R-pod Owners Forum : tongue weight

R-pod Owners Forum : tongue weight https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : tongue weight Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 06:43:39 +0000 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:16:23 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9363 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ tongue weight : I did find a 400 lb scale at Walmart... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88450#88450 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 8:16am

I did find a 400 lb scale at Walmart for about $26. I checked yesterday with an assumed hitch height of 15", mine was 377 lbs. One 12 volt battery, electric jack, one full propane bottle, Stromberg Carlson A Frame Rack and my Generac IX 2000 gen set.

BTW - the picture addition was a great find.]]> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:16:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88450#88450 tongue weight : Originally posted by osageis... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88448#88448 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 9363
Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 6:58am

Originally posted by osage

is the listed tongue weight on the pods dry or wet?

Get a cheap 350-400 pound bathroom scale (yes, they're out there). Block/chock those wheels!!

Connect to your tow vehicle, place the trailer coupler on the ball and lift the jack off the ground.

Put the scale under the jack, raise the tongue with the jack centered on the scale.

You will know right away if you have exceeded 350 pounds. Or if you are under 350 pounds. No need to know EXACTLY in this case.

]]> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 06:58:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88448#88448 tongue weight : Thank you Grandpa Hiker. Once... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88446#88446 Author: jato
Subject: 9363
Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 6:51am

Thank you Grandpa Hiker. Once all the snow melts and I can get to my 177 I will see what the tongue weight is. Great pictures! Indeed, worth a thousand words.]]> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 06:51:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88446#88446 tongue weight : Here is a link to a site with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88445#88445 Author: Grandpa Hiker
Subject: 9363
Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 3:54am

Here is a link to a site with photos on how to make the tongue weight scale. I drilled holes through the pipes & screwed them into the beam so I do not have to be concerned about the pipes rolling out of place.

http://hildstrom.com/projects/tonguescale/

]]> Sat, 25 Feb 2017 03:54:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88445#88445 tongue weight : Originally posted by mcarterCharlie, Correct... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88442#88442 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 8:15pm

Originally posted by mcarter

Charlie,

Correct me if I am wrong, when you do tongue weight you want to be as close to possible to your tow height.

Correct.
]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 20:15:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88442#88442 tongue weight : Unfortunately, I will be unable... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88440#88440 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 7:55pm

Unfortunately, I will be unable to get a good reading until after our 'Pod is repaired. The heaviest item, our dual-6V batteries, has been removed in preparation for it to go to the factory. A number of other mods have also been removed, and it is emptied out of almost everything movable. The last time I tried was when I had everything, including the Stromberg-Carlson Trailer Tray and generator in addition to a full tank of water. The tongue weight was around 450 lbs.

Now that we have the truck, there will be no need to carry the generator on the trailer tongue so I will likely consider not reinstalling the rack. I might find it useful for other things though.
]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 19:55:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88440#88440 tongue weight : Charlie, Correct me if I am wrong,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88433#88433 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 3:18pm

Charlie,

Correct me if I am wrong, when you do tongue weight you want to be as close to possible to your tow height. All a teeter/totter theory. BTW - Enjoyed the engineer dialogue, haven't done that since I retired, except with myself. Maybe we should start a little engineering group, only kidding. Still would be interested in what you all are getting for a tongue weight.]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:18:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88433#88433 tongue weight : Originally posted by StephenHOkay,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88431#88431 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 3:05pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Okay, I'm a bit confused. In your example above, the weight at the jack (P) was 300 lbs. The result of your formula (W) was 285 lbs. Did you mean the weight at the ball will be slightly less than at the jack?

That was my thought exactly. your first statement, the weight is slightly less at the ball, than at the jack i believe is accurate. As you get further away from the fulcrum (the axle) the tongue would get lighter and lighter. Its the " give me a lever long enough and i'll move the world" scenario.

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:05:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88431#88431 tongue weight : Originally posted by CharlieM Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88429#88429 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 2:30pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

Correct. Further from the axle. The pivot point (fulcrum) is the axle to which everything is referenced.

It goes back to the torque argument. To rephrase what Charlie said, the further the distance from the pivot point, the lower the force needed to maintain equilibrium.

