How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

[Hunter 34]

I have a 21 ft. Skeeter Bay-Pro boat on a tandam axle trailor. I figure the boat and fishing gear, fuel ect... probably wieghts about 4000-4500 lbs. I would like to know how to wieght the tounge wieght. I can't pick up the tounge by hand even with help of another person, do the double axles make it heavier to lift (not a single pivet point). Any pointers on how to figure the correct tounge wieght would be helpful.<br /> Thanks Very Much

 

[JB]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Use the tongue jack to raise the tongue high enough to clear a bathroom scale on top of a stool or other low support that can handle 300-400lb.<br /><br />Then lower the ball socket onto the scale. Record the weight when the jack is completely relieved. If you have guessed right on the weight of your rig this should be 220 to 300lb.<br /><br />Then tow the boat, ready to launch, to a highway truck scale and weigh the trailer. Add to that weight the weight of the tongue and you have your total weight. Most people underestimate the weight ready to launch.<br /><br />The weight on the tongue should be about 7-10% of the total.

 

[burp]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Go to a set of truck scales and for a few $'s you can get several weights.<br /><br />Before you start, make sure you are using a hitch draw bar that results in the trailer frame being level with the ground when connected up to the tow vehicle. If it's not level, it will have an impact your tongue weight.<br /><br />Pull the tow vehicle onto the truck scales and stop on the scales so that the trailer tongue jack will NOT be on the scales when it is lowered. (do not lower the tongue jack just yet) Have a weight measurement taken. We will call this measurement A.<br /><br />Now lower the trailer tongue jack and raise the trailer coupler off the trailer hitch ball. Have another weight measurement taken. This will be measurement B.<br /><br />Reconnect the trailer and pull the entire rig onto the truck scales for a 3rd weight measurement. This will be measurement C.<br /><br />Measurement B is your tow vehicle weight.<br />Measurement A minus measurement B will give you your actual trailer tongue weight.<br />Measurement C is the weight of your entire rig.<br />So, measurement C minus measurement B will give you the weight of your boat, boat contents and the trailer.<br />Now you can calculate what you want your tongue weight to be. Some use the 7-10% calculation, others use 5-7%. (measurement C minus measurement B) times the % equals desired tongue weight.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

This link shows how you can easily calculate tongue weights at home with a bathroom scale, even if you exceed the scale's capacity.<br /> http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/tongueweight.html

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Originally posted by craze1cars:<br /> This link shows how you can easily calculate tongue weights at home with a bathroom scale, even if you exceed the scale's capacity.<br /> http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/tongueweight.html

That's exactly what I was trying to remember to reply. Works well, and like the crazy says, you don't need to worry about breaking the bathroom scale.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Where can one find a truck scale????

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Originally posted by fishingdan:<br /> Where can one find a truck scale????

Near us:<br />On RT 1 in Plainville (Mike's Truck Stop, I believe - it's across the road from the Tavern)<br /><br />I have not used them but they have a truck scale there.<br /><br />Pretty much any large truckstop off the highways will have one.<br /><br />-JMW

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Go to any fairly large RV dealer. They have a scale that goes on a floor jack that will tell you what the tongue weight is exactly.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: How to measure tounge wieght on tandam axlel trailor

Thanks JMW. I'll check them out. I have a boat that I suspect is much heavier than the specs.