maximum weight per axle?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Pop, May 25, 2013.

  1. Pop

    Pop Light Load Member

    65
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    Jan 19, 2012
    Garnerville, New York
    0
    maximum weight per axle?:biggrin_25513:

    I know my unladened weight, my gross weight and the number of axles.
    Where would I find the maximum weight per axle?
    The sticker on the inside door shows a weight distribution for the front, rear and intermediate areas of the flatbed.
    They all add up to the gross weight.
    But! Where would I find the maximum weight per axle?
     
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  3. Trucker Bug

    Trucker Bug Light Load Member

    117
    86
    Jan 24, 2013
    California
    0
    Assuming you're driving a standard 18 wheeler you axle weights are set and governed by dot.

    Front axle (steers) 12000-12500 (depends on who you ask)
    Axle 2,3 (drives) 34000
    Axle 4,5 (trailer Tandems) 34000

    Axle 4,5 (trailer spread axle) 20000, per axle for 40000 total
    in ca you're only allowed 19,500 per axle.
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2013
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  4. The Bird

    The Bird Medium Load Member

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    Apr 10, 2012
    White Rock, NM
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    You can find all that info in the front of your Motor Carrier's Atlas. Much of it depends on what states you are operating in. Generally it's Steers: 12,000#, Tandems: 34,000#, and for a spread axle flatbed: 20,000# and 20,000# for a total of 40,000# on the spreads. You can't have more than 20,000# on any single axle on the spreads ie. 25,000# and 15,000# is over-axle.
     
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  5. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Jun 25, 2011
    Tourist Town, FL
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    Every state is different, quite a few states give you more on tandems and steers
     
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  6. The Bird

    The Bird Medium Load Member

    386
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    Apr 10, 2012
    White Rock, NM
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    Where did you find this? Carrier's Atlas says 20,000# and I've never had a problem in CA with more than 19,500#
     
  7. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

    6,116
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    Jun 25, 2011
    Tourist Town, FL
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    The max weight according to the manufacturer will be the sum of your axle's weight rating. The state sets what they will allow you.
     
  8. Trucker Bug

    Trucker Bug Light Load Member

    117
    86
    Jan 24, 2013
    California
    0
    I've never been able to find any print stating its limited to 19500. However iI did have a nice long butt chewing about my axle 4 being overweight (it was 19700) and how us truckers have no respect for the rules. That CA was regulated at 19500 yadda yadda yadda.

    Never did get a ticket though and everything I found said single axle 20000

    Anyways I try to keep them around 19500 since I pass through that scale almost daily and I don't want to waste my time dealing with Officer Powertrip
     
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  9. Trucker Bug

    Trucker Bug Light Load Member

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    Jan 24, 2013
    California
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    It might have something to do with how far apart my spreads are.

    9ft you're allowed 39k 10ft it's 40k
     
  10. ewill71

    ewill71 Heavy Load Member

    759
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    Oct 3, 2011
    mcgregor tx
    0

    just to catch this funny typo axles 4,5 (trailer tandems) 3400??? forgot the extra 0, LOL

    Just use the basic math and you will be safe 12k 34k 34k. its safe to use these numbers.
     
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  11. sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

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    Jul 26, 2011
    Intercontinental.
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    How long have you been driving?

    That's usually something you know before you even get a truck, just saying...
     
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