Switching from a 48 to 53'

I see steps running around all day with 50+ foot loads, they have a few metal braces the height of the step that allow the whole length of the load to sit at the height of the step. That way you can play with long loads just the same as a stupidly heavy flatbed.

This is one reason I don't like a headboard on the trailer. It eliminates the possibility of hanging stuff over the front of the trailer when you need to move weight forward, or whatever other reason you might have.

 

I'm curious as to the bridge law on them cali legal spreads. When it came to hauling over 80k. pounds.

On a standard setup we could max out up to 86k but because of bridge, 84 is the max. Technically speaking. Without special OW permits.

Them cali legal trailers bring the bridge law down, don't they?

 

Ask and you shall receive.













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My trailer is a 53' 2012 Fontaine Infinity.
10ft upper deck, 43ft lower deck.
18" king pin set back. 41.5' kingpin to center axle with the spread open.
Tare weight of 11,400 lbs.

Anything else, just ask.

Hurst

 

This type 53 has lots more useable deck with the longer heavy loads. They do make flats with the same wheel configuration, but what's the point? A 48flat has generally all the deck space you will need. However, if that Malone trailer had this wheelbase instead of the other, that pipe load would have been fine

 

@Hurst

Awesome photos... Thanks for sharing them with us... One question, on the back set of axles, there are grooves cut into the trailer but a few photos look like the axles can be set up in between the arches...

Care to tell me more about how the trailer axles work and adjust? Thank you very much.

 

The rear axle slides. Can be closed and operated as a tandem,.. or spread like you see in the pictures.

Due to the 41.5' kingpin to center axle length when the axles are spread,.. it is technically not legal in Cali, Ct or Fl. In order to be legal I would need to close the axles to comply with bridge law.

Florida is the only state to ever hassle me over it. It was only a $75 fine. They allow 44k lbs on tandems,.. I prefer to just keep it spread so I got the annual permit for $20.

Hurst

 

Doesn't that cause issues with weekend and holiday travel? Or do you just close up the tandems for those periods?

 

Flatbeds Max out on weight in less than 48 feet. I haul 90 percent of all my freight on a 45 foot flatbed. Not unless your going to find some light weight freight, or some 53 foot steel, a 53 foot trailer is not going to bring a good return on investment

 

What kind of issues?? Not sure I understand your question.

I run with my spread open almost every where I go. Almost never close it. I travel weekends and holidays just like any other day unless I'm under an O/S load and in a state with travel restrictions.

Hurst