How much you can load on 53' dry van with single axle tractor and be legal?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Verdel, Oct 25, 2014.

  1. Verdel

    Verdel Medium Load Member

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    I have seen some single axle tractors with low miles and pretty good price, so I was just wandering, can I get 40k lbs load on a 53' dry van and still be legal?
     
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  3. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    I believe the limit is 64K total w single axle tractor. Not too sure but maybe someone else with more experience can expand on it.

    KH
     
  4. magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

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    12k or whatever the lowest rating is on front axle or tires. 20 k drives 34k on trailer or 40k with 10'1 spread 64 k is most common BUT the issue becomes loading trailer so drive axle isn't over loaded if your loading over 30 k on a regular basis go tandems and not worry over axle fines and csa points will kill the fuel milage savings .. Another thing is shippers won't want to pay for a 53 ft trailer that they need to single out first 3 or 4 rows IMO
     
  5. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    Just plan on adding a tag axel to your cheap single axel truck and start loading your wagon to the max?
     
  6. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    Gross is still 80K

    You can only put 20k on the single trailer axle. 12 in steers, 34 on truck duals, 20 on trailer limits you to 66K. Some states allow more on steers, but your still gonna be pretty limited.
     
  7. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    12000 steers, 20000 drives and 34000 on the tandms 66000 less the tare. The only way for single screw tractor to workout is pulling doubles.
     
  8. Richter

    Richter Road Train Member

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    my bad, i miss read....


    12 steer, 20 drive, 34 on trailer......but, if you get a split axle trailer (10 foot between each wheel) you could load 40 on trailer.
     
  9. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Up to the maximum gross weight you have it licensed for and whatever your maximum combined legal axle weights is in your state(s), [whichever is less]. But this is all dependent on what state(s) you plan to operate in as legal max weights vary considerably in some states. There is also the maximum gross weight the manufacturer has stated the tractor can manage (probably stated inside the driver door panel). Not all single axle tractors are equal.

    40k inside a 53 foot dry van and be legal? It's doubtful you could keep it light enough on both ends to max out whatever is available to you, and meet any length requirements that may or may not also be applicable in your state(s). Few shippers (who ship that heavy) will want to see a dry van that can not handle at least 43k-44k lbs
     
  10. RubberDuck198

    RubberDuck198 Light Load Member

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    12,000 steers, 20,000 drive, 34,000 trailer tandem making your GVWR 66,000 lbs. Subtract your curb weight + fuel from your GVWR to determine how much you can load.
    There should be a placard on the frame of your drivers side door telling you the manufacturer specifications.
     
  11. RubberDuck198

    RubberDuck198 Light Load Member

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    Lemme check my atlas
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    Gross changes based on your axle configuration. 80,000 lbs is by no means a universal number.
     
    G13Tomcat Thanks this.
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