Knowing the weight of your trailer is crucial for safety, legal compliance, and preventing damage to your vehicle and trailer. The most reliable place to get your trailer weighed is at a certified public scale, typically found at truck stops, agricultural supply stores, recycling centers, gravel pits, and some moving and storage companies.
Understanding the Importance of Trailer Weighing
Trailer weighing is often overlooked, but its significance cannot be overstated. Exceeding your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the towing capacity of your vehicle can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Mechanical Failure: Overloading stresses axles, tires, brakes, and suspension, potentially leading to component failure and accidents.
- Legal Penalties: Exceeding weight limits can result in fines and impoundment in many jurisdictions.
- Insurance Complications: In the event of an accident involving an overloaded trailer, insurance companies may deny coverage.
- Safety Risks: An overloaded trailer is more difficult to control, especially in adverse weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Damage to Roads and Infrastructure: Overweight vehicles contribute to wear and tear on roads and bridges.
Therefore, proactively weighing your trailer is an investment in safety and peace of mind.
Locating a Weighing Scale
Finding a suitable scale is generally straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Truck Stops
Truck stops are frequently equipped with certified public scales. These scales are designed to accommodate large commercial vehicles and are often available 24/7. They usually charge a fee for weighing, which can range from $10 to $20, depending on the location. Look for prominent truck stop chains like Pilot Flying J, TravelCenters of America (TA), and Love’s.
Agricultural Supply Stores
Many agricultural supply stores cater to farmers and ranchers who regularly haul equipment and livestock. As such, they often have weighing scales on-site. These scales might be specifically designed for agricultural purposes but are generally accurate and reliable. Check with local agricultural cooperatives or farm supply businesses in your area.
Recycling Centers and Scrap Yards
Recycling centers and scrap yards utilize scales to weigh incoming and outgoing materials. While their primary purpose is commercial, they are often willing to weigh trailers for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Gravel Pits and Landscaping Supply Companies
Businesses dealing with bulk materials like gravel, sand, and topsoil also maintain scales for weighing trucks and trailers. These locations can be a convenient option if you’re hauling landscaping materials.
Moving and Storage Companies
Some moving and storage companies have scales to weigh moving trucks. While not all offer public weighing services, it’s worth checking with local businesses, especially if you are planning a move and need to verify the weight of your trailer.
State DOT Weigh Stations (Use with Caution)
State Department of Transportation (DOT) weigh stations are primarily intended for commercial vehicles. However, some may allow private individuals to use their scales when they are not busy, but this is usually only in emergency or limited scenarios. Attempting to use a DOT weigh station outside of explicit permission could attract unwanted attention and scrutiny. This option should be considered only as a last resort.
Preparing for the Weighing Process
Before heading to a scale, consider these points:
- Safety First: Ensure the trailer is securely hitched to your vehicle. Drive carefully and follow all posted speed limits.
- Empty Trailer (If Possible): To accurately determine the empty weight (tare weight) of your trailer, try to remove any unnecessary items before weighing.
- Plan Your Route: Choose a route that avoids unnecessary detours or congested areas, especially if you’re towing a large trailer.
- Cash or Card: Check in advance whether the scale accepts cash, card, or both.
- Tie-Down Equipment: It’s always a good idea to have tie-down straps or chains with you in case you need to secure your load.
- Documentation: Have your trailer’s registration and any relevant paperwork readily available.
Interpreting the Results
After weighing your trailer, you’ll receive a weight ticket. Here’s how to interpret the key figures:
- Gross Weight: The total weight of the trailer and its contents.
- Tare Weight: The weight of the empty trailer.
- Net Weight: The weight of the cargo being hauled (Gross Weight – Tare Weight = Net Weight).
- Axle Weights: The weight distributed on each axle. These are critical for ensuring proper weight distribution and preventing overloading individual axles.
- GVWR: (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer, as specified by the manufacturer. Make sure the Gross Weight is not exceeding the GVWR.
- Towing Capacity: The maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. Make sure the Gross Weight is not exceeding the towing capacity of your vehicle.
Compare these figures to your trailer’s GVWR and your vehicle’s towing capacity. Ensure that all axle weights are within their respective limits. If any weight exceeds these limits, you’ll need to redistribute the load or remove items to bring the weight within acceptable parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding trailer weighing:
FAQ 1: How often should I get my trailer weighed?
You should weigh your trailer every time you transport a significantly different load or if you suspect you might be close to the weight limit. Regular checks ensure compliance and safety. A good practice is to weigh the empty trailer annually to account for any modifications or additions.
FAQ 2: What is the difference between GVWR and towing capacity?
GVWR is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer itself, including its cargo. Towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle is rated to tow. Both limits must be respected.
FAQ 3: Can I weigh my trailer myself with portable scales?
While portable scales are available, their accuracy may not be comparable to certified public scales. They are suitable for estimating weight, but relying solely on them for legal compliance or critical safety decisions is not recommended.
FAQ 4: What are the consequences of driving with an overloaded trailer?
Driving with an overloaded trailer can result in fines, impoundment of the trailer, insurance complications, and increased risk of accidents due to reduced vehicle control and mechanical stress.
FAQ 5: Is it more important to weigh the whole trailer or each axle separately?
Ideally, both the total trailer weight and the individual axle weights should be checked. Overloading a single axle can be just as dangerous as exceeding the GVWR, leading to tire blowouts or axle failure.
FAQ 6: What if the weight distribution is uneven after weighing?
If the weight distribution is uneven, redistribute the load within the trailer to achieve a more balanced weight distribution. Aim for approximately 60% of the weight to be in front of the axle(s). This helps to prevent trailer sway and improve stability.
FAQ 7: What if my trailer’s weight exceeds my vehicle’s towing capacity?
Do not tow the trailer if its weight exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity. Remove items to reduce the weight or use a vehicle with a higher towing capacity. Exceeding the towing capacity puts both the vehicle and the trailer at risk.
FAQ 8: Where can I find the GVWR of my trailer?
The GVWR is typically found on a sticker or plate attached to the trailer, usually near the hitch or on the side of the trailer. It is also likely listed in the trailer’s owner’s manual.
FAQ 9: Are there different types of public scales?
Yes, there are different types of public scales, including platform scales, axle scales, and weigh-in-motion scales. Platform scales are the most common for weighing trailers.
FAQ 10: Is it possible to get a certified weight certificate?
Yes, certified public scales will provide you with a weight certificate that is an official record of the weighing. This certificate can be useful for legal or insurance purposes.
FAQ 11: Are there apps that can estimate trailer weight?
While there are apps that attempt to estimate trailer weight, their accuracy is highly variable and unreliable. These apps should not be used as a substitute for professional weighing on a certified scale.
FAQ 12: What are the common mistakes people make when weighing their trailer?
Common mistakes include failing to disconnect the trailer from the vehicle completely during weighing, neglecting to remove unnecessary items, and not checking the axle weights individually. Always follow the instructions provided at the weighing station and ensure all wheels of the trailer are on the scale platform.
By understanding the importance of trailer weighing, knowing where to find a scale, and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and legal towing experience.