How to Fulcrum weigh camper trailer on bathroom scales?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to accurately measure the tongue weight of a camper trailer using bathroom scales, particularly when the weight exceeds the scales' capacity. Participants explore the use of a lever system with a fulcrum to facilitate this measurement, discussing the mechanics involved and potential challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a board as a lever with a fulcrum to measure the tongue weight, suggesting that if the scales read 150 lbs at a certain distance, the tongue weight could be calculated as 450 lbs.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of securing the board to prevent rollover and confirms the initial calculation is correct under the condition that the board remains horizontal and stable.
  • A later reply humorously suggests borrowing additional scales from neighbors to facilitate the measurement, indicating a social approach to the problem.
  • One participant shares their testing experience, reporting a tongue weight of 226 lbs, but questions the accuracy of their earlier estimate.
  • Another participant discusses the need to adjust weight distribution in the trailer, suggesting that the tongue weight should be around 375 lbs for safe towing, based on the total trailer weight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the accuracy of the tongue weight measurements, with some reporting specific values while others suggest adjustments based on weight distribution principles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal method and exact measurements.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the stability of the lever system and the accuracy of the weight readings, as well as the specific conditions under which the measurements were taken.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in camper trailer weight measurements, DIY enthusiasts, and those looking for creative solutions to weighing heavy objects may find this discussion relevant.

gary350
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TL;DR
How to Fulcrum weigh camper trailer on bathroom scales.
I think I have it figured out just want to make sure. Camper trailer pushes down with a wt of about 450 to 600 lb how to find the exact togue weight with bathroom scales that only goes to 250 lbs.? I am using a strong board as the lever.

Fulcrum is at 0"

Trailer tongue is at 6"

If scales at 18" reads 150 lbs tongue weight should be 450 lbs.

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That fulcrum must prevent the rollover of the board, which will tend to happen as long as the point of application of the trailer's weight has a higher elevation than the fulcrum-scale contact line.

Your calculation of 150 lbs is correct, as long as the board is kept horizontal, and secured in such a way that is steadily able to hold those 450 to 600 lbs without causing any accident.
 
gary350 said:
TL;DR Summary: How to Fulcrum weigh camper trailer on bathroom scales.

As an alternative, can you borrow a few bathroom scales from your neighbors for this measurement? Make it a neighborhood party event and serve drinks. :smile:
 
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Lnewqban said:
That fulcrum must prevent the rollover of the board, which will tend to happen as long as the point of application of the trailer's weight has a higher elevation than the fulcrum-scale contact line.

Your calculation of 150 lbs is correct, as long as the board is kept horizontal, and secured in such a way that is steadily able to hold those 450 to 600 lbs without causing any accident.
I tested it and it works. As it turned out trailer tongue weight is 226 lbs.
 
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gary350 said:
I tested it and it works. As it turned out trailer tongue weight is 226 lbs.
But how many neighbours, and what were the drinks?
 
Baluncore said:
But how many neighbours, and what were the drinks?
Drinks are always red wine about 9:30 pm at our camp site. Trailer tongue is about 150 lbs. too light weight. Spare tire and several other items need to be moved up front. Total camper trailer weight = about 1500 lbs divide by 4 = tongue wt. should be about 375 lbs. or more for trailer to be safe to pull faster than 30 mph. Trailer should be 40/60 = 40% of trailer length behind the axle and 60% of trailer length in front of the axle.

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