Weighing your truck and trailer is crucial for safety and ensuring you’re within legal limits. The Haulgauge Bluetooth Obd2 Scale offers a convenient way to do this, but how accurate is it? This article details a real-world comparison between the HaulGauge and certified CAT scales.
A 2014 Ram 3500 dually and a 2019 Cyclone 4007 travel trailer, with a dry weight of 16,702 lbs and advertised pin weight of 3,665 lbs, were used for this test. Initial measurements were taken using the HaulGauge on a slightly uneven caliche surface. The truck registered 8,200 lbs, the pin weight 3,350 lbs, and the trailer weight 17,000 lbs. These results seemed low, considering modifications to the truck (toolbox, bumper) and the trailer’s existing camping gear.
To verify the accuracy, the truck and trailer were then weighed on a certified CAT scale. The CAT scale showed the truck weighing 9,380 lbs, the pin weight at 4,320 lbs, and the trailer weight at 17,940 lbs.
The discrepancies between the HaulGauge and CAT scale were significant. The HaulGauge underestimated the truck weight by over 1,000 lbs and the pin weight by over 1,000 lbs. While the trailer weight was closer, it was still off by almost 1,000 lbs.
Several factors could have contributed to the differences. The uneven surface and slight slippage during the initial HaulGauge measurements likely affected the readings. Additionally, the truck had a full tank of diesel both times, the trailer had approximately 10 gallons of gas, and one propane tank was empty.
Between the two sets of measurements, the trailer axles were upgraded to heavier “heavy wall” 7,000 lbs Dexter axles, potentially adding to the weight discrepancy. Further investigation and communication with HaulGauge are planned to explore these differences. Factors like tire pressure, suspension variations, and the HaulGauge’s calibration could also contribute to inaccuracies.
This test highlights the importance of verifying weight measurements with a certified scale, especially for heavy loads. While the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 scale offers convenience, relying solely on its readings might lead to inaccurate weight estimations. Always prioritize safety and ensure accurate weight measurements for a safe and legal towing experience.
