CAT scales question

So Bryan, the state scales will take you, assuming it's not backed up?

If I happen to be running along, come up to the state Scales and see it's pretty open, I could go on just like the "Big Boys" and it won't cause a problem?

Also, if the scales are "Closed" and you drive on, is there an automatic ticket/scale reading thing that you an access or it prints out? Without anyone there?
Nice...

fpoole wrote:
So Bryan, the state scales will take you, assuming it's not backed up?

If I happen to be running along, come up to the state Scales and see it's pretty open, I could go on just like the "Big Boys" and it won't cause a problem?

Also, if the scales are "Closed" and you drive on, is there an automatic ticket/scale reading thing that you an access or it prints out? Without anyone there?
Nice...

No. The scales that are open, do not drive in there unless it is an emergency. They will not appreciate your presence and often will demonstrate this to you in a; “Wave off.” (I was affiliated with Port of Entry in my home state, thus my knowing this)

My comment is for CLOSED scales.

Most of these closed scales (around the country) are boarded up or closed and the Digital Scale Displays are often turned off. If they are not, such as in Oregon, you are welcome to drive up and use them. In fact the states encourage this to be done, as it is a way of keeping their residents better informed of their actual weights. It is fun to do with your bicycles, motorcycles and cars too! I have never had any printout at these closed scales. I just write them down and keep a record so as to compare this with previous ones. I use to do this with our race trailers and had weights from the different race cars we would carry for different events, around the country.

b

p.s. The "Big Brother" people will worry there is some nefarious thing going on and those that weigh after hours are being recorded and then contacted later if they are overweight. So use the scales at your own risk! :B

I issue was where the intercom was compared to my window. They didn't wait for me and caught me off the scales one time, and another time, I think they got me on the pad instead of my seat.

Ahhh soo... thanks for clarifying.. heheh...

I'll take a closer look at them, but will just mosey on down to the CAT scales, have one near by and get it that way.

As always B, thanks,

ps. will stick to daylights hrs. heheh...

Here is what I have done. Get the DW to go inside with her cell phone. You can tell her when you are ready to weigh and she can pass the info to the clerk. Most of the speakers are up high for big rigs. If you need to pull up or back up you just tell DW when you want them to weigh again. I also pull off to one side and did mine left and right side only. Again, I just told DW on the phone and she passed the info along that I was ready to be weighed again.

You got most of the info above. The button to talk to the folks in the store is way up high for big rigs. Lucky I'm tall and could reach it.

Usually they can't see you and assume you're in a big rig. Tell you have a pickup and camper. they ask for numbers- trucker stuff. I give my plate number so it goes on the weigh slip and matches it to the truck.

Most of the folks around are friendly so ask if you need to.

The scales have a sensor that tells the attended someone drove up on to it. Get an axel on each scale, then shut off the truck so you can hear...feel free to get out if you need to get nearer the speaker to hear/talk.


Attendant: "First weigh?"
You: "Yes"
Attendant: "Company name?"
You: "Bily Bob's RV"
Attendant: "Truck Number?"
You: "one"
Attendant: "Trailer?"
You: "one"
Attendant: "OK, come inside"

You pull off scale, go drop trailer, come back with just the truck.


Attendant: "First weigh?"
You: "re-weigh"
Attendant: "company"
You: "Billy Bob's RV"
Attendant: "come inside"

Some even have a camera, so if they see it is an RV, they may just tell you they got it, come inside.

Do not be surprised if they seem short & to the point. They are busy dealing with fuel pumps, a convienent store, etc... They are use to dealing with professionals who do not want their time wasted.

Whatever you do, do NOT block the scale. Get on, get off, park out of the way.

fpoole wrote:
Ahhh soo... thanks for clarifying.. heheh...

I'll take a closer look at them, but will just mosey on down to the CAT scales, have one near by and get it that way.

As always B, thanks,

ps. will stick to daylights hrs. heheh...

Your closest WSP scales are on northbound I-5 just before HWY 18. I have always gone when they are closed to get my weights. There will be no print out, but you can photograph the scale to record the numbers for later.

I am curious about how accurate CAT scales are for our relatively light loads.

Look at the 7th entry to this thread. Notice that it is 4500, 3100 and 7600. What a coincidence!

These scales have been designed for heavy trucks. Ever try to weigh a light weight (like 10-15 pounds) on a bathroom scale designed for human beings? Would you bet that the result is very accurate?

On another RV forum, a contributor suggested that a race shop is the place to go since they rely on very close accuracy.

Just throwing it out there.......

SugarHillCTD wrote:
I am curious about how accurate CAT scales are for our relatively light loads.

Look at the 7th entry to this thread. Notice that it is 4500, 3100 and 7600. What a coincidence!

These scales have been designed for heavy trucks. Ever try to weigh a light weight (like 10-15 pounds) on a bathroom scale designed for human beings? Would you bet that the result is very accurate?

On another RV forum, a contributor suggested that a race shop is the place to go since they rely on very close accuracy.

Just throwing it out there.......

These scales are very accurate and checked often by the states weights and standards. This is where revenue is created, weight of loads, so anything involving money will be accurate just by that reason alone.

Longacre Scales Clicky used in race shops are even more accurate. They fit in a suitcase and can be carried to the track. This is how you balance a car to gain Neutral balance. Just by moving the engine back into a firewall provide a great solution when braking and in acceleration. Just like a truck camper's placement in the bed. You don't want to take too much weight off the front axle. This results in less tire patch which is important in cornering and braking events. Or, worse, acceleration when the front wheels come up off the ground.

b