dishwashing racks full of my finest Craftsman tools. Now, THAT was a classic "what the hell do you think you are doing" look if I ever saw it!!!

 

[nps]

For those wishing to use the kitchen scale method... I'd make sure the "Kitchen Boss" was nowhere within a 3 mile radius because mine walked up right as my tongue weighing contraption of 2x4's and 900 pound tongue very soundly crushed her scale. I did my very best Tim Allen look and laugh, then very quietly got into the Ram and to Sears to buy her a new scale. You had to be there to appreciate her expression. It wasn't quite as good as the time she opened the dishwasher after coming home unexpectantly early and finding two dishwashing racks full of my finest Craftsman tools. Now, THAT was a classic "what the hell do you think you are doing" look if I ever saw it!!!

All that and you are still married? Must be a good woman.

 

[DaveHess]

18 years and counting!!! Wouldn't trade her for nothing! Did I tell you guys the story about the time I put my brand new red shop rags into the washing machine... . and forgot to rinse out the tub afterward... ... All this and she puts up with drag race car too!!! Got to love her!