Front axle weight

Hate Super singles on steer axles.

 

In most states you can have 20k on a single axle which would include a steer but most trucks don't have axles or tires rated anywhere near that. Dump trucks often have heavy front axles and tires and can get close to 20k legally.

On a typical semi tractor your front axle weight limit is going to be the lesser or your front tire ratings or your front axle rating. They are usually in the 12k range.

 

H.H. power units & extended weight dump trucks have super singles steer axles in order to be more flexible to meet bridge weights.

 

http://www.ooida.com/EducationTools/Info/weight-exemptions.asp

Not every state has exemption (data is from 2014)

 

The DOT writes tickets for over 12300 (I think) on steering axles with load range G tires, 6150 lbs per tire. To run more weight than 12300 you need tires with load range H. Minnesota wrote many tickets to Marten Transport for being over 12300 on load range G tires last year. Solid mounted 5th wheels so they could not move weight to drive axles.

 

AZ has warned our trucks about being over on 12000# steer axles. We have convinced our company to buy new trucks with either 12500 or 13000 rated axels. Our tires are good for 13100.

 

Mixer was super heavy on the front, used the crane steer tires.

For interstate travel, as a rule, don't go over 12K.. If you need to adjust your 5th wheel on a given load do it. I know Indiana and a few other states it's 12K. I've heard a lot of people say they will " give " you a few hundred pounds. Don't hope for the DOT to " give " you anything, keep your #### wired tight. Maybe that means running with half tanks for a load too.

 

I thought this was required knowledge on the State Class A CDL written exam. Plus interstate hwys have tighter restrictions than state hwy limits. Ultimately the driver must follow each rule in all 48 states. CMV steer axle wt. must follow tire ratings. The general rule for all states is 12k some are more, the scale house will be set for 79,000 gross and pull you in for a rolling inspection if over 79500. Anything over 80K is like asking for a ticket. My advice is weigh the load over 30k in the box and stay legal. 12500, would be risky business if you are in some state that has 12000 limit.

 

Maybe that's what I refer to as the crane tire. In the mixers, when you pop one of those, 90% roll rate.