BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale Review - Part 1 (Setup + Truck & Payload Weighing)

[@baylinerbb]

I've been considering one of these. Glad to see you're reviewing it. Look forward to Part 2.

[@camrodger5381]

Thanks for another great video, Ray. By the time I’m done connecting my Blue Driver, this weight dongle, and any future dongles, I’m going to need a 12 way OBD selector switch!

[@LoveYourRV]

haha, ya!

[@rsg1963]

They sell splitters! I have a 2-way splitter and it works perfectly.

[@0HARE]

What an interesting device. I would never have guessed that it could come up with all those different weight readings from that under-dash port. Thanks for the review.

[@latergator3367]

Thanks Ray. I am very interested in the accuracy because being 50 pounds off could be an issue if one is pushing the towing limits. Looking forward to future testing. Godspeed to you and Anne.

[@djwilson48625]

Just search this thing on youtube, you'll find a lot of bad reviews. It's guesswork, AT BEST.

[@americanrvtraveler2446]

I too have been looking at this. Good presentation so far and I will check your second video when you are traveling again.

[@powderriver2424]

I’ve seen this device on a couple other channels including CURT, I think it’s an OK tool there’s no better way then using actual scales but it’s close enough. Education regarding weight and RV’s is important and this device helps with that I thinks it’s a good gadget. Your spot on showing your Cougar an a slight decline because that does change the hitch weight. I fought a ticket in court issued by my favorite creeper cop ( DOT officer) and won he weighed my partially loaded fuel tanker on a hill and the weights were nowhere accurate, simple math proved that, physics is physics.

[@djwilson48625]

I've seen many videos where it's 1000lbs off in 2 consecutive pulls. One was like 700lbs under, one was 1000lbs over. WITH Curt techs onboard.

[@camperbum]

I have one I bought about 3 months ago on Amazon, it helped me get my weight dis/bar's right, or very close to perfect. It's a little slow but, so far it does what it supposed to do for me. Nice review.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the comment, I'll not be able to test that function so good to have some real world feedback.

[@camperbum]

@@LoveYourRVwhat ever you do with this, make sure your on level ground.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the tip. It seems to affect it a great deal.

[@dominique___1980]

My challenge is, my OBD port is already in use with my Bulldog Tuner. Suggestions?

[@camperbum]

@Dominique ___ use it temporarily then put your tuner back in.

[@andyjones611]

Good video Ray . I have the Haul Gage witch is a lot similar to this one its accurate but its not a cat scale . its good so you know your not overweight when you go on a trip.

[@garryhammond3117]

Thanks Ray - I'm VERY interested in this, but as with many things, it sounded almost "too good to be true". Your review has added some concrete to the manufacturers claims. I'm anxiously waiting for part two!! :) Cheers!!

[@theguardian5090]

Been looking at Haul gauge too, seems to be very similar.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes, I believe Haul Gauge got bought out by Curt and Lippert owns Curt. Least that's what I read somewhere.

[@mrc1539]

Ray, it seems like a nice toy to play with , but it’s no substitute for. “ Catscale “ . Since I have the same truck and same trailer and pretty much the same load all the time , I weighed the axles on a Catscale , set my hitch accordingly, and went on down the road 😊 ! Thanks for the video.

[@LoveYourRV]

I think you are right, kind of an interesting gadget but I wouldn't trust it. I think for people that have never weighed their rig on scales it may be an eye opener and maybe get them to check into it more. I'll use it going forward and report back the results. Cheers! Ray

[@sandyperley3786]

@@LoveYourRV I am just trying to get a weight of each axle separately in my Class C RV with duallys. I haven't made it Florida or AZ to try and do at a big rally. But the CAT scales don't let you weigh each axle.

[@LoveYourRV]

Sometimes you can find a closed State DOT scale, many times they actually leave the scales working. We travel on the Oregon coast often and they leave the scales working on HWY 101. It's nice cause I can spend my time weighing each axle or tire and not interfere with commercial rigs.

