Anyone built a trailer that exceeds the bridge law?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Largecar359, Jul 19, 2014.

  1. Largecar359

    Largecar359 Road Train Member

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    I'm building a new reitnouer drop deck. My deposit has been in for just over a month. Got the update from the factory today, it's going online on 8/27. The trailer is a 50ft step deck with a bunch of custom options. One of the special requests that I had was to roll the spread axles back so that there is no over hang on the rear axle. Every trailer I've seen that is over 48 ft has an over hang. I know this is due to the wonderful bridge law. The factory sent me special paperwork today that basically states that I understand that the trailer will be illegal in several states. I just wanted to see if anyone has built a trailer that exceeds the bridge law. The trailer is 50 ft not 53 ft, with axle been placed all the way back with the fixed spread I'm over by about 3 inches. This trailer is only going to be pulled by me not any of my drivers and will most likely be my last step deck at least for me, I'll still purchase company vans and steps. Sometimes in life when you know what you want, you know what you want. If anyone has ever built a piece of equipment that doesn't meet Dot requirements. I would like to know how it worked out for you? Thanks
     
    dannythetrucker Thanks this.
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  3. MOBee

    MOBee Road Train Member

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    While I have never bought new equipment, I think I would be very cautious about buying a trailer that I could not make legal in every state I haul in. For violations on bridge laws they (the dot) make you get it legal or move the item to a different trailer who then must be legal before moving from the scale house. (Missouri and California would both insist on making it legal before going forward. These two states I have close, personal experience with in this matter.) I would caution you to check on violations of bridge laws in the states you are going to run in, before signing off on the trailer build.
     
  4. purpleprime

    purpleprime Medium Load Member

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    Am I mistaken I thought Missouri didn't have a bridge law?
     
  5. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    A lot off states have a maximum kingpin to rearaxle law.
     
  6. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Why not move the kingpin back by 3"?

    Why no overhang on the rear?
     
  7. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Depending upon the top deck length, he may not be able to move the pin back without the front of the drop interfering with the rear of his tractor. I agree on the axles, though...don't understand why he wouldn't just move the axles 3" forward to be legal.
     
  8. freightlinerman

    freightlinerman Road Train Member

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    Jeesh, add a second king pin behind the first kingpin. The law doesn't say you can't have two king pins. Problem solved. You're welcome.
     
    Semi Crazy and Cetane+ Thank this.
  9. Largecar359

    Largecar359 Road Train Member

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    Most of the states I run it's not even an issue, with exception of ct. The king pin can't be moved back any further without interfering with tractor. The second king pin idea is fantastic. I figure 3 inches is close enough. If the axles come up anymore the frame will have to be altered. Either they go all the way back or 2 feet up further. As for why no over hang? It looks and rides better.
     
  10. Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

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    I don't know what freight you haul but very seldom do I have anything on the very rear of the deck where it would affect ride quality. Looks I can agree with you on.
     
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