SECTION 12
MISCELLANEOUS
12-2
chairs, etc., a full fuel tank, full propane tank, and
a partial tank of fresh water - but empty holding
tanks.
Finding a Scale
In urban areas, the most common places to
find a public access scale are commercial truck
stops. In rural areas, most grain storage elevators
have scales available. Most scales charge a
nominal fee for weighing a vehicle.
Weighing
There is typically a scale operator to direct
you but the basic routine is to take three separate
weights - front axle, whole vehicle, and rear axle.
You will first drive only your front wheels
onto the scale pad, then drive ahead so that the
whole vehicle is on the scale, then finally pull off
until just the rear wheels are on the pad.
You will receive a weight ‘ticket’ that states
your current Front Gross Axle Weight, Rear
Gross Axle Weight and Gross Vehicle Weight.
You can compare these weights to the weight
ratings listed on your Vehicle Certification Label
to use as a guideline for future loading limits and
weight distribution.
The gross weight of the vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) specified on the Vehicle Certification
Label. The front and rear axle weight also should
not exceed the corresponding Axle Weight
Rating specified on the Vehicle Certification
Label.
Corner Weighing (Side-to-Side)
The most accurate method of weighing a
motorhome is to weigh each ‘corner’ of the coach
separately (single L/R front wheels or L/R rear
dual sets). This method will help you determine
how to distribute your cargo to avoid
overloading, especially on tires.
To determine the weight distribution on each
tire or dual set, you will need to find a scale
capable weighing side-to-side, or all four
‘corners’ of the vehicle, separately.
A truck scale may be used if the ground is
level with the scale surface and the scale has
clearance to drive one side of the coach onto the
scale as shown.
Drive the coach on the level area next to the
scale and straddle the scale so that only one side
of the coach will be on the scale pad.
NOTE: Wind and precipitation can also cause
weight inaccuracies.
Pull only the right front wheel onto the scale
pad as shown.
Front GAWR (Front Axle Only)
GVWR - Whole Vehicle (All Axles)
Rear GAWR (Rear Axle Only)
Weighing Right Front Corner