[@mrc1539]

Love Your RV , I agree it’s nice to be able to drop the trailer , and get gross weight or just the tongue weight . I have a pull trailer and use an easy lift hitch, and check weigh different links on my chains and then mark the one I normal use. I have been known to change a link when getting into some slick conditions just to put a little my weight on the drive. I’m afraid there is a lot of people with RVs that don’t understand the weights and the problems that they can get into when it’s wrong. Seems like you always come up with some interesting items and I always enjoy them. Take Care and stay safe 😷 .

[@interstate5trucker]

@Sandy, actually CAT scales do weigh each axle separately, that’s the advantage of a CAT scale versus other truck scales. The CAT scale is segmented, put the steer axle on the front segment, the drive axle on the middle segment and trailer axle on rear segment. This will give you a gross weight and a per axle weight.

[@gac914]

I bought this when it first came out as a "Haulgauge." I have a Chevy Silverado with the "Max Tow" package, and could NOT get the darn thing to work! Called them, and we tested a bunch of stuff, and they finally gave me my money back, as they did not have a profile that would fit my vehicle. Not sure if Haulgauge is still making these, it kind of seems that Curt may have bought them out, but this is my opinion, not exactly sure. . .!

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the feedback. Curt is a subsidiary of Lippert. Not sure if Curt took over Haul Gauge but see some forum posts that indicated that. Cheers, Ray

[@dennisbesler2448]

Looks like a good idea to have one of these if it is reliable in accuracy. I'll wait for part 2... Possible that it needs some tweaking.

[@chrislonsberry4571]

Interesting gizmo. I’d like to know the science behind it and how it can determine trailer weight. I may have to buy one. Thanks for the review.

[@LoveYourRV]

I think the little gizmo is taking advantage of the new tech of accelerometers and levelers found in modern smartphones (the smartphones have driven down the price of these sensors) plus the information provided by a modern transmission and onboard computer such as torque converter slip, etc to come up with the weights. Just my guess.. But I think it can be fooled by unlevel ground and things like wind pressure. At least that's my impression so far. Cheers, Ray

[@BobKeefe]

Interesting concept, I don’t understand why they don’t also give a digital weight instead of the analog dial, not sure why they want you to keep guessing what the weight is

[@thirddoor]

That's because it's not CAT scale accurate. Deliberately vague gauge design (I talked to the developers of Haul Gauge, which is identical).

[@bradsgold345]

thanks very helpful review..... looking forward to #2 :)

[@TC-tw5zk]

I have the haulguage version..I believe curt purchased the haulguage

[@willymueller4587]

Thanks Ray, I guess I’m just gonna have to get a smart phone one of these days

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

So it won't work if you have modified your suspension (different springs, for instance)

[@LoveYourRV]

It can work but will need manual calibration versus the auto calibration via the Cloud database VIN lookup www.curtmfg.com/betterweigh Here is what the FAQ says: Do I need to calibrate BetterWeigh™ to my vehicle? Our Cloud database contains an extensive list of vehicles, eliminating the need for calibration for those vehicles in their factory condition. Just enter your VIN. If your vehicle is not in our database or has been changed from its factory condition - change in tire size, axle ratio change, non-stock torque converter, aftermarket suspension - manual calibration will be necessary. What if I modified my truck by adding a lift kit and larger than stock tires, do I need to re-calibrate? Yes, it is recommended to do a re-calibration if any modifications have been done from stock, including installing additional accessories to the interior or exterior of your vehicle. Will BetterWeigh™ work if I have air suspension? Airbags? Auto-leveling? In almost every case, yes. Usually the suspension modification needs to be turned off (or airbags put to lowest PSI). Then the vehicle can be calibrated. Please contact Product Support for specific questions.

[@LoveYourRV]

*See Part Two Video* - (Towing Test & Comparison to Real Scale Results) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4W3kJprqs9gapY

[@hankontheroad5960]

Ah, the relative sanity of a Ray video. Next I'll find an old episode of My Three Sons.

