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AR15.COM
6/1/2026 11:47:55 AM EDT
Any recommendations for a set of car scales?  
Looking at the low cost scales, there's a few options around $1k from proform and apparently a summit branded set.  

Some of the scales have the load cells sit directly on the ground (great for smooth concrete) and some look like the cells are contained between an upper and lower metal "pad".  Are the latter better for use on asphalt or other surfaces that aren't very smooth?
I'm torn on wired(one set of batteries) vs wireless(no wire hassles or failures).

I like these since they have a "pad" that sits on the ground and they are the cheapest set out there.  Is the smaller pad size a hassle?  

I like these since you can drive directly onto them.  My concern is the 5 sets of batteries to corrode change and that the load cells sit directly on the ground (ie. do I need metal plates to put under them if I use them on surface that isn't smooth concrete?).  

6/1/2026 4:47:51 PM EDT
[#1]
I just find the nearest scale off the highway and stop on it.
6/1/2026 5:13:21 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Deerhurst:
I just find the nearest scale off the highway and stop on it.
View Quote

When you are trying to set up your suspension and want the weight of each corner individually, that doesn't help.
6/1/2026 5:44:01 PM EDT
[#3]
I think I'd go wired for the battery issue.

I wouldn't worry (personally) about drive on/off being built into the scale pad. Being that I'd likely have it up on wheel stands of some fashion anyway to make the suspension accessible, putting scale pads under the tires isn't an issue.
Wake up, wake up and smell the ashes.
6/2/2026 9:02:20 AM EDT
[#4]
We always used Longacre when we were racing.

Looks like they’re outside your $1k budget though.
https://longacreracing.com/collections/longacrescales
6/2/2026 4:28:53 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Deerhurst][Edited] [#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 545days:

When you are trying to set up your suspension and want the weight of each corner individually, that doesn't help.
View Quote

Little more tedious but works. I usually use it for single and multiple axle weights.


Just put a single tire on it if you want a single wheel weight.
6/2/2026 11:35:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Gtdhw][Edited] [#6]
I picked up the Proform set-up about 4 year ago. Have used it many times on my street & strip cars. Very happy with it.
6/3/2026 12:08:55 AM EDT
[#7]
Look into longevity of the scales and if they are serviceable.  Things may have changed, but when I was looking to update my old Rebco set, I learned that not all the economy sets could be serviced or recalibrated.
6/3/2026 5:39:26 AM EDT
[#8]
I've had a set of Longacre scales since around 2007, and they work fine.
I've used them hundreds of times while racing, and now we are using them to weigh aircraft.
There have been no problems with them over all of theses years.
6/3/2026 7:27:17 AM EDT
[#9]
Longacre wired have been the gold standard in top tier dirt racing for decades. When I was crewing and building late models and sprints our set scaled hundreds of cars and was used 6 days a week in season.
Since then I have helped with other teams and have used the Summit version several times and have found them serviceable to good. I think the precision is just a bit less but still certainly adequate for non professional use and street cars.
If you’re looking at a one and done set up with minimal tweaking afterwards I would recommend finding a qualified local racer who has a setup and pay them to do it to your liking. They will know the tricks to expedite the process.
Good luck
6/3/2026 8:42:28 AM EDT
[#10]
i have only used wired longacre stuff in the last 15 or so years

good friend has a wireless set and sometimes its a pain but i would say maybe only like 20%
IG: allente1967
Cometic Gasket
6/3/2026 5:15:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: bmarshall1][Edited] [#11]
I have an older set of longacre wired scales, they're about 4 in off the ground so you'd have to make some way to get your car up on them. The biggest hassle is trying to adjust the suspension while you're under the car versus roll on roll off tweak. It roll on roll off and so on. Having said that I would go with wireless if you can then just remove the batteries after use because I don't think you'll be using them that often then just save the batteries.

ETA op, what state are you located in?
6/8/2026 1:24:47 PM EDT
[#12]
We have road races and circle tracked with Longacre scales. The set in the shop gets used weekly with no issues
RIP Jeff Reed. Tennessee Squire, Ga. Carry member, NRA,Non-puking 72 ounce drinker 2 of 6 Norcal call sign, Forgotten.
6/24/2026 2:27:35 PM EDT
[#13]
I've had a set of the Proform wired scales for a few years now. Been happy with them so far.

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Don't worry scro...

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