Using the CAT scales
I am always a bit intimidated to use these scales so I have never been on one. Do they charge you? Do the truckers look at you and laugh? It is not important or required that I weigh my set up, just c...
Forum Discussion
First of all, don't be intimidated. It's a bit unnerving the first time, but it's really no big deal. Trust me. :)
To get all the important numbers you want to see, you need to make three passes. Yes, one is sufficient to know if you are actually over on any of your individual axle weights or the GCWR, but for an extra $2 for two re-weighs and a few more minutes, you can determine the actual tongue weight of the trailer and see how effectively (or not) the WDH is shifting the tongue weight back off the rear axle, and whether or not the front axle weight is back where it needs to be.
As for the mechanics, others have already discussed axle placement and the elusive call button trick. I stand on the door sill of the truck and can just barely reach the button with my hand, so that's what works for me.
First pass: WDH engaged. Hit the button, and when they ask for the truck number tell them your plate if you want, or 'personal RV' or 'personal vehicle' or 'camper' or whatever you want... THey don't care... it's just so they can get you the right ticket if they're busy. Once they tell you to pull around, pull off the scale, park (not blocking a pump) and go pay for the first pass. Note the 4-digit 'Weight Number' on the ticket. You'll need this later...
Second pass: Remove the WDH spring bars. If you have an EXTREMELY high tongue weight, you may want to do this right on the scale to avoid driving around with an overloaded tongue. Personally, I just remove the bars and place them at the back of the truck bed, then pull back around to the scale. I figure a hundred yards at idle shouldn't be too much for the truck or hitch to handle. It's not like I'm hauling it down a 2-track to get to the scale!
But I digress.... Pull back around with the bars disengaged, then hit the button again, making sure to stand in the same place as the first pass. WHen they ask for the truck number, tell them it's a "re-weigh of {the weight number you noted after the first pass}. Pull around and pay for the second pass. At this time, tell them that you need to drop the trailer to get a truck weight alone, and let them tell you where to put the trailer. If you just drop the trailer unexpectedly, they may come running to tell you not to. (It's happened to me). THey may even suggest a good spot for it like they did the last time I did it. (right out front, easy to get to)
Pass three: Truck alone. Again, pull up to the same spot, hit the button, give them the same re-weigh number as the second pass, go in and pay. Don't forget to pick up the trailer before you head home. :P
From those three sets of numbers, you can calculate the actual tongue weight of the trailer, GVW of the trailer, and see how the WDH is (or isn't) redistributing the tongue weight among the axles. If you need help crunching the numbers, post them here and we'll give you a hand. I can also shoot you an Excel file I created a couple months ago where you can enter the numbers and see the values for yourself. Just PM me your email and I'll send it over.
Good luck! For the $11 and a couple hours of time, it's SO worth the peace of mind to KNOW the actual numbers, not guesstimate them.
To get all the important numbers you want to see, you need to make three passes. Yes, one is sufficient to know if you are actually over on any of your individual axle weights or the GCWR, but for an extra $2 for two re-weighs and a few more minutes, you can determine the actual tongue weight of the trailer and see how effectively (or not) the WDH is shifting the tongue weight back off the rear axle, and whether or not the front axle weight is back where it needs to be.
As for the mechanics, others have already discussed axle placement and the elusive call button trick. I stand on the door sill of the truck and can just barely reach the button with my hand, so that's what works for me.
First pass: WDH engaged. Hit the button, and when they ask for the truck number tell them your plate if you want, or 'personal RV' or 'personal vehicle' or 'camper' or whatever you want... THey don't care... it's just so they can get you the right ticket if they're busy. Once they tell you to pull around, pull off the scale, park (not blocking a pump) and go pay for the first pass. Note the 4-digit 'Weight Number' on the ticket. You'll need this later...
Second pass: Remove the WDH spring bars. If you have an EXTREMELY high tongue weight, you may want to do this right on the scale to avoid driving around with an overloaded tongue. Personally, I just remove the bars and place them at the back of the truck bed, then pull back around to the scale. I figure a hundred yards at idle shouldn't be too much for the truck or hitch to handle. It's not like I'm hauling it down a 2-track to get to the scale!
But I digress.... Pull back around with the bars disengaged, then hit the button again, making sure to stand in the same place as the first pass. WHen they ask for the truck number, tell them it's a "re-weigh of {the weight number you noted after the first pass}. Pull around and pay for the second pass. At this time, tell them that you need to drop the trailer to get a truck weight alone, and let them tell you where to put the trailer. If you just drop the trailer unexpectedly, they may come running to tell you not to. (It's happened to me). THey may even suggest a good spot for it like they did the last time I did it. (right out front, easy to get to)
Pass three: Truck alone. Again, pull up to the same spot, hit the button, give them the same re-weigh number as the second pass, go in and pay. Don't forget to pick up the trailer before you head home. :P
From those three sets of numbers, you can calculate the actual tongue weight of the trailer, GVW of the trailer, and see how the WDH is (or isn't) redistributing the tongue weight among the axles. If you need help crunching the numbers, post them here and we'll give you a hand. I can also shoot you an Excel file I created a couple months ago where you can enter the numbers and see the values for yourself. Just PM me your email and I'll send it over.
Good luck! For the $11 and a couple hours of time, it's SO worth the peace of mind to KNOW the actual numbers, not guesstimate them.
