Class A Motorhome, CAT Scale, 4 Corner Weigh

Always do a 4 Corner Weigh on a Class A Motorhome and not an axle weigh. Doing a 4 corner weigh will give you the data you need to properly inflate your motorhome tires with the right PSI and also show you whether or not you need to redistribute any weight in your motorhome.
You guys know how much I stress weighing your RV and having your tires aired up to the proper PSI right? I talk about this all the time.
You remember back in October of 2021 I bought 6 brand new Toyo M122 tires. If you want to see all the in’s and out’s of buying and installing new MH tires watch this video: • In's & Out's of BUYING...
Whether it’s a Pilot truck stop or any other location where there’s a CAT scale, some of these CAT scales will have a steel pipe guards on the sides of the scales and that will prevent you from doing a 4 corner weigh. In my experience though most locations don’t have these guards but some do. So if you’re going to use a CAT scale to weigh your motorhome make sure they don’t have these guard rails on the sides of the scales.
When you go to weigh your motorhome you want to do a 4 corner weigh. NOT just an axle weigh. If you just do a axle weigh you are not going to know where your weight distribution is and you’ll also not know what tire position is carrying the most weight. And that information is important to know to be able to air up your tires to the proper PSI. So if your going to weigh, do it right and do a 4 corner weigh.
Doing a 4 corner weigh on a CAT scale is called a “Split Weigh”. This is much different than what the lady is used to at the Pilot Station and I didn’t want to try to explain this to her over the intercom. Communicating clearly what you want to do before you do your weigh will eliminate any confusion. So after I discussed with her my plan I went back to the coach to do these 3 weighs.
Those who follow my channel know that I prefer and use Escapees for weighing my Class A Motorhome. They use individual scales under each tire and by doing that your going to get the most accurate weigh. To do a 4 corner weigh at Escapees they also check your height and other items on a check list that they go over with you. Escapees has 3 locations, AZ, TX and FL. But going to a Escapees location is just not feasible for many of you. I get that. So getting your motorhome weighed on a CAT scale is the next best option. It’s not as accurate as Escapees but it’s going to get you close enough when Escapees is not an option.
Escapees Smart Weigh - www.escapees.com/?s=smart+weigh
IMPORTANT FOLLOW UP VIDEO AFTER YOU’VE DONE A 4 CORNER WEIGH
So now that you have this weight information you can now calculate how to properly air up your tires by watching my “INFLATE your MOTORHOME TIRES to Proper PSI” video. You watch that video here: • How to CALCULATE tire ...
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So many of you tell me all the time “thank you for making these videos” it really helps.
So, I want to thank all of you who use my Amazon Store to buy everything you need whether it’s RV related or not. Using my Amazon Store is a great tangible way to say thank you Martin for making these videos and helping the RV community. Joanie & I appreciate your support so much.
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DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.

[@jackcassidy9403]

Martin, I just wanted to thank you for all the videos you do. While I consider myself extremely mechanical, your videos are very educational and I literally do everything on my 40’ motorhome myself and use your library as a reference. I just completed the water heater flush and Just like you stated, a lot of calcium and other elements pour it out! I also buy a lot from Amazon and bookmarked your Amazon site and buy everything through your site. I would highly recommend everybody else follow that procedure to help you and Joanie and support of your videos! Thanks again, Jack

[@RVstreet]

Thank you Jack Soooooooo much 🙏🔧 Joanie and I are humbled everyday from devoted folks just like you that support us. It means a lot. I really try hard to produce videos that are relevant, helpful and detailed so people can easily understand and follow. With prices of everything the way they are now, it's important to me to demonstrate and give people the confidence they need, that they *CAN DO 80%-90% of their RV maintenance themselves*, know that's it's done right and save a boat load of money👍Also, thanks for taking the time to comment too 👏

[@kenreynolds9726]

RIP Martin...miss you man! Joanie very sorry for your loss, hope you are doing OK...God Bless

[@RVstreet]

I miss Martin so much but I am doing OK as he would want me to be. Thank you for reaching out to me.

[@shawnenser2610]

Excellent Information getting ready for a trip and will get weighed prior to taking off.

[@americanrascal53]

An excellent video! We've done this several times at CAT scales. Its a bit harder to find one in our parts without the bollards blocking us doing the sides but I now know where one is that I use now. Now the biggest challenge in doing this is trying to catch the scales not backed up by semi's getting weighed here in the Atlanta metro area if I am doing 3 times across. Gets truckers a bit grumpy when they are out there hustling trying to make a living and they are trying to get their weights done. So catching the scales when no one is around is tough sometimes. I try to do it every year or so. Fresh water tank full, gray and black empty, Momma in her seat, the dog in the back, dolly and car attached, the fridge full just to keep it honest like we always run. So far well under weight and tires adjusted properly.

