Weighing RV

[Retired and Happy]

Just read NickB's report on weighing his rig on a highway truck scale, saying the scale was left on for convenience to travelers. Is this a common courtesy or are most state scales off when the station is "closed"? I see quite a few "closed" stations that would be very convenient for casual weighings and not inconvenience truckers when they are working. I thought they gave weights on paper printouts. Do they have visual screens for displaying weights?

[FleetMan]

We weighed ours at the truck scale on eastbound I-84 in Idaho just south of the Pocatello split. I asked the people in the scale house If I could run across the scale when there were no trucks coming through. Not a problem. The readout is overhead in front of you so have someone prepared to record the weight of each axle as you pass over the scale. Not a four corner weigh but certainly good enough to let you know your load on each axle. If concerned about tire pressures, you then have some good information to work with.

An unmanned operating scale would give you more time and options compared to a single pass at a working scale.

[Pigman]

Some other options are grain scales, scales at a moving and storage company, fertilizer company, sand and gravel pit, and farm supply store (ie: Southern States). Of course there's always the CAT scales at truck stops.

John

[Bill Adams]

If you are in OR, all of the unmanned scales are left on and anyone is welcome to use them.

[popsuscdds]

Kettle Falls, Wa on 395 about 88 miles north of Spokane has a fairly new weigh station. When unmanned anyone can weigh an RV front and back and each corner. The readout is available 24-7. My guess even if they were manned you could probably weigh your rig. They are rarely busy and like all Washingtonians are friendly people. Maybe you wanted to go to Canada. Weigh your rig on the way. There are 70 or so National Park Service camp grounds nearby at the Kettle Falls Marina.
Have fun!
Milt

[Nick-B]

Hey there R&H!

That scale I stopped at had a digital readout sitting inside on the front counter but they had turned it so you could see it from the scale. The numbers were too small to read from the drivers seat but my wife just stood by the window and read me the weight readings over the "walkie-talkie".

I don't know how many others states leave the scale turned on or even if all the Washington scales are left on 24/7, but it sure is nice to be able to pull in and do a full individual weighing at your convenience.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Most states shut their scales off when not actively in use. Washington & Oregon, god bless 'em, leave them on for the convenience of others.

[Rom]

I'm from Washington and I don't even know that. Thanks Gary - now I know!

[swamphog]

I wonder if anyone in Wisconsin would know if they leave the scales on when the scale house is closed?.

[Retired and Happy]

Same question for Georgia, Alabama or Florida.