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How does weight distribution affect pin weight?

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  • How does weight distribution affect pin weight?

    I understand the concept of too much weight behind the axle causing serious issues when towing. We're looking at purchasing the GD Solitude 390RK which has tons of storage behind the axles. Our current tow vehicle is a 2019 F-350. When doing the calculations, after adding w/d, batteries, generators, etc we have approximately 164 pounds of available payload left for the truck. Not being a physics major I also understand the teeter- totter principle for every pound you add to one side you need to add one pound to the other sided to "level" things out. So, my question is this......Because there are two axles that aren't centered on the RV front to back, Is there a ratio of how much weight you add to the back to reduce the pin weight on front. I.e.....if I place 300 pounds of stuff in the front two compartments that will put my payload over limit, how much stuff do I need to place in the back storage areas to offset the excess weight on the truck?

    I hope all this makes sense! Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
    Gary and Carla, "Livin' the Dream!"
    2021 Solitude 390RK-R
    2019 Ford F-350 Lariat, extended cab, 8' box, 6.7L Diesel, SRW

  • #2
    Ah the question that has plagued mankind for centuries.

    I do not think there is an equation to combat what you are considering. The best place for this would be at the CAT scales at your local truck stop or such. There you could add and subtract items of known weight and see what the scale says. There are some other items you will need to consider , fresh water , anything in any of the holding tanks. Being as this is the rear kitchen model adding food and dry items to the rear of the RV will definitely change the weight distribution.

    Good luck and welcome to the forum.

    Brian
    Brian & Michelle
    2018 Reflection 29RS
    2022 Chevy 3500HD

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    • #3
      Another way to play with the effect of moving things around in the trailer is to put a Sherline scale https://www.sherline.com/product/she...-weight-scale/ under the pin. Pick the 5000 lb range scale for what you are planning. I expect that you will find far less influence on the balance of the trailer based on how you load it (other than empty vs full tanks) than you might think.

      If you use a pin tripod (as in the attached picture), make sure that it is rated for the full pin weight of the trailer. Otherwise, Sherline makes an adapter to put the scale between the pin and the hitch in your truck.

      Rob
      Attached Files
      Cate & Rob
      (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
      2015 Reflection 303RLS
      2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
      Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Country Campers View Post
        Ah the question that has plagued mankind for centuries.

        I do not think there is an equation to combat what you are considering.
        Brian
        Actually there is. Pilots do it all the time. Just Google "Weight and Balance Calculations". The one ceveat is that you will need to start with known numbers which means an accurate weigh in.
        Probably a bit more than the average RV'er would want to do.
        -Rob-
        -
        Rob, Chris and fur baby Maya
        2019 Solitude 374TH, Victron Multiplus II 3000 2x120, 600AH of Battle Born LiFePO4, 1800W Solar, Blue Sky CC's, Starlink
        2023 GMC Denali Duramax 4x4 DRW LB CC, Curt Q25
        Follow us at https://rctravels.rmcd.ca/

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Livin' the Dream View Post
          I also understand the teeter- totter principle for every pound you add to one side you need to add one pound to the other sided to "level" things out.
          That would be true if the axles were attached to the frame solidly and not on a suspension.

          There is no direct lb for lb transfer on a suspended centerpoint.
          Inventory Manager at Tom Schaeffer's RV in Shoemakersville, PA

          2020 Reflectiopn 260RD owner towed by a 2011 RAM 3500 with Cummins power.

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