How to calculate weight of vehicle with weigh of each wheel?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Skydew3
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the weight of a vehicle based on the weight readings of each wheel, particularly focusing on vehicles with four wheels, such as trucks and trailers. Participants explore the implications of weight distribution and measurement techniques in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if each wheel remains at a set height during measurement, the total vehicle weight can be calculated by simply adding the weights of the four wheels.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of maintaining the same height for each wheel to avoid altering the vehicle's suspension and chassis, which could affect weight readings.
  • Concerns are raised about uneven weight distribution in heavy vehicles like trailers and trucks, which could complicate the accuracy of the readings.
  • It is proposed that for vehicles with dual wheels, a platform should be used to evenly distribute the weight of both tires onto the scale.
  • A participant shares their experience with weighing multi-axle trucks, noting that maintaining consistent wheel/axle heights is crucial for accurate measurements.
  • Another participant mentions that any incline or decline in the scale's position can lead to incorrect weight sums, suggesting that keeping the nearest axle close to the scale can help mitigate this issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the challenges posed by weight distribution in heavy vehicles, with some agreeing on the importance of maintaining wheel height while others highlight the complexities introduced by dual wheels and tandem axles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best methods for achieving accurate weight measurements in these scenarios.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of the proposed methods may depend on specific vehicle configurations and the presence of features like anti-roll bars, which could influence weight distribution and measurement accuracy.

Skydew3
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I'm doing a project regarding weight of vehicle. So we are taking reading of the weight of each of the wheel of the vehicle. So is there any formula to calculate the weigh of the vehicle that has 4 wheel.

For Instance, wheel 1 = x kg and so on and so forth
 
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As long as each wheel remains at a set height* throughout the measurement, then simply add the four values together.

* Changing the position of any wheel relative to any other wheel induces reactions in the vehicle's suspension/chassis, thus changing the relative weight. If you have only one scale and need to move it for each measurement, place removable platforms (equal in height to the scale) under each wheel. Swap a platform with the scale to take the measurement for that location.
 
and disconnect any anti roll bars ( sway bars) and jounce the suspension each time you relocate the single scale
 
oh. ok. But a problem i found was this as I am doing heavy vehicle such as trailer and truck so there might be chances that the weight is not evenly distributed throughout all the wheel. would it affect the reading?
 
Skydew3 said:
oh. ok. But a problem i found was this as I am doing heavy vehicle such as trailer and truck so there might be chances that the weight is not evenly distributed throughout all the wheel. would it affect the reading?

Not exactly sure what you mean. My definition of "heavy truck & trailer" includes dual wheels and/or tandem axles.

That could definitely complicate the procedure. If you have dual wheels, you will need to devise a platform that evenly distributes the weight of both tires onto the scale's platform.

I've not tried it, but I believe tandem axles should be able to be weighed in the same manner I first described. As long as all of the wheel/axle heights remain the same for each measurement, then the load on each axle will remain the same.
 
pantaz said:
I've not tried it, but I believe tandem axles should be able to be weighed in the same manner I first described. As long as all of the wheel/axle heights remain the same for each measurement, then the load on each axle will remain the same.

I can verify pantaz's theory. This is how we weigh our trucks with multi-axles on a regular basis. The key, as pantaz mentions is that all axles/wheels remain at a continuous height. A small rise or decline to the scale will alter the weights and the sum will be incorrect. To correct for the incline or decline as best as is possible requires you to keep he nearest axle, that is not being weighed at that time, as close to the scale as you can. That minimizes the difference in height as much as possible and provides a more accurate weight.
 

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