Load distribution

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by allen731, Sep 5, 2016.

  1. allen731

    allen731 Light Load Member

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    I have a 2011 freightliner cascadia that runs heavy on the steers. Anywhere from 12300-1300 when loaded. I'm new to flatbed. Was wondering if you could help me out here. Maybe I'm placing my load wrong. It's a spread axle trailer. Varies between 48' and 53'. How do you find your center? I know I'm a 48 it's the signal light but say I want to measure would I want to measure from kingpin to center of spreads or the end of trailer and divide that number? Any help would be appreciated.
     
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  3. johndeere4020

    johndeere4020 Road Train Member

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    Well slide your fifth wheel back a little will take care of the steer problem. What do you mean when you say it varies between 48' and 53'?
     
  4. allen731

    allen731 Light Load Member

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    I've done that. It's still heavy on the front, fifth wheel slide all the way back. We have both 48' and 53' open decks.
     
  5. allen731

    allen731 Light Load Member

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    I think if knew how to measure and find my center correctly would help alot in knowing how to place my load.
     
  6. MonticelloJeff

    MonticelloJeff Bobtail Member

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    If you have a 48' measure from front of trailer to rear axle. Then add a foot towards the back, and that's usually close to middle of load spot, so 25' from front of trl would be where I would center load. If you have a 53' with a 5' rear overhang, then 25' from front of trl, 53' with a 8' rear overhang would be 23.5' from front approximately.
     
  7. johndeere4020

    johndeere4020 Road Train Member

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    Measure from your kingpin to the center of the rear axles and development de by two. I wouldn't worry that much about the steer, 12,300 no one should bother you and even at 13,000 most places will let you go. I'm heavy in my steer empty and I never have been hassled for it, but I don't run all over the country anymore.
     
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  8. allen731

    allen731 Light Load Member

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    Thanks alot guys. I run mostly southeast, Midwest and some east coast these days. Just started flatbedding and I guess it's just something I need to learn with experience. A lot of the loads I get may be different pieces. But different in weights. Like my last load was a steel coil and some kind of machinery. Had no idea how to place that to even the weight out lol.
     
  9. johndeere4020

    johndeere4020 Road Train Member

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    Did you know the weights of the pieces before they were loaded?
     
  10. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Going to clarify JD's comment.

    Find the center of the trailer axles...spread or tandem. Mark. Measure from that mark to the kingpin. The halfway point of the measurement is the center. Mark.

    Be sure to take your empty weight, full of fuel. You'll notice that the drives are normally 6000lbs heavier than the trailer weights. Adjust your load accordingly (most go 1 ft rear of the center mark.)
     
  11. johndeere4020

    johndeere4020 Road Train Member

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    Yeah I should have thought about clarifying the center of the rear axles thing thanks six.
     
    MJ1657 Thanks this.
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