Using a Certified Automated Truck (CAT) scale is the gold standard for determining the real-world weights of your travel trailer, ensuring safe towing and compliance with legal limits. This involves strategically positioning your tow vehicle and trailer on the scale’s multiple platforms, followed by careful data collection to calculate crucial weights like Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs), tongue weight, and individual tire weights.
Why Weigh Your Travel Trailer?
Understanding your trailer’s weight is paramount for several reasons. Overloading can lead to:
- Safety Hazards: Reduced braking performance, tire blowouts, and instability.
- Legal Repercussions: Fines and potential impoundment for exceeding weight limits.
- Equipment Damage: Premature wear and tear on your tow vehicle and trailer.
- Insurance Complications: Potential denial of claims in case of an accident if found to be overweight.
Using a CAT scale provides the most accurate and reliable method for obtaining these vital weight measurements. It avoids the guesswork involved with estimated weights or reliance on the often inaccurate information provided by manufacturers.
Preparing to Weigh Your Travel Trailer at a CAT Scale
Before heading to the CAT scale, preparation is key to a smooth and accurate weighing process.
1. Load Your Trailer Realistically
Load your trailer as if you were preparing for a typical camping trip. Include all gear, water in the tanks (or the amount you typically travel with), propane, food, and any other personal belongings. This realistic loading ensures your weight measurements accurately reflect your real-world towing conditions. Don’t forget to include any weight distribution hitch components in your calculations if you use one.
2. Find a Suitable CAT Scale
CAT scales are readily available at many truck stops and weigh stations across the country. Use the CAT Scale Locator app or website to find a convenient location. Plan your trip to coincide with off-peak hours to minimize wait times.
3. Understand the CAT Scale Layout
Familiarize yourself with the layout of a typical CAT scale. They usually consist of three separate platforms: one for the tow vehicle’s front axle, one for the tow vehicle’s rear axle(s), and one for the trailer’s axle(s). Understanding this layout is crucial for proper positioning during the weighing process.
4. Have Necessary Tools Ready
Bring a pen, paper (or a smartphone to take notes), and the CAT Scale Weigh My Truck app (optional, but highly recommended). This app streamlines the weighing process and allows for electronic submission and payment.
The Weighing Process: Step-by-Step
The following steps outline how to accurately weigh your travel trailer at a CAT scale:
1. Initial Weigh (Tow Vehicle Alone)
First, weigh your tow vehicle alone without the trailer attached. Pull your tow vehicle onto the scale so that the front axle is on the first platform, the rear axle(s) is on the second platform, and the trailer platform is empty. Obtain and record the weights for each axle. This baseline measurement is crucial for subsequent calculations.
2. Weigh with the Trailer Attached (Full Weigh)
Next, attach your travel trailer to your tow vehicle, ensuring that your weight distribution hitch (if applicable) is properly configured. Drive onto the scale so that the tow vehicle’s front axle remains on the first platform, the tow vehicle’s rear axle(s) remains on the second platform, and the trailer’s axle(s) are positioned entirely on the third platform. Ensure all tires are fully on the platforms. Obtain and record the weights for each axle.
3. Disconnect and Weigh the Trailer Tongue (Optional but Recommended)
This step provides the most accurate tongue weight measurement. Disconnect your trailer, and using a tongue jack, place a bathroom scale under the tongue. Use a spacer, if needed, to match the typical height it sits when connected. Read and record the tongue weight. A simpler (but less accurate) method is to estimate the tongue weight by subtracting the weight from the trailer axles from the total weight of the trailer when coupled.
4. Calculate Your Weights
With all the necessary data collected, you can now calculate the various weights:
- GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Total weight of the tow vehicle and trailer combined (from the full weigh).
- Tow Vehicle GVW: Front axle weight (full weigh) + rear axle weight (full weigh).
- Trailer Axle Weight: Weight measured on the trailer axle platform (full weigh).
- Tongue Weight: Measured weight from the tongue jack or estimated by (Trailer Weight – Trailer Axle Weight).
- Tow Vehicle Payload: Tow Vehicle GVW (full weigh) – Tow Vehicle Base Weight (from the initial weigh).
5. Compare to Ratings
Compare the calculated weights to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs), and tire ratings listed on the stickers inside your tow vehicle’s and trailer’s doors or on the trailer’s frame. Ensure that none of your weights exceed these ratings. Also, make sure your tongue weight falls within the recommended range, typically 10-15% of the trailer’s weight.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Scale Not Level: If the scale platform isn’t perfectly level, it can affect weight distribution. Try to find a scale on as level ground as possible.
- Axle Placement: Ensure each axle is entirely on its designated platform. Even a slight overhang can skew the results.
- Weigh My Truck App Issues: If you encounter problems with the app, contact CAT Scale support directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to weigh my travel trailer at a CAT scale?
The cost varies depending on the location, but generally, a single weigh costs around $12-$15. Re-weighs, which are sometimes necessary for fine-tuning weight distribution, typically cost a few dollars less.
2. What if my trailer is overweight?
If you discover your trailer is overweight, you need to reduce the load. Consider removing unnecessary items, redistributing weight within the trailer, or upgrading your tow vehicle to one with a higher towing capacity.
3. Can I use a public weigh station instead of a CAT scale?
While public weigh stations can be used, they may not be as accessible or convenient. CAT scales are generally more readily available and designed for commercial vehicles, making them suitable for travel trailers.
4. Is it necessary to disconnect the trailer to get an accurate tongue weight?
Disconnecting the trailer and weighing the tongue directly is the most accurate method. However, the calculated method (Trailer Weight – Trailer Axle Weight) provides a reasonable estimate.
5. What is the ideal tongue weight for a travel trailer?
The ideal tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight. This range ensures stability and prevents swaying.
6. What if my tongue weight is too low?
A low tongue weight can cause trailer sway. Try shifting more weight towards the front of the trailer or using a weight distribution hitch.
7. What if my tongue weight is too high?
A high tongue weight can overload the tow vehicle’s rear axle. Try shifting more weight towards the rear of the trailer.
8. Do I need a special license to tow a travel trailer?
License requirements vary by state and the combined GVWR of the tow vehicle and trailer. Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific regulations.
9. How often should I weigh my travel trailer?
Weigh your trailer at least once a year, or whenever you significantly change your loading configuration.
10. What is the purpose of a weight distribution hitch?
A weight distribution hitch helps to distribute the trailer’s tongue weight evenly across the axles of the tow vehicle and trailer, improving stability and handling.
11. Can I weigh my trailer at home with portable scales?
While portable scales are available, they are generally less accurate than a certified CAT scale. CAT scales provide a more reliable and consistent measurement.
12. What happens if I get pulled over and my trailer is overweight?
If you are pulled over and your trailer is found to be overweight, you may face fines, penalties, and even have your trailer impounded until the weight is reduced to legal limits. This could also result in legal ramifications in case of an accident. Therefore, adhering to weight limits is of utmost importance.