How to measure trailer tongue weight with a bathroom scale.

[@katernena]

Wouldn't you be multiplying by 2 rather than 3 because you are doubling the distance on the other side of the 0 mark?

[@RoadFarmCreations]

No, although that does sound reasonable. The formula for finding the weight using this method is correct as stated in the video. You can do your own experiment with a known weight and compare the results between the two methods.

[@johndagricola]

Does it make a difference (would it be more accurate) to have the ball socket on the 2x4 instead of using the tongue jack?

[@RoadFarmCreations]

Technically yes. The obstacle with measuring at the ball socket (coupler) is the trailer must sit level for an accurate measurement, so your measuring equipment would need to be elevated (or vertical boards used). Because the tongue jack and coupler are so close, and near the edge of the weighted device (trailer), the difference is is weights between the two points is acceptable.

[@mattrisling6568]

Good point..

[@danb.3397]

because as the weight is shifted rearward, the front axle is supporting less weight which is transferred to the tongue.

[@RoadFarmCreations]

Exactly, the weight is disbursed to the rear axle and tongue. Showing it on the scale is a tangible way to be mindful of how a trailer is loaded.

[@rotor-head]

I don’t understand. If the weight is transferred to the rear and the front axle has less weight on it , how does the tongue which is in front of the front axle get more weight?

[@johnzadinya2181]

​@@rotor-headit doesn't. He probably meant to say it takes weight off the tongue. Anything behind the pivot point of trailer tandems is negative tongue weight

[@rossevans1774]

Tow ball weight of tandem trailer will vary depending on which axle is bearing more weight. I have no idea what relevant information this created scales, draw bar stand and fulcrum lever system that has been created could provide! To find a tow ball weight on the tow ball, you must measure the trailer weight at the ball coupling while the trailer is at the same height as the tow ball height. For practical purposes it is only when the trailer is loaded with both axles sharing the load equally that the tow ball weight gains its true significance.

[@MrAlittle5150]

For trailers with heaver tongue weights couldn't you just buy two bathroom scales and put them next to each other with a short (24 inch long) 2x6 on them and then set the trailer jack on the 2x6? Then add up the totals on both scales?

[@RoadFarmCreations]

Personally I'd move the single scale further away and increase the multiplier. For example, if your scale is 300 pounds, using the 5' distance would allow you to measure up to 1500 pounds.

[@tech1theone906]

You have divided your wood into 3 feet making your seesaw a two to one ratio, scale weight is double of the other end of the wood support, making 85 x 2 = 170 on each side of the wood and your tongue is pushing both sides at the same time making a total of 340 lb. Or where did I go wrong?

[@RoadFarmCreations]

The formula for finding the weight using this method is as we stated in the video. What you've stated makes sense, however it isn't correct. I invite you to try both methods using different objects with the known weight and see your results.

[@bigal7561]

Sorry but I just want to say that direct measurement from the ball to the scale takes out that fulcrum effect and not sure it takes consideration of the weight balance theory. Or using your example, X/Y where x is the rear of the trailer and Y representing a percentage of the the weight at the ball. Just my thought

[@JT-tz5hp]

What a terrible video. Piles of poorly worded information thrown up on the screen with little clarification.