8-9 ft 38000 lbs?

You’re saying you have a sliding rear axle that allows you to split the tandems? Then, just run it at 10’2”, all the time. You’ll never have to worry about your axle weights, as long as you’re pretty close on centering the load. Set up the axle positions like a 48’ spread. And, the kingpin rule goes out the window. Don’t make it hard on yourself.

 

tn fl ct ca have kp to rear axle laws for trailers over 48’ oal
Youd be making it hard on yourself running the axles like a spread 48 when them tickets start adding up.

 

Motor carrier atlas ought to clarify the bridge formula and axle weights you’re asking about on a federal and state by state basis

 

That’s partially true,driver still have to keep each axle under 20k lbs running a 10’2 spread

 

The kingpin to rear axle law in TN for a 48’+ trailer is 44’ KP to Rear axle. You are required to have a permit if over 50’ for kingpin to rear of trailer or load. Almost all of our 53’ trailer have an 18”-30” kingpin depth making them all over length for TN. Never had an issue, it’s rarely enforced for regular flats and steps. I’ve heard of rgn’s getting hassled before.


Universal Citation: TN Code § 55-7-201 (2021)

1. For purposes of this section, “truck tractor” means the noncargo carrying power unit that operates in combination with a semitrailer or trailer, except that a truck tractor and semitrailer engaged in the transportation of automobiles may transport motor vehicles on part of the power unit.
   
2. No motor vehicle as defined in § 55-1-103 consisting of a straight truck whose length, including any part of its body or load, exceeds forty-five feet (45') and no straight truck with trailer attached, the total length of which combination, including any part of the body or load, exceeds sixty-five feet (65') shall be operated on any highway.
   

Motor vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and semitrailer or trailer combination shall be permitted to operate over the federal and state highway system; provided, that the towed vehicle shall not exceed fifty-two feet (52') in length from the point of attachment to the tractor. If the towed vehicle exceeds forty-eight feet (48') in length from the point of attachment to the tractor and the load on the vehicle does not consist of livestock, motor vehicle parts, or motor vehicles, or any combination of such items, the distance between the kingpin and a point midway between the two (2) rear axles shall not exceed forty-one feet (41'). The distance between the kingpin and the rearmost axle, if the axles are not a tandem axle, shall not exceed forty-four feet (44') .

 

I’m not understanding this. A 53’ setup like a 48’ spread shouldn’t be illegal anywhere. I see 53’ flats and reefers on a 48’ spread, all over the country.

I should’ve been more clear. He wouldn’t have to worry about axle weights, because of the 40K weight allowance.

 

Different rules for trailers over 48’ and those 48’ and under. A 53’ trailer with axles in the same spot as a 48’ (approximately 43.5’ KP to Center of rear axle) are illegal in many states. So are the 53’ trailers with a sliding rear axle, ours are 39’ closed to a 5’ spread and 44’ open to a ten foot spread. (When open) ca, fl, and to a lesser extent ct enforce this law.

that’s why these goofy trailers exist either the fixed spread set so far forward.

 

All our trailers are over the kingpin measurement in TN also, and we are based in TN. Never had any trouble with it. I have heard they will nail you at the Knoxville scale, but it’s been years since I crossed that scale.
All our lowboys run annual permits, and it’s just a few extra dollars for over length, so they are permitted for the extra length

 

Knoxville will. But not consistently. They tend to pick a pet project and focus on it for a while. Florida is the same.