And, yes, I do have an engineering degree, but electrical and not mechanical/civil. I learned most of my mechanical physics from building and flying RC helicopters. Torque is a very big deal in that application.]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 14:30:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88429#88429 tongue weight : I would very interested in knowing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88425#88425 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 11:53am

I would very interested in knowing what some of you are getting for tongue weight, I plan on checking mine later today. Right now I have a single propane tank, single battery and my gen set mounted on an a-frame rack. I have NOT checked it with the gen set mounted. I have a 400 lb scale I bought at WalMart.]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 11:53:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88425#88425 tongue weight : Originally posted by StephenHOkay,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88424#88424 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 11:43am

Correct. Further from the axle. The pivot point (fulcrum) is the axle to which everything is referenced.
]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 11:43:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88424#88424 tongue weight : Those scales are about twice the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88418#88418 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 10:06am

Those scales are about twice the price I want to pay. I picked up a digital scale at my local Re-Store for a couple of bucks. Add to that a couple of bucks for materials, and I will use that for a whole lot less than the $137.95 and up price of the Sherline and other brand models.

I keep looking at my local for sale advertisements to see if I can pick up a used one, but no luck so far.
]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:06:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88418#88418 tongue weight : The easy way.. LOLSherline tongue... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88416#88416 Author: furpod
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 9:52am

The easy way.. LOL

Sherline tongue scale.

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 09:52:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88416#88416 tongue weight : Okay, I'm a bit confused.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88414#88414 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 8:51am

Okay, I'm a bit confused. In your example above, the weight at the jack (P) was 300 lbs. The result of your formula (W) was 285 lbs. Did you mean the weight at the ball will be slightly less than at the jack?]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 08:51:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88414#88414 tongue weight : Originally posted by jatoCharlie.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88411#88411 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 7:46am

Originally posted by jato

Charlie. (Using your method which I like) The weight you record on the scale is the actual tongue weight correct? That being so, I don't know if my bathroom scale is meant to handle 300 + lbs or am I missing something here. Here I am looking at something simple and trying to make it complicated.

Not quite. The weight you measure at the jack is slightly less than theactual weight at the ball but it will be close enough. Depending on the lengthof you trailer the difference is only a few percent but you can calculate theexact tongue weight as I described earlier in this thread. Note that the actualweight will vary from trip to trip due to variances I listed. If your scalecannot measure more than 300#, and most can’t, you can use the 2x4 and brickmethod described by Mike Carter (mcarter) earlier in this thread. Using thattrick under the jack you will be pretty close to the actual tongue weight atthe instant you make the measurement. ]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 07:46:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88411#88411 tongue weight : Charlie. (Using your method which... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88409#88409 Author: jato
Subject: 9363
Posted: 24 Feb 2017 at 7:10am

Charlie. (Using your method which I like) The weight you record on the scale is the actual tongue weight correct? That being so, I don't know if my bathroom scale is meant to handle 300 + lbs or am I missing something here. Here I am looking at something simple and trying to make it complicated.
]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 07:10:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88409#88409 tongue weight : You are correct. Take the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88404#88404 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 11:01pm

You are correct. Take the easy way out. I have used this method:

Use the jack to raise the tongue
Slip a concrete block or something else under the ball socket
Retract the jack and put the 2x4 (or 4x4) and scale under the jack
Crank the jack down to put the weight on the scale
Record the measurement and reverse the process

]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 23:01:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88404#88404 tongue weight : Thanks. So, if I understand the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88403#88403 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 10:13pm

Thanks. So, if I understand the formula right, as long as the weight at the jack foot is under the hitch weight limit, the actual weight is okay since the actual weight is a smidge less than the weight at the jack. Thanks. I'll take the easy way out and use the jack leg and keep the scale at ground level. Smile

]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 22:13:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88403#88403 tongue weight : OK. We're really down... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88400#88400 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 9:25pm

OK. We're really down in the weeds now. The difference between measured weight at the jack vs at the ball is small compared to the variances expected with other variables such as water in the tanks, propane in the bottles, bikes on the bumper and other stuff in the trailer, but here's the math.

