Tridem vs Tandem trailer

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Kdub99, Apr 11, 2023.

  1. Kdub99

    Kdub99 Bobtail Member

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    I saw on my cab card almost all those states have a higher weight but was wondering if I would need a permit every trip or a blanket permit type like how some Conestoga guys have it for 104 wide. Im from the west and Usually run all the west toward Indiana and down to Florida. I try to avoid the north east and new England states
     
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  3. Kdub99

    Kdub99 Bobtail Member

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    I get that part but more focused on the gross weight. I want be able to do more than 80k with less headaches. Like in Canada we can go around 8000 lbs more with out any permits or so
     
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  4. NH Guy

    NH Guy Medium Load Member

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    What type of cargo are you planning to haul? There are a few states where 80k is a hard limit on anything they consider a "divisible load," extra axles wont matter. You might want to be looking at a spread axle instead of the tri, gives you a bit more capacity on that set without the extra ton or so the extra axle would add to your tare.
     
  5. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    Moose Jaw SK CAN
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    pretty well all will require a permit of some sort, most are a $20 annual and some need a separate permit for interstate travel. Some have no interstate travel over 80K unless a separate OSOW single piece load.
    In my experience International travel is best done with a 48ft with a sliding front axle (60 inch to 121inch).
    You will be lighter and you can load almost full Canadian weight closed and spread at the border and be US axle legal if going to a heavyweight destination with only a minor weight penalty of under 300 pounds for the slider. The front slider moves up to 2500 pounds from the drives to the trailer, and the 48 foot length keeps you out of pin to axle trouble.
    Doepker and Lode King are the premier trailers in this category in the west of Canada, Doepker being stronger and lighter in my opinion.
     
  6. Gliding ProStar

    Gliding ProStar Heavy Load Member

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    I pull a 53' step deck tridem and the weight and regulations are different from state to state. I have a map that I carry that has the allowable weights listed in each state. I go by this map. And I have not had a single problem when permitting for overweight.
     

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  7. Kdub99

    Kdub99 Bobtail Member

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    Yes got a 48 tandem right now just going to get another 48. For a 53 the cons outweigh the pros for what I'm doing most the time.
     
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  8. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    That chart is great for permitting a single piece load.
    The rules change greatly if you are moving multiple piece loads with a tridem, (pipe,lumber, etc).
     
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  9. Gliding ProStar

    Gliding ProStar Heavy Load Member

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    Yes, you are correct. The rules do change when permitting for a mutli-pirce load that is OS/OW. I typically haul single piece loads that are considered non-divisible so my chart works well for what I do. As for any driver who is going to be hauling OS/OW I expect you/they/them do their due diligence and find out what type of permits will be required for the type of load you are hauling. That way you do not end up with an OOS Violation and a large fine because you did not have the proper permit(s) for the load you were carrying. Protect yourself and your wallet. Do not attempt to move an OS/OW load without knowing if you have the proper documentation to support the move.

    Just my $0.02 to add to the conversation. Maybe someone will read this is the future and finds out discussion to be helpful.
     
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