[@RVstreet]

Usually if you do it in the morning before noon most truckers are on the road and the scales aren't being used as much. JIC you haven't thought of that.

[@americanrascal53]

@@RVstreet Great point- will try that next time!

[@dougjohnson9125]

Good information on the CAT scale system and balancing your load. I live in Oregon and here ODOT has readouts active on highway weigh stations when they are closed. It makes it really easy to weigh my rig and just write down the numbers from the readout that is normally up on a post in view of the driver. It may not be rocket science accurate but close enough for what I need. Best of all it is Free!!

[@rubenalsina]

I miss you man, not a time I open youtube that you don't come to my mind. God have a great guy up there.

[@ggebhard1]

Martin- I understood everything you explained. You’re the best teacher! I used to help my boyfriend weight his race car with four separate scales, so they’d know how to set it up, with adding weights in the car or taking them out or moving them. It helped with what size springs you’d put in each corner, for stagger, etc. when that cars going over 100mph, you better make sure you have your car set up right to stay on the track. Thumbs up for you buddy! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@mtnpeek6748]

Just watched this again to check that I do it right. Thanks again for sharing you knowledge. Hope you’re doing well Martín and you to Joanie. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to more videos. 🙏🏻

[@RVstreet]

I'm heartbroken to say that Martin has passed away.Thank you so much for your prayers.

[@deanh7190]

Very informative and to the point. Subbed👍 TY

[@perleyeppley8035]

I cannot thank you enough for all your detailed instructions. You have made it easy and fun even for an ole guy like me. You both have saved me money and time. Thank You Very Much Ole Pearl

[@pharoah786]

Thank you, Martin, for all your videos!

[@VETUSAF1]

Outstanding video thanks brother. Be safe.

[@John5ive]

Martin, yet another GREAT video. Thanks so much!!!

[@stewartmhyre1528]

Absolutely brilliant!!!!!! Thanks so much.

[@gordschultz1980]

Great video as usual Martin!

[@robertroth287]

Most excellent. Thank you.

[@kkz2dgz]

Thank You !!

[@jbmann52]

Nailed it Martin. Great video and exactly accurate.

[@williamlambert2865]

Great presentation Martin

[@kathydembek1383]

Very helpful!!! Thank you so much.

[@kevinstanley3503]

I’m glad to know you guys are ok. Thank you Martin.

[@LuxePropertiesbyDRETeam]

This is great! Thank you

[@brendanwalsh1675]

Amazing! You're timing couldn't be more spot on! We're just about to go get weighed! Thanks for all the great advice! I have 2 cardboards! Brendan

[@donaldbrisboe3639]

Miss you . Gods blessings

[@waynestella3576]

Great video. I use the weigh my truck app as well. It helps making weighing your rig easier.

[@4SquareHI]

There is a CAT scale app [Weigh My Truck] available but I just looked and it states it does not work for split axel or double weigh and to use the intercom. Very good point about parking and going inside and talking with the scale operator before proceeding to the scale. I had a young employee that was very confused on what I was trying to accomplish and will need to redo the weights. I found it to be better to do the weighing during the day when most truckers are out on the road. If you wait until evening our nearby Loves fills up very fast and is congested and very busy and not the best time to bother these very important drivers with your RV. Also a great point about only using the normal "rear axel" and "trailer axel" scales in your video! Great channel for a new subscriber with a new (used) Vista LX27N.

[@RVstreet]

Thanks for subbing Greg 🔧 and yep, communicating with employees is important. It makes everything go a lot smoother.

[@4SquareHI]

Just an update, I went to my local Loves again today and they had an experienced scale operator today. She told me their CAT scale was unable to do this procedure. Kept complaining the vehicle was not on the scale and it would not do the weight. Real bummer!!!

[@RVstreet]

@@4SquareHI Ya well, like everything else these days. Some people will cooperate and some won't. But she is misinformed about the scale not being able to weigh with a split weigh or maybe didn't want to fuss with ya. Maybe go in when she's not on duty 🥱

[@benoitfontaine899]

Thanks for the video Martin. I remember seeing a video like this about a year ago (perhaps this one) but did not pay enough attention to it... I finally stopped by a CAT scale but unfortunately didn't remember how to do the corner weighing. Next trip I will be ready!😁

[@markschultz926]

Glad to see you're still around Martin haven't seen a video of yours in quite a while hope you and your wife are doing well I would like you to do a video on the current situation on RVs gas and the lack of rvers around

[@RVstreet]

Mark, if you haven't seen a video of mine in quite a while you have a lot of catching up to do 🤪 🤪 🤪 🤪 I put a video out every 3wks. Have you watched my video on gas: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGrKmWibfLeHpdk Always glad to hear from you 😎

[@davidseymour5206]

Thank you

[@GatorsRock0219]

Martin, this is great! I knew all about the importance of corner weights and have been wondering when/how I'm going to get access to Escapees or someone with a corner scale. What a logical alternative using a CAT scale! My kids asked me what I want for Fathers' Day, so I just highlighted things I want/need from your Amazon store!

