Tandem positioning and backing?

Each state has its own requirement for just how far (Max distance) the tandems can be set back from the kingpin (Along with exactly where that location is in reference to the tandems on your trailer)

If you have a RM road atlas, MC edition, it's already in there.

As for more discussion, here's a link-

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...g-industry-regulations/48556-bridge-laws.html

 

A lot of companies used to either mark the 41' mark on their trailers, others used to place labels / stickers with the pin settings for the particular states. The best and most sure ways (lots of companies do not have labels and some that do mark the 41' mark screw it up). The best way and most sure way always carried a tape measure (one of the larger ones that rolled up you can get a harbor freight etc) and a sharpie marker. Mark the kingpin location.. and measure back till you get to 41' and mark the trailer.. slide to (or usually a pin hole or two) forward of this line. Better to screw up on my own that allow some shop dude to cost me some hard earned $$$.

 

actually with them all the way back you dont have to worry about any overhang and as you back up the end of your trailer is exactly where you think it is
the important part is your really turning your tandems into a spot
that is why the overhang gets confusing at first

 

bridge law is the measurement form kingpin to the trailer tandem. some states (like calif.) is measured at axle of back tire and some are measured in the middle of the tandem. look in your randy mcnally truckers map. it'll be in the front pages with the bridge laws. i always set my tandems at the 40' foot mark, then scale. but thats just what i've always done. backing will take time and practice. take your time and don't hurry. not worth an accident. let others wait and complain.

 

Here is a basic diagram. CA is the strictest with the rule and it's really not a "bridge law" per say and they will typically allow one hole +/-. And also note this is not the forward most position on most trailers.

 

Don't completely trust the Rand Atlas. They still show no limit for PA. But it is 41 feet to the center of tandems.

Mikeeee

 

I live in pa and have never heard of us having a 41 ft law....I ran dry vans all over pa with the tandems all the way back.....to the op I prefer to keep the tandems to the back. better ride and though it does not back as tight it backs true. meaning you don't have any over hang to worry about. I feel more in control that way....I always picture how I would get out of the hole and back in...works for me everyone has their own tricks though....

 

An easy way to mark the 41' spot is measure 9' ahead from very back of trailer because the standard trailer has the kingpin 3' from the front.

 

True that..