CAT Scale Alternative

[flintsters]

I am quite confident that we are well under our cargo limits, but I am feeling like I need to get some numbers for my own peace of mind. I am specifically wondering if we have enough tongue weight since we often experience bounce when towing. The issue is that when I look online for CAT scales around me (Vermont) I don't see any within several hours from here. What are some alternatives to get the weight numbers that I need?

[hoppers4]

I don't know about Vermont but Washington and Oregon highway truck scales can be used by the public providing they're closed to truck traffic. They leave the scales on all the time and it's just a matter of pulling into the weigh station and weighing whatever you want to weigh. I find it pretty easy to measure all four corners of my MH using these scales.

[DanNJanice]

Originally Posted by hoppers4

I don't know about Vermont but Washington and Oregon highway truck scales can be used by the public providing they're closed to truck traffic. They leave the scales on all the time and it's just a matter of pulling into the weigh station and weighing whatever you want to weigh. I find it pretty easy to measure all four corners of my MH using these scales.

^^^ What he said. We have used logging scales a couple of time here in Oregon. I would think Vermont might have some as well. Maybe stop by the Forest Service office and see if they know anything.

[norty1]

It may take a little phone time and leg work to find and establish a relationship with a trucking firm or state agency that has a scale that will do the job.

It may not be as legal as the CAT scales but it should suffice for your needs.

[Tunce the traveler]

Never use a scrap yard scale because there's nails all over the place.

[Marcm157]

Public landfills are also a good resource. They all have scales for weighing refuse trucks that come in. Only difference in these proposed alternatives is there will likely be only one actual scale platform so you'd have to modify how you weighed your TV / Trailer combo.

[Sundancer330]

Or look for a landscape supply company, the larger ones have scales used to weigh contractors trucks after materials are loaded. One near me only charged $5 for as many passes over the scales as I needed. You can also google for state certified scales in Vermont, people use these to get weights for title purposes.

[need-a-vacation]

If you find one of the mentioned single "pad" scales, to be able to figure all your weights you will need multiple passes of each set up.

With tt and wdh hooked up:
1- TV FA
2- TV FA & Ra
3- TV & TT axles

With tt hooked up, but wd bars unhooked:
1- TV FA
2- TV FA & Ra
3- TV & TT axles

TV only:
1- TV FA
2- TV, both axles

You will be able to figure your tt tw this way, and know if your wdh is adjusted correctly or not, plus know all the axle weights.

Post back with the weights if you need help figuring them out.

Good luck!!!

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by need-a-vacation

If you find one of the mentioned single "pad" scales, to be able to figure all your weights you will need multiple passes of each set up.

With tt and wdh hooked up:
1- TV FA
2- TV FA & Ra
3- TV & TT axles

With tt hooked up, but wd bars unhooked:
1- TV FA
2- TV FA & Ra
3- TV & TT axles

TV only:
1- TV FA
2- TV, both axles

You will be able to figure your tt tw this way, and know if your wdh is adjusted correctly or not, plus know all the axle weights.

Post back with the weights if you need help figuring them out.

Good luck!!!

Thank you Sir! - I knew there was a way to get it done just haven't had enough coffee yet to see it clearly in my head...

[Hohenwald48]

If you're Donald Trump or Warren Buffet you can get one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Scales-...ds=truck+scale

[need-a-vacation]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

Thank you Sir! - I knew there was a way to get it done just haven't had enough coffee yet to see it clearly in my head...

YW!!! It's a little more time consuming weighing one axle at a time, but it all works out the same way!!! Lol

[flintsters]

Thanks for the ideas and directions for how to go about the weigh-in. There is a state weigh station about 40 minutes away, but as I'm thinking about it I am pretty sure I have seen some scales at some local farms that they might be willing to let me use for a nominal fee. I won't be able to do it for a while since it is all under cover and winterized but I find it helps ease the pain from the cold when thinking about summer camping. I will undoubtedly be posting the results to help understand what everything means.

[bearcat77]

Anybody ever try this method?

http://hildstrom.com/projects/tongue...nguescale2.jpg


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[Hohenwald48]

Originally Posted by bearcat77

Anybody ever try this method?

http://hildstrom.com/projects/tongue...nguescale2.jpg


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That works good for tongue weight as long as you are on a good level surface and measure carefully. However, I've never seen an alternative method for weighing the axles. I suppose you could use something like this and weigh each wheel. Don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

[bap]

Originally Posted by flintsters

I am quite confident that we are well under our cargo limits, but I am feeling like I need to get some numbers for my own peace of mind. I am specifically wondering if we have enough tongue weight since we often experience bounce when towing. The issue is that when I look online for CAT scales around me (Vermont) I don't see any within several hours from here. What are some alternatives to get the weight numbers that I need?

I don't know where in VT you are, but there is a CAT scale at the truck stop off from exit 7 on I-91 at the junction of route 11 and route 5. I have used it before. It is right next to the State highway garage across from the Holiday Inn. Another place to look for scales is a local gravel and sand pit.

[On The Lam]

I use the one at my local feed mill. Also, it's probably best to call ahead and find out what times are best to avoid any issues with their "regular business use".