CAT scales question

[delosholly]

Would someone please let me know what to expect when I go to a CAT scale to weigh my rig. How much do they charge? Will that charge apply to each axle?, for the complete session to include front axle, rear axle, whole rig, cargo trailer axle?

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks
Del

[JnJnKatiebug]

Here is what I have done. Get the DW to go inside with her cell phone. You can tell her when you are ready to weigh and she can pass the info to the clerk. Most of the speakers are up high for big rigs. If you need to pull up or back up you just tell DW when you want them to weigh again. I also pull off to one side and did mine left and right side only. Again, I just told DW on the phone and she passed the info along that I was ready to be weighed again.

[fpoole]

Ahhh soo... thanks for clarifying.. heheh...

I'll take a closer look at them, but will just mosey on down to the CAT scales, have one near by and get it that way.

As always B, thanks,

ps. will stick to daylights hrs. heheh...

[ChooChooMan74]

I issue was where the intercom was compared to my window. They didn't wait for me and caught me off the scales one time, and another time, I think they got me on the pad instead of my seat.

[bka0721]

fpoole wrote:
So Bryan, the state scales will take you, assuming it's not backed up?

If I happen to be running along, come up to the state Scales and see it's pretty open, I could go on just like the "Big Boys" and it won't cause a problem?

Also, if the scales are "Closed" and you drive on, is there an automatic ticket/scale reading thing that you an access or it prints out? Without anyone there?
Nice...

No. The scales that are open, do not drive in there unless it is an emergency. They will not appreciate your presence and often will demonstrate this to you in a; “Wave off.” (I was affiliated with Port of Entry in my home state, thus my knowing this)

My comment is for CLOSED scales.

Most of these closed scales (around the country) are boarded up or closed and the Digital Scale Displays are often turned off. If they are not, such as in Oregon, you are welcome to drive up and use them. In fact the states encourage this to be done, as it is a way of keeping their residents better informed of their actual weights. It is fun to do with your bicycles, motorcycles and cars too! I have never had any printout at these closed scales. I just write them down and keep a record so as to compare this with previous ones. I use to do this with our race trailers and had weights from the different race cars we would carry for different events, around the country.

b

p.s. The "Big Brother" people will worry there is some nefarious thing going on and those that weigh after hours are being recorded and then contacted later if they are overweight. So use the scales at your own risk! :B

[fpoole]

So Bryan, the state scales will take you, assuming it's not backed up?

If I happen to be running along, come up to the state Scales and see it's pretty open, I could go on just like the "Big Boys" and it won't cause a problem?

Also, if the scales are "Closed" and you drive on, is there an automatic ticket/scale reading thing that you an access or it prints out? Without anyone there?
Nice...

[bka0721]

fpoole wrote:
... so I'm guessing here, but trying to get the "Trailer", 7x20' might be a problem? in trying to get a truck camper on all three at the same time?

Maybe not according to the diagramsaccording to the diagrams

Yes. There might be an issue at the "Truck Scales" as the pads are set for semi trucks and trailers. Steer ~ Drive ~ Trailer. As you might imagine there is a considerable distance for the Steer/Drive/Trailer pads. If you coordinate with the Operator (speaker/counter) when you pull forward they can grab the back set of axles and record it for you and have it ready when you go in and get your printed copy. My rig is 48' long so I don't have an issue with getting the split for my rig at one time. But the shorter rigs might need to do as stated before.

b

[bka0721]

One of the nice things, is that Oregon often has their scales closed, but still open (some other states do this too). When I come across these, I often will make a quick stop or U Turn to go back and weigh. Its free! I like that too. Most truck atlases have these listed where they are.

When I have the time and no one waiting, I have actually split my trailer off and weighed the tongue weight and axles separately. As well as my motorcycle, with me on and off it. Talk about; "a bit of a surprise" with my own personal weight!

Free Places I remember;

Lakeview, OR ~ (US Highway 395)
Marcola, OR~ (State Highway 126)
Sisters, OR ~ (State Highway 126)
Springfield/Marcola, OR. ~ (State Highway 126)
Ashland, OR ~ (State Highway 99)

[delosholly]

Wow, what fast replies and great advice. I never even thought there would be more than one pad to drive up on. I think, weather permitting, we will do this tomorrow.

Again, thanks for the replies.

[fpoole]

... so I'm guessing here, but trying to get the "Trailer", 7x20' might be a problem? in trying to get a truck camper on all three at the same time?

Maybe not according to the diagramsaccording to the diagrams

[tad94564]

The local cat scale (near the Port of Oakland) charges based on whether it's certified or not. The certified weights are for the State scales.. if they disagree, and the trucker gets a ticket because he belived he was under-weight from the Cat scale, they pay for the ticket.

There is also 3 pads, not 2. One for the front axle, one for the rear axle, and a 3rd pad for trailer. Just make sure your front axle is on the frond pad, the rear axle on the middle pad, and the trailer (if there is one) on the rear pad.

The form they will give you looks like this:

[fpoole]

Interesting, thanks, and I assume if you have a trailer it'd go on #3 or move to a clear one...

Don't suppose they have a Tongue/hitch ball weight device? you could use off on the side?

I've seen those single hydraulic jack look-a-likes, but don't want to spend the some $100+ just to weigh the tongue weight..


(so many fast typers, whatever happened to the "Hunt & Peck" system of typing, heheh)

[bka0721]

When you get to the scale you can always go in first and talk to the person behind the counter to ask any questions too. Everyone has a first time, don't feel uncomfortable in doing this. Plus, look for the concrete sections as you drive up on them. Split your front axle onto one of these sections and your rear axle on the second axle. If you are pulling a trailer, you can have that weighed separately too. Just coordinate that with the person controlling the scales (at desk or through the speaker)

It is good to weigh your truck without the camper too. That way you might compare the difference with the loaded (full of fuel, propane and water is preferred)

Be prepared to be a bit surprised what the total really comes to, compared to what you might have estimated.

But, for us here, report back what your weights are!

b


(Looks like Downtheroad is a faster typer than me! :B, but still the same message from both of us)

[downtheroad]

Varies: $8-$12 for a complete weigh..regardless of number of axles.
Usually $2 for a re-weigh.

For a truck camper..load up trip ready. Put front axle on scale pad #1 and rear wheels on scale pad #2. (there are 2 pads).

They are usually really friendly and if you go inside and play "dumb" they will guide you through the process. I go some time when there isn't a long line of commercial trucks waiting in line.

[Mfan]

$10.50 . Pull up on scale. Talk into speaker. It will give you 3 weights. Go inside and pay. If you want to re weigh it's $2.00.

[fpoole]

Yep, curious too..
Just heard of the CAT scalesCAT scales a few weeks ago

Standing by...