[A/S] Re: Need instructions on using public scales

["Maurice Riggins" <roadkingmoe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Fuel the truck up, and hook up the trailer as you normally would. 
Load the truck with all the people and cargo you'd normally have when 
towing.

Pull the rig onto the scales, with the truck front axle on one scale, 
its rear axle on another, and the trailer axles on the third.  Try to 
get them as close to the center of the scale, it's a compromise on 
all 3.

Get back in the truck and use a broomstick to push the button and 
talk to the attendent.  When asked for your number, just tell 'em 
private vehicle.

Once they tell you they have the weight, pull the rig off the scales 
and go drop the trailer off temporarily.  Pull the truck back on the 
scales, push the button, and ask for a reweigh.  Once done, go inside 
and pay for the weighings, and get your tickets.  Go back and hook up 
the trailer.

Now you can check how much tongue weight you're putting on the front 
and rear axles by subtracting the sum of the truck axle weights from 
the 2nd weigh from those of the first.  Don't be surprised if the 
front axle is lighter with the trailer than without.  Add that tongue 
weight to the trailer axle weight from the first and you have the 
total trailer weight, which shouldn't exceed the traile's GVWR.

On the first weigh, each axle weight shouldn't exceed the truck's or 
trailer's GAWR.  The sum of the truck axle weights shouldn't exceeed 
the truck's GVWR, and the total of all three axles shouldn't exceed 
the truck's GCWR.

--
Maurice
WBCCI 5446