ProfilersHow much do you weigh?
I am sure most etiquette books would say Hattie has really stepped over the line with this question. But this is not a discussion on your body weight, it concerns your rig weight. Actually, your rigs weight is just as important to watch as your own. Too often we just don't think of how much something weighs when we are packing the rig to get ready to hit the road. Our main interest is to make sure nothing has been forgotten, all the necessary foodstuffs are on board and don't forget to pack all those special things we just might use. And this packing thing applies to both the guys and the gals. We are all guilty of taking far more than we will need or use.
So, how much is too much and what gets left behind? To start, look at the tag on rig that lists the GUVW and GVWR. Subtract the GUVW from the GVWR. That number represents how much weight can be added. Keep in mind the manufacturer may have leaned toward the low side on the GUVW and your rig may actually weigh more than is listed. Next, look at the tires. They will tell you what load each tire is capable of carrying. For the single axle rigs, take that number times 2, double axles times 4. Now you have an idea of what can safely go on board.
Many articles have been written challenging the notion that filled propane tanks and a full tank of fresh water are included in the GUVW. Check with your dealer and see what they say. This article is not written to cause sleepless nights, laying in bed wondering whether or not there is too much stuff taking refuge within the walls of your HI_LO. But, too much weight does place a great deal of stress on your tires and can make braking a challenge in a tough situation. Too much weight can cause blowouts on nearly new tires. And let's be honest, who wants to change a tire? Inevitably there is no comfortable place to pull over, you can't really remember if you checked the spare to see if it had air before you left, and now you must continue down the road looking not only for a campsite, but a tire shop as well.
Many truck stops have an area designated to weigh the big rigs. For a nominal fee (sometimes free) you can get a reading of your tow vehicle, tongue weight, and rig weight. Tongue weight is important, because it tells you how much of the trailer weight is being absorbed by your tow vehicle. This is also a good indication of whether or not a load distribution system may be in order. Too much weight on the back of your vehicle makes the front end too light and can cause lots of steering difficulties, especially when the big rigs go buzzing by. (This sounds like a future article in the making).
The next installment will take a look at the hidden pounds on our HI_LOs and what we can do to take those things we love and not be overweight.
Hattie