Reich Weight Gauge

[arkay]

This gauge allows you to accurately measure axle weights up to 1 tonne. It is available for about £100. Also can measure noseweights very easily.

Has anyone bought/used one of these? I would like to be more knowledgeable about the loading of my van and kerbweights of my car but maybe this is overkill?

Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

Robert

 

[Rod_5041370]

Yes, I've had one for 2/3 years.

Very good for initial set up but then only really needed if the configuration of your caravan is changed.

I last used mine in June last year after I fitted Dometic roof mounted air conditioning which is just to the rear of the axle.

They are quite expensive, so try to borrow one or form a syndicate with other local caravanners.

 

[Frank_374237154]

I bought one of these and was very disappointed.I find it difficult to get a consistent weight reading for total weight,the worst span I got was 1320kgs (OK) to 1565 kgs (very overweight) over three attempts to establish total weight.

Noseweights are fairly consistent,however mine really wants me to drop nosewheel down onto it to work properly,which means hitching the caravan to car,dropping nosewheel,un-hitching car and so on.

Would swop mine for an ALKO nosewheel with in-built gauge any day.

 

[Rod_5041370]

No Frank,

Off the car and on the steadies, wind the jockey wheel onto the Reich and wind the front steadies up.

For the axles just roll over the Reich, don't try to stop on it.

 

[ProfJohnL]

The method you are suggesting for establishing your nose force is actually inaccurate.

All measurements should be carried out on level ground.

The nose force is determined by the distance from the road wheels to the point of support (i.e. ball hitch or jockey wheel).

As the ball hitch is further away from the main wheels compared to the jockey wheel, the reading will be different. The direction the jockey wheel is pointing will also affect the result for the same reason.

In practice the reading at the jockey wheel will be greater than for the same set up but measured at the hitch, so provided you are within limits at the j/wheel then you will be within limits at the hitch.

However there are two other points other points to consider. The nose force actually changes depending on how high the ball hitch sits, so it is important to measure height above the ground when it is coupled to the car, and then adjust the jockey wheel to give the same height when uncoupled.

A number of contributors have reported that the Alko jockeywheel mounted gauge has given cause for concern over the accuracy/consistency of its results. It is unlikely that any of these or similar consumer gauges will be supplied with a certificate of calibration, and so their ultimate accuracy/consistency is not really established.

 

[Jennifer2]

We have one and find it useful and fairly easy to use