1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Sherline LM 1000 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your new scale. Designed for accuracy and durability, this hydraulic scale helps ensure proper trailer loading for safer towing.
The Sherline LM 1000 is engineered with a simple hydraulic mechanism, eliminating the need for electronics or batteries. Its robust construction from solid billet steel and aluminum ensures long-lasting performance. This scale is designed to measure tongue weights up to 1000 pounds, providing critical data for balancing your trailer.
Image 1.1: The Sherline LM 1000 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale, showing the main body, piston, and attached pressure gauge.
2. Components
The Sherline LM 1000 scale consists of the following primary components:
- Scale Body: The main housing, machined from solid billet steel and aluminum, containing the hydraulic mechanism.
- Piston: The top component that receives the trailer tongue weight, transferring pressure to the hydraulic system.
- Pressure Gauge: A mechanical gauge that displays the measured tongue weight in pounds.
- Screw-on Hitch Extension: An optional extension that can be attached to the piston for increased height, if needed.
3. Setup & Assembly
The Sherline LM 1000 scale is largely pre-assembled. Follow these steps for initial setup:
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
- Gauge Attachment: Ensure the pressure gauge is securely threaded into the port on the side of the scale body. Do not overtighten.
- Hitch Extension (Optional): If additional height is required for your trailer hitch, thread the screw-on hitch extension onto the top of the piston.
Selecting the Correct Gauge Range:
For maximum accuracy, it is recommended to select a gauge that will place your typical measurement in the middle of the gauge's range. While the LM 1000 comes with a 1000 lb gauge, Sherline offers other gauges for different weight ranges.
Image 3.1: Guidelines for selecting the appropriate gauge range and a formula for estimating total trailer weight.
- For tongue weights 0-700 lb, use a gauge that reads to 1000 lb.
- For tongue weights 800-1600 lb, use a gauge that reads to 2000 lb.
- For tongue weights above 1700 lb, use a gauge that reads to 5000 lb.
4. Operation
To accurately measure your trailer's tongue weight, follow these steps:
- Placement: Place the Sherline LM 1000 scale on a firm, level surface directly beneath your trailer's coupler. Ensure the scale is stable and will not tip over.
- Lowering the Trailer: Slowly lower the trailer coupler onto the piston of the scale. Ensure the weight is applied evenly and directly onto the center of the piston.
- Reading the Gauge: Once the full weight of the trailer tongue is resting on the scale, read the measurement displayed on the pressure gauge. The needle will indicate the tongue weight in pounds.
- Lifting the Trailer: After taking the reading, slowly raise the trailer coupler off the scale.
Image 4.1: A close-up view of the Sherline pressure gauge, showing the dial and needle for reading measurements.
Important Considerations:
- Ensure the scale is placed on a surface that can support the full tongue weight without sinking or shifting.
- Always lower and raise the trailer slowly and carefully to prevent damage to the scale or injury.
5. Understanding Readings & Calculations
The Sherline LM 1000 gauge provides a direct reading of your trailer's tongue weight. Understanding this reading and its implications is crucial for safe towing.
Accuracy:
Image 5.1: Information regarding the accuracy of the Sherline gauges.
The gauges used with the Sherline scale have an accuracy within approximately 2% in the middle ranges of their capacity. However, accuracy may decrease to about 3% at extreme low or high readings.
Measuring and Calculating Estimated Total Weight:
When weight is evenly distributed inside the trailer, you can estimate the total trailer weight using the following formula:
Approximate weight = Tongue weight / 0.15
This formula assumes that the tongue weight should ideally be around 15% of the total trailer weight for optimal towing stability.
6. Care & Storage
Proper care and storage will extend the life and maintain the accuracy of your Sherline LM 1000 scale.
- Cleaning: Wipe the scale clean with a soft, dry cloth after each use. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Storage Position: Do not store your scale on its side. Store it upright in a stable position to prevent internal damage.
- Temperature: Do not store the scale in temperatures under 32° F (0°C). Extreme cold can affect the hydraulic fluid and gauge accuracy.
- Protection: Store the scale in a protective case or its original packaging to shield it from dust, dirt, and physical impact.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Sherline LM 1000 scale, consider the following:
- Inaccurate Readings: Ensure the scale is on a level, firm surface. Verify that the trailer coupler is centered on the piston. Readings at the very low or high end of the gauge's range may have slightly reduced accuracy (up to 3% deviation).
- Gauge Not Returning to Zero: It is normal for the gauge needle to not return precisely to zero when no load is applied. This does not affect the accuracy of measurements under load.
- Piston Movement: The piston is designed to move as pressure is applied. Do not attempt to pull the piston to 'correct' the gauge reading. This action will not reset the gauge and may cause damage.
Image 7.1: A warning image illustrating that the scale should not be lifted by the piston, and that pulling the piston will not correct the gauge reading.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sherline |
| Model Number | LM1000 |
| Display Type | Gauge |
| Weight Limit | 1000 Pounds |
| Form Factor | Handheld |
| Material | Aluminum, Billet Steel |
| Readout Accuracy | +/- 1% of full scale (typical), +/- 2% in middle ranges, +/- 3% at extremes |
| Item Weight | 4.24 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 11 x 7 x 7 inches |
| Manufacturer | Sherline |
| Country of Origin | Made in the USA |
9. Warranty Information
The Sherline LM 1000 Trailer Tongue Weight Scale comes with a 1 Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Please note that certain items may be exempt from this warranty. For specific details regarding warranty coverage and claims, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact Sherline customer support.
10. Customer Support
For technical assistance, questions about your Sherline LM 1000 scale, or to purchase additional gauges or replacement parts, please contact Sherline directly.
- Phone: 800-621-8334 (for purchasing additional gauges)
- Online: Visit the Sherline Store on Amazon for more product information and support resources.
It is easy to swap between gauges if you purchase an additional one for different weight ranges.
11. Safety Information
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Image 11.1: California Proposition 65 warning regarding chemical exposure.
Always exercise caution when working with heavy trailers and equipment. Ensure the area is clear of obstructions and bystanders before lowering or raising a trailer onto the scale.