Weigh Stations

[Barrier2]

Hi All, We just returned from a two week trip from NY to Indiana by way of the Blue Ridge Highway. We usually get some work done on the Coach and/ or buy some spares that we need. I was planning on getting the MH weighed but I was not sure where. Years ago I pulled into a Montana Weigh Station and asked the State Trooper if he would let us drive on the scales, he said sure complements of the State of Montana and I got my Mini Winnie weighed.
This was in 1986.
Does anyone know if this can still be done? Has anyone done this? I see all the CAT Scales at the Diesel stops but I have heard that they are not that easy to use on a Class A as opposed to an 18 wheeler. The Highway Scales are so easy and must be accurate as well. Price would also be good!
Robert

[denochs]

CAT scales at truck stops can give you what you need at a price of about $8-10. All you have to do is stradle the two platforms and they can give you each axle weight. Anything else you looking for?

Dave

[Mike Canter]

Normally you can also do a reposition and a second weigh at a truck stop CAT scales for a couple of more dollars. So you can line up one or two axles and weigh then reposition to get a tag axle. Some of them give you several reweighs so you can adjust the tag axle.

[Rocky Larson]

The Self-service CAT scale I used was $9 (credit card) for the first pass and if you wanted a second opinion, with a second pass, I assume within a limited time frame, it was only a $1 more. BTW, it had three sections, with the DW watching I was able drive on and do front axel, rear axel, and toad each individually in the one pass. It even gives you a brief notice to step on the scale if you want to be included in the weighing.

[ImagineIF]

I was able to position my coach with tag axle on each of the three platforms at a CAT scale. $9.00 The only issue was that you can't reach the intercom to talk to the inside attendant. So, if the scale is busy, go inside first and let them know and they can wave you off the scale when they are ready.

[WindsorDave]

Barrier2,

Some states, Oregon for example, leave their weigh stations open 24X7 whether they are staffed (being used to weigh for compliance or fee revenue) or not. You can drive through when they are not being used by the state and see the scale readout yourself.

Just be sure that the path is clear from entrance, over the scale, and to the exit.

Most of the government scales I see around here (Washington state) are closed and barricaded when not in use.

My impression is that if the scale is accessible during non-operational hours that no official is going to hassle you for driving your rig over it. However, a call to the respective state's DOT should clarify the state's policy.

I've weighed the coach a number of times on un-manned state scales. If stopped by law enforcement, I'd plead ignorance. In my case that should not be too hard.

FWIW

[Wayne M]

Ignorance is not excuse! I'd plead on the side of safety, wanting to make sure that i was not overweight for the tire load. Most LEO's would let you go (most).

[Life Style]

I used a Cat scale this month at Flying J. $9 Check with cashier some monitor a CB using channel one. Very easy to communicate.

Life Style

[johnsonjm209]

Way back when, (20 yrs ago) I worked for a while for the Commercial Enforcement (Truck Squad) for the Ct. State Police. Anytime anyone wanted to get their weights we would be glad to do it for them, if it didn't involve holding up the commercial drivers. Go in and ask.
Put front axle on and get weight, then both axles on and get Gross Vehicle Weight. Subtract front axle wgt from gross wgt and you get rear axle wgt. Then put the toad on and add it's weight for Gross Vehicle Combined Weight Recommended GVCWR. They'll probably give you a copy of a weight sheet that you can use for your own references.
If they have portable scales they can put them under all four sides and the toad. This is a more informative way. Then you can see where you might be heavy or light in any one area. If it is over on the driver's side front axle it just might be a matter of going on a diet and losing a few pounds.
Good Luck

Joe
(Sgt. Ret C.S.P.)

[TW]

If the scales are closed here in Western Canada, you can roll over the platform and see the weight.
Comm. Trucks do it all the time.
Thats how I do it all the time.
I would not go over the scale, when it is staffed.

TW