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Date Posted |
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RE: Curt BetterWeigh?
I dont think this particular unit does all of this, but I have played with the technology years ago with success.
The way I calibrated it years ago was to accelerate up to 25 mpg then coast down. I guess using neutral would be needed, not just coasting in D. The device figures out aerodynamic coefficient, ground/tire friction and other numbers from this. You then could, theoretically, do a coast-down again with the trailer and compare. You will need to use the settings for trailer when trailering, and settings for no trailer when you dont have the trailer...
Based on aerodynamic coefficient and slope of the hill you are on (device knows the angle) it can generate how much power you must be putting out to go any given speed.
Knowing the weight is new to me. I always had to put in the exact weight for the device to work, but I think this vehicle device is going off of the factory given weights, which will always be wrong due to cargo in the vehicle, weight of the person, amount of fuel in the tank etc...
Looking forward to hear feedback from those that actually use it rather than opinions of those who have not..
It's not set up (currently) to do wind drag or MPG comparisons.
Not sure of the vehicle model years in its library but 2008 Explorer had to be calibrated, but for my newer 2019 F150 I just had to enter the VIN for initial calibration. Sweet. Manual calibration required entering occupant weight, GVWR, load capacity, weight of any added cargo. For manual calibration for the truck load, you start it and then enter your weight and sit on the tailgate or hatch opening. MANY straight line, level runs at moderate and hard acceleration until it says each measurement complete anywhere from 15 to 30 mph were needed with the 2008.
WDH function is determined by three measurements. Unloaded hitch, loaded hitch no spring bars, loaded hitch with spring bars. All using the truck angle change.
You make a run like the calibration run for actual weight measurements, straight, level road accelerating as directed until it tells you complete. Unfortunately, it does not store the various measurements. So you have to do a unhooked weight run to get the truck current weight, then hook up the trailer and make another run. Then use basic manual math to subtract one from the other for trailer weight.
It does a lot of stuff for $100 or so, using a small OBD plug and a smart phone app and can be moved to different vehicles.
NOTE: I have read that you can't run both the BetterWeigh and CURT Bluetooth brake controller at the same time on the same smartphone.
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Boomerweps
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01/14/22 12:10pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Curt BetterWeigh?
So, assuming this is marketed at happy homeowners who tow a trailer, how often would you actually use it? Do you guys weigh your setup before every trip to see if the wife snuck in too many cans of beans and put you over payload?
Seems like 1 and done unless you’re overly ocd or change trailers.
Might be overly OCD.
The time I towed with a full water tank, I reweighed.
After I moved my trailer axle to below the springs, I reweighed.
I removed my spare tire from the rear rack and put it under the front bed, reweighed.
The Haulgauge weighs both overall weight, tongue weight AND weights levered by the WDH.
So once you get your baseline specs, I only reweigh for a significant change.
Of course, I’ve only camped ONCE in the past two years, between Covid BS and other significant health issues.
AFAICT, if I leave the unit installed, my remote start frequently doesn’t work. So I no longer leave it installed in the OBD jack.
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Boomerweps
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01/10/22 11:23am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Curt BetterWeigh?
I don't think I would be interested is such a product.
I keep track of the weight using DOT weigh stations.
And they are free. ;)
In Utah, maybe.
Several states have free scales, but not mine (PA).
IF I had access to free Scales, I probably would not have considered getting the HaulGuage (now CURT BetterWeigh).
My closet CAT Scale is about 19 miles away (pun not intended).
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Boomerweps
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01/09/22 09:11am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Curt BetterWeigh?
Duplicate removed
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Boomerweps
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01/07/22 12:13pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Curt BetterWeigh?
Bought it from the developer's original company.
It works. I've not noted gross differences from the CAT Scales.
It's ballpark anyways with a analog scale, no digital readout.
I guess the new Ford taillight load measuring indicators are voodoo, too.
$100. We piss away that and more on a lot of stuff on our RVs and trucks.
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Boomerweps
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01/07/22 12:12pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: RV Queen mattress
I’ll second the Amazon Zinus. Available in a few thicknesses in a RV/short queen.
Liked it enough that I bought Zinus in twin bed size (& their metal folding frames) for out spare/grandkids’ bedroom.
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Boomerweps
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12/02/21 11:04am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Do I need my WD bars just to move in the driveway?
A LOT easier to keep a drop or lift basic ball mount for other towing and around the yard RV moving. A lot less weight to jockey around compared to the WDH head unit.
No probs at your listed weights.
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Boomerweps
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11/20/21 09:48am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Anti sway question.
Funny.
Unless Ford changed their brochures for 2022, the Ranger has that 750/7500# tow rating without requiring a WDH. With the factory tow package.
Yes, the F150 requires it at 500/5000# with factory tow package.
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Boomerweps
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11/19/21 05:54pm |
Towing
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RE: Which Hitch do I buy?
I also have a 2500 Ram CTD , for me the WDH is unnecessary . Try it without ! Spend the money on whiskey , cigarettes
and wild woman !
