Caravan mobile weighing services can be quite accurate when done properly. These services typically use calibrated, high-quality portable scales or weigh bridges to determine the weight of a caravan. All mobile weighing, whether when from a mobile operator or from an ordinance body is not done in a controlled environment so there can be variances . The accuracy can depend on several factors:
Calibration
The scales or weighing equipment must be regularly calibrated to ensure precision. At CHECK WEIGHT we have our equipment calibrated every 12 months. This is to ensure they haven’t been “shocked” out of calibration. This is the recommended time frame by the manufacturer and seller. Calibration is a timely (and reasonably expensive) process, and we receive a calibration certificate for each weigh pad and the tow ball weigher.
Surface
Weighing should be done on a level surface. An uneven surface can affect the accuracy of the weight measurement. CHECK WEIGHT only weighs on suitable surfaces such as asphalt and/ or concrete. We have seen other “caravan weighers” weigh on grass, dirt and even sand. The is no possible way to know if the results are correct when weighing on a movable surface such as gravel, and more than likely will record a lower weight, which gives a false sense of “I’m OK” to the caravan owner.
Early on when I was weighing, I was pressured by a caravan owner to weigh on his driveway which sloped downwards, as he didn’t want to drive to a nearby car park (they were living in the van) The tow ball weight result recorded was considerably higher than the actual weight when we reweighed the van again on the road. As the nose of the caravan was pointing down, this gave a false reading. We are now very insistent and careful on the type of surfaces we weigh on. refer this blog article.
Load Distribution
The distribution of the caravan’s load can impact the measurement. Ideally, the caravan should be loaded as it would be during travel to get an accurate reading. I have weighed a vehicle and caravan a week after another operator weighed the combination. The owner was checking the weights as he didn’t believe he was over. The first operator weighed on a road but close to the gutter (roads slope towards the gutter). When CHECK WEIGHT weighed the van, we weighed on a flat level surface. The total weight was withing a few kgs (acceptable) however the passenger’s side weighed around 30 kg heavier (and drivers’ side lighter) when weighed near the gutter. When getting weighed ensure that items are placed where they will be stored. A carton of beer in front of the fridge will give slightly different balance than if the beer is in the fridge. (probably not significant – but the more accurate the loading the more accurate the results)
Service Quality
The skill and experience of the operator also play a role. Experienced operators are more likely to provide accurate readings.
At CHECK WEIGHT Jeff the owner has been weighing for 5 years, and the franchise partners benefit from a full training program when they begin. That means they start off “experienced” and although we are still learning on the job as different scenarios appear, starting off with training and a mentor means you are ahead of the crowd. Before selecting someone to weigh your caravan ensure they have experience and are professional in their dealings. Check their Facebook Page. How many followers do they have. Do they post regularly photos of the weighs they have completed? Do they have a website? Do they provide free information via their website and via blogs (like this one). Do they provide an emailed or printed report or do they just scribble figures on a worksheet.
Do they provide education and information so that you walk away not only knowing your weights but understanding your weights and weight distribution so you can manage you weights going forward. This is what you should expect! I saw an advert for a caravan weigher who does the weigh in ten minutes! That’s not enough time to weigh a vehicle and caravan properly, explain the weights and educate you on caravan and vehicle weight distribution. At CHECK WEIGHT we allow 90-120 minutes to do a vehicle and caravan weigh. And sometimes will take us longer if you have some issues or lots of questions.
Equipment Quality
Higher-end, well-maintained equipment generally provides more accurate results. There are some cheaper weigh pads on the market that we have seen some dubious results from (but this could also have been the operator) Ensure the weigh pads are of a high quality and have been calibrated.
Other things that can affect your results.
The weather
Wind is a major factor that can affect results. Your caravan is a big box on wheels and when on the weigh pads I have seen weights fluctuation by as much as 20-30 kg in high winds. Because our tow ball weigher is accurate to 1kg wind also affects the tow ball weight. Ensure the operator is taking a reading in the wind lull.
Humidity. Moisture in the air can affect the results making you caravan heavier – not much but it can.
Rain. If caught in a rain shower or if weighing a caravan that has water on the roof, that extra water on the roof adds weight. This happened to me last week and the weight changed a few kgs (on the wheels) and with 2 kg more tow ball weight.
Dirt and mud. Try and weigh when your caravan is clean. Dirt and mud will add weight and change the weight distribution.
At CHECK WEIGHT we record for your benefit of the water tanks are full, vehicle fuel tanks and gas bottles, as well as if the caravan and vehicle are fully loaded ready to go (FLRTG). However, if the water tanks are only ¾ and you thought they were full that will change the results. Same with gas and fuel.
Passengers
Sometimes it just isn’t feasible to weigh the vehicle with all the occupants. Work commitments, school etc. If possible, we recommend weighing your vehicle and caravan with all occupants. However, if not feasible to we explain how a passenger’s extra weight will affect vehicle weight distribution.
Tow Ball Height. It is extremely important that the tow ball weight be measured at the “same height” as when hitched. Weighing the tow ball higher or lower changes the result. However, we are limited by the equipment for tow ball which are very low, however at CHECK WEIGHT – we will explain to you how tow ball height affects the tow ball weight (and interestingly its affects are different between a single axle caravan and a dual axle caravan)
Tow Ball weight
Measuring your tow ball weight at the jockey wheel will give you a different result and will weigh heavier (this is often recommended at public weighbridges) as the point of contact is closer to the caravan’s wheels. We have seen differences of between 20-50 kg from owners weighing at a weighbridge (at the jockey wheel) and our calibrated tow ball weighers. Again, height also makes a difference when weighing on a weighbridge. I have seen caravan owners make potential unsafe alterations to their caravan to reduce the tow ball weight due to incorrect readings from weighbridges.
SUMMARY
If you’re getting your caravan weighed for compliance or safety reasons, it’s a good idea to use a reputable service like CHECK WEIGHT and ensure that the equipment is regularly calibrated and maintained. But most of all ensure the operator is trained well and knowledgeable.
Weighing is a great way to understand whether your vehicle and caravan are both safe and legal. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you keep it that way.
At CHECK WEIGHT we recommend you weigh your caravan and vehicle on initial purchase or if you make significant changes, or buy a new vehicle and/or caravan and if you feel combination is not balanced as it should be. It is also a good idea to weigh every 12 months as you circumstances and loading wil have changed.
Most of our customers leave the weigh consultation with a different weight distribution to when they arrived or with the intent to change the weight distribution.
Accuracy is important but so is reliable information and education!
CHECK your WEIGHT now to ensure you are travelling safely and legally.
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