moving tandems all the way forward

As long as your weight is legal going all the way forward should not be a problem in any state. Its all the way rearward that will create a problem. Some states like TN have a 41 foot rule. CA is even shorter. Refer to your RM atlas for the specifics on each state.

Be sure to keep in mind the overhang rule also. If your trailers allow you to go too far forward.

 

Dont think about ticket... Think about load distribution.. Uneven distribution of load will make it harder to stop promptly and can be dangerous too.

 

1 good answer anyways.......

thanks Staff

 

Here's the Maryland reg:

53' trailers allowed only on Interstate routes in National Network and on Maryland State Highway Designated Routes. Trailers in excess of 48' require no more than 41' spacing from
kingpin to center of rear tandem and can have no more than 35% of that distance as overhang measured from the center of the rear tandem to the end of the trailer.

If you do the math, 35% of 41' is 14'4". Most kingpins are 36" back, so the center of tandem is 44'. That's 9' of overhang, no problem. But if you shorten up to 37' (Do 53' go this short? been awhile...) or less, you get over the overhang limit.

 

the front axle on my trailer is 36. the rear axle is 40 or 46.

 

I don't like backing with the tandems anywhere near all the way forward, especially into tight spaces. You slide trailer tandems all the way forward all the time, eventually it's going to bite you.

 

The 41 foot rule is correct and thats a federal rule and yes some 53 foot will slide that far now but most drivers will only slide that far forward when they are having a difficult time with the area like inner city drops but the minute I would get out of town I would pull off and slide them back for weight distribution and ride comfort