How accurate are the truck scales.

There's a lot more to it but below are some numbers. It's pretty darn accurate (assuming the scale is in spec and calibrated properly)

CAT Scale
(Digital) Fairbanks Scales
Capacity: 200,000 pounds, Division: 20 pounds

Accuracy: HB 44, Class III L
±20 lb (2,500 lb)
±20 lb (10,000 lb)
±40 lb (20,000 lb)

Just my opinion...At work with truck scales the lighter the load the more the scale was off percentage wise.

Went to outside vender and somewhat better but still off. Outside vender put in an upgraded Fairbanks Morse scale (not whole scale just sensors and computer part) and then we could actually walk on the scale and see difference of before and after lunch!

Long story short, depends on the scale and who and how its maintained.

Keeps your scale ticket and hit up another scale to calibrate.

Or use the bathroom scale method (my scale good up to 300 pounds works for me)

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx

Old rv net post, second or third post down. Make sure RV tires are chocked!

http://www.rv.net/forum/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/17951479.cfm

My guess after lots of State scale use would be within 40 lbs. If the tires are fully on the scales they will be close. Either side to side or front to rear.

Accurate enough for government ---------ie: DOT
CAT Scales guarantee weigh results so much so they will appear in court for commercial truckers

Front axle on one platform.......rear axle on other platform. Position on platform has no affect.

Front axle on truck will weigh more than unladen rear axle of truck.

I believe all scales used for commercial purposes have to be certified by the state they're in so they should be pretty close.

Bill

I have always wondered about the CAT scales too. The receipt says that if you are fined for being overweight within a certain time of your CAT scale weight, they will help represent you in court.

So I always wonder if the scales might be reading a little on the heavy side. So a 79,850 pound truck might read out 79,900 so that CAT will not have to represent so many in court. . . Just a thought, no reason for it.

At least you have a basic idea of the weight of your truck. That is much better than the other 75% who have no clue! Or they think they are doing just fine, even when they should be concerned that they are over the limit a bit. Some say "I installed air bags, so I can carry 12,000 pounds because I am not to much over my tire weight rating, I will be fine!

Good luck!

Fred.