Drago
Alta Loma,Ca.
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Hi guys I need help trying to figure out the actuale weight of a trailer.Is the over all weight of a trailer the hitch weight and the dry weight added together or do you subtract the hitch weight from the dry weight? Thanks in advance
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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If you weigh it on a scale, the entire rig sits on the scale, all wheels and hitch jack. So the entire trailer without fuel (propane) water or black/gray/fresh water.
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Drago
Alta Loma,Ca.
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To clarify my question, if lookig at a brouchue the weights listed. Do I add or subtract the dry weight and hitch weight.
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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You don't do anything with the hitch weight - neither add or subtract. The weight as shown is for the total trailer. It also lists the hitch weight so people can get a rough estimate as to what it is. Actually, both the weight and hitch weight listed in brochures are usually WAY off and the actual weight is normally MUCH higher - often 100's or 1000's of pounds off!
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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Like Barney said.
And, a lot of manufacturers weigh in the "dry" weight before they start adding options. So if you're dry weight says 3900lbs, (example), you can bet it's more like 4500 or so pounds.
I would take it to a scale and get it weighed so you would know for sure. 
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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The dry weight is a fictitious number and bears no resemblance to the real weight of the trailer as towed. The dry weight is the total weight of the trailer without any items listed as an option. For lower end trailers, this will not include A/C, microwave, Television, awnings, batteries and any other options. Once loaded you will be adding some water (8.33 #/gal), propane ( a couple of 20 or 30# tanks) all of your clothes, food, dishes, camping chairs and so on.
It is very easy for an RV to weight 1000# over the "dry weight".
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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If you're working from a brochure and not with a real trailer (that you can see in person), then the most helpful weight to you will be the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), which is the most a trailer is allowed to weigh when loaded. Many of the smaller, lightweight trailers will end up weighing very close to that when you are actually using them, and the same is true of some of the larger trailers as well. "Dry" weight is a useless figure, as you don't know what's included - as pointed out previously, it may not include any options (a/c, awning, etc., each of which can weigh hundreds of pounds). Hitch weight as given in brochures is usually just as useless.
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Drago
Alta Loma,Ca.
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Thanks for the reply I'm trying to figure out the dry weight of a trailer that I did weigh on scales. The trailer came in at 7940 and the rear wheels of my Sub came in at 5300, with 4 adults and 2 children. The sub weights a total of 7080 with 2 adults and 2 children. I have a 2500 sub with a gvwr 8800 and cgvwr of 19000,so it all get's a little tricky. Thanks for the help.
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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Jayco prints out a final "as it is wheeled out the factory door" as shipped weight sticker that is actually fairly accurite. The scale is literally right outside the barn doors of the manufacturing facility. Gives you a pretty good idea of what you got! Dry weight including hitch and all installed options!
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smkettner
Southern California
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Drago wrote:Thanks for the reply I'm trying to figure out the dry weight of a trailer that I did weigh on scales. The trailer came in at 7940 and the rear wheels of my Sub came in at 5300, with 4 adults and 2 children. The sub weights a total of 7080 with 2 adults and 2 children. I have a 2500 sub with a gvwr 8800 and cgvwr of 19000,so it all get's a little tricky. Thanks for the help.
If it is that important to get "dry" weight then unload the thing and disconnect it on the scale and weigh it separately.
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