Tongue weight measurement

[Spindifferent]

Hi Folks,

Wanted to get your opinion on the importance of measuring tongue weight.

Is it common practice to actually measure the tongue weight with a scale for each load you haul, or do you just eyeball-it?

For perspective, the scenario is a relatively small truck (2013 Tacoma v6 w/tow package) that can tow up to 6500# using an 18' 7000# tandem axel car hauler trailer used for towing a relatively small tractor (JD 3520, approx. 3100#) and various implements up to 800# each. Tongue weight max is 650# for the Tacoma.

I'm trying to decide if I should invest in a tongue weight scale since I don't have a public scale easily available to me.

Thoughts?

Much Thanks!

- Spindifferent

 

[Dr Dave]

Yes, I would weigh it at the hitch, with your equipment, loaded. Set your max tongue weight and measure to the ground, write this measurement on the trailer. Then you will have it for future use. You can also setup stop blocks for your tractor, so you can load it at the same spot each time. I have some metal wheel chocks with down pins on the front edge, they are placed in holes in the trailer deck. This works good if you have more than one implement. Mark each set of holes for each implement. Be sure to do all weights and measuring on a flat level surface. Also make sure your trailer is level, adjust tongue height with drop receivers.

Dave

 

[Diamondpilot]

I just weigh it once at the truck stop and then eye ball it.

Too little is way worse than too much tongue weight.

Chris

 

[schmism]

I weighed mine and then use a tape on the rear fender well for ars sag measurement.

I then add my torsion bars for my WDH and take a second measurement to see if they need to go up or down a link.

 

[Case485Guy]

I just weigh it once at the truck stop and then eye ball it.

Too little is way worse than too much tongue weight.

Chris

ditto

 

[newbury]

I used the old scale and stick method Determining Trailer Tongue Weight | etrailer.com .

Then measured the height of the tongue.

Then forgot the measurement and may have to do it again.