Posted 2017-05-09 3:18 PM (#169869) Subject: Average trailer weights
Member
Posts: 5
Location: OR
I know there is a big difference in trailer weights, but I am just trying to get an average so I know where mine is at. It is a 4 horse gooseneck with front tack area but NO living quarters, it is aluminum, but I think it is a steel frame. The unladen weight is on my title and says 5980. I would like to know some weights on other people's trailers?
Posted 2017-05-09 5:43 PM (#169870 - in reply to #169869) Subject: RE: Average trailer weights
Veteran
Posts: 185
Location: riverside ca
There is no average, just like asking how big is the average person on this earth. They come in all shapes and sizes, there are so many variables width, height, single wall vs double wall, dressing room, tack area, floor type, who built it, the number of variables is too long to list. Many trailer manufacturers just guess, some weight them, so the only way to know your trailer weight is to weigh it.
Posted 2017-05-10 1:50 PM (#169873 - in reply to #169869) Subject: RE: Average trailer weights
Veteran
Posts: 108
Location: Lawrence KS
I am sure someone can prove me wrong but the unladen weight listed on the trailer should be the weight at which time it left the factory- if any finishes are added at say a living qtr install co. then all of that would be additional to the unladen weight.
Posted 2017-05-10 5:00 PM (#169874 - in reply to #169869) Subject: RE: Average trailer weights
Veteran
Posts: 185
Location: riverside ca
if the manufacturer bothered to stamp it, and they actually weight it rather than just taking a wild ass guess. saves them 20 bucks, plus a trip to the scales and no one is the wiser.
Posted 2017-05-11 8:44 AM (#169877 - in reply to #169873) Subject: RE: Average trailer weights
Elite Veteran
Posts: 801
Location: Tenn/Ala.
Well, largest issue here is that in the horse & livestock industry it is unheard of to put the trailer's weight anywhere on the trailer. The VIN/data tag will have the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, which is the maximum amount that it can legally weigh and that is calculated based on axles & tires. Back in the old days, Sooner actually may list 2 or more different GVWR on the same tag, showing different tires size/load ratings that could be fitted. And that is usually measured at the axles, since by definition it is a semi-trailer (assuming gooseneck here) and transfers a portion of its weight to the towing truck. The truck will report that portion of the weight when it is weighed.
Now- in the GVWR number on the tag, there's always the GVWR in pounds, and then in parenthesis it is in KG (for our Canadian neighbors). I've many times seen folks look at that KG number (because it is often in the 5-6,000 range) and take it as the dry weight.The manufacturer will list the shipping weight on the Statement of Origin, but most states do not transfer it to the title. And if a living quarters was installed after the fact, then that weight won't be included. So- if you really need to know the weight, as has been said go get it weighed. A lot of feed stores can do this as well as the CAT scales that have been mentioned.