Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Does anyone check Hitch Weight?

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Does anyone check Hitch Weight?

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10026
Printed Date: 07 Nov 2025 at 5:55pm
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Topic: Does anyone check Hitch Weight?

Posted By: Clejo
Subject: Does anyone check Hitch Weight?
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 10:08am

I bought a bathroom scale that was rated up to 550 pounds when I added my murphy bed mod because I was curious how much weight I added to the hitch. The futon was 55 pounds and I estimated about 10 pounds for the wood. this was all added to the front bed of the 180. I also removed the spare tire and added a bike rack in it's place which is lighter. With a half tank of water and full propane I was surprised I had 500 pounds on the hitch. I'm sure a lot of people would be surprised how much more weight there is on the hitch over the published weight, especially when adding an extra propane tank or second battery.

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Joe M.
Perryville, MD
Green 2017 R-pod 180
Ford Explorer Sport Trac TV

Replies:

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 11:17am

We do, and always have. Our 177 peaked at 385. Now.. the Lance.. she is one front heavy girl.. near to 1000lbs.. We own a https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Sherline/5780.html - Sherline Tongue Weight Scale .

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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 5:31pm

+1 - I'm at my heaviest right now at 377#s. Have 1 battery, 1 propane tank, electric jack, a 50 cal Ammo box with tools and a A frame mount with IQ 2000 gen set w/cover. My front storage has kitchen supplies and outdoor items. Rear storage has water and sewer stuff, grill and basic tools. Spare is on rear, and I travel with minimal water. I have a 178.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Q7-retired
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 9:10am

I have a Sherline LM2000 tongue weight scale that measures my hitch weight at about 250-300# before battery and tank additions. I once calculated that filling the fresh water tank lightens the tongue weight while increasing tow weight (the tank is aft of the axle), so that is one way to lighten the tongue. Just remember the see-saw effect: adding weight aft of the axle lightens tongue weight, adding it forward of the axle increases tongue weight. All additions increase towing weight.

Simple example: on my RP178, the LP tank sits 11'1" feet forward of the axle, and the hitch is 12'10" forward of the axle. Adding one full tank at 45# adds (45#*11'1")/12'10"=38.9# weight at the hitch. Said another way, you would have to lift the hitch with 38.9# force to counteract a 45# LP tank sitting closer to the axle. A second battery weighing 60# sitting 1' behind the LP tank adds 47# to hitch weight.

I've read that hitch weight should be 10% to 15% of towing weight. Towing vehicles should consider using a WDH and be careful to know your hitch tongue weight limit.

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Best regards, Jim
2015-RP178
TV 2015 Audi Q7 TDI and 2017 Ford F150
At home in "Our Pod"

Posted By: twodues
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 9:37am

Suspended from a sturdy step ladder, this makes a pretty good, inexpensive tongue weight scale: Guide Gear Big Game Scale, 550-lb. Capacity
Item # WX2-222314

Posted By: Q7-retired
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 11:20am

Originally posted by mcarter

+1 - I'm at my heaviest right now at 377#s. Have ... IQ 2000 gen set w/cover.

That genset weighs 52# with a gallon of gas. Would love to see a picture and learn where you have it mounted!

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Best regards, Jim
2015-RP178
TV 2015 Audi Q7 TDI and 2017 Ford F150
At home in "Our Pod"

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 5:49pm

Q7 - The rack is a Stromberg Carlson for A-framed trailers, on etrialer for 212.04. You're spot on genset weight. I use a storage bin from WalMart as a cover. Genset is ratchet strapped to rack, bin rubber strapped to rack. I modified the storage bin and rack with D link strap holders so it all stays secure. Works great and have added convenience of on-board genset.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 5:56pm

Just for fun...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6228&KW=scale&PID=60128&title=tongue-weight-redux - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6228&KW=scale&PID=60128&title=tongue-weight-redux

fred

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2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 5:59pm

I have the Sherline scale but I haven't used it for a while.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 25 May 2017 at 6:42pm

Bum/all, Me too, Sherline to easy to use with jack and wood block, you want to know Tongue Weight when the trailer is level or tongue slightly down. I only check mine when I made changes. I also don't offset with water in fresh water tank, I can think of a lot more I want to carry than water.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."