Weight distribution on Pick up truck

Need to be less than 26,001 lbs. weight distribution proper, or in line with trailer mfg specifications.

If a non-commercial vehicle (no DOT authority)

 

Yes there is a max weight per axle. If it is a duel/tandem axle it is 34 thousand pounds. I honestly forgot what the single axle maximum is. The maximum allowed on steers can be confusing. But honestly 34 thousand is 17 tons. That is a lot of car and household stuff.

 

Single axle (on class 8, anyway) is 20K. For his application, he can't exceed individual axle/tire ratings, and no more than 26K gross.

 

Well just look at some simple math. Let's say the truck weighs 8500, that leaves 17500 for the trailer + load. Let's say the trailer weighs 5000 (just a guess), that leaves 12500 for load. Even if the trailer were loaded to the max 12500, the trailer axles would be under the 34,000 limit, but it is all in how you distribute the weight.

It depends on the type of hitch you are using. if it's bumper pull, on a class V hitch with weight distribution your max allowed is 17,000, so you would be limited in the scenario above to 12000 for the load. But you don't want all of that 17,000 on the trailer axles since you would severely limit traction on the drives of the truck. And DOT would probably ding you for that.

So "proper" numbers can only be obtained by identifying several variables. Trailer capacity, hitch type and weight limits, truck registration limits, and distribution of the load.

 

Better start taking stuff off...

 

I will defer to your knowledge. Get me away from the 34+34+12= 80 and i am unsure.

 

I only know that based on my research into flatbed. There has to be a 10' spread in order to get that 40K combined.