Weight and axle

[THOMASJU]

When I first got my 1972 Compact jr I made sure there was nothing in it except the jack, jack handle and one propane tank. No bedding, utensils, tools, food, water, NOTHING. I then took it to a local weighing station near my home and got a "certified" weight of 1240#. That didn't seem right to me so took it to another weighing station and got the same weight...1240#.
That seems to be too heavy.
FREDERICK THE SCALE MAN...what seems to be the case here? My title says 1100#. The camper has never been painted or had any add-ons. Any ideas out there....seems to be too heavy.

Another question.....how do I determine which axle I have on it ??
Thanx for any help/advice.......Tom Justice

[Tom Trostel]

That is the same weight as our 1973 Compact Jr.

[Randy P.]

My guess is that the title weight was an estimated value or one obtained from the manufacturer spec sheet. These values are generally lower than the actual trailer weight.

[Carol H]

Thomas, I am not Frederick but what you have discovered is the reason for the thread that Frederick so kindly started and why it should be the first thread those looking for a trailer should read.

The dry weights published by the manufactures are for a very bare bones trailer and does not include anything that was considered optional. The means in most cases the battery, propane tank, fridge, stove, awning, hot water tanks, bathroom and not included in the dry weight. So you are actually luck that the difference in the dry weight stated and the actual was only different by 140lbs - could have been way more.

A full 20lb propane tank weighs on its own about 38 pounds. A group 27 battery can weigh another 55lbs or so.

The good news is that with some of the new trailers we are starting to see more actual weights of the trailer as built.

[David Tilston]

I thought that a Compact II, would be lighter. Is it the wood interior?

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

I thought that a Compact II, would be lighter. Is it the wood interior?

On the Trailer weights in the real world thread that the three Compact II's weighed in loaded up for camping at 1720lbs, 1860lbs and 2020lbs even though they were camping at a full service facility so probable didn't have any water in their tanks. All weighed more than the Jr. Those numbers are pretty consistent with the rule of thumb of adding 500/700lbs to a dry weight to come up with a loaded rate.

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

I thought that a Compact II, would be lighter. Is it the wood interior?

The Hunter Compact-II is the more "Deluxe" version and will more than not, weigh more. All have about the same interior. There was no "wood" option.

As the Hunter Compact-II use a beam axle with about a 4" drop, axle support weight may be determined by the springs. One source has quoted 2400 lbs. another 1800 lbs. The owners manual, a one page sheet, basically tells you to not drive with the top in the raised position and makes no mention of weights

The sales literature is silent on axle capacity and weight except for the following from the Compact-II sales literature.

"A total weight of only 1/2 ton..."

[THOMASJU]

Okay, folks, that explains the difference between the weight as shown on my title (1100#) and the actual certified weight (1240#). Since my max weigh is only 1500#, that means that if I travel with my built-in 16 gal water tank FULL that would be (8x16lbs= 128#) 128 pounds less for general cargo, leaving only 132# for food, utensils, bedding, etc. WOW!! That doesn't seem like very much, although I realize it is a small trailer. Guess I will have to learn to improvise. Thanks for the info.

Now, does anyone have an answer as to how I can find out which axle I have on my unit. Where to look or what to look for ??
TJ

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by THOMASJU

that means that if I travel with my built-in 16 gal water tank FULL that would be (8x16lbs= 128#) 128 pounds less for general cargo, leaving only 132# for food, utensils, bedding, etc. WOW!!

TJ, just one more reason to not travel with water in your tanks and just add it at the last possible location closest to where you are going camping. The other two good reasons for not traveling with water are better MPG and if the tanks are located at the very rear of the trailer better towing stability.

[Jack L]

Did you weigh the trailer when it was attached to the TV ? If so, the figure you posted is just the axle weight. If you disconnected the trailer and weighed it you have the total weight of the unit. Axle + tongue = total weight. It's important to know both numbers.

[Glenn Baglo]

Beginning to sound like the tow vehicle isn't capable.
1500# max?

[David Tilston]

Bob Miller, cover your eyes.

It is not likely to be a problem, if you are a couple of hundred pounds over.

Let the flaming begin!

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

The Hunter Compact-II is the more "Deluxe" version and will more than not, weigh more. All have about the same interior. There was no "wood" option.

What is the interior furniture made of then? Is it fibreglass?

[Tom Trostel]

Interior of Compact Jr is luan plywood cabinets, pine plywood floor, and particle board counter top with formica cover. Only interior fiberglass is wall, ceiling and backsplash in "kitchen".

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Bob Miller, cover your eyes.

It is not likely to be a problem, if you are a couple of hundred pounds over.

Let the flaming begin!

Nope, I just tell everyone that reads suggestions that are out of manufacturers limits to, before following them, just: a) Realize that it's not the reply sources TV or trailer they are risking, b) consider the source, and c) be sure that person will be there for the court case that can follow as a result of following their recommendation.

Easy Peasy

Thinking outside the box can sometimes get you into one unexpectedly.

[David Tilston]

Ah feel the warmth. Thank you Bob. Very predictable.

[Bob Miller]

Me thinks that "Consistent" is a better descriptor, never predictable....

[THOMASJU]

Jack, I weighed it trailer and tongue on both scales. Tow vehicle was 10-15 feet away from the scale each time. Repeat, trailer only, no tow vehicle.

[THOMASJU]

Oh, and my tow vehicle is a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country, 3.8L engine.
No problems there. Added a xmission cooler. Tows like a charm ......