If P = the weight measured at the jack, L = the distance from the jack to the axle, and M = the distance from the jack to the ball then the true weight W at the ball is;

W=PL/(L+M)

For example if P=300#, L=(14'x12)=168" and M=9" then:

W=300x168/(168+9)=300x168/177=285#.

That's about 5% which is well within the accuracy of the method and other variables listed above so measure at either point, call it a day, and enjoy your camper. Camp on!
]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:25:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88400#88400 tongue weight : Okay, I have a question. What... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88397#88397 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 7:54pm

Okay, I have a question. What is the best way to place the scale and brick to weigh the R-Pod? I tried it using blocks to elevate the scale and wood platform on which I used angle iron to support my beam and placed it directly under the socket where the hitch ball goes. I've also seen it where people leave the scale on the ground and set the jack's foot down on the beam. Given that the foot is behind the hitch socket, there is probably a slight inaccuracy introduced by using the jack foot, but is it significant enough to make the weight too inaccurate to use?]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 19:54:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88397#88397 tongue weight : Yes angle iron will work.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88395#88395 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 6:37pm

Yes angle iron will work. Even aluminum (aluminium? Wink

) will work if stout enough. The important part is only a thin knife edge contact perpendicular to the 2x4. BTW, there are lots of us engineer types hangin' around. ]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:37:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88395#88395 tongue weight : I agree Bum, doesn't appear... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88394#88394 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 6:33pm

I agree Bum, doesn't appear I am the only engineer on this forum:)]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:33:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88394#88394 tongue weight : I think the theory is based on... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88393#88393 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 5:56pm

I think the theory is based on torque. With the brick defined as the pivot point, the torque of the system would be the weight of the tongue (W lbs) times the distance from the tongue weight to the brick, or W ft-lbs. The torque along all points of the 2x4 must be the same, so at triple the distance, the weight to get the same torque would be 1/3 W.]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 17:56:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88393#88393 tongue weight : Bum, I think yes, I used pipe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88390#88390 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 4:50pm

Bum,

I think yes, I used pipe because I had pipe, I think Charlie has a good point but I didn't want to "cut wood". I used what I had. The process is the same and allows you to use a bathroom scale. You can't put some wimpy angle iron under it, but that's common sense and we have that. I like pipe because it has many uses, wood seems to have one purpose once it's cut. To me.]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:50:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88390#88390 tongue weight : Would steel angle iron work as... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88388#88388 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 4:22pm

Would steel angle iron work as well, or is the Pod too heavy?]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:22:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88388#88388 tongue weight : Thanks Charlie, makes sense. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88384#88384 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 2:11pm

Thanks Charlie, makes sense.]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 14:11:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88384#88384 tongue weight : The idea of the pipe is to provide... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88383#88383 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 12:11pm

The idea of the pipe is to provide a sharp edge so you know exactly where contact is made. You can get the same effect by slicing a 6" length of 2x2 lengthwise at a 45 degree angle yielding two 6" lengths with triangular cross sections. Place one each on the scale and brick with the wide sides down so you have two edges pointing up. That provides very accurate points to measure your 1 and 2 feet. A bit more trouble but it eliminates the rolling pipe problem.]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 12:11:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88383#88383 tongue weight : Good question, my only guess is... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88372#88372 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 10:19am

Good question, my only guess is the pipe distributes weight more exactly that the wider 2X4 would and has more strength than a 2X2.]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 10:19:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88372#88372 tongue weight : This is very nice.I assume the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88342#88342 Author: Happy Tripping
Subject: 9363
Posted: 23 Feb 2017 at 7:35am

This is very nice.

I assume the brick is so that it's reasonably level with the bathroom scale, but why not use a foot-long 2X2 or 2X4 rather than a pipe?

]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2017 07:35:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88342#88342 tongue weight : mcarter, you must be an engineer! ... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88333#88333 Author: jato
Subject: 9363
Posted: 22 Feb 2017 at 8:58pm

mcarter, you must be an engineer!

]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2017 20:58:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9363&PID=88333#88333