And yet more option questions

[FishBioGirl]

I know that my recent weight questions helped spawn this thread and I appreciate the discourse. I have needed reassurance that my FJ TV will be able to adequately handle my 19 on order. I can still make changes to my build sheet and my FJ (air lift bags) to keep them safe on the road. Thanks everyone!!

[padlin]

Actually the OP had nothing to do with your weight question. Not very often a thread stays on the original track, keeps them from getting boring.

[cpaharley2008]

Kris,
Before getting the air bags, I'd try the Andersen, I'm going to bring BlackJack with my FJ with my Andersen to the rally in September. There is an FJ forum and the install is a little complex for the FJ and air bags. First I'd try the Andersen. See you...

[gbaglo]

Over on FGRV Derek installed air bags on his RAV to tow his Parkliner. Then he got a weight distribution hitch.

[cpaharley2008]

Yes I know but the FJ and Rav are 2 different vehicles.

[gbaglo]

Agreed. So you are suggesting that air bags may do the trick? I thought you were recommending the Anderson WDH.
I think the critical issue is that a WDH transfers weight to the front wheels of the tow and to the trailer axle. All the air bags do is make it harder to compress the suspension. Is that not true?

[FishBioGirl]

The Anderson WDH is on the build list. From what I've read on the FJ forum the air bag install is not terribly difficult, just a little tricky.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by paulw

I'm planning to hit the scale on my way home with our new 21 in a couple weeks... I'll get the delivered weight - all options, full propane and no water - before we start loading her up with our stuff.

Excellent!

Make sure that's including the tongue weight, and without a WD hitch system engaged, so the true weight of the trailer is known.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

The reason I mention water Brian is that people need to realize a full tank of water needs to be calculated into their trailer weight if they are concerned with their capacity. I would not like to see someone purchase a unit that wold exceed their capacity just by filling up the fresh tank.

I agree, this is important for people to realize. It's just that a moderately intelligent person should realize that the dry weight doesn't include that water. We do all need reminders sometimes of things which should be obvious.

The Cargo Carrying Capacity listed on the placard in new RVs (including Escapes) assumes that the freshwater tank and water heater are full of water, and that the waste tanks are empty, so that people don't overload by forgetting about the water. If you carry full freshwater, full propane, and the full cargo carrying capacity, the trailer will be at its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which is also available in the specs (in addition to the base dry weight).

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think the critical issue is that a WDH transfers weight to the front wheels of the tow and to the trailer axle. All the air bags do is make it harder to compress the suspension. Is that not true?

True. If your only issue is suspension ride height or spring stiffness, then air bags are a full solution. On the other hand, if your issue is excessive rear axle load (or you think you don't have enough front axle load), the air bags won't change that and you need a weight-distribution system.

I'm not sure what this has to do with Escape options...

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I'm not sure what this has to do with Escape options...

Lost me. I thought we were talking about towing with an FJ Cruiser. The OP talked about employing air bags. Don't know what the brand of trailer has to do with it.

But, I'm a man, and, I can change, if I have to.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

But, I'm a man, and, I can change, if I have to.

I think I'll check with Leslie, to see how well this is working out for her.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

But, I'm a man, and, I can change, if I have to.

Yea, right. OMG my eyes are leaking!

[paulw]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Excellent!

Make sure that's including the tongue weight, and without a WD hitch system engaged, so the true weight of the trailer is known.

I'll pull on to the platform and get the axle's weight, then unhitch and get the total weight.
I suppose I'll need to loosen the WDH before I take the axle reading.
It's an old highway scale that the DOT leaves turned on near my home.

[Donna D.]

Paul, I can bring my Sherline to the Spring NOG if you'd like and we can weigh the tongue weight of your new 21'.... loaded for tow. What we'll need is your "hitch height" while under tow. I'll bring a tape measure, floor jack, etc. Let's get YOUR trailer measurements.

[paulw]

Cool! Thanks Donna...
More to think about with an extra axle and the Anderson hitch.

[Donna D.]

Tongue weight.. all under TOW (all other factors are vaporware). See you at Spring NOG!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by paulw

I'll pull on to the platform and get the axle's weight, then unhitch and get the total weight..

Excellent - thanks.

Originally Posted by paulw

I suppose I'll need to loosen the WDH before I take the axle reading.

Yes.

Originally Posted by paulw

It's an old highway scale that the DOT leaves turned on near my home.

Alberta and British Columbia generally leave their regular current-use scales on and accessible all the time - very handy.