Tires and comments back from Joe Robinson in TM

[Padgett]

And the answer is:
"CAT Scales display and print in 20 LB increments to comply with the specifications set in NIST Handbook 44. Each of the three axle weights would round up or down to the nearest 20 LB. As an example if your steer axle weight is 11,972 LB the CAT Scale would register that weight as 11,980 LB. If the drive axle weight is 33,949 LB the CAT Scale would register that weight as 33,940 LB. "

[tentcamper]

So it sounds like +- 10 lbs. For practical purposes, about one gallon of milk or a 12 pack of pop.

[TrailManorMan]

Glad I don't carry that much to be concerned about 10 lbs, heck I can gain ten pounds on a good week end

[YNPKing]

Funpilot - Re: Post #1. Joe said, "So 5,080# max capacity - weight at axle 4,030# = 1,050# of additional storage capacity. You don't include the tongue weight since that weight is not sitting on your axle. (It's supported by the tow vehicle.)"

You said, "the trailer axle weighs 3380 pounds on the CAT scale". So, if you don't include the tongue weight, then 5,080# - 3,380# = 1,700# of additional storage capacity, not 1,050#. Am I missing something?

Dan

[tentcamper]

Originally Posted by TrailManorMan

Glad I don't carry that much to be concerned about 10 lbs, heck I can gain ten pounds on a good week end

lol

Interesting discussion. The max limits are the max safe limits that have been agree upon based on component values and math. For me the max limit means the limit where I can drive down the road and feel assured that I have control of my TV and TM under most all circumstances. These numbers are usually lower. and for me result in a much more enjoyable trip.

[TrailManorMan]

Originally Posted by rumbleweed

Interesting discussion. The max limits are the max safe limits that have been agree upon based on component values and math. For me the max limit means the limit where I can drive down the road and feel assured that I have control of my TV and TM under most all circumstances. These numbers are usually lower. and for me result in a much more enjoyable trip.

ME TOO, I prefer light loading, helps my mpg and confidence !

[funpilot]

Originally Posted by YNPKing

Funpilot - Re: Post #1. Joe said, "So 5,080# max capacity - weight at axle 4,030# = 1,050# of additional storage capacity. You don't include the tongue weight since that weight is not sitting on your axle. (It's supported by the tow vehicle.)"

You said, "the trailer axle weighs 3380 pounds on the CAT scale". So, if you don't include the tongue weight, then 5,080# - 3,380# = 1,700# of additional storage capacity, not 1,050#. Am I missing something?

Dan

Here is exactly what the CAT document reads for my Avalanche 1500 2wd with the Blue Ox Swaypro:
Steer axle 2980
Drive Axle 3660
Trailer axle 3380

When I previously weighed just the truck alone, I got:


Steer axle 2980
Drive axle 2940

Most of the increase on the drive axle was the tongue weight I presume.

[Bill]

The weight on the drive axle (truck rear axle) increased by 720 pounds when you put the tongue weight on the hitch? Wow! That is more than tongue weight, I think. Did you add any cargo in the truck? Or a passenger? If you have a long-lever-arm hitch, there can be a multiplying effect as weight comes off the front end.

However, it appears that no weight came off the front end. This would mean that you had your WDH cranked up perfectly, so as to exactly replace the weight that was removed from the front axle when the trailer weight was dropped on the hitch ball. Bujt that should have removed a portion of the hitch weight from the drive axle. I'm confused. Padgett, you do these calculations ... What's going on?

I'm presuming that you used the same CAT scale both times.

Bill

[YNPKing]

I'll defer to Bill on the surprising weight on the drive axle.

All I was trying to say earlier is that I think Joe mistakenly substituted the wrong figure in his storage capacity calculation. I believe you have significantly more storage capacity than he calculated.