Weighed Your Trailer RV Airstream? How To Use Your Numbers & Cat Scale App

In Episode 180 of Luv Subbin, we take a break from our travels and conduct our annual weigh-in of our Airstream RV. We show you how to use a Cat Scale with the app, what numbers you need to interpret your weight, how to set up your rig for weighing, and finally, how to make sense of those numbers.
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[@atwowheelguy]

Just saw your video. I noticed that you compared the trailer GVWR of 5,000 lbs to the trailer axle weight of 4780 lbs. But the total trailer weight is the axle weight PLUS the tongue weight. If the tongue weight was 450 lbs, then the total trailer weight was 4780 + 450 = 5230. So the trailer was overweight by 230 lbs. Another way to get the tongue weight is to weigh the truck alone WITHOUT the hitch installed, as you did. Then weigh the whole rig with the truck attached to the trailer with the spring bars disconnected. I put them in the truck bed near the tailgate. Then subtract the detached truck weight from the attached truck weight. The difference is the tongue (and hitch) weight. Then subtract the hitch weight to get the tongue weight. If the spring bars are engaged, they will transfer some weight from the truck to the trailer axles and will result in an inaccurate tongue weight calculation. Also you didn't mention the trailer axle weight ratings. Some trailers have a GVWR that is higher than the sum of the trailer axle GAWRs. That may not be the case with the Airstreams. Typically trailers should be loaded so that at least 10% of total trailer weight is on the hitch ball. That means no more than 90% of total trailer weight on the trailer axles. So sometimes a trailer GVWR will be equal to SUM OF TRAILER AXLE GAWRS / 0.90. My two trailer axles together are rated at 7000 lbs. The GVWR is 7765. So if the trailer and the axles are loaded to the full load rating, the tongue weight would be 7765 - 7000 = 765 and would be 9.85% of trailer weight. On your trailer, the total weight appeared to be 5230 lbs. With a tongue weight of 450 lbs, that would be 450/5230 = 8.6%. Good job on the video. Here's hoping it'll get more people to weigh their rigs. I've been watching some videos about towing "caravans" in Australia. They have a more rigorous regulatory environment there. The government roadside camper weight checks there find 68% of camper rigs are overweight.

[@jackroderick6757]

Your knowledge and Cindy’s enthusiasm making these videos are informative and a pleasure to watch. I’m looking forward to the next one on Tuesday.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for watching and the super nice comment. We have a fun video on tap for next week.

[@joed8694]

Great video. Yes it is a bit intimidating at the scales but as someone on the forum once said "You're a paying customer just like truckers". I think your method of using the known information and working the numbers is the way to go. I tried unhitching and remeasuring and got a wonky front axle weight (120 lbs) and couldn't determine tongue weight. Good idea to get the unladen weight for my truck next time I'm at the garbage transfer station.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I think I'm going to go to the dump tomorrow and just out of curiosity weigh my front and rear axle with the trailer being hitched. That will be interesting...

[@joed8694]

I was thinking about your video while mowing the lawn today. Your rear axle weight was close to the limit, why carry so much fresh water? I usually travel with a only a couple of gallons for emergency flushes and fillup at our destination. Never had an issue due to lack of water.

[@denisemdb60]

We tried the CAT Scales after watching your first video. It really was soooo easy! This video really clears up.all the acronyms and numbers! Thanks!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks Denise! Next time we're together let's talk numbers.

[@OurSecondLife]

Great explanation on how to manage weight! Reminder for us to get weighed again!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We think it is very important to have and understand these numbers - especially as it is so easy to do.

[@sueparrycalif]

So helpful as I'll be doing all these weights before my first loooong voyage in August. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the super nice comment. It's so easy to use the CAT Scales that we hope many more RV'ers do.

[@EarfulOfTunes]

OK, great video! Very helpful. I'm definitely bookmarking this one ...

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We weigh our rig every year on the CAT Scales. Some people on the internet will say that you have to go through a variety of disconnects, reweighs, etc. I don't buy that. Keep it simple and that will give you 98% of what you need to be safe.

[@AdventuresWithBrian83]

Very informative video! Nice to know my F150 with nearly identical ratings but with the 3.5 Ecoboost, is loaded almost exactly the same. I also scale within 100 lbs of my rear axle capacity yet our GCVWR is barely over 50% capacity.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and sharing your numbers as well. I figure this: every gallon of gas I'm burning I'm taking 6.7 lbs. off that rear axle...

[@tingoattravelers3845]

Great! I learned a different way to use the scales! Great job as always!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks guys! Next time we're together we'll talk more of the pros and cons of the different methods.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Great topic! I am taking our rig up and have it weighed. Thanks for the explanation of the numbers as this will help me greatly understand what our limitations are. Glad to see y’all back at the regular time and place! Safe travels!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I'll be interested in your numbers. Zap me an email if you have time. Safe travel.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

@@LuvSubbin will do! What app did you use for that weigh?

