This may have been asked but since we are newbies and taking our first trip in our fifth wheel, figured I'd better ask. When traveling the highways and by ways, are we required to stop at weigh stations? Susan and Mark Willey
MarkS said
07:45 PM Nov 9, 2016
No. weigh stations are for commercial vehicles only. If you are in a state that requires RVs to stop they will be clearly marked.
Yankee stitcher said
08:00 PM Nov 9, 2016
Great - thanks so much
CJSX2fromCT said
03:36 AM Nov 10, 2016
Be very careful reading the signs.Some States say ALL vehicles weighing x amount MUST enter weigh station.
CurveCarver said
11:12 AM Nov 10, 2016
Have traveled through every state in the union, most repeatedly and have never stopped at a weigh station.
Bill and Linda said
01:24 PM Nov 11, 2016
"Private" RV's are not "welcome" at weight stations. As was mentioned - traveled in every state in the continental US - never stopped and never been flagged down. Pulled into rest areas where they were doing mandatory weighing of rigs that came in there. Not interested in us and didn't even give us a second look when we bypassed their scales. They really aren't interested in you and won't be unless you look so overloaded that you appear unsafe. Think 3-axle, 43 foot toy hauler on an F-250 single rear wheel truck. That might get their attention. Just saying. Just make sure you have the correct driver's license as appropriate for your state of residence. Some states are looking for people with lower classes of DL then required for rigs of certain weights. Many threads discussing this.
Bill and Linda said
01:27 PM Nov 11, 2016
MarkS wrote:
No. weigh stations are for commercial vehicles only. If you are in a state that requires RVs to stop they will be clearly marked.
Mark, have you, as a professional, ever seen a sign requiring RV's to stop for weighing. I haven't in the lower 48 plus Alaska. Seen signs for RV's to stop for LP gas turn-off (tunnel) and agriculture check - California - but never for weight.
MarkS said
03:39 PM Nov 11, 2016
Bill and Linda wrote:
MarkS wrote:
No. weigh stations are for commercial vehicles only. If you are in a state that requires RVs to stop they will be clearly marked.
Mark, have you, as a professional, ever seen a sign requiring RV's to stop for weighing. I haven't in the lower 48 plus Alaska. Seen signs for RV's to stop for LP gas turn-off (tunnel) and agriculture check - California - but never for weight.
Bill,
I want to say that I have seen a sign at the approach to a weigh station that indicated that RVs must stop. But, I can't remember where or if that was the same dream where I won the lottery! So let's just say that statement was included to protect me from litigation! We could just go with the short answer which is "no".
kb0zke said
06:02 PM Nov 11, 2016
I have seen signs noting a weigh station ahead that say "Buses and RVs must weigh" but those were made to be either visible or not, so it would seem that once in a while they do check. I've also seen signs that say pickups pulling trailers must weigh. That might be the type of thing that Bill and Linda mentioned above. As others have said, if you are required to stop there will be plenty of warning for you.
Two suggestions: stay in the lane to make the exit (some weigh stations are located between the lanes of a divided highway) until you know for sure that you don't have to stop. If you can SAFELY move to another lane then, do so, as there will be trucks entering the highway and they won't necessarily be up to speed.
Many States are using a weigh-in-motion system that means trucks can be weighed while going down the highway. As a practical matter, that would mean that all vehicles are weighed, from the SmartCars to the overweight semis.
Bill and Linda said
01:47 PM Nov 12, 2016
kb0zke wrote:
I have seen signs noting a weigh station ahead that say "Buses and RVs must weigh" but those were made to be either visible or not, so it would seem that once in a while they do check. I've also seen signs that say pickups pulling trailers must weigh. That might be the type of thing that Bill and Linda mentioned above. As others have said, if you are required to stop there will be plenty of warning for you.
David: That's very interesting and useful, and probably why I've never seen a sign, but could. Thanks for that comment. I have seen the sign "Commercial Buses" BTW. Meaning "Church Busses," for example, don't have to stop. Emphasis on the word "commercial."
Bill
Danny and Cheryl said
08:56 PM Dec 5, 2016
I Never stop, Commercial Vehicles Only
Clay L said
03:30 PM Dec 7, 2016
This is the rule in Maryland from their web site FAQ.
"8. What vehicles must go through weigh stations in Maryland?
All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds must stop at open weigh stations. Only vehicles that are operating in commerce will be subject to a safety inspection."
