Cats Meow of low pro steps???

Guessing here, that it may have to do with the Bridge Law and axles weight distribution, as shown in this screenshot... ...that when the axle distance changes between the two axles and the number of axles (this assumes including the tandem) that the allowed weight without getting in a bind goes up, able to carry 45k and 50k. Just guessing here, and, waiting to be corrected.

 

Would make sense if they had 3 axles, or does that apply to only 2 axles too? I've seen several that are just two axles, 12 foot apart.

 

US Federal regs do not give you anything more for 11' or more but some states may and the trailer may be set up to add an extra axle in the middle.

 

I think that kinda depends on specs. There's a Benson in the fleet also and it's not near as stout as the Mac but it was just as heavy weight wise. The Mac was fully welded unlike the Benson and reitinour trailers. The Reitinour was the lighter trailer being a bolted together trailer and was not near as stout or quality as the Mac.

 

My friend basically did it because he didn't like the tailswing of a normal 53' and basically just liked the look overall with that 53' and longer spread and I agree. He didn't really gain anything axle weight wise. He was also able to have custom tool boxes made for between the spread and gain a little more storage there.

 

If I was sure, I'd say so, but this is the part that kind of says what I was thinking that the spreading of the axles, is just a way to do the bridge formula to hold more weight, but spread over. It still has to be legal, in total, as the following paragraph states, but there is a difference in calculation to meet bridge formula between the 'outer' and the 'inner' axle grouping. ::shrug::

Federal law provides that any two or more consecutive axles may not exceed the weight computed by the Formula even though single axles, tandem axles, and gross weight are within legal limits. In other words, the axle group that includes the entire truck—sometimes call the "outer bridge" group—must comply with the Bridge Formula. But interior combinations of axles, such as the "tractor bridge" (axles 1, 2, and 3) and "trailer bridge" (axles 2, 3, 4, and 5), must also be in compliance with weights computed by the Formula (Figure 3).
-- reference Hendrickson Bridge Laws web page
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For instance, the flatbed spread typically we consider good for 40k because of it's distance, and each axle is good for 20k each....if that allows for those axles with the tandems (axles 2&3) as part of that inner 'trailer bridge' of say 45 or 50k, as long as the 'outer bridge' group, the steers and tandems (axle 1,2 &3) are legal, then if that 12 feet allows them to carry more in that area, while still meeting bridge law, that might be the reason. Like I said, I'm only guessing and waiting to be corrected, since I'm happy to stay within the 80,000 and knowing what I need on each axle to stay legal in a standard spread.