Determining accurate towing weights is crucial for safe and efficient RV and trailer hauling. The Haulgauge Bluetooth Obd2 device aims to simplify this process, offering real-time weight estimations through your smartphone. One RV owner recently put the HaulGauge to the test with their Ram 3500 and Cyclone 4007 trailer, comparing the results against certified CAT scales. Here’s a breakdown of their initial findings and a first look at the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 system in action.
Initial HaulGauge Testing at Storage Facility
The user, towing a 2019 Cyclone 4007 trailer with a 2014 Ram 3500 4×4 dually, first conducted a weight test at their storage facility using the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2. The trailer, advertised with a dry weight of 16,702 lbs and a pin weight of 3,665 lbs, was connected to the truck. The HaulGauge, connected to the truck’s OBD2 port and synced via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, provided the following measurements:
- HaulGauge Truck Weight: 8,200 lbs
- HaulGauge Pin Weight: 3,350 lbs
- HaulGauge Trailer Weight: 17,000 lbs
It was noted that the storage facility ground wasn’t perfectly level, potentially affecting the HaulGauge readings. Additionally, the user acknowledged not thoroughly reviewing the instructions beforehand, highlighting a common user behavior but also suggesting a need for precise setup for optimal accuracy with the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2. The initial truck weight from the HaulGauge seemed lower than expected, considering aftermarket additions like a toolbox and bumper replacement.
CAT Scale Verification for Weight Accuracy
To verify the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 results, the user took their truck and trailer to a certified CAT scale for professional weighing. This provided a benchmark for comparison and a clearer picture of the HaulGauge’s accuracy in real-world conditions. The CAT scale measurements revealed:
- CAT Scale Truck Weight: 9,380 lbs
- CAT Scale Pin Weight: 4,320 lbs
- CAT Scale Trailer Weight: 17,940 lbs
These figures showed a notable difference compared to the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 readings. The CAT scale indicated a heavier truck, pin weight, and trailer weight. Factors such as a full tank of diesel in the truck and some gasoline in the trailer’s fuel tanks were considered but likely wouldn’t account for the entire discrepancy. It’s also worth noting that new, heavier-duty axles had been installed on the trailer between the HaulGauge test and the CAT scale measurement, which could contribute to a slightly higher trailer weight on the CAT scale.
Initial Thoughts and Further Investigation
The initial comparison between the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 and CAT scale weights reveals some discrepancies that warrant further investigation. While the HaulGauge provides a convenient and potentially quicker way to estimate towing weights, the accuracy in this initial test differed from the certified CAT scale results.
The user plans to contact HaulGauge to discuss these findings and explore potential factors contributing to the variations. Further testing in more controlled environments and a deeper dive into the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 instructions will be crucial in understanding its capabilities and limitations for accurate towing weight measurement. Stay tuned for updates as we delve deeper into the performance of the HaulGauge Bluetooth OBD2 for RV and trailer owners.
