Weighing an RV on a CAT Scale 101

Yesterday, "G" and I took a ride up to Kingston's Camping World to utilize a coupon, return an item, and buy more RV necessities. It actually turned out to be a learning experience, because we decided to get our first propane fill up and weigh-in.

The propane fill up was a simple one. The only surprise was the unbelievably low $2.97 price per gallon we paid.  Camping World offers a discounted price for propane to Good Sam Members on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so we had planned our visit to take advantage of that benefit. Too bad we didn't need a full tank.

The adventure actually became exciting when we pulled into a Pilot Travel Station where a CAT scale was located. CAT stands for "Certified Automated Truck" Scale. I thought it referred to the "Caterpillar" brand. Learned a new fact today. It turned out to be a biggerl learning experience and I will continually give "G" credit for never being intimidated by the unknown.

As we approached the scales, we discovered that there were no instructional signs, so we drove up onto the scale and "assumed" that the scales would operate similarly to an automatic car wash. However, as a previous post indicated, we should never assume. Once atop the scales, we saw a box that instructed us to press the "Call" button. A garbled voice explained that we needed to pay first, get a number, get on the scale, press button, drive off scale and then return inside to receive the print-out. A sign, with instructions, would have been so helpful - don't you think?

Complaints about the Newburgh Pilot Travel Station:

1. No fuel pumps to accommodate a gas-powered RV
2. Poor signage
3. Confusing entrance and exit
4. No directions about how to use a CAT scale

While "G" went in to pay, I sat in Allie, feeling like an elephant on a Weight Watcher's scale for the first time. It seemed like all the tractor trailer drivers' eyes were on me, trying to guess how much I weighed and how much I may have to "lose."  Out came "G" and the verdict came in:

Cost to weigh Allie:  $ 10.50
Front axle weight:  8080 lbs.
Real axle:  14700 (yikes-close to max)
Total gross weight: 22780

Not on board: 

1. Lucy @ 13.8 pounds
2. 2/3 tank of gas
3. Food, clothing and miscellaneous

Allie's weight capacity is 24000 lbs, so that means that the items not yet on board need to come in at under 1220. This weigh-in showed us that, although the rear axle is designed to take more weight, we need to do a little bit of distribution so our numbers remain within the recommended limits.

Yesterday was a day of learning new things without a manual. Owning an RV can sometimes be like being a parent - you get plenty of advice from people who have them, but most times, you just need to do the best you can and learn along the way.

Deep thought for the day: If at first you don't succeed, it's not always your fault.