Determining the weight of your trailer is crucial for safety, legal compliance, and preventing damage to your vehicle. You can weigh a trailer at certified weigh stations, commercial truck stops, grain elevators, recycling centers, landfills, and some moving and storage companies.
The Importance of Knowing Your Trailer’s Weight
Understanding your trailer’s weight goes beyond just knowing how much it can carry. It’s about ensuring a safe and legal towing experience. Accurate weight information is essential for selecting the right tow vehicle, distributing cargo properly, and avoiding costly fines or dangerous situations. Overloading a trailer can lead to decreased braking efficiency, instability, and even catastrophic failures, putting yourself and others at risk.
Key Locations for Weighing Your Trailer
Public Weigh Stations
These are typically located along major highways and are designed for commercial vehicles. While primarily intended for trucks, many will allow you to weigh your trailer, often for a small fee. They offer certified scales and provide official weight tickets. Be sure to check ahead if they are open to public weighing or exclusively for commercial vehicles.
Commercial Truck Stops
Many truck stops offer certified CAT (Certified Automated Truck) Scales. These scales are designed for quick and accurate weighing of large vehicles. They are generally user-friendly and often provide automated weight tickets. You can find CAT Scales at most major truck stop chains across the country.
Grain Elevators and Agricultural Suppliers
If you live in a rural area, grain elevators or agricultural suppliers might offer weighing services. These businesses often have scales for weighing large loads of grain or feed. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Recycling Centers and Landfills
Recycling centers and landfills frequently use scales to weigh incoming materials. They might be willing to weigh your trailer for a fee, but ensure the scale is calibrated and provides an accurate reading.
Moving and Storage Companies
Some moving and storage companies have scales to weigh their trucks and trailers. If you’re near a facility, it’s worth inquiring if they offer weighing services to the public.
Portable Scales
While less common, portable scales offer flexibility. These scales are often used by racing teams and construction companies. You would place one scale under each tire of the trailer. However, these are often more expensive than utilizing existing public or commercial scales.
Steps to Weigh Your Trailer Correctly
- Empty the Trailer (If Possible): For the most accurate empty trailer weight, remove all cargo.
- Locate a Reliable Scale: Choose a certified scale at one of the locations mentioned above.
- Position the Trailer Correctly: Follow the scale operator’s instructions. Typically, you’ll need to position the entire trailer, including the tongue, on the scale.
- Obtain a Weight Ticket: The weight ticket will provide the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for each axle, the total trailer weight, and sometimes the tongue weight.
- Record the Information: Keep the weight ticket for your records. This information will be crucial for determining safe towing limits and complying with regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and how does it relate to trailer weight?
GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, is the maximum permissible weight of a vehicle, including the trailer and its cargo. Understanding your trailer’s weight and your tow vehicle’s GVWR is crucial to ensure you aren’t exceeding safe limits. Exceeding the GVWR can damage your vehicle, void warranties, and pose significant safety risks.
FAQ 2: How much does it typically cost to weigh a trailer?
The cost to weigh a trailer varies depending on the location. Weighing fees typically range from $10 to $30, but some locations may charge more. Call ahead to confirm pricing.
FAQ 3: What should I do if the weight ticket shows my trailer is overweight?
If the weight ticket indicates an overweight situation, you need to take immediate action. Remove items from the trailer until it’s within the legal weight limits. Re-distribute the cargo to balance the load. Ignoring an overweight trailer can result in fines and safety hazards.
FAQ 4: Is it necessary to weigh a new trailer before using it?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to weigh a new trailer. While manufacturers provide estimated weights, the actual weight can vary based on options and accessories. Weighing a new trailer ensures accurate weight information before you start hauling cargo.
FAQ 5: What is tongue weight, and why is it important?
Tongue weight is the amount of weight the trailer exerts on the hitch of the tow vehicle. It’s typically recommended that tongue weight be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. Proper tongue weight is crucial for stability and preventing sway.
FAQ 6: Can I weigh my trailer at home using bathroom scales?
While technically possible, using bathroom scales to weigh a trailer is not recommended due to accuracy limitations. Bathroom scales lack the precision needed for accurately measuring large weights. It’s always best to use a certified scale.
FAQ 7: What are the legal consequences of towing an overweight trailer?
Towing an overweight trailer can result in hefty fines, potential impoundment of the trailer, and legal liability in case of an accident. Enforcement varies by jurisdiction.
FAQ 8: How often should I weigh my trailer?
You should weigh your trailer:
- When it’s new.
- Anytime you significantly change the cargo you are carrying.
- Annually as part of routine maintenance.
- If you suspect you might be exceeding weight limits.
Regular weight checks help ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
FAQ 9: What documents do I need to bring when weighing my trailer?
You don’t typically need to bring any specific documents, but it’s a good idea to have your driver’s license and the trailer’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) available. Having the trailer’s VIN can be helpful if the scale operator needs to verify information.
FAQ 10: Can I weigh my trailer with the tow vehicle attached?
Generally, it is not recommended to weigh the trailer with the tow vehicle attached if you are trying to get accurate trailer weight data. To obtain an accurate weight of the trailer only, it needs to be detached and fully on the scale. This allows you to determine the actual weight being carried by the trailer axles. To calculate the tongue weight you will have to use a three-step process at the scales. Weigh the combined vehicle, then the tow vehicle alone, then calculate the trailer weight and tongue weight.
FAQ 11: How can I find certified weigh stations near me?
You can find certified weigh stations using online search engines like Google or by contacting your local Department of Transportation. Searching for “certified weigh stations near me” or “truck scales near me” is a good starting point. Many states also publish lists of certified scales on their websites.
FAQ 12: What is the difference between Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)?
Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) is the total weight of the trailer and its cargo. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum weight that each axle of the trailer is designed to carry. Both figures are important for ensuring safe and legal towing. You will want to compare both the GAWR and GTW with what is posted on the weigh station ticket.
By understanding where to weigh your trailer and following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable towing experience. Prioritizing accurate weight information is a responsible step towards protecting yourself, your equipment, and others on the road.