Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Douglas
Weighting a trailer is not an easy task. You will need to find the balance between the weight of your trailer and the weight of your car. Then, you will have to weigh your trailer on a scale in order to get accurate measurements.
To make it easier for you, we have provided instructions on how to weigh your travel trailer at home.
Where should you place weight on a trailer?
Where should the weight be on a trailer? More weight should be placed in front of the trailer axle and less weight behind. The ideal distribution of weight is 60% in front of the axle and 40% behind the axle.[1]
How do I find out the weight of my trailer?
The weight of your trailer can be figured out by looking at the VIN sticker located on the frame of your trailer. Locate the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) on the sticker. The GVWR is the empty weight of the trailer plus the capacity that the trailer is rated for (also known as the MAX GVCC ).[2]
Where can I weigh my trailer in Michigan?
Certified scales are typically found at truck stops, grain elevators, scrap metal recyclers, and junk yards. Bring the scale weight receipt when you visit a Secretary of State office.[3]
What is the 60 40 rule on a trailer?
To achieve this hitch load, some trailer manufacturers recommend the 60/40 rule: put 60% of the trailer’s total weight forward of the trailer axles and 40% behind the axles. When a trailer starts to sway, the best response is to hold the steering wheel straight, let off the gas and apply the trailer’s brakes.[4]
Why does my trailer sway when loaded?
Excessive weight could be in the tongue weight or the weight of your trailer load. If the trailer is too heavy, it can cause the tow vehicle to squat and make the rear “squirm,” which then creates sway in the trailer. The tongue weight should be around 15% of the total weight of the trailer to avoid squat as well.[5]
Is the GVWR the actual weight of a trailer?
Simply put, your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum amount of weight that your trailer is rated to carry. This number INCLUDES the weight of the trailer itself and cargo/equipment you plan to haul.[6]
What does 7000 GVWR mean on a trailer?
The GVWR: Meaning and Explanation For example, let’s say the GVWR for your vehicle is 7,000 pounds. The curb weight is 5,000 pounds. That means any load you haul would have to be less than 2,000 pounds (as you would have to account for the weight of fuel and passengers).[7]
How do you weigh a trailer with a bathroom scale?
Ensure your trailer is nice and level. Lay a 2×4 on the ground beneath the trailer tongue. Place your bathroom scale at one end and a brick at the other. Center the wood, scale, and brick on two pipes. Rest the trailer tongue against a vertical pipe. Read the scale and multiple by 3.[8]
Can I weigh my car on a CAT scale?
Please note: Our scales can give you axle weights and a total gross weight, however, they cannot weigh each corner of the vehicle. We cannot provide individual wheel weights and, to prevent damage to your vehicle as well as our scales, do not allow that type of weighing.[9]
What is a cat scale?
If a driver receives an overweight fine after weighing legal on a CAT brand scale, CAT Scale Company will either pay the fine or appear in court with the driver as an expert witness in order to get the fine dismissed.[10]
How do you balance weight on a travel trailer?
All travel trailers should be loaded adhering to the 60/40 rule. This states that approximately 60 percent of the loaded weight should be placed in front of the trailer’s center axle and the remaining 40 percent should be placed behind the center axle.[11]
When loading a trailer what percent of the weight should be in the front?
According to the GMC Trailering Guide, to get the proper trailer tongue weight, you should put about 60 percent of the load centered evenly over the front half of the trailer.[12]