Forum

I weighed my loaded TV,  TT and trailer axle last weekend.  I'm having trouble staying under the 2700 lb gross weight and I'm over the trailers recommended tongue weight of 310lbs (360lbs).  I'm under my gross vehicle weight, gross combined weight and trailer axle weight. Has any one else weighed their loaded trailers? What are other folks weighing in at?

Mike Magee said:

I don't think the 310 is a 'recommended' tongue weight but an actual weight as it left the factory.  Adding LP, water and gear will certainly increase the number, but you are right to be concerned since your van's hitch weight limit may be 350 lbs. 

To be honest, the limited cargo carrying capacity of the 14RB and (even more so) 16BH were concerns of mine.  That's why I bought the Escape with 14″ wheels, to ensure that I at least would not exceed the tires' rating and risk a blowout.  I would advise an axle flip, if you haven't already done so, and purchase of 14″ wheels & tires.  If you have any problems with the springs they can be changed out to heavier ones, too.  I am guessing the axle itself will handle a little extra weight, but there's always the option of upgrading that too… in fact if I have any problems I'll ditch the springs and go to a 3500 lb. torsion axle.

I'm not bottoming out or exceeding Dexter's axle, the hitch manufacturer's or the tire manufacturer's weight recommendations and I have the proper percent weight on the tongue.  My concern is liability should there be an accident, my fault or not.

DougB said:

I haven't had a chance to weight my trailer but plan to.  I do know that my tongue weight can top 400 lbs if I'm not careful in how I load it.  I always suspected that the advertised unloaded weight is without any options so I am wondering how much carrying capacity I really have since I have most of the options (full package, furnace, front window).

Do you mind sharing the options you have?  I'm also curious what else you had in the trailer, full water tank, full propane, full fridge, etc?

The Tag on the inside of the wardrobe door states my trailer weighed 2260 lb when it left the factory. I think I am fully loaded with AC, front window, water heater, spare tire, microwave and fridge. I believe Mike is correct that the 310 lb tongue weight is factory weight.

My additional weight is as follows: In my outside storage compartment; 4 wheel chocks and an few 2×4  lengths, a wedge/ramp  of plywood for leveling, sewer hose (in a tub of course, ends sealed), breaker bar with socket for lug nuts, coleman 2 burner camp stove, small Coleman BBQ, 2 adult camp chairs, 2 kids camp chairs, 1 small aluminum collapsible table, 3 gallon fresh water jug, two 25 foot fresh water hoses and a tub of misc water adapters, tent spikes etc.

On the bumper; 2 14 inch kids bikes, 4×10 astro turf carpet and a plastic portable waste tank.

Inside; 2 kids (5 yr old twins) sleeping bags, 3 days 2 nights worth of kids clothes ( Mom packs for every weather possibility),  3 days 2 nights worth of adults clothes x2 (more for mom). We use sheets on a dense foam pad and a comforter. When we weighed there was very little in the pantry (we don't buy food until we are close to our destination to lower travel weight), we did have a few things in the fridge from home.  We have plastic plates, bowls and coffee cups. Metal silverware. A large stainless pot, medium and small sauce pan A medium cast iron fry pan and cast iron griddle. There were also towels, dish towels, extra bulbs and batteries, dog run rope and lead, lantern and a few lbs of other stuff inside. Under the table I had 2 fairly heavy lounge chairs and an aluminum side table ( I've moved them to the TV). 

On the tongue; 3/4 full propane tank, Deep cycle battery, small storge box with a few light things in it and my Drawtite lever device ( kinda heavy).

All my tanks were empty.

My weights were: Combined TV and TT, 8140 lbs. Trailer only (I released my WD hitch and raised the tongue jack until the hitch was loose in the receiver), 3040 lbs. With the trailer axle/tires only on the scale, 2680 lbs.