Proper method on the scales

[1BIG44]

When we first purchased our camper a couple of years back I weighed it and the truck at the local stone supplier. This is no longer avaible to me. I was just wondering the proper sequence for obtaining the front and rear axle weights and the pin weight. I'll have to go to a commercial scale and I really don't want to do it wrong, nor do I want to look like a greenhorn. Walk me through it step by step.
Thanks,
Wes

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2001 Quad Cab 4x4 ETH

 

[B.G. Smith]

Most of the busier truck stops now have scales with platforms which weigh the front wheels, the truck drive wheels and the trailer wheels all at one time. You just drive on to the platform ( a light will indicate when you are in the right position)stop until you are weighed (the light will indicate that you are ready to go), pull off the scales and park and go inside and get your weight ticket, it cost me $6. 00 in Pa. last year. You know the drill for weighing oon a single platform scale. bg

 

[Don D]

Just one tip here if you are weighing individual axles.
Each time you stop on the scale be sure to hit neutral if you have an auto trans and take your foot off the brake as soon as you stop. Any axles that are off the scales can pull on the scales a little and mess up your weight reading if you don't release the brakes. Truckers use their trailer brakes to squeek by sometimes. #ad


One other suggestion. I've never seen a feed store, grain elevator or commercial ag chemical plant that didn't have scales. These are always state certified too.
Surely there is one or the other in your area. These guys usually only charge a couple bucks, and it might be better for taking your time and having them walk you through the procedure.

[This message has been edited by Don D (edited 01-20-2001). ]

 

[Cooker]

I second the suggestion of the grain elevator. $2. 00 to get weighed at the elevator in my area.

Ryan

 

[M1A2]

When you do find a scale.....

1. Pull on to it (with camper hooked up) with just your front wheels. This weight will be the front axle weight.

2. Pull the truck on now so you have both front and rear truck tires on the scale. Subtract #1 from #2 and you have the rear axle weight.

#3 Now unhook you fifth wheel and take all weight off the hitch. Subtract #3 from #2 and you will have you hitch weight.

#4 Now pull it all on to detirmine your GCW.

#5 Last step if you don't know the weight of your truck is weight it and subtract from #4 and bingo you know what the trailer weighs "as is" going down the road.

As you can see this might take a while and a little walking depending on where the scales are read. So a truck stop might not be the best place to do this. Takes a little time. And as we all know (some, not all) truck drivers can get annoyed if you slow them down.
Hope this helps.

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1999 FLAME RED 2500 SLT, QC, 4X4 AT, 3. 54 AGATE LEATHER

[This message has been edited by M1A2 (edited 01-20-2001). ]

 

[QRTRHRS]

Ditto on using a scale somewhere other than a truckstop. Local coalyard near me has a state certified scale that is usually always open. Just park out of the way and go in and talk to the operators. Let them know what you want to do and don't be embarrassed to tell them if you never scaled before. If your going to be dropping the trailer, take along some friends to help speed things up.

 

[1BIG44]

Thanks fellas
As usual all the info is very useful. Now just got to find scales other than the interstate truckstop.
Wes

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2001 Quad Cab 4x4 ETH

 

[M1A2]

Another option for scales is to try your local moving company.