Scale lesson of the day

[TQ60]

We got some learning today that we are going to share.

The task at hand is tire selection for the coach, we needed to have actual weight since the gross weight rating was higher than the available tires, front axle rated 10,400 lbs, 255/80R22.5 tires not quite there.

So we go to the local Pilot to weigh the coach, we ask to do a 4-corner weigh, they could not due to the drive through configuration, so we ask to do axle weigh, they tell us that we would need to weigh one axle, then weigh again whole coach, so away we went.

Granted the last time we needed to use a scale was many years ago and it was at a fruit packers location to weigh a generator.

When we got our report it showed by axle, their new scales have multiple platforms and do a 3 axle weight whenever they are used.

So going forward, if you need to do axle weight pilot can do it, and if you have a person to guide you it may be possible to get steer/drive/tag all at once, I am not sure of the spacing for that one, no need to multiple operations.

[thelastplace]

Huh? Isn't there a spec for tire size on your coach. And if not, why would weight at the wheel be so critical unless you were trying to put the smallest tire possible at the lowest rating. I'm guessing you need 275/70-22.5 (265/80-22.5) G or H rated truck tires. If the dealer don't have them, keep moving. Your are playing with your life.


But the true travelers are they who leave for leaving’s sake
Saying continuously, without knowing why: ‘Let us go on’.
Paraphrased from Baudelaire’s ‘The Journey’

[blackf3504dr]

The last time I used a platform scale that could not weigh individual axles was twenty years ago after picking up a load of machinery in a small town in the hills of KY., it was a farmers co-op and the only scale for miles. Years ago small platform scales were what we had, they could weigh one set of axles at a time and like you said you would have to weigh one then move the truck to weigh the next set. I find it funny that a truck stop is still using a single platform scale. Obviously it wasn't a Cat Scale.......

[paz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQ60 So going forward, if you need to do axle weight pilot can do it, and if you have a person to guide you it may be possible to get steer/drive/tag all at once, I am not sure of the spacing for that one, no need to multiple operations.

Last time we got weighed it was at Flying J, and we were able to get front axle, rear axle and toad separately. You have to get lined up just right to get 3 separate weights.

[scenic route]

We just had our coach weighed yesterday while having a front end alignment done. I was surprised at the results. The four wheel end weights were differing from side to side by 300 lbs in the front and 250 lbs. at the rear. Not too bad of a difference considering over all weight of these things, but it does tell that one should not just consider the axle weight(divided by 2) when figuring correct tire pressures.

We travel pretty light considering all the stuff we've seen others carrying and I think the 4 corner weight borders on being critical when it comes to tire pressure. Our 'weigh in' revealed that I've been carrying too much tire pressure and can safely reduce it by a full 10 psi(front and rear) and still allow for a 5 psi cushion when fully loaded. Now maybe we will have a more comfortable ride as well... Bob

[Fred and Bonnie]

If you travel in OR stop at a scale that is not open, the sales will be on. Easy to get axle weights and toad.

Locally I use a grain elevator operation.

fred

[TQ60]

Yes, it was a CAT scale, we were not aware of the capabilities of the scale, but the operators should have been and told us how to park to get both axles in one weigh.

We went to the CAT home page and left a feedback via their contact us tool, we advised the operators were good to work with, but they should have known how to use the equipment, and that we felt we should get a refund for the first pass.

Today we received a nice letter and a check.

So there are still great companies who understand what good customer service is all about.

Will use them again after the new tires are installed and the tanks are filled.

[blackf3504dr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQ60 Yes, it was a CAT scale, we were not aware of the capabilities of the scale, but the operators should have been and told us how to park to get both axles in one weigh. We went to the CAT home page and left a feedback via their contact us tool, we advised the operators were good to work with, but they should have known how to use the equipment, and that we felt we should get a refund for the first pass. Today we received a nice letter and a check. So there are still great companies who understand what good customer service is all about. Will use them again after the new tires are installed and the tanks are filled.

That is unusual in todays business world. It's nice to deal with a company that respects it's customers, thanks for checking back !

[wa8yxm]

Two suggestions.. 1: Make a freind.. This friend needs to be a "Diesel Smokey" or Weighmaster.

2: RV Safety, Merritt Island, Florida. They have a weigh the rig link and the fee is not bad.