Weight Distribution

[VaTravelers]

I have a 2017 28’ Serenity. I tow with a 2005 F250 4x4 full size diesel. I have a Fastway e2 hitch that seems to work well. On a recent trip I pulled into a Cat Scale and had the following weights; steer axle 4340; drive axle 5280;trailer axle 6000; gross weight 15,620. I’m not sure how interpret the results. Can anyone help?

[Al and Missy]

Search for CAT scale in the blue search box above. You will find everything you ever wanted to know about weighing. The quick answer is you don't have enough information. The recommended technique is three separate weighings: Truck alone, combination without weight distribution, and combination with weight distribution. The goal is to restore at least half of the weight back to the front axle that is lifted off the front axle by the combination without weight distribution. Your F250 manual may also shed some light on the process.

Another consideration is to compare the weights you have to the axle ratings that should be on a label in your dirver's side door.



Al

[OTRA15]

If possible you should weigh all the tires separately too, so that you can balance the TV and AS loads L/R.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

If possible you should weigh all the tires separately too, so that you can balance the TV and AS loads L/R.

Escapees provides this service at their campgrounds and at some rallies. Google Escapees and look for their Smartweigh program. I did this and it was instructive.

Al

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by VaTravelers

I have a 2017 28’ Serenity. I tow with a 2005 F250 4x4 full size diesel. I have a Fastway e2 hitch that seems to work well. On a recent trip I pulled into a Cat Scale and had the following weights; steer axle 4340; drive axle 5280;trailer axle 6000; gross weight 15,620. I’m not sure how interpret the results. Can anyone help?

Should drive fine. Some will say get more weight on the front axle. I say 4300lbs is plenty to steer with as long as your rear axle is within limits.

How does it drive?

[VaTravelers]

It drives fine. Thanks all for the responses. I will try to get three separate weights next time out. The CAT scales are usually pretty busy.

[Bobbo]

You can't interpret your results because you only have 1/3 of the results needed for the calculations. You need:

1. front TV axle, rear TV axle and trailer axles loaded for a camping trip with WD completely hooked up.

2. Same axles and conditions with trailer still hooked to TV, but WD bars removed.

3. front TV axle and rear TV axle with truck loaded the same as above, but the trailer parked somewhere not on the scales.

[Bill M.]

Actually all you need to do is to run the truck unhitched across the CAT scales now. Then you can calculate the amount of weight added to the front and rear axles by the trailer and hitch and the amount of load added to the truck by the hitch. The 3rd weighing, with the trailer on the ball but no wd attached, does not really tell you much except the tongue weight which you do not need since you have the load added to the payload of the truck already. No need to make this a class project unless you want to.