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Trailer Loading Double Check

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Tuluk, Jan 5, 2023.

  1. Jan 5, 2023 at 11:39 AM
    #1
    Tuluk

    Tuluk [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2022
    Member:
    #395640
    Messages:
    266
    Vehicle:
    1999 trd manual 4x4 ext cab
    I finally bought an auto hauler to pull my 1st gen hunt truck out to our hunting spots, and being that I don't haul things regularly and this will be pulled long distances on the highway (3 to 10 hours each way)I was hoping I could get some constructive feedback on the setup. I want to make sure I've done the whole tongue weight and truck positioning part appropriately. I will be using a weight distributing hitch on a 2016 f-150 2.7l which would increase my tongue weight capacity to 1,000 lbs.

    The numbers:


    The trailer has 10,000 pound GVWR
    Trailer weight empty: 2,300 lbs
    Hunt truck weight fully loaded: 4,620 lbs
    Combined: 6,920 lbs
    10% tongue weight: 692lbs
    13% tongue weight: 899lbs


    I used the bathroom scale method to measure tongue weight, and measured off the jack instead of the tongue, so the numbers will be slightly different at the tongue but should be within 10-13% range. The scale was set up 2 feet from the jack, the opposing side was set up 1 foot from the jack, and the scale measurement was multiplied by 3.

    As it sets in the pictures here, tongue weight is measured at 858lbs (~12$ of total weight).
    The ground was checked for level, as was the trailer.
    The towing truck settled 1inch from tire to wheel well when this weight was put on the ball.
    Again, there will be a WDH used prior to towing, it just hasn't arrived yet.

    My question is this: The drive axle weight on the tacoma hunt truck is 2,440lbs, steer axle is 2,180. So with the truck positioned as it is, there is 260 lbs more weight balanced at the back of the trailer than the front, even though the tongue weight is within range.

    When I put my level on the trailer it still showed level, but when I look at the trailer axle leaf spring pivots, they are not level. I always thought they pivots should be relatively evenly balanced.
    I tried loading the truck on backwards, but (besides being very precarious to drive on the trailer) I couldn't get the tongue weight below 1000 lbs.

    Am I over thinking the balance of the trailer here? I keep telling myself the tongue weight is within range, the trailer is showing level when attached to the tow vehicle, and I will have the WDH, so I have checked all the boxes, but one can never be too careful.

    I appreciate your advice

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    Last edited: Jan 5, 2023

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