Using the CAT scales

You don't need to drop the TT to get separate weights on the TV and TT. Before I drive onto the scale, I take the WD bars off. Then pull the TV onto the scale so that the TT's front jack is off of the scale. Jack the TT up until it just clears the ball, then TV is all alone. Drop the TT back onto the ball, pull forward until the TV is off of the scale, but so that the TT's jack is still on the scale. Do the same thing lifting the TT off of the ball, then you get TT weight only. I've done this for years with great success. Other places to find weigh stations are recycling centers as they weight trucks before and after they dump. Some are free.

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.

Another option besides CAT scales are local moving, grain companies, or even Rick quarries. I recently took my old TV and TT to a local moving company and since I didn't need certified weight tickets and they were not busy the let me do all the hooking and unhooking I wanted in their parking lot and then charged me nothing for the use of the scales.

I always try to get weights every year or so just to ensure I am within limits.

Quartermoon wrote:
Do you weigh the truck with the weight-distribution hitch on? Or do you consider it part of the trailer weight?

If you are weighing just the TV then no hitch, but it doesn't really matter because after you hook up you will have it on.

Do you weigh the truck with the weight-distribution hitch on? Or do you consider it part of the trailer weight?

For those of you who are worried that you were not in the truck when it was weighed, why don't you just add your weight to the truck weight? What is the big deal? :h

There are also truck scales that unlike the CAT scales 3 platforms have a single long platform. It is best to go inside before you pull up to the scale and discuss with the weigh master what you want to do, usually an axle weigh for each TV axle and for the combined Trailer axles. Also let the weigh master know you don't need a certified weight - it will usually be less expensive.

Once you have the weighmasters instructions, pull around and line up with the scale. The scale I use has a red and a green light, and it will be red so you stop before moving onto the platform. On the green you have to pull the front axle onto the platform slowly and the weighmaster will give you the red when it is in position. Once the front axle weight is taken, you will get a second green, and pull forward until you get a second red - this will position both the front and rear axle of the TV on the platform. Again after the weigh is taken, you will get a 3rd green to slowly pull forward until the trailer axles are on the platform and the TV is clear, when you will get another red. Once the third weigh is done you will get a green to pull forward and clear the scale. Park and go inside to get your weights.

If you want the TV by itself, drop the trailer in the lot and drive back around and do the same thing for the two TV axles.

I've had them do the TV weigh free after I paid for the combined rig weigh, and once they gave me a second combined weigh a week later for free because she remembered that I had recently paid for one. I think it depends on the scale and how busy it happens to be.

REWahoo wrote:
Be aware some truck stops do not allow you to drop your trailer on their lot. Watch for "NO dropped trailers allowed" signs and/or check with the weight clerk first.

Fortunately for me the CAT scales are only about 1 mile from my house. I had the truck loaded, including the Honda 2000i, gasoline for it, and all the other stuff I take in the truck. I weighed it.

Due to the fact I have to back my trailer into my driveway, making a 90 degree turn while doing so, I only take it out when I'm leaving on a trip.

A couple of days after weighing my pickup, we left on a trip, so I stopped by the CAT scales. That was considered my re-weight and only cost a $1.

Ron Gratz wrote:

4x4Bob wrote:
Don't forget to stand on the scale to add you weight to the total.---

Better yet, try to be in the cab whenever weighings are made. This will get your weight properly distributed to the front and rear axles.

Ron

This.

I used one of these scales for the first time a couple weekends ago to weigh my Pathfinder. I had to get out and walk up to the button panel to push it, and then I realized after I picked up the ticket that she weighed when I pushed the button... I was not in the truck or on the scale at all :(

Next time I bring a stick that I can push the button from inside the truck :)

I recently did the CAT scale with a Class C motorhome and toad. True, the call button is a tad high, but a walking cane or long stick works fine. I think I paid $9.00 in FL. The concrete drive is divided by lines (cuts?) in the drive and each axle has to be within that set of lines when you stop. The person at the weigh desk will then tell you it's ready and you pull off, park, go inside and get weight ticket and pay. When I first pull on and call, I tell them private RV. No further info needed. BTW, I was well within weights, which means I can do more $hopping!