valhalla360 wrote:
Substantially cheaper re-weighs is a function of why truckers use their scales. They may need to redistribute the load to get all the axle groups within the legal limits (overload tickets start in the 4 figure range). So if they miss on the first pass, they go adjust the load and then re-weigh until they get within limits. CAT has a guarantee that they will assist in the court case if you get a ticket after using their services.
I think you have the order wrong. (I know you are wrong on the price of overload fines. I have paid more than a few in the '4 figure range, but most where a few hundred) The cheap re-weigh is a plus, and I have often used it. (Company rig, 1 load took 12 re-weighs the first time we moved 1 load) With my tractor and trailer I could tell within a 100 lbs what was on each pair of axles by looking at the pressure gauges on suspension. But 1 fight because of state scales off convinced me go across the Cat, or go around the state, if close.
I suppose, if you drive a short wheel base SUV towing a 15ft travel trailer, you might run into spacing problems getting the load spread over 3 platforms laid out for commercial trucks but full size trucks towing 25ft+ trailers won't typically be an issue. Worst case pull over and look at the scale before using it if you aren't sure.
Short bed, reg cab pickup pulling a 12 ft pop-up, I had to stop as soon as steer was on front platform to keep trailer on the right one. One issue, if nobody uses the scale for a while it will shut off, and none of my axles where heavy enough to turn it on. Operator had me pull up so I had 2 on front, then back into position.
Most places that buy/sell bulk by truckload will have a scale. And most would be willing to "weigh" your RV. But if you watch them certified, there is a expectation the truck will be near center of scale when weighed. When you are checking axles, you are working at the end. I have pulled steer on, then tag, drives, trailer to get gross, then dropped axles off 1 at a time and the numbers always said different end to end. If stop with only front axle on, scale reads 19,500, pull whole rig on, get a gross of 130,000 then pull the front off scale reads 109,000 how much does the front axle weigh? Now a RV will never get into this kind of numbers, but if they don't match you can't know any more than just a guess.