Advice on axle weights

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Denalidigger, Oct 22, 2025 at 3:59 AM.

  1. Denalidigger

    Denalidigger Bobtail Member

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    I have a 55 ton rgn lowboy trailer. Heaviest ill will be 100,000 lbs. What axle weights will I need on my tractor? In wisconsin. If I get a tractor with a 20k pusher and 46k rears what front axle weight would i need??
     
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  3. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    I'm not familiar with Wisconsin overweight laws, but you need to provide more information.

    100k gross or 100k load?

    How many trailer axles, 3, 4, spreader bar? And how long is the trailer? How long is the neck?
     
  4. Denalidigger

    Denalidigger Bobtail Member

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    Load weight is 100,000 pound excavator, trailer is 3 axle 55 ton trailer. Trailer is 52 ft long, with 25 ft well and trailer weight is 22,000 pounds
     
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  5. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    So your gross is probably going to be 145 to 150 with a heavy spec tractor. By the sound of it you have a standard neck trailer. With a tag axle I doubt you can get much over 12 k on the steer.

    I think you are pushing the limit of what you can permit at that weight with only a 3 axle trailer, but I don't run Wisconsin so I'm not sure.

    Maybe @IH Truck Guy can help.
     
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  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    4 axle truck with an 18k front axle. You won't get 12k additional to the rears, bridge laws apply.
     
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  7. Denalidigger

    Denalidigger Bobtail Member

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    Exactly what I was looking for! I was told 14,600 front axle would be plenty but I wasn't thinking so. I want 18k or 20k front axle. Thank you!
     
  8. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    You won't get that weight on the steer with a short neck trailer.
     
  9. IH Truck Guy

    IH Truck Guy Road Train Member

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    Screenshot_20251022_175933_Chrome.jpg

    Good luck.
    You need a long neck to get 20k on the steer axle.
     
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  10. Denalidigger

    Denalidigger Bobtail Member

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    Not saying putting 20k on front axle.. saying weight rating of front axle.
     
  11. Oxbow

    Oxbow Road Train Member

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    If you can't get more than 14k on the steer why do you want a 20k axle? You will be running expensive 425s, that don't last as long and don't drive well in the rain or snow. With a 14.6 front you can run 315s, or even 16 ply 24.5s.

    Now if your trailer is set up for a flip box on the neck it might make sense, but I think you will find it much better to add a pin on fourth for the trailer.
     
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