The Sherline scale is a very well-built piece of equipment (---I use a 2,000 lb unit) - and I periodically use it to check my hitch weight before a long trip - but setting it up can be a bit difficult if you want to weigh directly at the coupling. An extension is provided that fits up into the coupling to facilitate this latter procedure. Since the unit is only about 8 inches tall, you have to provide a support for it to sit on when you lower the tongue to take the reading. When the trailer comes to rest on the jack it needs to be level - especially with dual axles.
The alternate procedure is to just extend the tongue jack down onto the jack head when the trailer coupler is resting on the tow vehicle ball - but you have to be careful to avoid "drag" from the ball hanging up in the coupling. Ideally, the trailer should be lifted clear of the tow vehicle while sitting on the scale, the tow vehicle moved ahead, and the trailer re-leveled. Make sure the trailer is chocked well and the scale has a firm footing - as the scale base is relatively small in diameter. There is, of course, a slight difference in readings between the two procedures but it is of little consequence. My hitch weight is right around 960 lbs when I'm fully loaded for a trip.
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Cracker
2003 GMC 3500 D/A, CC, LB, 4x4 and 2000 Airstream Excella 30. WBCCI 7074
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