Trailer tongue weight

[JimCt]

Without having to buy a $110 trailer tongue weight scale,  is there any other way I can measure tongue weight?  Boat + trailer will weigh about 5000# to 5300# so my tongue weight should be in the range of 350# to 370# at 7%.  That sound right?

[Kaczki]

Yes, if your trailer is properly matched to your boat and tow vehicle.

[JimCt]

Right now I'm trying to determine the weight rating of the used EZ Loader trailer I bought this spring.  The GVW and model stickers are gone so I've been back & forth with the factory people attempting to figure what I've got here.  According to the spring config. and the axles it is likely 5400#.  Tires are 15".  If I can be sure that 5400# is correct, I want to install brakes and an actuator while the boat's off the trailer being sodablasted.  Once that's done I'll probably have to move the axle dolly forward or aft to get the tongue weight correct.

You think I'm maybe shaving the GVW a little too close with this trailer?

[warthog5]

Yep.  5400GVW is going to give you aprox 4000lb load carring capicity.

Figure the trailer weigh's  1200lbs to 1300lbs.

[GoneFission]

To measure tongue weight, use a bathroom scale and a 2x4.  Take a 24" length of 2x4 and mark it at 12".  Then support one end and put the other on the bathroom scale.  Lower the trailer ball connector on the line in the middle of the 2x4.  Double whatever reading you have on the scale and that will be your tongue weight.  5400 lb trailer capacity should be fine for your boat and 7% tongue weight should provide a stable tow.  Single axle disc brakes would be OK; duals would be mo' bedda...  If you use discs, remember to get the check valve and wire it into the backup lights to prevent the brakes from working when you are in reverse!  


[]==========[]==========[]    2x4 with coupler on center mark
/_____________________/
Support------------------------Scale

[RickK]

To measure tongue weight, use a bathroom scale and a 2x4.  Take a 24" length of 2x4 and mark it at 12".  Then support one end and put the other on the bathroom scale.  Lower the trailer ball connector on the line in the middle of the 2x4.  Double whatever reading you have on the scale and that will be your tongue weight.  

[]==========[]==========[]    2x4 with coupler on center mark
/_____________________/
Support------------------------Scale

John could you elaborate a little more on this please?  
Should the trailer tongue/coupler be at the approx normal towing height when doing this?  Does the tongue being too high or low shift weight?
Could you just lower your trailer jack onto the 2x4, I realize that the jack is farther back so what would be the difference?  More tongue weight being closer to the boat?

[GoneFission]

If you have a single axle trailer the height of the hitch does not make a lot of difference, but if you have a tandem axle trailer - it really does.  It's always good to measure at about the same level as the boat is towed.

You can use the tongue jack to measure tongue weight if that is easier.  Just jack it up to about the same attitude as when towed.

Hope this helps!