CAT Scale Question

[kemer]

I realize the importance of knowing your weights and limits. We recently got a Winnebago class A and were within limits. But now I'd like to check again. I've never been to a CAT scale station. How does one go about getting weighed? I don't want to pull in and look like an idiot, not knowing what steps are needed to get weighed. I know you can do individual tires(all 4 corners), front axle or rear axle, etc....How much does it cost to weigh? I imagine it varies.

THANKS

[Executive45]

We Cant Wait wrote:

DownTheAvenue wrote:

kemer wrote:
I know you can do individual tires(all 4 corners),

No you can't. You will get axle weights listed as steer, drive, and trailer. With a motorhome, you drive until the front axle is on the first scale and the rear is on the second.

DownTheAvenue; YES you can get 4 corner weights if you use the procedure I described above because I've done it before.

Like most everything...it depends...the CAT scales at Pilot/FlyingJ stations are elevated making it impossible to four corner weigh. Only if the scale is ground level can you follow that procedure. Also, that procedure is iffy at best as any deviation in ground level will skew the results......Dennis

[We_Cant_Wait]

DownTheAvenue wrote:

kemer wrote:
I know you can do individual tires(all 4 corners),

No you can't. You will get axle weights listed as steer, drive, and trailer. With a motorhome, you drive until the front axle is on the first scale and the rear is on the second.

DownTheAvenue; YES you can get 4 corner weights if you use the procedure I described above because I've done it before.

[mpierce]

DownTheAvenue wrote:

kemer wrote:
I know you can do individual tires(all 4 corners),

No you can't. You will get axle weights listed as steer, drive, and trailer. With a motorhome, you drive until the front axle is on the first scale and the rear is on the second.

Not on one weigh, but can, on most, with multiple weighs.

[DownTheAvenue]

kemer wrote:
I know you can do individual tires(all 4 corners),

No you can't. You will get axle weights listed as steer, drive, and trailer. With a motorhome, you drive until the front axle is on the first scale and the rear is on the second.

[We_Cant_Wait]

Most CAT scales are also set up with a flat apron on each side that will permit you to pull onto the scale with one side of your RV tires OFF the scale and on this apron area, and the other side of the axles on the weigh platforms, this will allow you to get an individual weight for each tire when you do a reweigh for the whole coach and then do the math. When you do this be advised that 1) you might have to stop well before the intercom box due to the location of their overhead sign support poles so make sure each axle is on a separate platform, 2) the clerk inside is likely to question you saying that you're not on the scale correctly, just tell them you're getting a 4 corner weigh and will do a "reweigh" after this weigh with the RV correctly on the scale. In the 1st weigh you WILL have to get out of the coach and go up to the intercom to talk to the clerk.

[Executive45]

And you get those nifty trading cards....:B.

Steer axle goes on the first scale
Drive axle goes on the second scale
Tag axle goes on the third......Dennis

[dewey02]

I just visited the local CAT scale for the first time last week.
It is very easy and they are very kind and helpful.
Went in and told them I wanted to weigh my TV/TT combination a total of 3 times and that I'd never done it before.

• They said go out and weigh the first time and then come in and pay ($10 for first weigh)
• Got to scale, put one TV front axle on first scale, TV rear axle on 2nd scale and both TT axles on 3rd scale
• Pushed call button - they came on speaker and recorded weights
• They said come in and get weigh receipt
• Got receipt and they said to go to scale and weigh again, this time disconnecting WD bars
• Same procedure, then return to store to pay $2 for second weigh
• Told them I was heading to campground to drop trailer and would be back to just weigh tow vehicle
• Returned 4 hours later and went to store
• paid them another $2 and went to scale
• You must give them your scale sheet # (on your first weigh sheet) to get the $2 charge for your 2nd and 3rd weighs
• Easy-peasy

Interpreting all the scale numbers...that's the harder part.

[Tom_N]

You'll receive a printout as seen below.

[J-Rooster]

Go to your local Cat Scale and get out and asked them what they would prefer you to do. Glad to hear that your within limits! I bought Winnebagos top of the line gas coach new in 2004, put my stuff inside the new coach, filled the water tank, propane tank and the fuel tank. I then drove to the nearest scale to weigh and I was overweight! I've never been on a scale since and that was 12 years ago!

[Kayteg1]

In California finding unmanned DOT scales with working display is impossible.
One time I pulled motorhome on the empty scales and went inside to check the weight.
I was refused "for liability reasons"
Than in our county we do have County Quary with scales, that do weighting in the afternoon when business is slower.
Unless you need certificate, the weight is free.
Check with local DMV as they send vehicles to local scales.

[Jim]

If your state is like many, the truck scales alongside the freeway are often unmanned. BUT...they leave the scale turned on. This is a courtesy to citizens who need to weigh their vehicles.

And many times, these scales are accessible in such a way that you can weigh all four corners of your RV.

And it's free.

[boogie_4wheel]

For my local CAT Scale:
1. Pull on to the scale in the correct direction (signs posted). Stop with your front axle on the first pad, and your rear axle on the middle pad. You will have nothing on the third pad unless you are pulling a trailer.
2. If you cannot reach, get out and then push the call button. It will be positioned so that it can be reached by the cab of a semi.
3. The attendant will ask for your truck number. Just say "private", or give them a number, it doesn't matter. This is just to identify the semi being weighed. Ever notice the numbers on the hood of semis?
4. The attendant will tell you that you are good, and you can pull off and go park. Walk inside to the counter and get your weight slip for your number/private, and pay.

Weights will be displayed by axle (Steer, Drive, Trailer).

You may benefit at taking a quick walk by the scale to see the 3 pads so that you know when to stop, but the front of your rig will be near the exit end of the scale.

[mccsix]

Local cat scale here charges $10. You go inside tell them what you want and follow their instr. Typically you can only weigh an axle at a time and they will be directing while you're on the scale to move forward, finish, come in & pay.
Best results include first loading everything gas water clothes etc then weigh.

[lakebum]

You can always go in and tell the attendant that you wan tot weigh your RV, they can give you instructions.

In the past, I always topped off my fuel tank at the scales before weighing had, full fresh water and empty gray/black tanks.

I don't think it cost much, it has been a while since I weighed.