Trailer Weight?

[BufordBoone]

I have a Tye-Bro Metals equipment trailer with a label which says:

GVWR 12,000 lbs
GAWR 6,000 lbs

I understand that the above lists "Gross Vehicle Weight Rating" - Meaning how much it can handle, including its own weight. I also understand that "Gross Axle Weight Rating" refers to what each axle can handle (well, duh, 2 axles and a GVWR of 12,000 should equal 6,000/axle).

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can determine the weight of the trailer, absent taking it to some scales somewhere?

I'm researching purchasing a mini-X and the one I'm looking at has a weight of 9,158 lbs. I want to make sure this trailer will handle that much weight. Otherwise I'm going to have to go down in size or get another trailer.

Thanks.

 

[kozal01]

Usually it will tell you the payload rating which is basically the GVWR minus the trailer weight. At least the trailers I have list that. Otherwise find a CAT scale near you and weigh it.

 

[BufordBoone]

Usually it will tell you the payload rating which is basically the GVWR minus the trailer weight. At least the trailers I have list that. Otherwise find a CAT scale near you and weigh it.

That is the issue, I can't find anything on payload rating on it. I inherited the trailer and don't think the company is in business anymore. Will likely resort to finding a place to weigh the whole rig then weigh just my truck and do simple math.

 

[kozal01]

That is the issue, I can't find anything on payload rating on it. I inherited the trailer and don't think the company is in business anymore. Will likely resort to finding a place to weigh the whole rig then weigh just my truck and do simple math.

If you dont have a weigh station near you find your local garbage dump, I have to weigh my truck/ trailer anytime I go there. Will give you a good idea if you know what your trucks curb weight is.

 

[BufordBoone]

If you dont have a weigh station near you find your local garbage dump, I have to weigh my truck/ trailer anytime I go there. Will give you a good idea if you know what your trucks curb weight is.

Good idea. Thanks!

 

[kozal01]

Good idea. Thanks!

No problem! Good luck!

 

[kthompson]

Grain elevators and bulk fertilizer places also have scales. Or find you a DOT officer with portable scales....May not want to do that. He may want to inspect the trailer but...

 

[Topzide]

Any type of quarries near you? They'd have scales also.

 

[scootr]

Concrete batch plants, sand and gravel suppliers have certified scales also

 

[alexpops]

12K trailer (steel frame) should be between 2650 and 2850 empty depending on length and floor material (wood vs metal). so you are probably at your limit or close to it with the mini-ex. add chains/binders/toolbox/etc. might toss you overweight. Best bet is run it through a scale ... if you have a truckstop near you, they should have scales

 

[JCoastie]

recycling centers also have scales, I've weighed mine there for free too.

 

[Fixastuff]

I’d want a 14k minimum for a 9xxx machine(bucket and thumb will make it even more) but you might as wheel get a 16k if your truck is rated that high. Tires, brakes and axles are much better and they don’t weight much more than a 14k. I have both.

 

[BufordBoone]

Thanks, to all, for the replies. I'll get it by a set of scales, just to be sure.

 

[dodge man]

I’m betting you are near the weight limit of your trailer if you get that mini ex. Unless you are towing long distances I’d use what you got.

 

[BufordBoone]

I’m betting you are near the weight limit of your trailer if you get that mini ex. Unless you are towing long distances I’d use what you got.

I may just go with a smaller mini ex.

Thanks.

 

[newbury]

I've a "Hudson HSE Deluxe 5ton",GVWR 12,000lbs, it weighs 2K. According to their web site

 

[Fixastuff]

I've a "Hudson HSE Deluxe 5ton",GVWR 12,000lbs, it weighs 2K. According to their web site
View attachment 884124

That’s the lighted 12k I’ve seen!

 

[Paystar]

I don't understand why manufacturers can't put the empty tare weight of their trailers on the tags also. Same with the auto makers.

 

[WinterDeere]

My trailer sticker also lacks the curb weight number, but I found it pretty easily on the manufacturer's website. Later, I realized it's also in the manual they gave me when I bought the trailer. Definitely quicker and easier than hooking up and driving to a scale location.

Also, if using a scale, you might get away with just parking the trailer axles on the scale and dividing by 0.9, as most trailers are set up for about 10% tongue weight, when empty. If that yields a payload number with margin for your planned load, and you're not real interested in getting the exact number, then you can call it good enough. It's the axle rating that dictates the trailer weight rating, anyway.

In addition to all of the other locations already mentioned, my local yard waste drop off (mulching facility) has scales, as they charge by the pound for drop-off.

 

[George2615]

Definitely get your trailer weighed. I have a PJ full tilt 22' 14K trailer that weighs close to 4K empty so I have roughly a 10K load rating. Not sure of your brand trailer or how its built so weight could be anywhere from 2-4K empty. Probably in the weight range Alexpops mentioned which would put you at or over the limit with that mini x.