Where Can I Weigh My Trailer Near Me? (Cost and How To)

If you own an RV, you probably want to know the weight of your RV. The best and easiest way to find out is to look for a weighing station. In this article, we are going to talk about the best ways on how you can weigh your RV (Recreational Vehicle). While finding a facility to weigh your RV may be difficult for someone, most people will undoubtedly locate one in their city within a radius of 100-miles (160 km).

However, when it comes to weighing a motorhome, things are a little bit different! In this case, the weighing of a pop-up trailer must be done by yourself. Simply add the tongue weight to the GAWR that can be found in your camper’s specifications. Afterward, after you finished, compare the total weight of your SUV with the tow (or any other towing vehicle you intend to use).

Some people don’t think it’s necessary to know the actual weight of their RV. But it is. Most people weigh their RVs to ensure safety, but you may also be required to have precise information about it.

In the next chapters, we’ll talk about everything that is related to weight your trailer. We’ll go through where you can find RV stations in your area, how to weigh a vehicle, a travel trailer, and portable RV scales, among other things. We’ve put everything in one spot so you can have a thorough reference that you can refer to in the future.

Where Can I Weigh My Trailer Near Me?

So Where Can I Weigh My Trailer Near Me? Usually, the most common place where you can weigh your trailer or RV is at the truck stop or gas station. They have a built-in weighing scale that precisely shows you the exact weight of your vehicle. Other places where you can find the nearest weigh station are truck mechanics or concrete companies.

How To Locate RV Weigh Stations Near Me

So you wonder where can I weigh my trailer? If this is the first time you are going to the weigh station, you’ve undoubtedly used Google to search for weigh stations that are in your area. We’ve also looked for weigh stations in the city where we are specialized in motorhomes but we weren’t very lucky. There are some, but it’s hard to locate the right one. Therefore, instead of continuing our search for an RV weighs station, we decided to find a standard station for RV weighing. Why?

Most RV owners weigh their RVs by using a normal truck weighing scale. They’re not only safe and common, but they’re also one of the most precise and reliable methods that can be used to weigh any type of trailer or RV. Trucks normally have licenses that specify the maximum load weight they can transport. That is why truck scales can be found all over the country. However, when a truck driver’s load exceeds the legal limit, the owner will get a ticket.

• Truck Stop

The most common place to weigh an RV is at the truck stop. These stops can be seen on any highway as they are widespread. One of the key reasons why truck stops are the handiest option is that almost every single one contains a weighing scale.

Yet, be sure to pay attention. It is very important to scale your RV only on certified scales. How can we tell if the scale that we are using is certified? They are usually marked with a CAT symbol. If the station doesn’t have this sign, ask the employees if it’s safe to use the scale and weigh the RV by using their scale.

• Gas Station

The gas station is also another commonplace to weigh your RV and motorhome. We were pleasantly surprised when we discovered that many gas stations also come with truck scales. They’re more popular on highways and interstates, though. However, gas stations in big cities also have them. The only thing you need to check is to see if you can use them and are there any special requirements you have to stick to.

If you can’t locate any scales at your local truck stop, in the city, and at gas stations, the best way is to try to look for them at the nearest concrete station, truck mechanics, or quarry.

How to Properly Weigh Your RV

After putting in a lot of effort, we found out that weighing our trailer at the RVSEF (RV Safety and Education Foundation) is the best and most accurate way to go for. Their business model is dedicated to improving RV driver safety awareness and providing extra services and support.

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Therefore, check to see whether RVSEF has an office in your local area, and when you do, don’t hesitate to contact them. They’ll always give you helpful information regarding your RV (besides weighing options). However, keep in mind that they have timetables and tours, and you’ll most likely need to make a reservation. Therefore, make sure to give them a call and find out when you may weigh your RV or a camper.

So, what makes them the greatest choice? They have experts that will give the precise and most accurate weight of your RVs. The weight will be calculated based on the wheel position. This means you’ll be able to see exactly how much pressure is being exerted on each wheel. You’ll receive a detailed report from which you will be able to see how to properly redistribute the total weight of your RV.

RVSEF is considered a professional company around the World that is also well-known by many tire companies and RVs. Most RV enthusiasts approve their methods, and if you contact them, you will undoubtedly receive the most accurate results for your RV.

Portable Scale for RVs

Some companies provide portable scale services. This means that with just one simple call you will be able to find out where they are at the moment. They are incredibly easy to get, and you can find them on the internet as well. Also, keep your eye for the ones that are near your location. If your RV is overloaded, driving to a weighing station that is not so close to you may cause damage to your vehicle. That said, ensure you weigh your RV as soon as possible.