To quote John Lee Hooker, “If it wasn’t for whiskey & women, I’d have money today”.
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Boomerweps
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10/18/21 10:45am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 2004 Lincoln Avaitor TV
It’s old enough that I would have all fluids changed, preferably with synthetics.
You have sufficient power and tow capacity (assuming factory tow package). Pulling near 5000# with a V8, that’s 71% of your 7000# Tow Capacity.
Your concern should be your aviator’s payload. Stuff and people plus tongue weight might be close, and/or rear GAWR.
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Boomerweps
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08/17/21 09:41am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: rear cargo rack
The Wolf Pup factory rear rack clamps onto the frame in front of the “bumper”. Barely rests on the bumper, pinned in place on the rack support.
That Lippert rack linked is expensive for a rack and is made to bolt onto the bumper face, not good for a TT. Cheaper and better to have a 2x2” receiver welded onto the frame and use a hitch mount rack.
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Boomerweps
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08/08/21 09:25am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Saw a TT with rear entry
The smaller Airstreams have their doors on the rear.
Not that common but common enough.
It’s just easier to design enclosed areas on both ends for beds, dining, and living areas (also larger bathrooms), vice a passageway through most of the TT length.
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Boomerweps
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07/25/21 06:49am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: another scale thread
Your Sherline is off by 10%.
First pass just truck 6182# on the CAT.
2nd pass with trailer no WDH truck was 7282#.
IOW, your tongue weight was 1100#.
Great job on weighing your rig, step by step, PROPERLY!
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Boomerweps
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07/23/21 09:37am |
Towing
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RE: Towing w/out weight dist -- am I being too conservative?
My SIL towed his comparable weight toy hauler no WDH for a few years on two different Ram 2500s, one diesel, now gasser, before just getting a used fifth wheel.
I’d contact the WDH maker and give them a what’s up with this message. 4 years on a WDH should have ZERO probs on the WDH unless you left it in the weather.
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Boomerweps
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07/11/21 08:23am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Reviewing results from CAT scale weigh in
Easiest way to figure your factory TV curb weight is to subtract your payload capacity from your GVWR as marked on your vehicles door frame stickers.
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Boomerweps
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07/11/21 08:05am |
Towing
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RE: Looking for ideas on how to Roll up/store 50 amp cord
Roll your cord? No, unless on a reel.
Coil your cord? Yes. Use the over-under method (Utube video it).
Heavy power and multi-conductor cable will get kinks in it if hand rolled.
Always use the shortest length available to prevent voltage line loss.
When over-underwing into a bin, you can shorten the loops to fit.
Over-undering is the same way a cowboy lasso is coiled. A properly over-under coiled rope or cable can be thrown without kinking.
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Boomerweps
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07/08/21 08:08am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Hitch Selection - TW Questions
Based on one of the responses...
Does weight in truck bed need to be considered when selecting a WDH?
Ex. TW is 900# and truck bed has 500#....hitch and bars need a 1400# rating?
Chains vs solid bars?
Short answer. NO.
By that logic, you’d have to add all weight in the TV, people, etc.
The WDH is sized by the trailer towed.
WDH weight gets added to truck payload and rear axle load.
In the example above, you would get the next size up available, like a 1000# rated or even a a 1200# rated, depending on your choice of WDH sizes.
I use 400-600# rated bars, next sizes are 600-800 & 800-1200, interchangeable on my hitch head. I could use the 600-800# bars now, depending on my TT loading for tongue weight, but I’m trying to keep the TW within my WDH specs.
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Boomerweps
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06/22/21 10:55am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Check those prices
I bought a maintenance contract with my truck. Dealer pays on oil changes.
It includes brakes and even windshield wipers!
I have them do my state inspections. They find anything wrong, they have to fix it either under warranty or the contract.
So, the polar opposite of someone who is being frugal by trying to save money on parts....
Interested what the high level coverage and cost of a dealer "maintenance contract" and the fine print.
That's like hiring someone to mow your lawn or clean your house. If you can afford the convenience, great, but don't ever pretend it's the "economical" way to go...
First time I ever did this. I figured with towing the TT I’d probably get two brake jobs during the contract and with the oil changes & required maintenance, I’d come close to breaking even $$.
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Boomerweps
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06/22/21 10:39am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Hitch Selection - TW Questions
The bar only, non chain types usually have anti-sway built in, no need for external anti-sway units. No need to remove anti-sway bars when backing up.
Equalizer sells a plastic pad for the spring bars to rest on, cutting the screaching significantly..
Recommend taking your TT GVWR times 10% and 15%. Get bars within that range.
To repeat an oft posted story. With full FW tank (accidentally left full) my 3877# GVWR TT tongue weight was about 680# by Haulgauge last fall. My spring bars are 400-600# rated. So a little stronger than anticipated need is not a bad thing.
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Boomerweps
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06/21/21 09:52am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Generator/Inverter Mounted over Propane Tanks??
Most Tractor Supply Company stores fill propane at a fair price.
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Boomerweps
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06/21/21 09:42am |
Travel Trailers
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