5 axle tractor? Worth it or not?

What’s the issue then? Other than bridging out at 103,500? I drove two trucks set up the same way that bridged out at 104k with 13k on the steer loaded, and I had one truck that bridged out at 105k with 12k on the steer. I ways loaded the 53’s I pulled like they were 48’s except in WA where they’re stupid about overhang.

Where do you run your 5th wheel? How much farther could you get under your trailer if you tapered the rear of your frame and moved your lift axle ahead a couple feet?

Personally I wouldn’t add weight to my tare if I had no intention of increasing my net payload and my gross weight.

 

I get why you’re wanting to do it. But you keep talking about weights on axle groups and you should be talking about your inner bridge because that’s what is going to max you out. You can accomplish what you’re wanting to do (maybe) by moving your current lift axle and being farther under your trailer. You have a ton of frame to play with. Center your 5th wheel over your front drive axle, or maybe even a little forward of that if you can, and start measuring your 7 axle bridge to see where to mount your lift on truck so that it benefits you.

Also, not every setup is going to be able to bridge 105,500. That’s just reality. You’ll probably be fine 99% of the time, but there are still some officers that will break out the tape measure once in a while.

 

I don’t have many pics straight on from the side. This one bridged out at 105k (102k in Oregon). 5th wheel is centered over the first drive axle, 10ft spread on the lift, 12k on the steer axle. I had room to slide under the trailer to get more on the steer but if I did that it would cut weight from my 7 axle bridge so there was no benefit. Your 7 axle bridge is what will determine your overall gross after you max it out.



If you can get your 7 axle bridge to 57ft and still carry 12,500 on your steer while loaded then you’d be good for 105,500.

 

Are you talking Oregon bridge or federal? Because with your rough measurements you should be at 93k easy with an 11ft spread on your lift.