[@RVstreet]

Thanks Gator so much. All you fans are so good to us 🙏 I went to your YT page to check you out again and I see that you added my 1st water heater cleaning video there to your playlist. You might want to add my 2.0 water heater cleaning video as well. It's much more detailed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp6XnmR5js6Ij8U

[@garymac7527]

Sounds like this video should be promoted as most important for safety

[@coreybabcock2023]

I believe my 98 Ford e250 is currently around 6200 pounds but I try to balance it out side to side for better cornering and handling

[@munrys]

Great Info, I was wondering how I could get the weight of each time on my class A . Thanks

[@larryturner8722]

Martin, thank you for creating this video on 4 corner weighing. I have been frustrated about how to accomplish this. I understand this is very important but have not been able to find scales to do it. The concept of how to do the scale weighing with travel center Cat Scales was confusing to me. I tried to do this, but the scale attendant said it couldn't be done. Thanks to your video I now know it can be done unless they have guard rails which specifically block your MH. To me the key point that you made was not using the front scale platform. Thanks again for your video. You da Man! On to more of your Video's

[@RVstreet]

Thanks Larry 😎 Ya it can be somewhat difficult for some to get their arms around not only how to do it BUT what to do with numbers on the weigh tickets. I felt a step-by-step VISUAL would answer any questions they had. Any yes, NOT using the front scale plate is key because that way you can get the front and rear tire placement where they need to be to get weighed properly. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👏

[@RVstreet]

Next logical step after watching this video is to watch my other video on how to properly inflate your tires according to your weight now that you have this weight information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5Cxpnild66rm5o For those of you who are looking to install new tires....THIS IS A MUST SEE VIDEO...The "In's & Out's of BUYING & INSTALLING New Motorhome Tires" kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJu5lpSiaNatmJo I just recently checked Escapees website and their pricing for SmartWeigh has gone up since the making of this video. Their services vary in price depending on the type of RV you have. If you have a towable RV and a truck that you pull it with, they cover that kind of service too. If you’re interested in Escapees SmartWeigh to get a highly accurate 4 corner weigh, measuring your RV height, making an appointment and get all the other features they offer with SmartWeigh go here: escapees.com/education/smartweigh/ And finally, thanks again to all of you who have been so faithful and dedicated in supporting Joanie & I by using our Amazon Store for everything you need whether it’s RV related or not. You guys are awesome 💕

[@jasonlong8625]

Great info, thanks! A question about adjustable shocks…would you adjust each shock differently according to corner weight?

[@RVstreet]

No I wouldn't. No more than than I'd adjust tire pressure on each corner. Tire pressure and shocks should be adjusted the same on each axle.

[@lindascroggins6204]

Off topic question. Do you have a video showing how you've economize storage? Such as water hoses, tools, accessories etc?

[@RVstreet]

Well this video covers both of those topics pretty well and may help you get a handle or give you some suggestions on what you're trying to accomplish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2W9oGuMoNuba9E Here's all my videos: kzbin.infoplaylists

[@jeandumford9794]

Awesome! Love to learn! I just weighed my class B again but only axle weights. I’m only 200lbs below load and Im trying to downsize more ( but I need to add my 53lb travel wheelchair) 😑. Since I have current axle weights, can’t I just do one side and deduct to get other side? I’m not sure I’ll get a chance to go through it again quickly lol. I use the cat scale app and it’s a breeze otherwise.

[@RVstreet]

*Since I have current axle weights, can’t I just do one side and deduct to get other side?* I wouldn't do it that way. Besides that still won't give you what the 4 corners weigh. That is the whole point. Doing only an axle weigh is really just a waste of money in my book. There's no way you can properly air up your tires to the proper PSI with only an axle weigh. BTW....the CAT scale app will not let you do a split weigh. You have to do it the way I explained. thx Jean 👍

[@tomgaluski4605]

Martin great information. One question, if you cannot get to a cat scale or escapes. Is doing a axel weight better then nothing at all?

[@RVstreet]

No it's not. There's no way you can properly air up your tires to the proper PSI with only an axle weigh. Doing only an axle weigh is really just a waste of money in my book.

[@trustme7731]

Great info but I'm afraid most RVers ignore this. I suspect that most RVs are over gross weight and many tow vehicle are too small. You might have added that this needs to be done on travel trailers and fifth wheels too, INCLUDING the tow vehicle. I'm wondering if state patrol truck weigh stations will do this for RVers. If so, it would probably be free. They also have portable scales to do each wheel. A new Cat scale just opened near me at a gas station. I called them and they said the rates were $13 for the first weigh and $3.50 for each additional weigh during the next 24 hours. Looks like it would have been $20 for you.

