Spread Axle Question For Flatbed

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by crackinwise, Sep 28, 2014.

  1. crackinwise

    crackinwise Medium Load Member

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    Aug 21, 2011
    Central Florida
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    I have a question on spread axle set up for doing flatbed work. Which is the best set up for running in the south east for spread distance.... Would I be better off with 10' 2" Spread or a 9ft spread? Im looking at two different trailers and am not sure which set up would work best.

    Thanks In Advance For Any Input
     
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  3. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    9' spread only allows you to run 39K on the trailer.
    >10' spread buys you 40K.
     
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  4. Boethel

    Boethel Light Load Member

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    Oct 25, 2010
    LaGrange, Texas
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    It's all about the distance between the axels as far as bridge laws go. Not sure what you can gross out with a 9' spread, but with a 10-2 you can put 40,000 on that set up. It's all about the bridge laws as far as weight goes. Hope this helps you out.
     
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  5. LGarrison

    LGarrison Road Train Member

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    I liked the 10' 2" spread with 40,000 lbs on the axle spread with the ability to manually lift the axles on command. Of course this was in the 80's when I ran flat beds
     
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  6. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Aug 24, 2011
    Tampa, Fl
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    Florida doesnt recognize the spread, they allow 44k on your tandems, so its not needed for that state. Also, they've been cracking down on the king pin to center axle length for 53' spreads. The annual permit is only $25 and can be done online. The fine is $100. Soon as I saw him break out the tape measure, I knew what time it was.

    As for the states that do recognize the spread,.. someone correct me if I'm wrong. But you need at least a 10' spread to to be allowed 40k lbs back there.

    Your road atlas should show the axle weight limits per state for both straight tandem and spread axles.

    Hurst
     
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  7. LGarrison

    LGarrison Road Train Member

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    Sandpoint Idaho
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    10' 2" spread
     
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  8. Boethel

    Boethel Light Load Member

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    Oct 25, 2010
    LaGrange, Texas
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    It may seem stupid that just 2" makes a different but it actually does. It's all about bridge laws.
     
  9. crackinwise

    crackinwise Medium Load Member

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    Aug 21, 2011
    Central Florida
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    Thank you so much..This really helps.... I didnt realize the 9ft spread would reduce the weights.
     
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  10. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Actually, the 2" don't matter unless you are only 9'10". The federal bridge formula works out to be 40,000 pounds allowed on 2 axles at a 10' spread.

    W = 500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36)

    W = maximum weight of the axle group
    L = feet between axles
    N = number of axles

    W = 500(10*2/2-1 + 12*2 + 36)
    W = 500(20/1 + 24 + 36)
    W = 500(80)
    W = 40,000
     
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  11. Truckin Juggalo

    Truckin Juggalo Medium Load Member

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    Aug 5, 2006
    Madisonville, TN
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    quick question I used to pull a 48' but i just purchased my first 51' Step, and i'm still learning about which states i can keep the axles spread and which ones i neeed them closed in. any help you can provide me with that would be greatly appreciated as well as what website would i go to to get that florida permit
     
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