41 Foot Mark: Where is it REALLY supposed to be?

The bridge formula deals with weight distribution and axle spacing so that no individual bridge section is overly stressed. The kingpin setting deals with turning radius and trailer offset. Two separate animals.

 

Hey guys, I read all the replies and I'm still confused,and I live in Canada.I wonder if longer is better...

 

Don't forget your 65' length limit off the national network in CA.

 

How about the Federal Bridge Formula? That's makes a lot more sense since truck and trailers do not even have king pins.

 

Just ran in to this picking up in Georgia headed for Tennessee. Shipper had their own scale. Started with the Cali setting. 37,000 on the tandems. Next I slid to the state of Tennessee's standard which is 41' from the center of the kingpin to the center of the rear axle Group (center of equalizer). Scaled at 35,000 on the tandems. Told the guard I couldn't legally stretch it any further and dropped the load back on their yard. On our trailers, 41' from kingpin to center of rear axle group puts the center of rear axle approx 43' from kingpin.

 

If Atlas says "center of rear group ", it's wrong.
Here's California statute;
35400. (b) (1) Auxiliary parts. (See diagram: "Auxiliary Parts in a Combination") (2) fender and mudguard parts if required. (See diagram: "Single Vehicle") (3) (A) An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach not exceeding 60 feet. (B) An articulated bus or articulated trolley coach with a 36-inch folding device attached to the front for transporting bicycles. (4) A semitrailer while being towed by a motortruck or truck tractor, if the kingpin-to-rearmost-axle (KPRA) distance of the semitrailer does not exceed 40 feet for semitrailers having two or more axles, or 38 feet for semitrailers having one axle

 

Don't completely trust it though. Last time I checked, the 2013 atlas still did not have PA bridge law correct.

Mikeeee

 

Yes, it is the pivot law.