Finally, you can purchase scales on your own. However, keep in mind that they are very pricey. Although the portable axle scales are inexpensive, you should be informed that they usually only measure the weight that applies pressure on your rear or front axle.

How to Weigh Travel Trailer and Truck?

This usually depends are you are trying to weigh your RV by using the RVSEF or truck scales. For those who prefer the latter option, be sure to talk about safety issues with the scales manager. It is important to give them all the necessary information regarding your vehicle. Once you get approval, you can then proceed with your RV and place it on the scales.

At most weigh stations, you’ll usually find 3 scales. Placing your rear wheels on the first scale is the most accurate approach when it comes to positioning the RV. Therefore, your trailer’s wheels should be on the third scale. Once you’ve double-checked that your vehicle is properly positioned, you’ll need to press a weigh button.

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That way, you will send a signal and they will start the process. You will receive a complete report after they are finished. The total weight of the RV vehicle and all axle weights are normally included in the report. Also, keep in mind that wheel position weighing is the only way to determine what pressure is needed on each wheel. Only RVSEF professionals can weigh your RV camper accurately.

How Much Costs to Weigh Your RV at CAT Scale

Using a CAT Scale is a very easy and cheap process. If you are weighing your RV for the first time, you will need to spend between $13 and $20 depending on your location. Keep in mind that you will need to pay less for each next weighing. It’ll usually cost roughly $3.

We personally did a couple of weighing at CAT station ourselves, and we can say that it is a simple and inexpensive process.  However, measuring campers in this manner will just get you the GVWR. The synonym “GVWR” stands for “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating“. Also, it refers to the whole weight of your RV, along with the cargo. The most precise method is calculating weight-based on wheel position. That way, you can currently only be done with the RVSEF.

How to Enter the Weigh Station With RV?

Well, it usually depends! In most cases you need to stop with your RV when entering the weigh station. Even if you are not required by law, it is highly recommended that you check your weight, particularly if you own a travel trailer. We want to ensure that our vehicle can pull a particular amount of weight at all weigh station and checktimes. Priority is given to safety. Therefore, the next time you go camping, remember to stop at the nearest station and measure the weight of your RV.

Rules For RVs by State For Weigh Stations

The standards for weigh stations differ from one state to the next. They also depend upon the model and the type of your RV that is used. The best strategy is to look up the laws in each state you’ll be visiting. Nevertheless, we were able to compile a list of the most prevalent restrictions that apply in the majority of states.

Requirements For RV Weigh Station

• Florida and North Dakota are two states that have the premission to sned your RV vehicles directly from the traffic to weigh stations.
• In 20 of the 50 states in U.S., if your RV weighs above 10,000 pounds, the weighing must be done seperatly. However, in certain states, it is dependent on the type of vehicle.
• If your vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you must stop for weighing in Massachusetts, Louisiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Georgia.
• You must follow Kansas weighing laws if the RV is registered as a truck. This also applies if you have motorhome.
• In the following states, you must park your RV at a weigh station if law enforcement ask you to:
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Maine
  • Oklahoma
  • Mississippi
  • West Virginia
  • Illinois
  • North Carolina
  • Texas
  • Alaska
  • Iowa
  • New Hampshire
  • Kansas

Yet again, we recommend that you understand and inform yourself about the regulations regarding your RVs in each state that you visit. Lastly, we hope that we have supplied you with all of the information you need.

Here is a great YouTube video for those who want to know how to read a CAT scale ticket.

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FAQ: People Also Ask

How much does it cost to weigh a trailer?

Many truck stops feature Certified CAT scales because commercial vehicle weights are strictly regulated. RVs are encouraged to use the scales for a small cost, typically between $10 and $20. Inform the mechanic that you do not want a certified weight receipt, which will save you a few bucks.

What is a weighbridge ticket?

The design of the legal document that records the weights, dates, and times of the transaction is the weighbridge ticket. It is usually the very last stage of the weighbridge setup. All weighbridges allow the operator to make a hard copy record of the weight transfer.

Final Thoughts

Today, more and more people have RVs, and as they use them regularly, it is good to know how much they weigh. In this article, we were able to see where you can all find a weigh stop station in your area and how you can measure it. We also looked at the prices on how much it can cost you to weigh your RV (although it also depends on the location). Now that you are familiar with this topic, you will be able to do it much easier. If you have additional questions feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.