How much weight is typically available on fifth-wheel?

Most flatbed trucks I've run scaled empty closer to the 29,500-30,500 range. 31,000+ with a conestoga trailer.

My current truck is ridiculously heavy at 32,720 with a conestoga trailer. Yes, it is costing me loads die to weight.

The majority of commodity shippers want a minimum payload availability of 48,500. Flatbedders typically run lean and mean. More payload means more money!

 

48k usually means sticks and bricks which in my experience dont pay much. I tend to make nearly twice the $ hauling nearly half the weight.

47k load of stone $1600.
24k conveyor same area $2700

Other day i got a 12ft/14k partial of steel plate that paid a grand. 48k of 8ft tarped lumber same area was $750

That sorta thing.

 

Not always...

 

Take 46K (steers @ 12K, drives @ 34K) minus the tare weight of the truck, and you'll have what a typical truck can carry on the 5th wheel. If the tractor weighs 14K, then a trailer loaded with 32K on the 5th wheel is the max. If the tractor weighs 20K, then 26K would be the max. Of course if the tractor is spec'd heavier than your standard road tractor (which only has a 12k steer axle) or is running a 3rd axle on the drives, then it could carry more...

 

Most states have 20k steers max depending on rating tandem dualls differ by state also usually around 34k each state can be different for weight

 

I normally do not care what the 5th wheel can specifically bear. We usually stuffed the trailer, then shifted axles until the drives are at the magic 34000 and see about the trailer tandem. Mr Cat knows all for 11.00 Have at it.

Todays tractors have gotten obese. Not like being able to load 49000 into a great dane with a 2000 Freightliner Century back then.

 

My company missed that memo... most of our trucks are 34000-35000 with a 53’ flat.