Knowing the weight of your trailer is paramount for safety, legality, and preventing damage to your vehicle and the trailer itself. You can get your trailer weighed at several locations, including certified public scales at truck stops, agricultural inspection stations, landfills, recycling centers, gravel pits, and some moving and storage companies. Selecting the right option depends on factors like location, convenience, and specific requirements for certification.
Understanding the Importance of Trailer Weighing
Before diving into where you can get your trailer weighed, it’s crucial to understand why this task is so important. Overloading a trailer is a serious issue with significant consequences:
- Safety Risks: Overloaded trailers can compromise braking performance, handling, and stability, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Legal Ramifications: Exceeding weight limits can result in hefty fines and even impoundment of your trailer and tow vehicle.
- Equipment Damage: Overloading puts excessive strain on axles, tires, and the trailer frame, leading to premature wear and costly repairs.
- Voiding Warranties: Many trailer manufacturers will void warranties if they determine the trailer has been consistently overloaded.
Therefore, getting your trailer weighed is not just a suggestion; it’s a necessary precaution for responsible trailering.
Locations for Weighing Your Trailer
Truck Stops with Certified Scales
Truck stops are perhaps the most common and readily available option. They typically feature certified public scales, often known as CAT scales (Certified Automated Truck Scales). These scales are designed for weighing large vehicles and are regularly inspected for accuracy. Look for truck stops along major highways and interstates. Advantages include:
- Convenience: Located along major routes, many are open 24/7.
- Certification: Scales are regularly certified and provide official weight tickets.
- Accessibility: Designed to accommodate large vehicles and trailers.
However, truck stops can sometimes be busy, and there may be a small fee for weighing.
Agricultural Inspection Stations
These stations are typically found in agricultural areas and are used to weigh trucks carrying produce and livestock. While their primary focus isn’t recreational trailers, they often have scales available for public use. Check with the individual station beforehand to confirm.
Landfills and Recycling Centers
Landfills and recycling centers often use scales to track the weight of incoming materials. Some may allow you to weigh your trailer for a fee. Call ahead to inquire about their availability and procedures. These locations can be a convenient option if you live near one.
Gravel Pits and Construction Sites
Similar to landfills, gravel pits and construction sites need to weigh materials. Some may offer weighing services to the public. Again, contacting them directly is crucial before showing up. This can be a particularly useful option if you haul heavy equipment or materials.
Moving and Storage Companies
Some moving and storage companies, especially those that rent out trailers, might have scales available for weighing trailers. This is particularly relevant if you are renting a trailer from them, as they may require you to weigh it before and after loading.
RV Dealerships and Repair Shops
RV dealerships and repair shops that service trailers sometimes have scales for checking axle weights and ensuring proper weight distribution. While not always publicly available, it’s worth checking with local dealerships if other options are limited.
Preparing Your Trailer for Weighing
Before heading to a weighing location, ensure your trailer is properly prepared:
- Load Distribution: Distribute the load evenly throughout the trailer. Avoid concentrating weight in one area.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
- Water Tanks: If your trailer has water tanks, fill them to the level you typically travel with.
- Secure Cargo: Make sure all cargo is securely fastened to prevent shifting during the weighing process.
- Remove Loose Items: Remove any loose items that could affect the accuracy of the weight reading.
Understanding Weight Tickets
After weighing your trailer, you’ll receive a weight ticket. This document is crucial for determining whether you are within legal weight limits. Ensure the ticket includes the following information:
- Date and Time: The date and time the trailer was weighed.
- Location: The name and location of the weighing station.
- Vehicle Identification: Identification of your tow vehicle and trailer (VIN or license plate).
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The total weight of the trailer and its contents.
- Axle Weights: The weight on each individual axle.
- Scale Certification: Proof that the scale is certified and accurate.
Carefully review the weight ticket and compare the figures to your trailer’s weight ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand the process of weighing your trailer:
FAQ 1: What is the difference between GVWR, GAWR, and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the trailer itself, including its cargo. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum weight an individual axle can bear. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the tow vehicle and the loaded trailer combined. It’s crucial not to exceed any of these ratings.
FAQ 2: How often should I get my trailer weighed?
Ideally, you should weigh your trailer every time you significantly alter the load or configuration. Regular weighing is especially important for long trips or when hauling different types of cargo.
FAQ 3: What documents do I need to bring with me when weighing my trailer?
Typically, you don’t need any specific documents. However, it’s helpful to have your trailer’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy.
FAQ 4: How much does it cost to get my trailer weighed?
The cost varies depending on the location, but it’s usually between $10 and $20 for a single weigh at a truck stop.
FAQ 5: What happens if my trailer is overweight?
If your trailer is overweight, you’ll need to remove cargo until it’s within the legal limits. You may also need to redistribute the load to balance the weight on each axle.
FAQ 6: Can I use a portable scale to weigh my trailer?
While portable scales exist, they are generally not recommended for legal compliance or precise measurements. They may not be as accurate as certified public scales.
FAQ 7: 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 should typically be 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight. Insufficient or excessive tongue weight can lead to instability and handling issues.
FAQ 8: How do I calculate tongue weight?
You can use a dedicated tongue weight scale or a bathroom scale combined with a lever system. Many resources online provide detailed instructions on this process.
FAQ 9: What if I have multiple axles on my trailer?
When weighing a multi-axle trailer, ensure that all axles are on the scale pads simultaneously. The weight ticket will usually show the weight on each individual axle group.
FAQ 10: Is it better to weigh my trailer empty or loaded?
Ideally, you should weigh your trailer both empty and loaded. Weighing it empty helps you determine the trailer’s actual tare weight, which is necessary for calculating the maximum allowable cargo weight.
FAQ 11: Where can I find the GVWR of my trailer?
The GVWR is typically found on a sticker or plate located on the trailer’s frame, often near the hitch or on one of the side walls.
FAQ 12: What are the consequences of ignoring trailer weight limits?
Ignoring trailer weight limits can lead to accidents, fines, impoundment of your vehicle, damage to your trailer and tow vehicle, and voiding of your trailer’s warranty. It’s simply not worth the risk.
By understanding the importance of trailer weighing and knowing where to get it done, you can ensure safe and legal trailering practices, protecting yourself, your equipment, and others on the road.