Weight,Weight Limits and Sliding 5th Wheel

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BuffaloDog, Sep 16, 2012.

  1. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Running a heavier rated steer axle makes it easier to gross 80,000 because you have more available axle weights to allow for less precise weight distribution...same as running a spread axle on the trailer. If things aren't working out quite right getting a load to axle out 12/34/34, you've got somewhere to legally put that extra weight.

    ...and an APU allows an 80,400 gross weight, but only in certain states which have passed laws to allow it.
    http://www.ooida.com/Education&BusinessTools/Trucking_Info/Vehicle_weight_exemptions_for_APUs.shtml
     
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  3. double yellow

    double yellow Road Train Member

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    A lot of states, particularly in the southeast, are limited to 12,000 on the steers so check your atlas. Otherwise its up to front axle & tire (both rated for 12350 on my cascadia). And I do have to slide my fifth wheel frequently between 2 settings: one that gives 11800 on the front axle with full fuel and the other that gives 12300. I could probably get away with using the 12300 setting all the time, but I like to run 100% legal for whichever states I'm going through.
     
  4. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    I usually find the Sweet Spot on the 5th Wheel and most loads are ok there.
    I hate screwing with the 5th Wheel.
     
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  5. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Actually, more like 500.

    I suggest you test it.
     
  6. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    Completely depends on the fifth wheel and truck. Some will move a small amount like he suggested.
     
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  7. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    I run my 5th wheel in a neutral spot between the drives, my loads have very little effect on my steers, I stay about 9500. I see no reason to mess with it. Just learn how to load your trailer and adjust our tandems. Quicker and easier.
     
  8. Roadopossum

    Roadopossum Bobtail Member

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    20,000 lbs is the max,but your normal truck will not be rated for that.Look at your tire rating for each steer then add them together.
     
  9. TrukkerThom

    TrukkerThom Bobtail Member

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    Sometimes you may load heavy with no axle scale nearby the shipper. An inexperienced loader with 2200-lb pallets can overload you at the nose despite your written instructions for 1-2-1-2 pallet staggering, and you will end up 2000 lbs over on drives 200 miles from the shipper because there was no scale in the hinterlands or the desert. The 5th wheel slide can help in this situation. Every 5th wheel is different. Consult truck manual for make-specific per-notch weight shift values
     
  10. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Heavy Load Member

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    Cool only took you 9 years to respond to this post
    Willing to bet the OP Figured it out
     
    Speed_Drums and ncmickey Thank this.
  11. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Which goes to show too many people that think cat scales are the only option. If you are that far in the boonies there will be elevatos will scales. Also every garbage dump and recycling place in the county will have a certified scale.
     
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