Determining weight at Ball Connection

[Thomv]

I want to measure the weight at the ball connection of my trailer but I need to know where to find a scale that has a capacity of around 800 pounds for me to take this measurement?
Thanks

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

Find a race car/performance shop, they'll have a set of wheel scales.

 

[ken51k]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

Here is a link that explains how to use a bathroom scale to measure the weight at the ball connection. You want to have 10 to 15 percent
of the total weight on the ball
Measuring trailer tongue weight with a bathroom scale

 

[cobalt1999]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

This is another option,Sherline Trailer Tongue Weight Scales

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

Or you could use the household method . . . click picture below for larger view.



Given the weight that you are dealing with (800 lbs . . .) you might have to go with a 4x4 instead of a regular board and go 4 feet out from the coupler ball instead of 2 feet. . . and you would multiply the scale reading by 5 instead of 3.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

Most every truck stop has split scales. Straddle the platforms, unhook the truck and move it off. You then not only know what you have, you'll know what you need ...

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

This is a great way to find out your weight fast and dirty, but if you choose this method, go talk to the scalemaster in person first to get the all clear, and do it during the "off hours" at the truck stop. If you're sitting there messing around and a line of trucks appears behind you...you might start a fist fight.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

You might try asking a Commercial vehicle enforcement officer. They carry scales in the trunk of the cars.

 

[Part-time]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

If you go to a truck stop scale DO NOT unhook the trailer on the scale!
Weigh your tow vehicle, both axles seperatly, then go across with the railer, again weighing each axle individualy.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Determining weight at Ball Connection

If you go to a truck stop scale DO NOT unhook the trailer on the scale!

Sooo, pull the rig to the location, unhook the rig, weigh the vehicle, hook up the rig, again, get back in line (if there is one) and weigh the whole thing? Really? I can weigh the rig and be gone before you get the trailer hooked back up. And, yes, tell the counter what you want/intend to do so they know what to expect. It ain't rocket science, and you won't be the first ...