[@trustme7731]

Hitch mounted equipment and trailers on motor homes need to be considered too.

[@kentkurt9065]

Great video Martin ! To help those that cant get to a scale right away. You can do a kwick vis. By messuring just above axles and conpairing right and left . Front and back not as aquerate as your way . You also need to know your ride hight emty . You can also witch srings are conpressed . Again this is just a way to check if you could be running into a problem . Your way is the best way . Once you know your suspention you can almost tell your over weight by looking at your springs ,again this is only if you have no suspention sag .

[@coreybabcock2023]

If I was a trucker and saw you with a go pro by the cat scales I would be like WTF 😒

[@davesteck9597]

Hello Martin. Very Good video. Just for grins I went on line for CAT SCALE location. For Motorhomes, I didn't read all the different vehicle illustrations, it specifically states can't do a 4 corner and won't to prevent damage to scale or motorhome. Have you encountered this situation as you have traveled? Thanks, David

[@RVstreet]

I have heard of that but not experienced it. The stations that say that or have signs to that fact are usually the ones who install the side rails. Just move on to another station that will allow it. Sometimes it may be in another state as you're traveling.

[@rjw8316]

Martin, you have taught me so much I could never thank you enough. However I have a question on your numbers. It has been by understanding (perhaps I'm wrong and will defer to your thoughts) that each end of an axle should not exceed one half of the axle rating. For example, using your numbers, your rear axle has a rating of 15k meaning that each side should not exceed 7.5k. Since your heavy side weighs in at 7.4k you only have a 100 pound margin on that side, of course you have a much larger margin on the other side. However, to me, 100 pound margin on your heavy side would trigger, for me, a rebalance effort. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

[@RVstreet]

thx you so much RJW 👍 If that would trigger you to rebalance some, I mean it wouldn't hurt to do that BUT the axle weight limit is the total weight of both sides. Just think of it this way.....your rear weight is ALWAYS going to be changing on the amount of the fuel you have and the water you're carrying onboard. Just those two things alone, you would be chasing that weight difference everyday as you consume fuel and water. When you're *fully loaded* as you normally are when traveling-then weigh-and you're under the total weight limit of that axle, you'll be fine.

[@rjw8316]

@@RVstreet Thanks Martin, keep up the great work.

[@jackcassidy9403]

Martin, quick question… What if we have a tag axle? Do we just divide the weight by four on each rear corner? Thanks and advance, Jack

[@RVstreet]

No. And no quick answer to this question 🤣 A tag is a little more complicated than that because you also have the ride height with your air bags to consider. To much to discuss here. *I highly recommend you research this subject so you'll know what to do with your weights and air bag pressures.* Also adjusting your ride height can be tricky too. Finding the right setting for your air bags will give you more front wheel control and drive wheels planted better on the road where you need the traction the most. Just as a side note but NOT the gospel...many people I know run their rear tag air bags in the neighborhood of 40lbs - 50lbs. But yours may be different. Every rig is different. It's all these things working in tandem that will provide the best ride and keep you safe. Once you get these settings and air pressures right, there really shouldn't be much adjusting from that point on unless really add a bunch of weight. Just adjust your tire pressures twice a year. Once in the winter when temps are colder and then again in late spring when you start to get into warmer temps. That's what I do. Set my PSI twice a year. Another reason why you add the 5% - 10% in your tires PSI. It covers ambient temp swings. If you want to be sure you're still ok, once a year go and weigh yourself and see if there has been any significant changes. Hope this helps. Now go study up 😫💕😫💕😫💕 EDIT: One last thing I just happened to think of...In older model Diesel pushers with a Tag axle some have an adjustable gauge so you can adjust the amount of pressure you want on your Tag axle. If this setting isn't set correctly it can create havoc on other components in the drive train. That's why it is important to have the air pressure set correctly.

[@jackcassidy9403]

Martin, thanks for your reply! I wasn’t expecting such a complicated answer lol. I will look into it though and make sure it’s done right. Thanks again for all your effort and all the videos you guys are producing.

[@coreybabcock2023]

You passenger side rear dully is pretty heavy

[@tedshantz6193]

still dont get it

[@karlt4716]

Hi Martin. May I have your business email?

[@tedshantz6193]

why how much crap u carry in there

[@RVstreet]

Well we're full timers so everything we need to live day to day.

[@tedshantz6193]

must b overloadin the heck out of it which is not good

[@RVstreet]

@@tedshantz6193 If you looked at my weigh chart you can plainly see I am way under my weight capacity. I could carry more stuff if I needed too.