Tandem question.

You are responsible for measuring Kingpin to axle distance in various states.

Even though this trailer apparently makes it idiot proof to do so, you will want to measure to the smallest wheelbase such as CA (If you are going that way) and put the tandems there.

For my experience I never bothered. The weights were legal whatever distance they had to be in order to be legal going east after loading with one exception, never all the way back on 53's unless last resort in Wyoming winter storms.

 

There is probably some truth to it, but I remember hearing from Stevens Transport that CA and FL are known for enforcing it, while the rest wouldn’t care much, unless you’re actually loaded and the tandem looks too far back. Some scales have measurement markings next to the scale, so they can easily measure it.

 

From my experience, loads under 30k, you should be fine with tandems all the way forward. However, if the load is mixed, it is possible that they placed the heavier pallets in the back. For loads over 40k, I’m usually fine between holes 1-3, but if they load you to the very back of your trailer on a 40k+ load, then you will probably have to move the tandem further back. There have been times I’ve had to move it to the 10th hole because of the way it was loaded.

 

Man, that diagram has a lot of holes. I have a new Utility reefer and it only has about 10 holes. I can't be further back than the first 3 holes to run legal in California.

 

If it over 40,000 I would scale it. Especially since f the company it pay for it. We were told in California and Georgia the fine for being over the bridge law is more then being over axle weight. The trick to California is load the trailer just like a 48foot trailer. You need 5 empty feet in back of trailer it scale out at the CA bridge law.

 

Load disbursement varies, and forklift drivers couldn't care less.. for the most part.
If it's over 40k... scale it.
Is it really worth saving $11.50 ?

I eyeball it, and pressure gauge it correctly over 99% of the time, even when I load 44,500.
Get the CAT tix and say, "Another wasted $11.50".
But, it could have been off.

 

"the tandems".

there are actually 2 sets. the tractor has a set also.

I know,,"but everybody says it this way", "that's how my trainer said it". "but, those are the drives", yes, the the drive TANDEMS.

old gazzillion miler rant over, thank you for your time.

 

Might be correct. Might not. God knows I've pulled a couple trailers that had the 40' sticker about 5 feet too far back. All the way up is about the only position that will always be legal lengthwise, but beyond that it's like X1 said: your job to pull out the tape measure.

I will add that if it rolls in CA, it rolls in the entire rest of the lower 48. FL might think they gotcha, but if it rolled in CA then FL is SOL. (Not sorry to the folks at the Grand Ridge inspection station, BTW. This Swift is 100% legal, thanked very much)