Using Closed Truck Weigh Station?

In NY, I think the DOT uses portable scales at the weigh stations to save money.

At least I have never been able to identify a permanent scale pad at a weigh station. The pavement is solid straight through.

I too am over the sticker GVWR, but I have yet to exceed the highest rating my frame received which is 12,200. RAWR is exceeded, but in I no longer run the OEM wheels and tires.

The day this photo was taken I was:

FAW: 4760
RAW: 7140
GVW: 11860
TAW: 8000
GCW: 19860

The GVW and front + rear are always slightly off, just how the scales work.

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

I have in Oregon, pulled in to a closed weigh station (intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 26 East bound on a Sunday).
Weighed the three axles, then pulled over below the display, dropped the 5er, so I could weigh the TV to come up with my pin weight. This weigh station is large, no issue, backed the TV outside the scale plates, then drove forward to get unloaded axle weights.

I watch my weights. I am over the VIN GVWR, but the VIN sticker is not for a Camper Special package. GVWR = 8,800#
Front GAWR =5,200#
Rear GAWR = 6,084# ( based on base 245 tires not the 265's in the camper package.
I weight somewhere between 8,800# and 11,284# with less than 6,084# on the rear axle. :B

Total GCVW is between 19,000# to 19,500# and I can hold 65 on the interstate in 5th (OD), hills or flats! :B

ktmrfs wrote:

Ron3rd wrote:
Probably a dumb question, but do those types of scales work like the CAT scales where you can get individual axle weights including the axles on the trailer?

every one I have used is Yes. most are a platform, so you can usually get two axles on at a time or individual axles. or by moving far enough right/left get individual tire loads.

I usually drive front axle on, write down weight, drive forward with both TV axles on write down weight, drive forward for just trailer axle/axles and repeat. that gives all the info needed to calculate each axle weight.

This is what I've done at closed weight stations. The scale is left "on" or operating, and I just drove on. I had to stay to the left to weight just one side of the axle.

I have checked the weight of my RV and dune buggy in Oregon.

California has a different sign, it says "Weight station closed, DO not enter"

Oregon does not have do not enter signs, and normally the weight meter is left on. I guess that logging trucks will use that weight to determine how many board feet of lumber they have on board?

Anyway the last time I checked my motorhome weight the scale was open in Wilderville OR. I stopped short of the scale about 50' and then walked up to the attendant, asked if I could check my weight. He only said I needed to hurry, because if a truck showed up, I could not delay it. So I pulled across the scale, checked everything and wrote down the numbers as I went. Figured everything else out later.

Fred.

Ron3rd wrote:
Probably a dumb question, but do those types of scales work like the CAT scales where you can get individual axle weights including the axles on the trailer?

every one I have used is Yes. most are a platform, so you can usually get two axles on at a time or individual axles. or by moving far enough right/left get individual tire loads.

I usually drive front axle on, write down weight, drive forward with both TV axles on write down weight, drive forward for just trailer axle/axles and repeat. that gives all the info needed to calculate each axle weight.

Tried this in Mississipi a few weeks ago. Scales were shut down with just a green signal light left on indicating drive through.

samandtheduck wrote:
I am in Canada and our province leaves the scales on when the station is closed so the public can use it. I have weighed my unit hooked up and then unhooked and weighed trailer and then the truck. I even weighed side to side and each tire.
Brian

x2 here in Ontario all the time. If they are staffed MOT staff have also been known to come out and help spot you.

As others have said DOT leaves them turned on for people to use. I have used scales in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Ron3rd wrote:
Probably a dumb question, but do those types of scales work like the CAT scales where you can get individual axle weights including the axles on the trailer?

You can weigh it how you want to, but there is no printout so have pen and paper handy.

Probably a dumb question, but do those types of scales work like the CAT scales where you can get individual axle weights including the axles on the trailer?