Weighing boat and trailer

[Beck]

Hi To All,<br /><br />I've read a post about getting a boat and trailer weighed at a truck weight in station. But instead of trailering it to a weigh-in station could one instead jack up each tire and weigh (one at a time)then weigh the tongue and add the total of the three? TIRE+TIRE+TONGUE= TOTAL BOAT AND TRAILER<br /><br />Do you think this would be accurate?<br /><br />Beck

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

When you jack up one tire, it transfers some weight to the tongue and the other tire. So if you leave the other points on the ground with each measurement, then every one of you weights would be lighter than the true weight with the rig level. I see this working with some degree of accuracy if you were to block up all 3 points up to the same height as the scale height while you're doing this to keep the boat level. And the blocks would have to be directly under the tire, and directly under the tongue jack...jack stands under an axle, for instance, would completely skew the readings again because of balance and weight transfer. Unless, of course, you have 3 identical scales to measure all at once and add them together. And I'm not sure what kind of scale or boat you have, but weight capacity of the scale could be an issue. Let us know how it goes if you try it!

 

[Beck]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

Crazy1cars,<br /><br />I agree with you as far as some of the weight<br />being transfered since it's on a slight angle. I just figured it would be minimal. But I think it would not be to hard to put a piece of wood under the tongue and other wheel as I have a floor jack and it easily rolls around. I just wanted another opinion about it being the total weight. I though it would.<br /><br />Beck

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

The weight being transfered during the process will be relatively small and the method will get one at least in the ball park. To take care of the issue of a scale that only goes to 300 pounds or so, place one end of a plank on the scale and a block under the other. Measure the distance between the scale and the block and divide it in half. Position the trailer tire half way between the two points. Double the scale reading. Repeat on the other side and on the tongue. You would likely be within 100# when done.

 

[Beck]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

Upinsmoke,<br /><br />You posted exactly when I was responding to Crazy1cars. And while I was typing I was thinking that maybe I don't have a scale that would measure aprox. 1/3 of my boats weight. But your suggestion will help alot to use a scale that might be under capacity. Now I have to look for a scale. Originally I was thinking of my bathroom scale but now that I'm thinking about it, it's probable way under capacity.<br /><br />I may be traveling to a truck weigh-in scale after all.<br /><br />Beck

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

Incidentally, in the distant past I weighed some of my race snowmobiles and go-karts with this exact method with 3 or 4 old bathroom scales all at the same time. It worked fairly accurately, I think my margin of error was caused by old scale calibration more than the method. But I bet my snowmobiles and go-karts are a lot lighter than your boat!<br /><br />The lever method mentioned by Upinsmoke works well, even with different fractions than 1/2. For instance if you're expecting maybe 1,000 lbs per wheel but your scale only reads up to 300, you can set your pivot point on the scale at the 1/4 way mark and multiply your reading by 4. Takes a bit of careful measuring, math, and legwork.<br /><br />But I think it's easier to just drive the thing to a big scale!

 

[Beck]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

Thanks for the info. Guys.<br /><br />Crazy1.. I think your on to something there, may be easier.<br /><br />Later,<br />Beck

 

[Triton II]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

Here in Sydney we have a recycling centre that charges fees in accordance with weight. They weigh you going in and then again after dumping your load. I weighed my boat on its trailer on this scale after talking to the operator on a slow day at no charge - may be worth having a looksee if there's something similar available in Louisiana Beck?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Weighing boat and trailer

Any feed mill, truck stop, moving company, etc, will have a scale.<br />I have asked at several places to use them, and what they charge. All but one place told me to just use it. Truck stop wanted $10.