Arrive trip-ready, place each axle group on the appropriate scale platform, follow the scale operator's instructions, and keep the ticket. Compare steer, drive/rear, trailer, and total weights with the exact vehicle, axle, tire, trailer, hitch, and combined ratings.
Make the first ticket representative
Load the tow vehicle and trailer as they will travel: driver and passengers, pets, fuel, water, propane, batteries, food, tools, bikes, hitch hardware, and normal cargo. Secure everything before entering the scale. A lightly loaded practice ticket cannot prove the trip-ready condition.
- Bring the door and certification-label ratings.
- Bring the trailer certification label and receiver label.
- Record water and fuel state plus anything intentionally left out.
- Use the scale's directions and ask the operator if the combination does not fit the standard diagram.
Position the axle groups
CAT Scale's standard diagram places the steer axle on platform one, the drive axle on platform two, and the trailer axle group on platform three. A pickup-and-trailer combination uses the same underlying idea: separate front, rear, and trailer axle groups when the platform layout and operator allow it.
The ticket gives axle-group and total weights, not individual wheel-corner weights. If you need side-to-side or wheel-level information, use an appropriate service and procedure.
Turn the ticket into comparisons
Compare the tow vehicle's measured axles with their GAWRs and the appropriate tire limits. Compare the loaded tow-vehicle weight with GVWR and payload assumptions. Compare loaded trailer weight with trailer GVWR and the exact vehicle/receiver trailer ratings. Compare the combined measured or consistently calculated weight with GCWR.
A weight-distributing hitch changes axle loads, so use the weighing sequence required by the vehicle and hitch manufacturers when evaluating adjustment. Do not assume a single coupled ticket proves every condition.
Keep a repeatable scale log
Write the date, vehicle, trailer, passenger count, fuel/water state, hitch configuration, and major cargo on each ticket. Reweigh after changing the trailer, hitch adjustment, water load, battery bank, bed accessories, or other material loading. The ticket is evidence of that measured condition only.
This guide explains planning concepts for conventional bumper-pull trailers. It is not a vehicle record or permission to tow. Follow the exact vehicle, trailer, hitch, tire, and equipment instructions and applicable law.
Primary references
Sources used for this guide
Source links are provided for traceability. Manufacturer instructions for the exact model year and equipment remain controlling.
Free worksheet