A Question About Truck Scales

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by KingpinR, Jul 3, 2014.

  1. KingpinR

    KingpinR Light Load Member

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    The other day I left a Central California city with 44k of freight heading to Seattle.

    I took it to the CAT Scale at the truck stop.

    The Steers were 12200 drives 30.5K and trailer 30.8K.

    There wasn't going to be a truck scale for 300 miles and I had about 5/8 of a tank of petro so I proceeded on.

    The scale weighed my steers still at 12.2. I stopped for fuel at 1/4 tank and topped the tanks off. Got to the next scale 75 miles away and my steers weighed 12.9.

    So why didn't Mr Scale Master stop me since I was over 12K.

    Is there something I am missing.
     
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  3. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    Some states you can go more on the steers. Just not over on your gross.
    That or they were busy doing something else
     
  4. TLeaHeart

    TLeaHeart Road Train Member

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    Yes, steers are not limited to 12k. Steers are limited by the axle rating, and the tire rating. It is just convenient to say 12k, 34k, and 34k... which equals 80k. Many steers on OTR trucks are rated for 6,250 lbs each, or 12,500 on the steer axle.
     
    Longarm Thanks this.
  5. Stile

    Stile Heavy Load Member

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    In my experience, DOT generally winks at overweight steers unless they're egregiously over (1k+). You were probably walking a fine line at 900 pounds.

    It's generally not worth the hassle of going out to check a truck that may have a steer axle and tires that are rated for heavier weights.
     
  6. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    12k isn't the max on steers. oregeon will allow 12.3 before they pop you. i run around at 12.5 and make sure i'm not full tank before hitting any oregon scale.
     
  7. Stile

    Stile Heavy Load Member

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    This is true, but you have to be mindful of both the tire AND axle rating before ignoring the 12k guideline.

    For example, my steer tires are rated at 6250, but the axle is rated at 12,000 lbs. So if I run over 12k, I'm illegal regardless of what the side of the tire says.

    (I know you said as much, but spelling it out for those not as familiar with the regulations considering the forum we're in)
     
  8. rwdfinch50

    rwdfinch50 Medium Load Member

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    Wow, I'm surprised nobody got the answer correct so far. The answer is you are allowed 20,000 on the steer and 34,000 on drives and trailer, but the max cannot exceed 80,000. This is because the newer trucks with set back axles are almost always over 12,000. That's why the scale didn't say anything to you.
    You need to keep in mind that your axle is not factory rated for 20,000 though, except if you have a heavy haul truck designed for it.
    If you have a Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas, check the weights section and you will see that I am right.
    Here you go: http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/overview/index.htm
     
    cabwrecker and gpsman Thank this.
  9. icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

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    Look at old Volvo 770s. They are always over twelve, up to 14k. Go off axle and tire ratings.
     
  10. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    He's right, first few pages (before the restricted routing and low bridge location page areas) has a huge directory of state-by-state information.
    Also, check the rated weight for your axle (listed in owners manual) and make sure to thoroughly inspect those steers before running them heavy.
     
  11. bigkev1115

    bigkev1115 Road Train Member

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    Arkansas is the only state where 12,000 max on steers all others at least 12,500
     
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