overweight on steer

I'm with you, Otter. I've never had anyone look at the data plate; the tire rating has been checked a plenty.

Every truck I've driven over the last 15 years has consistently been 300 - 500 lbs over 12K, and never had a soul even blink about it. Even carhauling, where 13K is more common than 12K; you normally won't have them check your tires until you're up close to 13.5K.

 

I consistently run 12300 with my air gap at just under 30" (Trailer to Cab Extenders) with 300 gallons of fuel when I have 32,000 on the drives. With 34,000 its more.
In 5.5 years no one has ever said a word. My last two trucks where similar.

 

The 12,000 is RECOMMENDED not required, the average steer tire used (for the rigs running 80k gross) is 6,175 capacity rating each tire....ergo 12350...the scales understand that fuel weight is constantly dissipating and they allow the 150 pounds to the steers....150 lbs is equivalent to 7.136 gallons of fuel, and to reduce this will only require the consumption of 10 gallons, or about 55-60 miles.

Bottom line you won't get a ticket! Stop over thinking and allowing the "instructors" and their stories of dread and gloom to run free with your thoughts. It is better to apply common sense than to let these washed up wanna be drivers who are instructors at some school convince you that all these rules and regs are all stacked against you, and that every scale house is out to get you. (Rerun...you are excluded from the list as stated!)

 

Now some here would confirm that I resemble 2 of those words you used....but never "bitter"!

 

I think your calculator needs new batteries my friend.