Tongue Weight

[Captnsteve]

Does anyone know what Airstream's published tongue weight includes?

The published tongue weight ( TW ) I've seen for my 1989 34 Limited ranges from 800 to 850 lbs.

Does that include two full propane tanks? (appx 70 lbs)

Does the TW include my two Zip Dee awnings? Heavy things.

Based on a recent CAT scale weigh, I see a tongue weight of 1160 lbs, total trailer weight of 8860.

I'm having difficulty with weight distribution seeing my forward truck axle lightened by about 100 lbs, and the drive axle carrying most of the tongue weight. After a first weigh I moved a few things from the forward end of the trailer to the cab of the truck -about 40 lbs, and made an adjustment to the WD trunnion bar positions.

My heavy truck is handling the rig well including several panic stops and manuevers, but I want to improve the weight distribution, starting with minimizing the tongue weight as best I can.

Any input or information will be greatly appreciated.

[Bill M.]

I think you would be going the wrong way by lowering the tongue weight by redistribution in the trailer. My bias is that a little extra tongue wt is better than less. Use the WD. Moving heavy stuff towards the back is not good in my opinion. I must state that I have not pulled a 3 axle trailer. My experience is with 2 axle rigs. Is rhe trailer set level?

[ROBERT CROSS]

We have never returned 100%, our TV steering axle has always been 100-150lbs less, depending on our load. 8.1L 2500 Suburban.

As noted a LEVEL rig, (TV & AS) is more important than returning 100%.

If your towing without white knuckles...go for it.

Big pic, Truck alone weight then with out WD and the last with WD

Bob
🇺🇸

[Captnsteve]

Thanks Bob and Bill
My truck weights with and without trailer attached are very similar to Bob's, within just a few pounds.



An important note is that I did not move any weight to the rear of the trailer; just moved a couple easy carry items from the forward end of the trailer to the truck cab. that would have added a few pounds to my steering axle. I am at the max GVW on the trailer right now, so losing a few pounds won't' hurt.


Truck and trailer are fairly level, but not perfect. I've called the hitch maker once, and plan to call again after I take a couple measurements they have asked for.


Hopefully, I'll sort it out.