# Weight / Fulcrum problem

by jschaaf5
Tags: fulcrum, weight
 P: 2 Hi, I am a non-physics type that needs an answer to a fairly simple physics problem (but too complex for me). I need to know where to place a weight on a trailer to arrive at a specific tongue weight (weight at the hitch). I hope the diagram below is clear. <------ 48" -------> -------- W -------- H ------------------------------------- A --------------------- E <---------------- 96" -----------------> <-------- 64" --------> Notes: Line H/A/E is the trailer. W represents a 1600 lb weight that is 48" wide and is centered over the axle. The trailer is perfectly balanced at this point (no weight at point H). H represents the trailer hitch. A represents the axle (fulcrum). E represents the end of the trailer. The distance from H to A is 96". The distance from A to E is 64". PROBLEM: How far would the weight (W) need to be moved to the left to arrive at a tongue weight (weight at point H) of 250 lbs? I hope someone can figure this out. I am stumped. Thanks in advance. Jody
 Mentor P: 7,203 The torque about the axels must be the same at all points on the trailer so the force * distance is the same at all points. x is the location of the center of your load. $$1600 x = 250 * 96$$ $$x = \frac {250lb * 96in} {1600lb} = 15in$$
 P: 2 That's a big help to me!

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