However RVers that have called the Maryland DOT have been told not to worry about it and no one will come after you if you drive on by.
CJSX2fromCT said
03:28 AM Dec 8, 2016
EVERY State is different, it's NOT going to surprise me to start seeing States that are "hurting" for $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and realize there is potential for $$$$$$$$$$$$ to start pulling us in.
Bill and Linda said
08:18 AM Dec 8, 2016
CJSX2fromCT wrote:
EVERY State is different, it's NOT going to surprise me to start seeing States that are "hurting" for $$$$$$$$$$$$$ and realize there is potential for $$$$$$$$$$$$ to start pulling us in.
While I agree some states and municipalities have targeted enforcement to generate money - think "speed traps" - I would suggest the backup that will occur having every non-commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs going into a state's weigh station will be somewhat operationally problematic to say the least. What will drive any additional weighing requirements will be what the NTSB calls "Tombstone Legislation." I.e. if enough people die due to some "issue" then a law will be enacted and / or targeted enforcement will commence. (This is but one reason for the CDL driver's license. When I started driving semis there was no such license.)
While overweight conditions on RVs are well known, other than damaging rear-ends due to overweight rear axle loads, or blowouts on trailer tires due to overloading / cheep tires as two examples, there are relatively few RV accidents that result in fatalities or damage to property other than the offending vehicle. Hence, as yet, weighing of non-commercial vehicles overall hasn't become a major issue as the post about Maryland's policy above points out.
My opinion
Second Chance said
12:33 PM Dec 13, 2016
Clay L wrote:
This is the rule in Maryland from their web site FAQ.
"8. What vehicles must go through weigh stations in Maryland? All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds must stop at open weigh stations. Only vehicles that are operating in commerce will be subject to a safety inspection."
However RVers that have called the Maryland DOT have been told not to worry about it and no one will come after you if you drive on by.
Clay is right. We have grandchildren in Maryland so travel in and through the state frequently. We've never pulled into a weigh station and have never had a problem. I've had several friendly conversations with Maryland state patrol officers on various topics and this one has never come up.
Rob
CurveCarver said
10:22 AM Dec 14, 2016
Not one to seek out problems for self, especially to the "letter of the law."
I confess ignorance to this and many other state's statutes I'm sure. Been through Maryland numerous times never had an issue. For all practical purposes unless directly specified or, chased down I'm good with not being bothered and heading down the road. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
Safe travels to all. Happy Holidays!!
NorCal Dan said
12:23 PM Dec 16, 2016
What exactly happens at those weigh stations? I know they weigh vehicles, but then what?
How would they determine if an RV is over weight?
What happens if they find you are over weight?
I don't see a anybody unloading stuff from trucks, so I assume the truckers pay a fine and continue on down the road.
CJSX2fromCT said
05:05 AM Dec 17, 2016
"What exactly happens at those weigh stations? I know they weigh vehicles, but then what?" A lot could end up happening, being over weight opens the door for D.O.T. inspections (Speaking with trucks)
"How would they determine if an RV is over weight?"...The same way they do with a truck, they weigh your axles. A lot of States have gone to the "weigh in motion" meaning there are scales out on the highway you roll across doing highway speed. You will see signs "All trucks must use right lane" They also are tied in with "EZ Pass" there are lights on the EZ pass transponder that will light up green or red , green your ok you don't have to stop. Red, you must enter the weigh station. Also there are heat sensors at the entrance in some States that are there to see the heat on your brakes as you roll by. No heat coming off a brake... RED FLAG to them.
"What happens if they find you are over weight?" I don't know with RV's what would happen. With trucks, there is a fine.
"I don't see a anybody unloading stuff from trucks, so I assume the truckers pay a fine and continue on down the road." Oh yes some States do, Ct. is a fine example of making you off load if you are overweight. Most States will let you try to shift the weight, meaning slide your axles on the trl, on the tractor you can slide the 5th wheel plate to move weight.