[@morganrussman]

Hmmm, interesting video Ray. When you mention 'break camp', do you mean 'leaving camp'? Also, Apologies if I've asked this question before, I suspect I probably forgot if I've asked the question before, but, I see your at about 70 1/2 k subscribers, if you do end up at the mile stone, what do you plan on doing for 100k subscribers? And what about 1 million subscribers? That's if and when you do get to those mile stones.

[@LoveYourRV]

Kinda meant put everything away that we wouldn't want taken while we are gone. I've got things tuck under the rig, etc and inside we would have to get it ready to tow. When we set up for a long stay we do things a bit different tan if we are traveling and packing up all the time. Not sure what I'll do but still a long way away. :) Subs really don't mean that much as it used to, as KZbin only alerts a small amount of subs of a new video unlike years ago when it was much less crowded with channels and people subscribed to far fewer.

[@morganrussman]

@@LoveYourRV Ah, ok. So, for the whole subscriber subject, there's really not going to be much going on for either mentioned milestone then eh? :/

[@LoveYourRV]

I guess its really just a number, doesn't mean much, but I am planning to give away all the extra stuff (doubles) companies have sent me for review this spring and summer that I don't need or can't use. No point keeping if I can't do long term updates. I can't be bothered to try and sell it so I decided to send it out to my subscribers instead. That will be sometime in late August or early September. Don't really care what the sub count will be. :)

[@morganrussman]

@@LoveYourRV Yeah, I guess you have a bit of a point there Ray. I think it's a bit like vacation time, weekends and birthdays, all that stuff just turns into..... Meh type of deal as you (anyone in perspective) get to be a certain age or get to be at that point of certian age.

[@bootmender]

My rig is pre Computer ? 1977 argosy

[@LoveYourRV]

Lucky, looks like a collectors item

[@mikeheyd6428]

cool product

[@johnirwin1837]

After doing a little reading about this item, it doesn't look like it will be of much value to me. I have an auto leveling system on my Ram.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, I'll mention that in part two. Vehicles with auto-leveling suspension will have limited functionality they say.

[@johnirwin1837]

@@LoveYourRV , I think it's because there is no tilt change to the truck frame and the alternate ride which lowers the ride by 1 inch after hitch up will probably mess with it's brain. I have put 2400# of Sack crete on a skid at the tailgate and it did not settle below stock empty height.

[@kellyyoung124]

I got the Haulgauge version and it’s not accurate at all. Would very by 1000 lbs sometimes. Got a second one because I thought the first one was bad. The second one was also the same. It’s junk.

[@LoveYourRV]

That doesn't sound promising because by the looks of it Curt bought out Haul Gauge.Thanks for the feedback. Ray

[@commanderstarbuck7859]

On the off chance that you see this before you do part 2 you should actually take your vehicle to the scale in to see how close it really is

[@LoveYourRV]

Yeah, that's my plan to compare.

[@garthhart6642]

Haul Gauge developed. Curt bought them out & Lippert owns Curt. Marketed under all 3 badges

[@LoveYourRV]

ahh, that makes sense, the Haul Gauge app looks really similar.

[@garthhart6642]

@@LoveYourRV I asked about the Haul Gauge on your forum a while back. There were several good comments pro & con.

[@william1452]

The +/- 5% is too much. That’s +/- 500 lbs on 10,000 lbs so you could be 9500 or 10500 lbs. pretty big swing. I’ll wait.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yeah, with that margin it can only really be used as a gadget out of interest. If someone is trying to bump up against a any of their max weights they better have a certificated scale weight readout.

[@djwilson48625]

Um, no. No, no, no... I've seen too many videos of how this thing guesses your weight. One with their techs on scene, and it still was off 1000lbs off, both over and under. If you buy these, remember, "a fool and his money are soon parted".

[@LoveYourRV]

I agree. Here was part 2 BetterWeigh Review Part 2 (Towing Test & Real Scale Comparison) and it made my dud list www.loveyourrv.com/9-rving-products-that-turned-out-to-be-duds/ Cheers, Ray

[@djwilson48625]

@@LoveYourRV yeah, I'm surprised it's still being sold. They know it's a bad product but let people think it's fairly accurate. Maybe a lawsuit, like that McDonalds chic that was scalded by hot coffee (I got lots to say about that whole thing) would make them take this crap off the market before it's erroneous readings kill someone.

