There is also the new Curt BetterWeigh system. It requires a newer vehicle(OBD port and a newer year even then) auto transmission (best I can tell) but seems like a cool system, just read your weights on the app. Be interesting in hearing some long term user reports on the system.
I'm also interested in hearing real world feedback of Better Weigh and the identical (at least down to the marketing materials and copy) Haul Gauge product. Seems like it would be a huge convenience to have even reasonably accurate numbers for tongue weight, weight distribution, vehicle and trailer weights, all at your fingertips. The few reviews I've watched on YouTube for Haul Gauge seemed pretty solid, so I'm hoping they're on to something here. https://www.haulgauge.com/ https://www.curtmfg.com/betterweigh
After two years of looking and considering...finally the proud owner of a 2021 T@B 400 Boondock! 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E with Redarc Trailer Brake Controller
Compatible with OBD-II vehicles BetterWeigh works with 1996+ gas vehicles and 2004+ diesel. It also has a VIN database for faster initial setup. Vehicles that have a manual transmission or auto-level suspension will have limited functionality.
Looks easier for weight management, but I can’t figure out how it can tell the weight of the loaded trailer. Guess one would need to purchase one and go through the setup, or perhaps watch the video.
John, Judi, Guinness & OD in PDX T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner
I use a Taylor High capacity bath scale with an adapter to weigh the tongue weight once in awhile. It is the Taylor model 7410 with a capacity of 550 lbs.
Heh! I use our 1950's bathroom scale (280# capacity), with an adapter that moves the fulcrum out from the ball so I can multiply the indicated weight to get the real weight.... A bit complicated, but it keeps my rusty brain exercised! Only weigh it before we leave home, though.
Chan - near Buffalo NY 2014 S Maxx 2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!
WeighSafe would be smart to offer a 0-500 model in 2" only. I don't think the current version is a viable solution for T@Bbers.
Haul Gauge vs. Curt BetterWeigh -- Haul Gauge appears to be the originator and Curt is a licensee. It is targeted to a higher weight class of vehicle and trailer but it may work with T@Bs. Reviews on eTrailer are consistently good, but Amazon 1 star reviews stand at 11% currently with most complaints about accuracy or connection issues. I remember reading an article about this tool/app when it first came out and it was mostly negative due to widely differing results. Perhaps it's gotten better. It may be close enough to ballpark things, but there's a reason why the scale is analog, not digital. If someone wants to springs $99 for another gadget that may or may not work, I'd be happy to hear their full review. https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/9591/an-interesting-tool-haul-gage
2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
WeighSafe would be smart to offer a 0-500 model in 2" only. I don't think the current version is a viable solution for T@Bbers.
Haul Gauge vs. Curt BetterWeigh -- Haul Gauge appears to be the originator and Curt is a licensee. It is targeted to a higher weight class of vehicle and trailer but it may work with T@Bs. Reviews on eTrailer are consistently good, but Amazon 1 star reviews stand at 11% currently with most complaints about accuracy or connection issues. I remember reading an article about this tool/app when it first came out and it was mostly negative due to widely differing results. Perhaps it's gotten better. It may be close enough to ballpark things, but there's a reason why the scale is analog, not digital. If someone wants to springs $99 for another gadget that may or may not work, I'd be happy to hear their full review. https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/9591/an-interesting-tool-haul-gage
Curt apparently bought out HaulGauge last fall, from HaulGauge’s comments on the Q&A portion of their Amazon listing.
As for the 11% 1 star aspect, I’d be stunned if it could ever do better than that, given the number of variables involved. You’ve got a product being used with many different tow vehicles, many different trailers (and different types of trailers) of very different weights, using an app on many different generations of phones running different operating systems. Plus, add in that it requires the vehicle and trailer be on a “level” surface at a specific speed to weigh the trailer...how many people are getting that part right every single time? So many ways this could end up not working as expected, and that’s not even taking into account the device itself or its actual calibration.
I currently use a cheap analog scale, some blocks of wood, and a lot of swearing as I shift things back and forth. This looks intriguing.
