Cat scales - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Hidonlo · 05-04-2015, 10:34 AM

Can anyone use the Cat scales at truck stops? If so how does it work? Just drive up? Cost? How about the scales on the interstate? thanks

Norton Rider · 05-04-2015, 10:45 AM

The scales along the interstate are for ensuring that commercial trucks are within the weight limits. They are not for private vehicles.

Truck stop scales are often used by RVers. The process depends on the truck stop. If you are unfamiliar with it I suggest that you park the rig first and go in to talk to them personally. Tell them exactly what you are after: total weight, axle weights, etc. They will tell you how best to do it.

JackandJanet · 05-04-2015, 11:21 AM

X2! I've done this twice at the truck stop CAT scale in Tucson. DO park and go in to explain what you want to do, before you drive on to the scales.

In my case, the second time I did it, I asked for two weighings, one with the truck and trailer connected, and the second with the trailer disconnected.

There are three scale platforms. You'll be able to put your tow vehicle axles over the front two, to get an accurate measure of the load on each, and the trailer on the third.

The cost is minimal. I recall it being less than $15 per weighing, but that was some time ago, so my memory may not be accurate.

- Jack

RCREYES · 05-04-2015, 03:35 PM

CAT Scale

Norton Rider · 05-04-2015, 04:19 PM

Incidentally, some older scales only have one platform; so you can't weigh individual axles at once. If you encounter one of these you need to first weigh the front TV axle, move forward and weigh both TV axles together, move forward again and weigh the TV and trailer axles together. A bit of math will get you the individual axle weights.

hilltool · 05-04-2015, 05:32 PM

The ones I use have an intercom out at the scales which you use to communicate once things get up and running. However, they are set for a height handy to semi drives-so I find I need to open the door and stand on the running boards to reach the "call" button.

JackandJanet · 05-04-2015, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilltool

The ones I use have an intercom out at the scales which you use to communicate once things get up and running. However, they are set for a height handy to semi drives-so I find I need to open the door and stand on the running boards to reach the "call" button.

Me too!

- Jack

Hidonlo · 05-06-2015, 07:12 AM

thanks everyone! I'll go and check it out

Hidonlo · 05-08-2015, 09:22 AM

I got the hilo weighed at the cat scales. #4160

notanlines · 05-09-2015, 05:32 PM

We have weighed using the Cat scales a number of times and I think the last time it was $12.50.....a very easy and interesting thing to do.