Forum Discussion

Wanderin_fool's avatar
Jan 11, 2014

Proper weighing of rig

I have read many posts where folks weigh front and rear axles seperate. My scales here only allow total weight. My truck weighs 6400 empty (2500 extra cab S/B). The Lance loaded weighs 3000.
How much the same if any are my numbers vs. seperate front and rear weights? Thanks! Frank
  • Can't you put the front axle on the scale, get a weight, then pull forward and weigh both axles? Subtracting the front weight from the total will give you the rear weight.
    I take it you're saying the whole rig weighs 9,400. You're only 200 pounds over your GVWR, not bad. I would be very surprised if you're over your rear axle weight in that situation.
  • Truck scale. You pull up front axel weigh. Than pull forward get total weigh. Than pull up and weigh rear axel. Was how we did it at the feed store.
  • My question is, are the 2 ways of weighing any different other than determining the different axle weights? Do both methods equal the same total weight?
  • Yes the total weight is the same whether you measure one axle at a time and add them together or just put both axles on together for a total. The only weigh I could see it being different is if the ground leading up to or away from the scale was higher or lower than the scale itself. In this case I would imaging the weight could transfer onto or off of an individual axle differently based on which axle was higher or lower at the time of measurement.

    All the scales I have been on have been flat so my individual axles always add to the same total.

    One of my most recent checks was

    Front 5050
    All 12,400
    Rear 7350


    If you add the front weight to the rear weight it matches the all weight.
  • If the entrance and exit are not level the weight of the front and rear axle will not equal the total weight. Find scales that give the weight of each axle with one weigh.
  • I'd find a multi platform scale like a CAT Scale. Put an axle on each pad. Will give you axle weights and gross weights. Unfortunately looks like the closest CAT Scales to you are Denver or Pueblo, CO an hour away.

    How to weigh
  • Wanderin fool wrote:
    My question is, are the 2 ways of weighing any different other than determining the different axle weights? Do both methods equal the same total weight?


    Yes, both scales provide the same total weight. The advantage of the CAT type scale, where it provides the individual axle weight, is that it will show you if you are over the GAWR (gross axle weight rating) for a single axle.

    It is doubtful that you are over on a GAWR if you are not over the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), but it is possible.
  • Thanks for the responses. I kind of figured the seperate weights were for accurate determination per axle.
    Trying to keep weight down is interesting. Usually its me making the wife get rid of stuff. This time its me deciding what tools and parts are essential. ( Common answer),, all of them!!!