On-Board Scales... Need a bit of Assistance

[Jerome10]

Truck came with the on-board scale system. Not sure if this belongs here or the general F150 topic but...

I get the idea of the system but it seems a little complicated to understand to me when I start digging into it.

1) Do you have to calibrate it at all? My payload from factory is 1680lbs. Is the scale system already set to that payload?

2) Is there any way to recalibrate it? Or do I need to recalibrate it? For example, I added a bed rug and tonneau cover. I think its about 100lbs worth of stuff. So do I need to adjust anything in the system to account for this or does the system already show weight added to the truck even when "empty"?

3) Pretty sure it doesn't include my 200lb rear-end, is that right? So if I'm sitting in the truck is that another 200lbs taken off of the scale? Already accounted for in the system?

4) How does it work with fuel burn and refueling? Will the scales show more payload capacity on 1/4 tank vs full tank? Do I run the risk, if not paying attention, that I could load to capacity... then go fill up the truck, and now I'm overweight?

5) I don't know how accurate payload is from factory but is there any value in going to official scales with my bedrug and tonneau, getting my butt outta the truck, full tank of gas, weighing the truck, and then subtracting from the GVWR and that is my remaining payload? Then can that be programmed into the scale system?

It seems like a handy feature, and I'm not a tech dummy, but for whatever reason I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around how to use this thing in a fairly accurate/reliable manner. Not just for payload but I'd like to also use it for tongue weight in the near future.

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[UGADawg96]

Others may have differing opinions, but I've never been impressed or found value in this feature. It isn't accurate, doesn't provide real numbers, and thinks it is overloaded when just putting humans in the truck. I trust CAT scales and not this gimmicky feature.

 

[Jerome10]

I appreciate the input. Maybe I will at least see if I can swing by a scale at some point.

I didn't know that it wasn't particularly accurate. Figured it would be within 20lbs or something.

 

[Tnker]

all it does is measure spring compression on the rear end. it's probably good within 100lbs, when the springs are new and just broken in.

I wouldn't trust it much at all.

 

[tbinmd]

I found the scales to be a gimmick and not really something you can trust.

 

[Jerome10]

Well bummer. It seems like it could be pretty handy but not if it is unreliable. It was not something I desired but came on a truck that otherwise was optioned just how I wanted it. Figured I should take advantage of it.

 

[oneinch]

...all it does is measure spring compression...

Yep. The ride height sensor built onto the shock measures shock compression. The confuser translates this into weight and graphically displays this on your screen and taillights.

I installed 1-1/2" lowering shackles. Now my truck thinks it is overloaded (because of the shock compression). There is a calibration procedure. I hesitate to call it a recalibration procedure. I've asked on forums and I've asked dealers if this procedure would re-zero my ride height sensors and therefore the scales and no one has yet to give me a definitive answer. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Tnker]

Yep. The ride height sensor built onto the shock measures shock compression. The confuser translates this into weight and graphically displays this on your screen and taillights.

I installed 1-1/2" lowering shackles. Now my truck thinks it is overloaded (because of the shock compression). There is a calibration procedure. I hesitate to call it a recalibration procedure. I've asked on forums and I've asked dealers if this procedure would re-zero my ride height sensors and therefore the scales and no one has yet to give me a definitive answer. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

That’s exactly what it does. Raptor guys do it all the time with spring swaps and collars

 

[oneinch]

That’s exactly what it does.

I'm not sure what you mean. Raptor guys do what all the time?

 

[Kanuck]

I would think there is a way to reset the system to zero. But the sensor is a liner control and with the truck dropped, some of the travel of the arm is lost. You may not get a reading once you get to the end on the sensors travel, yet there will still be room for additional weight or the scale display will not increase as weight is added.

EDIT: If you still want full scale capacity, as close as it can be, you will need to make a new mount for the sensor to allow full travel of the arm.

 

[wessermgm]

Mine seems fairly useless. I tested with known weight commodities and never has been that close. I plan on nuking it when I level my truck. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting rid of a useful tool. I am satisfied that I am not.

 

[mdomicolo]

Mine worked great, then I added RAS and through it a little out of wack, but it still works great when loading up my trailer. I have a starting point and can decipher weather I have too much tongue weight or not.

 

[Tnker]

I'm not sure what you mean. Raptor guys do what all the time?

You can do the shock height recalibration with forscan. With the raptors when it’s out of cal it makes the truck ride really rough, doing the height calibration fixes it

 

[oneinch]

You can do the shock height recalibration with forscan.

FORScan I'm familiar with. I don't know how to do this in FORScan. I haven't seen anybody explain or show how to do this. I've read talk of this, but so far it's been all talk to me. If this is true, I'd sure like to learn.

 

[Tnker]

FORScan I'm familiar with. I don't know how to do this in FORScan. I haven't seen anybody explain or show how to do this. I've read talk of this, but so far it's been all talk to me. If this is true, I'd sure like to learn.

https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/how-to-2019-live-valve-recalibration-forscan.82737/

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