Tandem Cheat Sheet?

**highflight1985** · 02.28.2012

Originally Posted by ac120

OP, you don't need a cheat sheet. The numbers you need, which are the maximum tandem settings, are in the atlas (just bookmark the page) and in Corneileous' post. Again, those are maximum settings. In CA, for example, you don't have to be right at 40 feet KP to center of rear axle, you just can't have the tandem set back farther. You can be less, but not more. You still have to be legal on axle weights.

In case you're wondering: once you're loaded and you've scaled (if you're not sure about scales go to the Cat Scale web site; there are scale threads here at TTR too), you generally won't change tandem settings from one state to another. So, get legal on axle weights at the tandem setting for the shortest state you'll run through. Then you'll be legal in the other states. So, if you can exceed 34K on tandems in Florida, but you're going to California, don't exceed 34K and don't exceed California's 40 feet maximum ($$$$$!!!!!!).

I appreciate your feedback. However, I've been driving a little while now and none of this is new to me. I know where the information is, but it's not a quick read and it describes things in feet, not pins. It can't reasonably list all the information it does in addition to bridge laws for every brand of trailer and model. What I was hoping to find was something that could, based on the manufacturer and perhaps model (if there are such things with trailers), tell me what pin to set for what state.

The sticker on each trailer can tell you this because it is for that particular model, but if it doesn't have a sticker, you're stuck with either measuring or guessing.

**ac120** · 02.28.2012

10-4 on the stickers.

I've looked at trailer manufacturers' websites for the kind of info you seek and haven't found anything. Often wondered why. I mean, they offer sliding tandems. I've never seen anything in terms of pin settings, though. Like you said, it's feet, not pins. But the states measure in feet and inches, not pins. Oh, well. Interesting topic. Safe trip.

**ac120** · 02.28.2012

Just found this -- didn't read it, but maybe it'll help --
State Rules On Tandem Pin Locations

**highflight1985** · 02.28.2012

Thanks for the link but is still referring to length by feet and inches instead of the needed pins. Looks like the other thread you referenced had a driver with the same request I have. He's come up empty-handed too.

**ac120** · 02.28.2012

I'll poke around some more and see what I can find.

**the flying scotsman** · 02.28.2012

98% of the time my trailers will be set for CA, unless the weight is an issue, then i will give it more of a precise calculation

keep note of the type of trailers you haul and remember the hole you put it in (no pun intended).

**corneileous** · 02.28.2012

Originally Posted by highflight1985

Thanks for the link but is still referring to length by feet and inches instead of the needed pins. Looks like the other thread you referenced had a driver with the same request I have. He's come up empty-handed too.

If I'm understanding you correctly, you don't set the tandems based on a certain hole. You go by numerical measurement. Whatever holes the pins fall into for whatever distance you need is where you set the tandems.

**chalupa** · 02.28.2012

Uhm..... if your under 34k and 80k , does it matter? I mean i don't know, I'm asking, I use spreads in Texas and keep 40k on the arse.

**highflight1985** · 02.28.2012

I can't answer for spreads...

But to cornelius, how do you measure 41 feet without a sticker to know which pin to use?

**DannyB** · 02.28.2012

I pull a pneumatic trailer now, with fixed axles. But in the past, I pulled 53' Wabash vans. I'm sure it differs from one make to another, but for the Wabash trailers, I always set them for even weight within the following guidelines.
For California, no farther back than 5th hole. For Michigan, no farther forward than 5th hole, no farther back than 14th hole. Everywhere else, no farther back than 14th hole.
Never had a problem with bridge laws.