Help getting axle weights correct on end dump with fixed tandems

I have seen one of those many years ago, but what I recall it was very generic. It seems like the state website gave a much more thorough explanation of who gets a pass and who doesn’t.

 

I'm going to say something that a lot of drivers might not be aware. According to bridge law, based on your wheelbase, how far setback the kingpin is and where your fifth wheel is, you may not be legal for 80,000 lbs, no matter the axle weight.

Google Image Result for https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/brdg_frm_wghts/images/calc_rev.gif

 

Yeah, aren't dump trucks fun? If you load out of a chute, where you place the truck makes a big difference. It may take a while to get it right. I've done my share of shoveling if the "slam the brakes" method didn't work. Thing with dump trucks, very few ever go over scales, as most of the work is short hauls, 10 times a day. Sometimes, I loaded on a scale, or the loader would come up to the scale and add a little for gross, but axle weights are up to you. And for the record, the "man" ( or "woman") in the scale house have no sense of humor, they may give you 100 lbs. over, but not much more. It's why dump trucks always have a shovel tarp strapped to the side.

 

End dumps ARE dump trucks.

 

Under gross? Run it. Most sensible DOT officers don't care so long as you are under gross. Canadian MOT from what I hear allow up to 500 kgs (about 1,100 lbs) over on a single axle group so long as gross is good.

Easiest way to avoid the issue of a ticket is to just drive around the chicken coop.

 

I’d load along side guys that if they were skeptical about the loader or the material they would load heavy up front. If the aforementioned brake method didn’t work they’d raise the bed up and as soon as they’d hear the product slide bring it down. I’ve never tried this as I had a spread axles for 1 and I wasn’t that brave for 2 but if you have suspension gauges and can “see” what you’re doin in that aspect, might be worth a shot.

 

The problem with spread axles on most end dump trailers is that you can't legally gross 80K. A 38-39' end dump is pretty much the bare minimum to get to 80K on 5 axles because there is an exception that allows 68k on a pair of tandems in a shorter axle spacing than what would be allowed on 4 axles using the bridge law formula. By having a spread on a trailer that short, you no longer qualify for the exception, and therefore are overweight if you're 68K on your rear 4 axles (drives + trailer). Unless you're pulling a long enough end dump to bridge the weight, it's rather silly to have a spread.