[@waynead754]

I agree about setting up the WD hitch by measuring the wheel well height, but another useful measurement is the front axle without the trailer hitched and with the trailer hitched. Frequently it will be lighter with the triller, leading to weird steering. It should be at least the same as without the trailer but not exceed the max.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I measure the wheel well height without the trailer, with the trailer but no weight distribution, and the with weight distribution. According to Equal-i-zer, I'm dialed in perfectly...

[@cbdane]

Our very first trip towing our Airstream was a 100 mile round trip to the CAT scales in Westley, CA. Everything with our 25FB International with hatch looked right on track We now know exactly how much payload margin in we have with my wife and me in the truck.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! That's a very smart thing you did. I can't believe we waited so long but now we do it every year. It's fun to see how things change...

[@michellewright3934]

Thanks so much! Very helpful! Love y’all!❤️

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and the super nice comment.

[@biggiebaby3541]

FYI: The average weight of an unladen migratory Greater flamingo is 8.8 lbs or 4.4 in Canadian dollars. It is capable of carrying a dwarf tree coconut weighing 1.5 lbs or 680 Canadian cents, if said coconut is properly gripped. The more you know.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Is that an African or European Greater Flamingo?

[@biggiebaby3541]

@@LuvSubbin European, African are non-migratory....duh!?

[@tarseneau8975]

Very helpful video.

[@rontina8686]

Never would have thought about weighing every year and still think it might be a little over kill BUT thanks to your video, I do see some value in periodically getting it weighed. Well presented y'all. I also love the fact your secure with your numbers and don't feel like you need 1 ton dually.. 😉

[@rontina8686]

3/4 ton with 700lb HD in the bed 9,820 + 25' A/S 5,820 full of water =15,640 our max GCWR 16,000. We never pull A/S when it's full of water, but its always good to know your tucks limits.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, it might be overkill at once per year but I'm watching that rear axle weight really closely. The main reason I'm not too worried is that we're fully loaded and every gallon of gas I burn I lose 6.7 lbs...

[@EarfulOfTunes]

That was helpful ... thanks for the video.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks Bill! Everyone has their method . This is ours and we're glad it was helpful.

[@lindamstewart5526]

Thanks so much for your answer below...... since you are a math wizard (I can tell!) we have some numbers to run by you. As newbies we are trying to work the numbers with the various weights and are concerned about the readings. Here is a listing of our equipment and the weights gathered from the Sherline Tongue Weight Scale and the CAT scale. 2018 1985 with a GVWR of 5,700lbs. And the GAWR is 2,900lbs on each axle We use an Equalizer Hitch The TV is a 2017 Ford F-150 5.0 V8 with a GVWR of 7,000lbs. The TV's GAWR Front is 3,375lbs and the GAWR Rear is 3,800lbs. Our payload max is 2,003lbs. The Sherline tongue weight today was 800lbs At the CAT scale Front axle weight was 2,940lbs. The Rear axle was 4,180lbs. The Trailer axle was 4,960. The Gross weight was 12,080lbs. We are currently at 14% on the hitch weight. Ford lists the GCWR at 14,300lbs. Our GCWR today was 12,080lbs The truck and trailer are level with the Equalizer but we're still over the truck rear axle weight by 380lbs. We also are carrying only 15 gallons of water and 2 (instead of 3) full propane tanks. Hopefully, we gave you all the necessary numbers so you can make sense of this. Thanks a million.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! It looks like you're in a similar situation as us where your Rear Axle Weight is high but in your case your GVWR of the truck goes over. First, to address the rear axle weight one of the things I try and do is put all the super heavy stuff as far forward as possible. Things like my generator, solar panels, and folding bikes are all up near the cab. After that, to get below the GVWR about the only thing you can do is get rid of "stuff". I did a little bit of that as well.

[@fantsteele3416]

You are so specific about going to the same certified CAT scale in PA each time, however you use a totally different scale (is it certified and tested too? It's just for charging for garage) to get the weight of the truck which of course is used in many of your calculations. Seems like doing a weight of the loaded truck on the same scale would be better. I'm sure if you go off hours you can find a place to easily drop the trailer and do a $4 reweigh. Most scales are available 24 hours a day. Most truckers are done by 8 or 9 pm.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! You are correct in that I go a little overboard with the same scale. The reality is that we travel up and down I-81 at least four times per year and the Carlisle CAT Scale works out to be a prefect fuel stop for us. For the RV calculations, things don't have to be perfect from an engineering or scientific perspective so multiple CAT Scales or weigh scales will be sufficient to ensure your rig is safe...

[@fantsteele3416]

@@LuvSubbin I forgot to say, nice video. Great content that many can use. My stop said they "had never been told of a exact limit between weight and reweigh". I just did a reweigh 24 hrs after my 1st one. They are designed for truckers and it can take a while to load out the truck with several small loads that might need to be weighed each phase of the load. Hope to start doing RVing again. It's been 50+ years. Don't think we can swing an Airstream.

[@johnbarry841]

Nice video Rich! Question: is the weight you showed on the trailer axle actually the weight of the trailer? It seems like you would need to add the tongue weight to the axle weight to get the complete trailer weight. What do you think?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching. I'm not sure what the exact weight of the trailer would be if I unhitched it and weighed it by itself. However, that's all academic to me and what I want is real world. I have two Dexter axles rated for 2,500 lbs. each (thus the 5,000 lbs. GVWR of the trailer). Also, I want to make sure my tires are not overloaded. All that information is given by weighing while unhitched.