It's a very good and SAFE idea to get weighed, know what you have under you. Call you local D O T office and ask if they do axle weighing, the most they can say is "No" Find a "platform" scale and at least that will weigh out your axles. Most truck stops have them, not all but your big moving companies have them, gravel pits, scrap yards. If you find a slow truck stop (with a CAT scale)...(I've done this) go into the fuel desk and talk to them letting them know what you want to do.. The scale has 3 sections on it 1 large area when you 1st pull on is for the trl. 2nd is(smallest section) for the drive axle, and 3rd is for front steer... in some cases you can fit both on the trl section and get your total weight of both truck and trl together on 1 scale...then drop the trl on the 1st section and move the truck onto section 2&3 get another weigh... now you have just your trl gross weight and truck "empty" weight ... then rehook and move to where the trl axle is on 1 and your drive tires are on 2 and steer tires are on 3 now you have "pin weight" also a good idea to do this with full fresh water tank or just make sure you add that water weight when figuring out your gross along with fuel weight and body weight. This ONLY gives you axles weights NOT tire weight. Hope this helps, Safe travels.
MarkS said
08:36 PM Dec 18, 2016
Actually, you pull on the scales and get steers, drives, trailer, and total weight using the three pads. Cat scales are wide enough you can weigh left or right wheels only giving you side to side weight if desired. Cat scales are $10.50 for the first weigh and $2.00 for subsequent weighs on the same day. I prefer using cat scales because I know they are calibrated and well maintained.
You are welcome to use these scales at any truck stop anytime. Pull on the scale, get your weight and go inside to pay and get your scale ticket. Or get the app and scale, pay(using PayPal) and be on your way. Your scale ticket is emailed to you before you leave the scales. I go in and get my scale ticket because my grandson likes the custom truck trading cards. Important note: do not leave your rig on the scale. Once you are done weighing, park your rig away from the scales and then go inside to pay and get your ticket.
Concerning scale houses; you are very unlikely to ever be chased down. Sometimes truckers miss scale houses and they are seldom chased down. When a commercial truck crosses the scales overweight, he is ticketed and not allowed to continue until he is legal. Usually legal weights can be achieved by moving the trailer axles fore or aft. Highway patrol really doesn't have time to mess with recreational vehicles. There are plenty of sloppy truck operators to keep them busy and generating revenue.
This may have been asked but since we are newbies and taking our first trip in our fifth wheel, figured I'd better ask. When traveling the highways and by ways, are we required to stop at weigh stations? Susan and Mark Willey
Great - thanks so much
"Private" RV's are not "welcome" at weight stations. As was mentioned - traveled in every state in the continental US - never stopped and never been flagged down. Pulled into rest areas where they were doing mandatory weighing of rigs that came in there. Not interested in us and didn't even give us a second look when we bypassed their scales. They really aren't interested in you and won't be unless you look so overloaded that you appear unsafe. Think 3-axle, 43 foot toy hauler on an F-250 single rear wheel truck. That might get their attention. Just saying. Just make sure you have the correct driver's license as appropriate for your state of residence. Some states are looking for people with lower classes of DL then required for rigs of certain weights. Many threads discussing this.
Mark, have you, as a professional, ever seen a sign requiring RV's to stop for weighing. I haven't in the lower 48 plus Alaska. Seen signs for RV's to stop for LP gas turn-off (tunnel) and agriculture check - California - but never for weight.
Bill,
I want to say that I have seen a sign at the approach to a weigh station that indicated that RVs must stop. But, I can't remember where or if that was the same dream where I won the lottery! So let's just say that statement was included to protect me from litigation! We could just go with the short answer which is "no".
Two suggestions: stay in the lane to make the exit (some weigh stations are located between the lanes of a divided highway) until you know for sure that you don't have to stop. If you can SAFELY move to another lane then, do so, as there will be trucks entering the highway and they won't necessarily be up to speed.
Many States are using a weigh-in-motion system that means trucks can be weighed while going down the highway. As a practical matter, that would mean that all vehicles are weighed, from the SmartCars to the overweight semis.
David: That's very interesting and useful, and probably why I've never seen a sign, but could. Thanks for that comment. I have seen the sign "Commercial Buses" BTW. Meaning "Church Busses," for example, don't have to stop. Emphasis on the word "commercial."
Bill
"8. What vehicles must go through weigh stations in Maryland?
All vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds must stop at open weigh stations. Only vehicles that are operating in commerce will be subject to a safety inspection."
However RVers that have called the Maryland DOT have been told not to worry about it and no one will come after you if you drive on by.
