A few weeks ago, I was asked how much does Silk weigh [with all the gear on board]? At the time, I was still modifying my setup. Yesterday, I tried to weigh her using the method I had previously used. I discovered I was getting an error that was caused by exceeding the scale’s 55 pound capacity. What to do?
I began looking for a hanging scale with a higher capacity. I found a few–mostly for game. None were available locally. I found a platform scale at Harbor Freight here in Fayetteville. Overnight, I debated using another hanging scale versus a platform scale. I decided on the platform scale and then began to brainstorm how I might configure it. If you recall, I have a platform scale for weighing my RANS Stratus XP [scroll down to Scale]. I’d love to be able to use it; but, I cannot because of the trike’s width [27" or so]. This morning, I went to Lowes to see what I might find that might work…
Looked for a sheet of plywood/particle board–too much work to setup. Found several other boards–either too long or not wide enough [needed 30" width]. The best I saw was a smooth door, but longer than I wanted [80"]. Then I found a vinyl 24×48″ table. Can I make this work? YES! [I also saw a 72x30" table--larger than I wanted.]
I added a 30″ wide shelf [left over from other shelving projects]. Placed the trike on it. Okay, but could be better. Hey, I have not used my Yakima Rack in years. Hum? I removed the wheel welds an fitted them on–voila! This is GOOD!!! I then refined to location for the best trike fit; placed a wheel stop; and added a tie down bar. The functional utility of this platform is that I can also use it in my van to better and more easily secure the trike as I transport it. The tie-down bar and rear wheel stop facilitate this.
At this point, I took a few pictures [collage below].
This is now the skeleton of a weighing platform–back to Lowes. I purchased a section of runner [charcoal grey] that will cover the top and give it a finished look. I’ve completed that, but will not take pictures until tomorrow. I am very please with the outcome of this project.
I also picked up the scale today and will set it up later tonight–pictures tomorrow. BTW, I’m glad I did not get the larger table–to think I considered exchanging the smaller on for a larger–luv my ClosetMaid Shelving.
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![Trike Scale Platform [finished]](http://northcarolinacyclist.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/scale02.jpg "Trike Scale Platform [finished]")
I removed the pole that connect the scale head to the scale and I put a plug in the wire that connect the head to the scale. The platform rest on the scale. I’ve devised a special stand, using my pre-faired Velokraft VK2 wheel. I’m hoping to have one side of the wheel flattened. My wrench [LBS lead mechanic] is off today. So, I have to wait until tomorrow to know that it can be done and to place the scale head on it. You may note this scale can be used to compute the price of good by weight. I do not need that functionality. However, the price was more reasonable than one without for its capacity [130 pounds]. I may mask it later or just ignore it.
