Scale question

[gus]

I've read the thread about going to a CAT scale which from understanding has three separate scales. I don't have one near me. My question is can it be done on one scale? There is a sawmill a mile from where I live and they will let me weigh there if I want.

[NC Roamer]

The sawmill scale will only give you the total weight of the rig. A CAT scale will weigh the axles separately which is much better. The best is a scale that will provide the weights at each wheel, but CAT scales are not set up for that.

Will the sawmill allow you to weigh with only the front axle on their scale and then the rear axle separately?

[RedHorse1]

I think you can get enough data by performing several weighs. TV alone, both, front and rear. TV and TT, total rig, front and TT. The latter set should be done twice, with and without the WDH bars engaged. The missing weight would be the hitched rear axle which can be calculated (total rig - TT weight - front axle while hitched).

[gus]

Originally Posted by NC Roamer

The sawmill scale will only give you the total weight of the rig. A CAT scale will weigh the axles separately which is much better. The best is a scale that will provide the weights at each wheel, but CAT scales are not set up for that.

Will the sawmill allow you to weigh with only the front axle on their scale and then the rear axle separately?

Yes, they will let me do whatever I need.

[Rustysocket]

You can get every thing you need from the sawmill scale. It just takes some time moving back and forth, hooking and unhooking, positioning the various axles on the scale. If you have free access to it just take your time and do that.


A race shop / track will be setup with corner balance scales but I really think that's overkill, especially since theres not a lot you can adjust to change anything on a RV.


Redhorse pretty much told you what you need. Draw a diagram so you know how your going to position your rig on the scale to get the numbers. It's easier if you have a plan ahead of time rather than trying to keep it all in your head.

[Stingray75]

The sawmill scale may not be accurate. I scaled at a recycling center just for kicks once and my 2500 tipped the scale @ 8700 pounds! (It's real weight was only 7150). They only need to know the difference between empty and full so being accurate wasn't a necessity. I guess that's why certified CAT scales exist.