19 ft Loaded hitch weight

[Ambrose]

Hi -anyone got an accurate hitch weight on a 19ft Escape loaded with camping gear, dual propane tanks and dual 6 v battiries? I looked thru the posts but did not see any posts where someone had actually weighed the hitch weight on scales.
Thanks
Ambrose

[Jim Bennett]

Ambrose, everyone would likely get a different weight depending upon how it is loaded. I would bet mine varies from trip to trip as well.

What I did the first time I went out with it, I measured the weight and found it to be just over 200 lbs at first, too light for my liking. I had to move a couple heavier things from under the bed (where I had just about everything stored) to the front benches or ahead under the bed, and got it around 300 lbs. I have meant to weigh it again since I have found more permanent places for things....maybe in the spring, though I do plan to add tongue storage which will change things up yet again.

It is a good idea to check the hitch weight though, as too light is quite dangerous as fishtailing is way more likely to occur, and too heavy does not handle as well and puts undo strain on the vehicle. You really have to watch in the 19 how stuff is stored in the huge space under the bed.

[GaryH]

Here's a simple way to get your hitch weight. I've never tried it, but it looks fairly accurate (at least in the ball park). http://www.rverscorner.com/tongueweight.html

[gbaglo]

I tried to get my hitch weight on the tent trailer once. Let the post down gently on the bathroom scale and promptly destroyed it.
So, how do you get your hitch weight?

baglo

[Jim Bennett]

Glenn, I did just what you did, but watched the weight as I lowered it. Our bathroom scale is good to 350 lbs.

You could do as illustrated in the link Gary posted. That would work just fine and create less weight directly on the scale.

[JeffZ]

You can use a standard bathroom scale to weigh the hitch.. I remembered reading it ..and a quick google search I was able to find it again..

here's the link... http://www.hitchesonline.com/WD/tow_tips.htm

[Jim Bennett]

Poor Gary, nobody ever pays attention to his posts. Or my reference to it either.

[JeffZ]

who's Gary

and what's a post??


** I guess I should read all the stuff B4 replying .. ooops.. **

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by JeffZ

who's Gary

and what's a post??

Dunno, just made that stuff up.

[Ambrose]

thanks- Yes, the one variable would be the packing of camping gear. What I should have asked for was the 19 ft hitch weight with two propane tanks and dual 6 volt batteries.
thanks
Ambrose

[Jim Bennett]

Ambrose, methinks everybody was to busy loading up their trailers for use right away, and not weighing the hitch.

[gocamp]

another good tutorial http://www.flickr.com/photos/8334394...7601618187573/

[GaryH]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Poor Gary, nobody ever pays attention to his posts. Or my reference to it either.

That's ok, sounds just like at home!!

[gocamp]

another illustration

[Garand]

Great graphic!

thanks

Dave

[Jim Bennett]

Poor, poor unrecognized Gary.