2019 320s BD Lite, white with blue (“Haven”) 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models) 2020 Subaru Outback XT Pacific NW
in europe they sell a very inexpensive scale made for it. each " nose weight scale"
This is on Amazon UK but only goes to 286 pounds. About $38 but $15 shipping to Tampa (not Prime eligible)
Well, after watching a couple of videos of it in action, that looks far easier to use than the bathroom scale method even with converting from kg, and the low weight range it measures is likely to be more accurate for a 320s tongue weight than the US tongue weight scales currently on the market. Picking this one up and will post a review. (Scheduled to arrive March 9th)
2019 320s BD Lite, white with blue (“Haven”) 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models) 2020 Subaru Outback XT Pacific NW
The cheap one (110-220lbs) is no doubt spring based so it will lose accuracy over time. For $10 it probably does the job well enough. All you really need is a ballpark figure, but 220lbs max would bother me. Of course none of the models will work for a 400.
2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
The cheap one (110-220lbs) is no doubt spring based so it will lose accuracy over time. For $10 it probably does the job well enough. All you really need is a ballpark figure, but 220lbs max would bother me. Of course none of the models will work for a 400.
Scales tend to be most accurate nearest the middle of their weight range, so this isn’t absolutely perfect, and it’s not quite as easy to use as the European Milenco since you’ll need a correct sized block of wood or other support to raise the scale to the level hitch height. The Curt BetterWeigh/HaulGauge is probably the easiest method for bigger trailers, assuming it works reliably.
2019 320s BD Lite, white with blue (“Haven”) 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models) 2020 Subaru Outback XT Pacific NW
Hi, it’s been a year since the last post. Has anyone purchased the Weigh-safe ball mount? I weigh mine before I go with my weigh gauge. The Weigh safe ball does look interesting. I’m always being lured by new gadgets. Weigh Safe also offers a complete adjustable hitch with the gauge. I have 3 or 4 hitches now, so I think I’m covered.
Terry & Jody... 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 2016 NuCamp 320 T@B Max S
T@bbey Road Appleton, WI
Comments
Anybody out in T@BL@nd using one?
Towed by 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel 5.7L Hemi 4x4 Crew Cab
https://www.haulgauge.com/
https://www.curtmfg.com/betterweigh
2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E with Redarc Trailer Brake Controller
Compatible with OBD-II vehicles BetterWeigh works with 1996+ gas vehicles and 2004+ diesel. It also has a VIN database for faster initial setup. Vehicles that have a manual transmission or auto-level suspension will have limited functionality.
T@Bit@t 2015 S Max Outback, ‘18 V6 4Runner
A bit complicated, but it keeps my rusty brain exercised!
Only weigh it before we leave home, though.
2014 S Maxx
2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!
A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
I don't think the current version is a viable solution for T@Bbers.
Haul Gauge vs. Curt BetterWeigh --
Haul Gauge appears to be the originator and Curt is a licensee.
It is targeted to a higher weight class of vehicle and trailer but it may work with T@Bs.
Reviews on eTrailer are consistently good, but Amazon 1 star reviews stand at 11% currently with most complaints about accuracy or connection issues.
I remember reading an article about this tool/app when it first came out and it was mostly negative due to widely differing results. Perhaps it's gotten better.
It may be close enough to ballpark things, but there's a reason why the scale is analog, not digital.
If someone wants to springs $99 for another gadget that may or may not work, I'd be happy to hear their full review.
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/9591/an-interesting-tool-haul-gage
As for the 11% 1 star aspect, I’d be stunned if it could ever do better than that, given the number of variables involved. You’ve got a product being used with many different tow vehicles, many different trailers (and different types of trailers) of very different weights, using an app on many different generations of phones running different operating systems. Plus, add in that it requires the vehicle and trailer be on a “level” surface at a specific speed to weigh the trailer...how many people are getting that part right every single time? So many ways this could end up not working as expected, and that’s not even taking into account the device itself or its actual calibration.
I currently use a cheap analog scale, some blocks of wood, and a lot of swearing as I shift things back and forth. This looks intriguing.
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
Tampa FL
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
Here's a different brand that offers a digital model that measures up to 330lbs/150kg:
https://www.thecaravansupermarket.com/shop/towbar/jockey-wheel/digital-nose-weight-gauge/
Adjusts from 13.5"-17". Doesn't look like they ship to US though.
Tampa FL
For $10 it probably does the job well enough. All you really need is a ballpark figure, but 220lbs max would bother me.
Of course none of the models will work for a 400.
Scales tend to be most accurate nearest the middle of their weight range, so this isn’t absolutely perfect, and it’s not quite as easy to use as the European Milenco since you’ll need a correct sized block of wood or other support to raise the scale to the level hitch height. The Curt BetterWeigh/HaulGauge is probably the easiest method for bigger trailers, assuming it works reliably.
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods
2016 NuCamp 320 T@B Max S
T@bbey Road
Appleton, WI