[@LoveYourRV]

Well I guess the flip side is at least it gets people thinking about weights and loads, most never give it a second thought. :)

[@raymondschneider5217]

First time viewer. Am a bit disappointed that you're doing a "review" of the product, but, haven't fully followed the set-up instructions. I would have thought, you'd have a "control" by going to a CAT scale and getting a baseline (for both the RV and the boat) BEFORE attempting to review the Better Weigh product. Distracting (to me) to hear, well, they want the load (e.g., water bladder) over the axle, but, that you have your 5th wheel hitch still in place so the weight is NOT placed accurately. Also, "...well, the trailer (both RV and boat) are sitting a bit low in the rear because there's a slope on the lot (thought, instruction said "level ground). etc. 1) NOT doing a baseline test (CAT scale) and 2) NOT following the set-up instructions, per mfg, frankly doesn't give me great confidence in the "review" you've provided. The concept of the product is great; to bad it wasn't reviewed that way; not very scientific/accurate -- just jurry-rigged ("it's close enough").

[@LoveYourRV]

Here is part 2, where I compare the results for truck weight and towing a boat to not a CAT scale, we don't have one within hundreds of miles where I'm at for the summer, but used a landfill scale - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4W3kJprqs9gapY I think I showed that this product has significant flaws, first I proved there are all sorts of situations that it is useless in unless everything is set up just so and on a perfect level and even then it can be off by 5% either way according to the manual.

[@acdii]

These gadgets are great and everything, but will the company back it up in court like a CAT scale will? Not many people realize it, but some states, Nebraska comes to mind, will pull pickups towing trailers out of traffic on to the scales if the weigh-in-motion detects an overweight condition on a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup. If this gadget is used and shows that the weight it reports and actual weight is off, and happens to exceed the weight limits of the vehicle, the driver will get fined, so does the company have a means for a legal rep to "weigh in" so to speak like a CAT scale does? CAT Scale offers an unconditional Guarantee “If you get an overweight fine from the state after our scale showed you are legal, we will immediately check our scale. If our scale is wrong, we will reimburse you for the fine. If our scale is correct, a representative of CAT Scale Company will appear in court with the driver as a witness”. Yes, medium duty pickups do get pulled into scales at times, not all pickups towing a 5th wheel RV or conventional pull travel trailer are campers, there are a lot that are commercial haulers transporting them to dealers, and they do get weighed. I was following a 2500 series hauling a rather large 5th wheel, non commercial since no DOT numbers on the pickup, and there were bikes on the trailer, and that driver got flagged to use the scales in Nebraska heading east on I-80. IOW, this gadget does a fine job getting the truck and trailer set up for distribution, but do not rely on it for actual legal weights, if you feel there may be an overload, get a real CAT weigh if that is the case. Regardless of what you are driving or towing, you still have to stay at or under GVWR, GAWR, tire and wheel weight(this is the one that gets most people fines), and GCVWR, though only on trucks with posted GCVWR on the vehicle.

[@LoveYourRV]

You're right and no one is saying it is a substitute for official weight certification. On the company website they state "Not intended for weight certification" But it could come in handy to provide an ongoing measurement between CAT scale visits as long as the owner keeps on mind its not 100% accurate. They claim its +-5% but can be affected by many thing like uneven roads, wind, etc. People often change RV weight loads between scale visits. Lots of areas don't have a conveniently located scale, I have to drive 100 miles to get to one I doubt 95% of the RVing public ever weighs their rig so I think being so easy to use its a good starting point to get them to think about it. Cheers, Ray

[@acdii]

@@LoveYourRV Agreed, as long as people keep that in mind, they should be fine. I do see it's benefits, can be very handy when setting up a new rig, and if it shows it border line, then a CAT trip should be planned, but as long as the weight is within that margin of error, it is a useful tool.

[@davidmcconnell8690]

:-)))) :-))))