Best Practices for Accurate Readings with HAUL WEIGH
To ensure your HAUL WEIGH onboard scale system provides the most reliable and accurate weight readings, it is essential to follow these recommended guidelines during both the calibration process and everyday use.
CALIBRATION TIPS
1. Always Use the Same Weighbridge for Calibration
When calibrating your HAUL WEIGH system, make sure to use the same weighbridge when weighing your truck both empty and fully loaded. Each weighbridge may have minor variations in accuracy due to differences in calibration schedules or maintenance quality. Using the same one reduces inconsistency and improves calibration accuracy.
2. Check for Air Leaks
Inspect the truck or tractor thoroughly for any air leaks before calibrating. Even a small leak in the air suspension system can significantly affect pressure readings, resulting in incorrect weight measurements. Regularly check air lines, valves, and connections as part of your maintenance routine.
3. Keep the Engine Running and Air Brakes Released
During the calibration process, keep the engine running and ensure the air brakes are fully released. Engaging the brakes at any time during calibration can destabilize air pressure in the suspension system and cause truck movement, leading to inaccurate scale readings.
4. Set Lazy or Lift Axles to the Down Position (if applicable)
If your lift or lazy axles are plumbed into the main suspension’s Height Control Valve (HCV), they must be in the down or lowered position during both empty and loaded calibration. This ensures the air distribution remains consistent for accurate readings.
5. Load as Close to Legal Capacity as Possible
When performing loaded calibration, aim to load the vehicle as close to its legal or maximum capacity as possible. The closer the load is to your operating weight, the more precise your system will be across a range of weights. If available, use calibration blocks or known-weight materials to reach target weight.
6. Park on Level Ground During Calibration
Calibrate only when the truck is parked on a completely flat and stable surface. Any tilt or slope in the ground can alter air pressure in the suspension and compromise calibration accuracy.
7. Wait for Suspension to Stabilize
After loading or unloading, allow the truck’s suspension system to settle before beginning calibration. Give it a few moments to stabilize so that air pressure inside the airbags can equalize properly.
ENSURING ACCURATE DAILY WEIGHT READINGS
1. Use the Scales Only on Flat, Level Surfaces
Always check your weight on flat and even ground. Uneven surfaces can cause weight to shift between axles and airbags, which may produce incorrect readings due to the changing air pressure distribution.
2. Release Air Brakes if Required for Air Flow
Some vehicles require the air brake to be released in order for air to begin flowing into the air suspension system. If you do not see the expected weight readings, check that your brakes are released.
3. Deflate and Re-Inflate Automatic Suspensions
For trucks with auto-adjusting air suspension, fully deflate the airbags and then reinflate to standard ride height before taking a reading. This resets the system and helps produce consistent weight measurements.
4. Maintain Lazy or Lift Axle Position as Calibrated
Always ensure that lift axles or lazy axles are in the same position as they were during calibration. If they were down during calibration, they must be down during use. Changing their position affects air pressure and throws off accuracy.
5. Avoid Moving While Weighing
Ensure the vehicle is completely stationary when checking weight. Movement affects suspension pressure and sensor readings, so always come to a full stop before viewing measurements.
6. Avoid Sudden Loads or Off-Center Weights
Try to distribute loads evenly across the truck. An uneven load can shift more weight onto certain axles, leading to false readings. Whenever possible, secure and center your cargo properly.
7. Recalibrate Periodically or After Suspension Work
It is good practice to recalibrate the HAUL WEIGH system after any suspension-related maintenance or if you notice unusual readings. Over time, slight changes in ride height, airbag wear, or component aging can affect measurement precision.
8. Monitor the System Through the App Regularly
Use the HAUL WEIGH mobile app to routinely check system diagnostics and sensor health. The app can provide alerts if something is out of range or behaving unexpectedly, helping you catch issues early.