[@martyapo]

For the purpose of towing, the trailer weight as shown on the CAT scale ticket is the number that matters. The tongue weight of the trailer is being carried by the tow vehicle and not the trailer axles.

[@lindamstewart5526]

Hi there. Thanks for the videos! Very helpful for the newbies that we are. I'm not sure which video it was but we took note of the hitch ball grease you applied. It was pink and had an applicator. Do you remember the name of the product? Or do you have another one you would recommend? Thanks!!

[@LuvSubbin]

Hi Linda! We use red high temperature bearing grease. It can be found at any auto parts store. The stuff I use is made by Lucas Oil but any brand will work. The applicator is just a foam brush that can be bought at Home Depot in the paint section. I keep a small Tupperware container in my hitch box.

[@Comrade134]

You guys are funny! ❤

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We try to be entertaining.

[@JayDavis-tz9xx]

I was under the impression that hitch weight plus trailer axle weight make up the trailer GVWR. If your hitch weight is 450 lbs and you add that to the trailer axle weight to determine the GVWR, it appears that you are over the maximum.

[@LuvSubbin]

Hi Jay! Thanks for watching. You're kinda right. Hitch weight is a part of the truck's GWVR but note that I weighed it with the trailer attached. Therefore, all weight from the hitch was transferred onto the truck and is why I don't add it to the axle weights...

[@Okie-Tom]

@@LuvSubbin, but if I understand correctly if a person wants to see just what their trailer weighs itself, add the trailers cat scale weight and the tongue weight together to get the true stand alone trailer weight. Have fun. Nice video. Tom

[@LuvSubbin]

@@Okie-Tom Hi Tom. Thanks for watching. That's not how I understand things. Tongue weight is a downward force as a result of the lever arm moment with the trailer wheels acting as a fulcrum. To better explain, consider this hypothetical example. Say I have a single axle trailer with the axle placed exactly in the center of the trailer. My tongue weight will be X. Now, move the axle all the way to the rear of the trailer. My tongue weight will be much larger than X but I have not changed the overall weight of the trailer. Similarly, if I place my axle at the very front of my trailer, my tongue weight will actually be negative X as the trailer wants to fall back onto the rear bumper. Again, the trailer weight hasn't changed but the tongue weight has dramatically changed based on the positioning of the fulcrum.

[@seankeliher3996]

Whatever!!?? That is so unlike you. Just FYI, the Cat scale web site keeps a history of all of your weigh ins. You can reference them online. Thanks for the video. It’s a confusing topic, but very important to everyone’s safety. Cheers!

[@drs3055]

Do you weigh the weight distribution? I have an Anderson WD.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! No we do not. The proper way to set up a weight distribution hitch is to measure the top of the wheel well to the ground with and without weight distribution applied. I have a laser tool from Equal-i-zer called the On Target that helps with the measurements and calculations. They can also be found in the hitch's owner's manual if you want to do the calculations manually. WD hitches are not set-up or adjusted on scales.

[@howarddrew2759]

I beg to differ on you comment about not adjusting your WD hitch. You have 660 pounds difference in front and rear axles on your truck.... too much imo. By comparison, I have 80 pounds difference.... another reference point is to have approximately 25% GCVW on each TV axle and 50% on the TT axles.... I’m at 22.5% front axle, 23% rear axle and 54.5% trailer axle....

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your comment. I recently measured my weight distribution using Equal-i-zer's On Target laser tool. It stated that my W/D hitch is set up perfectly at 92% Front Axle Load Restoration (anything between 75% and 100% is what they recommend for a 1/2 ton truck). The weight distribution is doing its job - I just have more stuff in the bed of the truck and that 660 lbs. difference would be there even without the trailer.

[@martyapo]

@@LuvSubbin I agree with both of you on this topic. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to put 100% of the weight back to the front but only if you were experiencing issues with steering such as wandering or a vague steering response. Otherwise, keep it where it is.

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Thanks for that - good stuff. If your tongue weight is still what it was in your vid on that topic (450), aren’t you a little concerned that your tongue weight is actually a little under 10%?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I'm certainly on the light side with regards to tongue weight. I'll relay this story. Last year we had to execute a panic maneuver to avoid a wrong way driver on I-95. I literally had only a second to violently throw the rig into another lane. The Airstream tracked behind me like it was on rails. Maybe on paper I'm a little low; in execution it's perfect.

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Thanks for the update. Although nobody ever wants to be in any kind of scary or unsafe situation, it’s good to know that things work the way they’re supposed to in the real world. Happy travels!

[@jeffallison167]

Hb

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We have to admit that we needed to Google Hb. Got it!

[@seankeliher3996]

Whatever!!?? That is so unlike you. Just FYI, the Cat scale web site keeps a history of all of your weigh ins. You can reference them online. Thanks for the video. It’s a confusing topic, but very important to everyone’s safety. Cheers!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Not sure why it's so unlike me but, as you say, whatever...