Heavy on Steers. Got some Q's

Edit: I wanted to comment on your weights, but you gave me nothing to go by. I don't know where your trailer tandems are; I don't know where your 5th wheel is. You're screwed for the moment.

 

5th wheel is in mid position.

Tandems are in 11 notch

 

Looks good to me. Unlike what you've been told 12k is not the max steer weight. It is the less of three criteria.
1. Axle rating (found on door jam)
2. Tire rating
3. State max weight (often 20k)

Check you atlas for state requirements and see if you need to even worry about it.

 

There are 2 charts for weight limits in the front of your big atlas...
One for interstate limits and another for state highways...

As said above check your tire rating and axle rating and as long as they both exceed actual weight, compare with your route and then you can make your decision...

 

If you must:

5th wheel backward, start with 1 slot.
Remember, that weight is now on your drives which means your trailer tandems have to come forward to alleviate that extra weight.

@ZVar is right tho. As long as your tires & axle are rated right - and you're mostly cruising the highway: 20,000 lbs is fine on the steers.

 

What do you do if you are 11500 34500 34000 and can't move 5th wheel any more forward
Oh God!

 

Move your driver's seat forward and tilt your steering wheel all the way towards the windshield.

And tell your old lady to get out of the bunk.

 

Ding ding ding we have a winner!

 

My mistake. I was thinking a thousand pounds. 500, just have her get out at the scale. There is a federal Buffarilla Exemption for 750 lbs. anything bigger than 750lbs, she has to wear a permit, complete with truck inspection sticker saying the cab is strong enough for her ride without compromising the vehicle's safety.

 

We call it the fridge permit 'round where I'm from. If she stands between you and the fridge and you can't see the fridge, you need the permit.