CAT scale accuracy

[rbpru]

Does anyone know the accuracy of the CAT scales?

Since the max Semi weight is about 80,000 lbs. One would assume the scales can accommodate about 100,000 lbs.

If the scale is accurate to 1 percent it would mean the Semi weight could be off by +/- 800 lbs. More important my 13,000 rig could be off by +/- 130 lbs. That seems like a significant amount.

I am wondering if anyone knows the advertised accuracy of a CAT scale.

[hohenwald48]

elidodge@msn.com wrote:
I have been busted for 20lbs over before

While towing an RV?

[elidodge]

I have been busted for 20lbs over before

[JIMNLIN]

CAT scales are used by the state size and weights officers when checking for a overloaded vehicle if a state scale house isn't close buy. BTDT when I was on the road.

[hohenwald48]

3oaks wrote:

donn0128 wrote:

bobndot wrote:

Does anyone know the accuracy of the CAT scales?

Probably not ! Unless you are part of the states weights and measures certifiers team that calibrates scales.

Actually the state does not work on scales. They only certify that it is within state mandated specs. Scale technicians would actually work on scales

No, they don't work on the scales. They do check the calibration of the scales to certify them if they are within the prescribed limits or shut them down until they can be recertified. As they with fuel pumps. It is up to the manager or owner to have the scale or pumps repaired and/or adjusted.

Do you know that to be true? I thought that the state only certified scales used in commerce (ie: sale per pound/ounce). Since the CAT scale is not used in commerce I would be surprised if the state inspector has anything to do with it. I know the state doesn't check or certify my bathroom scale.:)

Fuel pumps are used in commerce (ie: sale per gallon)

[rbpru]

Thanks folks, I can live with +/- 20 or even 40 lbs.

Now if I can only increase the Max Cargo. :B

Too many convenience features stealing my Cargo weight; but it sure is nice to drive.;)

[myredracer]

As one truckers website I found says, they are RFA (really f'g accurate).

I once took our truck and TT to 3 different scales on the same day - a grain elevator and 2 commercial truck highway scales. All agreed within 20 lbs. Another time I used a CAT scale and commercial hwy truck scale on the same day and same thing - within 20 lbs. That is RFA! 😉

Where I have found inaccuracy is between the factory UVW and scale weight immediately after picking up our new TT from the dealer - 190 lbs heavier (after factoring in propane tanks and battery). No idea why the difference.

Everything you want to know about scale accuracy and weighing RVs here on Fifth Wheel St.

edit: I see someone already posted the link to FW St.

[3oaks]

donn0128 wrote:

bobndot wrote:

Does anyone know the accuracy of the CAT scales?

Probably not ! Unless you are part of the states weights and measures certifiers team that calibrates scales.

Actually the state does not work on scales. They only certify that it is within state mandated specs. Scale technicians would actually work on scales

No, they don't work on the scales. They do check the calibration of the scales to certify them if they are within the prescribed limits or shut them down until they can be recertified. As they with fuel pumps. It is up to the manager or owner to have the scale or pumps repaired and/or adjusted.

[donn0128]

bobndot wrote:

Does anyone know the accuracy of the CAT scales?

Probably not ! Unless you are part of the states weights and measures certifiers team that calibrates scales.

Actually the state does not work on scales. They only certify that it is within state mandated specs. Scale technicians would actually work on scales

[bobndot]

Does anyone know the accuracy of the CAT scales?

Probably not ! Unless you are part of the states weights and measures certifiers team that calibrates scales.

[Old-Biscuit]

Close enough for government work.....

Definitely close enough to figure if one is WITHIN ratings or OVER WEIGHT

[Second_Chance]

A quick search yielded this information on the topic:

Link

This article concludes an accuracy of +/- 20 lbs for a 10,000 lb load and +/- 40 lbs for a 20,000 lb load for the CAT scales.

In God we trust... all others bring data.

Rob

[gchackett]

I know that their slogan is "weigh what we say or we pay" I do believe that they are really accurate because commercial truck drivers rely on them being that way so they don't get fined for being overweight on the roads. That being said I also know that their weights are rounded to 20 lbs that's as accurate as they can be.

[donn0128]

Heck a few sricks of fire wood could weigh that much. The only way to know for sure is to get several weights over a period of trips at different scales and take an average. BTW DOT scales when closed usually have the scales still on for free weights.

[darsben]

Call them and ask
1.877.CAT.SCALE (1.877.228.7225)