Getting axles weighed at weighbridge (1 Viewer)

[stevec]

My local weighbridge has a ramp on each side. I'd read that for accurate readings the weighbridge should have level approaches. I've been doing some experiments with a wooden box (actually one of my bookshelf speakers!) and some kitchen scales. I'm finding the differences between level and angled readings (eight degrees) to be less than 2 percent. This was over several readings averaged. I'm sure that with the rear wheels at the end of the ramp (just before the weigh plate) the MH would be at less than eight degrees. Can someone offer any mathematical explanation of why it is so bad to use a weighbridge with an angled approach. I can appreciate it depends on the angle. Maybe I'll check the inclination next time I use that particular weighbridge.

 

[funflair]

Quite simply the weight transfers to the lowest wheels relative to the inclination, so if you just put the front axle on and left the rear down the slope and then did the same with the rear you could be out a bit, if you weight the whole thing and then take one axle just off the plate you can't be far off at all.

Martin

 

[DBK]

Don't worry, a small lift will move the centre of gravity slightly further away from the end which has been raised but unless the weighbridge is on a massive raised plinth I would guess the error would be less than one percent. I could do the sums but it isn't worth it for such a small discrepancy.

To give you an idea imagine a long ladder lying on the ground. Let's say the c of g will be in the middle of the ladder. Now raise one end of the ladder six inches. Because the ladder is pivoting around the other end the c of g will move back a bit but only a fraction and the end of the ladder will still feel the same. Even at an angle of 45 degrees the weight will have only reduced by about 30%.

If you can, weigh each axle then the whole MH and from the latter you will be able to see if anything was lost, but I suspect the margin of error from the scales will be greater!

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[DBK]

Just done a few sums. If the MH has a wheelbase of 5m and you raise one axle by 100mm then the c of g will move back by about 9mm. (had to dust off my sines and cosines for that one!)

A rough and ready look at the impact on axle weights suggests a reduction on the raised axle of 0.3% which isn't worth worrying about. The angle incidentally of the MH I calculated as 1.15 degrees.

 

[stevec]

Thanks for the replies. That means I don't have to look out for another (flat) weighbridge!

 

[gus-lopez]

Just done a few sums. If the MH has a wheelbase of 5m and you raise one axle by 100mm then the c of g will move back by about 9mm. (had to dust off my sines and cosines for that one!)

A rough and ready look at the impact on axle weights suggests a reduction on the raised axle of 0.3% which isn't worth worrying about. The angle incidentally of the MH I calculated as 1.15 degrees.

Are you bored ? Snowed in ?

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[Bertie Bassett]

Just done a few sums. If the MH has a wheelbase of 5m and you raise one axle by 100mm then the c of g will move back by about 9mm. (had to dust off my sines and cosines for that one!)

A rough and ready look at the impact on axle weights suggests a reduction on the raised axle of 0.3% which isn't worth worrying about. The angle incidentally of the MH I calculated as 1.15 degrees.

Despite what Gus says thanks a lot DBK Our local weighbridge does have a small incline and each time I've done the weigh I've flapped about the accuracy. For putting my mind at rest 12 beers of varying types should we meet somewhere in Espana.

 

[Wyaye wires]

Just take the bloody axles off, weigh them, replace job done!!!





Not very helpful, I suppose...

 

[Bertie Bassett]

Just take the bloody axles off, weigh them, replace job done!!!
Not very helpful, I suppose...

You're daft

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[DavidG58]

I weighed mine on a weighbridge at a customers site close to us, they have a ramp nearly 1m high to accommodate the gubbins at floor level underneath the plate

it more or less confirms all above, we had a total weight of roughly 10% more than the sum of both axles which would have been offset by the effect of the slope

I cant find my notes now, but did put a thread on at the time, will go off on a search for that now cant do the maths but can search

 

[DavidG58]

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/weighbridge-it-seemed-like-a-good-idea.106673/

edit to above post, see post 1 for correct numbers, I guessed at 10% difference it wasn't even that much

 

[Wyaye wires]

You're daft

I defer to superior knowledge concerning my grading of daftness...

But I could not disagree with my grading...

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[funflair]

Just done a few sums. If the MH has a wheelbase of 5m and you raise one axle by 100mm then the c of g will move back by about 9mm. (had to dust off my sines and cosines for that one!)

A rough and ready look at the impact on axle weights suggests a reduction on the raised axle of 0.3% which isn't worth worrying about. The angle incidentally of the MH I calculated as 1.15 degrees.

Not wishing to be pedantic but don't you need to know the vertical position of the centre of gravity to do the calculation as the higher it is from the base line the greater the effect will be, either way I don't dispute it will make little difference, just thought the little grey cells might want more exercise!

Martin

 

[Wyaye wires]

Not wishing to be pedantic but don't you need to know the vertical position of the centre of gravity to do the calculation as the higher it is from the base line the greater the effect will be, either way I don't dispute it will make little difference, just thought the little grey cells might want more exercise!

Martin

Go have a drink old friend...

 

[funflair]

Go have a drink old friend...

I have.

I think that's the problem.

I'm spoiling for a fight now

Martin

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[DBK]

Not wishing to be pedantic but don't you need to know the vertical position of the centre of gravity to do the calculation as the higher it is from the base line the greater the effect will be, either way I don't dispute it will make little difference, just thought the little grey cells might want more exercise!

Martin

You're right of course, I just took it as halfway between the axles and at ground level, which it isn't but good enough for government work as the saying goes.

 

[Munchie]

Listen you lot. One gram either way might be ok for you furriners! In Yarkshire it as t be "cock on" d'int tha nose!