Tow Bar Weights
Submitted: Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 11:59
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TTD
Can anybody give me the method of measuring the tow bar weight using bathroom scales or a link to search.
Thank you
TD
Reply By: Member - Don M (NSW) - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 13:33
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 13:33
TD,
Maybe I'm wrong but I can't think of any way you are going to measure your tow ball weight using bathroom scales. Not sure what sort of van you have but I imagine it's tow ball mass is at least 100kg...
mine is 305kg and no bathroom scales are going to measure even 100kg.
There are two ways of measuring TBM:
1. Go to a Hayman Reese outlet and they may measure it. Most have scales for the purpose, so I am led to believe, or
2. Put your van over a public weighbridge which is what I did. They are very helpful and usually won't charge if you don't want a certificate. To get TBM, measure
(a) weight with the wheels of the caravan with the wheels of the tow vehicle just off the weighbridge
(b) drop the jockey wheel down on the weighbridge and disengage from tow vehicle...can leave electrrics and chains connected.
TBM (tow ball mass) is (b) - (a)
Apologies if you already know all this.
AnswerID:
362935
Follow Up By: Member - Don M (NSW) - Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 13:37
Sunday, May 03, 2009 at 13:37
Sorry,
(a) should read
'...weight of the caravan with the wheels of the van on the weighbridge with the wheels of the tow vehicle just off so that the jockey wheel, when lowered, will be on the weighbridge also...'
Hope that hasn't confused the matter??
FollowupID:
630565
Follow Up By: Horacehighroller - Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at 19:39
Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at 19:39
I'm curious Don,
What do you tow with a 305KG ball weight and what is it's ATM?
What is the maximum specified ball weight for your tow hitch - what brand?
Peter
FollowupID:
631208
Follow Up By: Member - Don M (NSW) - Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at 23:25
Wednesday, May 06, 2009 at 23:25
Peter,
ATM is 2750kg
Capacity of Landcruiser LC200 is 3500kg
Tow ball 350kg
Van actually weighs 2640kg the way I lod it...(give or take)
Van is 2008 Jayco Sterling, 24-75.2 (24' body length)
Brochure saysTBM is 200kg...or thereabouts but that is unloaded and I doubt their figures frankly. I have tried various ways of balancing the van and the best I get is 305kg TBM
Hope that answers your question
FollowupID:
631241
Reply By: Darbro74 - Tuesday, May 05, 2009 at 15:44
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 at 15:44
Hi TTD,
I went through the same issue a few months back when trying to determine the tow ball weight of my van. I had numerous ways and means to get the number - tried about 3 different methods...all different answers.
Eventually took it to a Hayman Reece outlet, had it weight and fitted wtih a HR hitch at the same time.
Trust me, take it to a pro.....otherwise you will only be guessing..
As it turns out, my weight is about 3 times that from the "alternative" methods gave me....
Its worth it..
Good Luck.
Darbro
AnswerID:
363354