KW t660 overweight on steers

If your steers are over 100 -200 pounds....(12,500 is accepted as the 12K maximum in all states that list a 12K steer weight)...and you got your weights with full tanks...plan your trips knowing you need to be 7/8ths tank reading or less when approaching a scale. It appears from my research that manufacturers are placing tanks farther forward on 2008 and newer models (of all trucks apparently) so that 80-90% of fuel weight goes to the drives. For 100-200 pounds, figure 7.2 pounds per gallon so 15 gallons would be approximately 105+/- pounds you would lose, 10% of that (10.5 pounds) would stay on the drives so 90 pounds per 15 gallons will reduce at the steers.

As to the questioning about the tandems affecting/not affecting the steer weight....with the tandems full forward compared to full back...yes there will be some slight change to the steer. Think of a teeter-totter, sliding the tandems alters the weight response at the pivot..(fifth wheel)..depending on the 5th wheel position, tandems full back can lighten the steers by placing additional weight on the 5th wheel position, but only in an insignificant amount. So, in a sense, movement of the tandems does not significantly alter the steers weight.

The easiest way to say it is....which ever pivot you move, a change is made to that pivot and the group immediately to it's front. Remember, moving the 5th wheel, weight moves the direction of the 5th wheel move. Moving the tandems, weight moves in the opposite direction of the move. It is easy to confuse these two...remember you are sliding the trailer in the opposite direction you want your pivot (which ever one it is, 5th wheel or tandem) to move.

 

I assume things are different now.

Used to be able to move 2-300 pounds off the steers, by adjusting the tandems.

Thanks for the updated info.

On that point about 12500 being acceptable,

is that a written rule or just S.O.P.??

Thanks again.

 

"12,500 is accepted as the 12K maximum in all states that list a 12K steer weight"

That may be one of those unwritten rules where DOT guys let you slide, but that's not written anywhere... and the placard on your door is the only standard listed in FMCSR, hence the only standard a rookie could look at, look at your weight, and cite you accordingly.

 

the three states that list a 12K steer max are Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi...for over 15 years I traveled those states with 12,3/12,4 on my steers never had a problem...so apparently the scales use this as an "officers discretion" along with the fact that "x" amount of fuel weight will disappear in "x" number of miles....I think they are more concerned about gross weight of the vehicle over specific axle weight....again in this industry some things aren't "set in stone" giving LEO an advantage over the driver. Or...(hold on or sit down don't want anyone getting hurt at this comedic value assumption)...the scale officers are using common sense rather than the written law!

For all practical purposes...use the axle rating on the door sticker and the tire rating on the sidewall of the tires on the steers. As to the weight transfer by moving any pivot....I still stand firm in my earlier post about the transfer affecting the pivot forward (to the front) of the pivot moved.

 

Thanks young man, appreciate !!

Gonna start doing that produce/ice thing again, and want to be COMPLIANT !!!!

 

Who you calling young....whipper snapper!?!

You might find occasions where you will have to play "truck stop hop-scotch" when dealing with fuel and fuel weight displacement! A real PIA!

 

KW will install just about any suspension you wish.

I wasn't sure what year KW stopped making the T600 and what year they offered the AG380.

Correct, Paccar is one of the few mfg's that still offer a custom truck. You want planetary axles? You've got it.

AG380 is Paccar
With KW you can order just about any suspension you wish

Hendrickson 4 bag.
Hendrickson 4 bag
Hendrickson 4 bag

 

LMAO!!! funniest thing is, these two supposed experienced drivers thanked him for the post? I know one works for Swift so thats expected, its the other one thats got me curiouse???
Injun, otherhalftw

 

Care to prove me wrong oh gifted one.....play with some weights and different configurations of 5th wheel position and tandem changes....big Brave talk for a 2 year experienced rookie!

I have taught more about weight displacement on van and tankers than you have driven blocks!

I guess when YOU move your 5th wheel...it will change the weight on your tandems too? Better think your cheap shots through before sounding off....but you probably challenge on the CB all day long also....then slink off in the bushes and alleys to avoid detection!

 

Another Humboldt County escapee sounds off...