Does DOT allow for fuel weight

Slide the trailer tandems back(if possible if should be able to get at least 32,900 pounds on the drives if the trailer was loaded properly (max limit is 34,000 pounds but 32,900is ideal for helping balance out the truck taking into consideration the need to refuel at some point ).

 

id roll with it

 

Never EVER roll over 80k (assuming you're standard). DOT will usually allow you to fix axle weight. Over gross, it's a $1000 ticket. I will spend many hours before I risk $1k of MY money for someone else's freight.

 

Just got one myself on Thursday... It's a not a moving violation so no problem on the MVR

 

I will say it one more time. The max allowed on the front axle is not the difference between 80,000 lb and 68,000 lbs. It is the lowest between 20,000 for a single axle, the axle rating and the tire rating. Those states that allow less than 20,000 only state that the assumed axle rating is 12,000 unless proof to the contrary, if the tag is missing on the axle, or the stickers inside the door are not clear about the weights, then that state will only allow 12,000 lbs.

As for sliding the trailer tandems back to put more weight on the drives, that will also put more on the steer axle. Sliding the tandems shifts the weight to and from the the tandems from and to the fifth wheel. Sliding the fifth wheel shifts the weight that is on the fifth wheel between the steer and drive axles. Put more on the fifth wheel, more on both steers and drives.

One more time, unless your steer axle is not rated higher than 12,000 lbs, and your steer tires are not rated at least 6,150 lbs, Rolling 12,300 is not hoping for no trouble, it IS legal.

 

*20,000 for all interstate routes

Steer axle weight is becoming the new dead horse ....

 

This one has variables. It may put more weight on the steers but it shouldn't be that dramatic of a weight change if it's done properly. Another thing to consider is how the fuel tanks are mounted on the truck and if the fifth wheel is adjustable. Food for thought.

 

Simple math

Steer axle = A
Drives = B
Tandems = C

If A+B= 46000+ you may have to move tandems closer to drives
If B+C=68000+ you must move tandems away from drives
*assumes 34000 limit for drives and tandems

Adjust 5th wheel to balance A and B but their total will not change much, only the distribution of weight.