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Topic: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad? (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Yahoo Message Number: 143572
When towing, should the coach axles (or each side of each axle)  be weighed with or without the toad attached?  Ted
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143574
"should the coach axles (or each side of each axle)  be weighed with or without the toad attached?"

With. After all, that is the load the coach's suspension will be carrying as you drive down the road.

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143575
I'm pretty sure, if it's towed four down (no trailer for it), it won't add any weight to the motorhome or change the distribution. If it's on a trailer, even one that holds up just the front wheels, then it will add weight and change the distribution.

Eric Greenwell
  wrote, On 11/11/2013 7:10 PM:

Quote
"should the coach axles (or each side of each axle)  be weighed with or without the toad attached?"

With. After all, that is the load the coach's suspension will be carrying as you drive down the road.
Andy Baird
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143576
"if it's towed four down (no trailer for it), it won'tadd any weight"

There'll be a little weight form the towbar, but probably not enough to make a significant difference. Yeah, I have to agree with Eric: as long as you're towing a car "four-down," rather than trailering or dollying, it probably doesn't matter one way or the other. But if the intent of the original question was "Should I unhook my towed car before weighing my rig?", then I'd say "No--not necessary."

Andy Baird
http://www.andybaird.com/travels
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143577
Thanks, Andy and Eric.  Actually, the original intent was to determine whether it is necessary to to hook up before weighing.  Scenario:  the footprint of many scales is large enough that when I want to weigh each side of of each axle individually (front left, front right, rear left, rear right), the two front axle weights are not a problem when towing, as only the front load point being measured is on the scale.  However, when I want to measure each side of the rear axle, I must position the front axle of the coach forward on the scale so only the the rear axle side being measured is on the scale.  However, by pulling the rig forward to accomplish this on a large-footprint scale, it is not possible to have the both the front axle of the rig off the forward edge of the scale while simultaneously keeping the front axle of the toad off the rear edge of the scale.

So, the question is:  if one keeps the toad unhooked to make sure the two rear axle measurements are accurate, are the rear axle measurements understated?  It sounds like both of you are saying that, for accurate tire inflation purposes, any understatement of rear axle weights without the toad would be insignificant?  Would you agree?  Ted
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143578
"However, by pulling the rig forward to accomplish this on a  large-footprint scale, it is not possible to have the both the front  axle of the rig off the forward edge of the scale while simultaneously  keeping the front axle of the toad off the rear edge of the scale."

Ted

I think you answered your own question. You need to weigh the rear axle without the toad.
It can be done connected using portable scales or a very narrow scale, one designed to weigh one axle at a time.
 If possible, everyone should have their LD's individual wheels weighted, when fully loaded, to check side to side weight balance.. Often, at big RV gatherings, there are individuals or companies that use portable scales to do this.

While the toad is disconnected, weigh it too, unless you have done it before, it's often surprising how much toads can weigh when filled with extra camping items.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143579
I have always left my toad attached when weighing (after all it is attached when driving). The main purpose I had in mind for the weigh-in was to determine the most appropriate tire inflation pressure.  It depends on the scale you are using, but most of the drive on scales at the local truck stop will allow you position the coach with toad attached, such that you can get front axle, rear axle, and toad weight in one fell swoop.

What those scales do NOT provide is anything left/right balance.  Left/right balance is not going to affect the chosen tire pressure anyway, so I basically dismiss that as unnecessary detail.  The owners manual only provides guidance on total axle weight only.

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143580
God bless our Veterans for their service and sacrifice to AMERICA. Keep our current Military folks in your prayers and for a safe return.

Greg Young
2004 LD RB

US Army Vietnam
67-68
 
Re: Weighing coach: with or w/o toad?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 143581
"Left/right balance is not going to affect the chosen tire pressure anyway, so I basically dismiss that as unnecessary detail.

Dave

Left and right side weights are important in setting tire pressure. You set the tire pressure, for each axle, based upon the heaviest wheel. If one rear wheel is 400-lbs heavier than the other, and cannot be balanced any better, set both tires as if they weight the same  as the heaviest. wheel.

Some scales have enough room where you can maneuver to get individual wheel weights.
Once again, look for an RV gathering where . "A' Weigh We Go" (also known as Recreation Vehicle Education Safety Foundation (RVSEF)) is attending. They will weigh each wheel, using portable scales and prepare a report on your LD's weight distribution.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze