Sizing the Weight Distribution Hitch

As mentioned in an earlier post we selected a travel trailer over a 5th wheel purposing to take a no compromise approach to the hitch setup. Because of the Class V hitch we installed on the truck we can safely tow the trailer without a weight distribution (WD) hitch. But, the trailer tongue rides just a little low when hitched up. This means the trailer weight is not evenly shared between the two trailer axles.  It also means the truck weight is not evenly shared between the front and rear truck axles.  These imbalances are modest, but we hope that a WD hitch will allow us to dial these out.

When we are passed by a semi or tour bus we get a slight sway input but everything remains well under control. Perhaps having a WD hitch with anti-sway features will be able improve this even more.

The problem is that we are running out of time to order a WD hitch, get it delivered and install it without causing a delay to our departure. The hold up is that we need a good idea of the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded for travel in order to choose a hitch with the proper weight handling capacity.  Fortunately, there are only two capacity ranges that might apply to our rig.  If we can determine that the lower capacity hitch is inadequate the choice is made and the order can be placed.  This requires measuring the current tongue weight and taking into consideration some expected additional loads.  The trailer tongue weight might be as much as 1,000 pounds.  We don't have a scale that can safely weight that much (but getting one is probably a good idea).  How can we get a reasonably accurate measurement of the tongue weight with an ordinary bathroom scale?  In fact, an $8 scale from Walmart? The method and results follow: