How Do You Weigh a Pickup Truck and Trailer?

Weighing a pickup truck and trailer can be an important step in ensuring the safe operation of your vehicle. Knowing the weight of the truck and trailer can help you determine if you are within the legal limits for towing capacity, and it can also help you plan for any modifications that may need to be made. There are several methods of weighing a pickup truck and trailer, and each one has its benefits.

Public Weigh Stations

Public weigh stations are often located near major highways, and they provide a convenient way to weigh your vehicle. The process is usually fairly straightforward: pull into the station, drive across the scale, stop, get out of your vehicle, read the displayed weight, pay a small fee if required, and then drive off. Public weigh stations have calibrated scales that are regularly maintained for accuracy.

Portable Scales

Portable scales are available from many automotive supply stores and online retailers. These scales typically require some setup before use—for example, you may need to attach chains or straps around your wheels—but once setup is complete they offer easy weighing of vehicles at any location. Portable scales often come with instructions on how to use them properly.

Onboard Scales

Onboard scales are becoming increasingly popular for those who tow frequently. These scales attach directly to your trailer’s hitch system and measure the tongue weight automatically as you drive down the road. Onboard scales offer convenience because they do not require any special setup or calibration; they also keep an ongoing record of your tongue weight so that you can monitor it over time.

Conclusion

Weighing a pickup truck and trailer is an important safety precaution that should never be overlooked. By using one of these three methods– public weigh stations, portable scales, or onboard scales– you can easily measure your vehicle’s weight so that you know whether or not it is within legal limits for towing capacity.

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James Gardner