To Weigh or Not To Weigh?

[JandC]

There seems to be a lot of topics/posts recently on the subject. The members on the MOC seem to cover the whole spectrum from owners that weigh 2 or 3 times a year to owners that never take their rig across a scale.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way to approach the weight issue. It is a personal choice, almost like deciding on changing your oil at 5,000 miles or 9,000 miles.

Not withstanding safety issues, this is my take on weighing my rig. Am I maxing out my tow vehicles capabilities? Do I have the correct load range tires on my Montana and my tow vehicle?

I found that it is impossible for me to answer these two critical questions without dragging my butt across the scales. How do I decide on what maintenance schedule I want to follow, how soon should that transmission really be serviced?

When I replace my tires what should my weight rating be, which effects how much I have to spend.

[DQDick]

We try to have ours weighed at an Escapee park at least once every other year. It's not just what it weighs in total, but how much weight is on each individual tire.

[pineranch]

When I towed with my F-250 I was allergic to scales, got the shakes every time I passed one. Now that I tow with an F-350 dually they don't scare me a bit!!!!!!!!!!
Mike

[DarMar]

I like your approach Joe. Previously we had a 2500, and then a short box 3500 dually and I constantly monitored our weights and considered it the right thing to do as you have.

I now must admit we have a 3500 long box dually and g614s and I haven't even bothered to scale our new 3610. From all our previous experience we are now confident of our tow weights without even checking? Perhaps this year we may scale just to see what we have out of curiosity.

[TAKPAK]

Having driven trucks before and dealt with loads and scales, I guess that makes me more aware of them.

I had weighed our truck and trailer before, when we had the 3400 and the 2008 GMC. Everything was well within limits/ratings. However, when we got the new 3725, just on a whim I went across the scales to see what the new rig weighed. I was shocked that the pin weight had increased by almost 1000 pounds over the 3400. This actually put the truck's weight (GVWR and rear axle rating) over the limit. It still sat level, rode fine, pulled and stopped fine, but was overweight. These days, with the liability issues out there, I was just not comfortable being that way. Hence, the purchase of the new truck. We are now back under the maximum rating, so have a "fudge" factor again.

We're just more comfortable know that IF something happens (God forbid) at least they can't say I was overloaded!

[1retired06]

Smart perspective

[jlb27537]

This is what I suppose goes on at those meetings of AA and such.

I weigh and feel good doing it.

Jim

[TAKPAK]

I weigh and DON'T feel good about it........oh wait! You are talking about the truck and trailer, not the bathroom scales.....!

[Irlpguy]

Prior to purchasing our current Montana we owned a smaller SOB 5er and a travel trailer, I pulled both of those with my '01 Dodge DRW LB and was not very concerned about weights, both units had considerably less storage space and I packed less in the truck box.

The new Montana pushed the '01 closer to it's limits, I was under but there remained tons of storage space so it would have been easy to go over weight, that truck had a GVWR of 11,600.

The new 2012 Dodge DRW LB has a GVWR of 12,300 and after tripping with the Montana a couple of years we carry more stuff but I am still well under in all the axles, GVWR's and GCWR. I know this because to me it is important and I will not travel knowing I am over weight.

We take things out and put other things in from time to time and I am very aware of those things, I have scaled the TV separately and hooked up twice in the two years I have owned them, the change was minimal so I am confident I will remain within the limits.

My choice to weigh my units is twofold, my personal safety and that of my family and because even if I am not at fault I do not want some suit happy lawyer trying to make a case against me.

I too am overweight, but not much and try to keep my weight over the lighter front axle.