While I agree some states and municipalities have targeted enforcement to generate money - think "speed traps" - I would suggest the backup that will occur having every non-commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs going into a state's weigh station will be somewhat operationally problematic to say the least. What will drive any additional weighing requirements will be what the NTSB calls "Tombstone Legislation." I.e. if enough people die due to some "issue" then a law will be enacted and / or targeted enforcement will commence. (This is but one reason for the CDL driver's license. When I started driving semis there was no such license.)
While overweight conditions on RVs are well known, other than damaging rear-ends due to overweight rear axle loads, or blowouts on trailer tires due to overloading / cheep tires as two examples, there are relatively few RV accidents that result in fatalities or damage to property other than the offending vehicle. Hence, as yet, weighing of non-commercial vehicles overall hasn't become a major issue as the post about Maryland's policy above points out.
My opinion
Clay is right. We have grandchildren in Maryland so travel in and through the state frequently. We've never pulled into a weigh station and have never had a problem. I've had several friendly conversations with Maryland state patrol officers on various topics and this one has never come up.
Rob
I confess ignorance to this and many other state's statutes I'm sure. Been through Maryland numerous times never had an issue. For all practical purposes unless directly specified or, chased down I'm good with not being bothered and heading down the road. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.
Safe travels to all. Happy Holidays!!
How would they determine if an RV is over weight?
What happens if they find you are over weight?
I don't see a anybody unloading stuff from trucks, so I assume the truckers pay a fine and continue on down the road.
"What exactly happens at those weigh stations? I know they weigh vehicles, but then what?" A lot could end up happening, being over weight opens the door for D.O.T. inspections (Speaking with trucks)
"How would they determine if an RV is over weight?"...The same way they do with a truck, they weigh your axles. A lot of States have gone to the "weigh in motion" meaning there are scales out on the highway you roll across doing highway speed. You will see signs "All trucks must use right lane" They also are tied in with "EZ Pass" there are lights on the EZ pass transponder that will light up green or red , green your ok you don't have to stop. Red, you must enter the weigh station. Also there are heat sensors at the entrance in some States that are there to see the heat on your brakes as you roll by. No heat coming off a brake... RED FLAG to them.
"What happens if they find you are over weight?" I don't know with RV's what would happen. With trucks, there is a fine.
"I don't see a anybody unloading stuff from trucks, so I assume the truckers pay a fine and continue on down the road." Oh yes some States do, Ct. is a fine example of making you off load if you are overweight. Most States will let you try to shift the weight, meaning slide your axles on the trl, on the tractor you can slide the 5th wheel plate to move weight.
It's a very good and SAFE idea to get weighed, know what you have under you. Call you local D O T office and ask if they do axle weighing, the most they can say is "No" Find a "platform" scale and at least that will weigh out your axles. Most truck stops have them, not all but your big moving companies have them, gravel pits, scrap yards. If you find a slow truck stop (with a CAT scale)...(I've done this) go into the fuel desk and talk to them letting them know what you want to do.. The scale has 3 sections on it 1 large area when you 1st pull on is for the trl. 2nd is(smallest section) for the drive axle, and 3rd is for front steer... in some cases you can fit both on the trl section and get your total weight of both truck and trl together on 1 scale...then drop the trl on the 1st section and move the truck onto section 2&3 get another weigh... now you have just your trl gross weight and truck "empty" weight ... then rehook and move to where the trl axle is on 1 and your drive tires are on 2 and steer tires are on 3 now you have "pin weight" also a good idea to do this with full fresh water tank or just make sure you add that water weight when figuring out your gross along with fuel weight and body weight. This ONLY gives you axles weights NOT tire weight. Hope this helps, Safe travels.
You are welcome to use these scales at any truck stop anytime. Pull on the scale, get your weight and go inside to pay and get your scale ticket. Or get the app and scale, pay(using PayPal) and be on your way. Your scale ticket is emailed to you before you leave the scales. I go in and get my scale ticket because my grandson likes the custom truck trading cards. Important note: do not leave your rig on the scale. Once you are done weighing, park your rig away from the scales and then go inside to pay and get your ticket.
Concerning scale houses; you are very unlikely to ever be chased down. Sometimes truckers miss scale houses and they are seldom chased down. When a commercial truck crosses the scales overweight, he is ticketed and not allowed to continue until he is legal. Usually legal weights can be achieved by moving the trailer axles fore or aft. Highway patrol really doesn't have time to mess with recreational vehicles. There are plenty of sloppy truck operators to keep them busy and generating revenue.