How far to slide tandems?

Precisely.

I turned it into a bit of an algebra problem so that I can pull into a scale, get my axle weights, plug it into a calculator, slide the tandems and go. The fifth wheel is at a spot that will allow me to take on full fuel with a max legal load in the back, and I don't have to mess with it. Thanks Ron-Mars for a different perspective!

I've only had one problem load, and I made that work for me be sliding the fifth wheel.

Now the above being said, the relationship between weights on the axle sets and hole positions is not a totally linear one - there's either one of two things going on... it's either a "curved" relationship (remember quadratic equations?) or there's some additional linear variability being thrown into the mix by the "load scientists." My little formula works well enough for the average load, but notice that I said, "I take a first shot at it by sliding the tandems close to where they ought to be." If I don't have a few hundred pounds leeway on the axles by the time I'm done, I'm going back for a reweigh.

It's good enough for the "average load" on my equipment. Like I said, your mileage (and equipment) MAY VARY. Saves me time and money, keeps me out of trouble with the local DOT guys (thanx and tip o' the hat to PS Anderson) - and that's what counts!

 

E=MCsquared .....give or take a cheeseburger.

 

Good Lord...who is bringing quantum physics into this?!

 

I am suddenly getting flash backs from the twighlight zone intro.. the ticking clock and the E=MC sign.... and rod smoking a cig....

 

Forgot about that...good call!

 

We're building nuclear devices now?....I thought we're just drivers.....

 

There are those words again, "just drivers" we need a good title like the women have...you know "Domestic Engineers"

 

You have to learn not to be offended....
"Just drivers" works when you have a real a-z-zhat on your hands... and you can just say..."Well, sorry....I'm just a driver".....

 

You have that right.

Dispatch tells you when the load is to be done and all. You try to explain the traffic and all. I had them tell me I was just a driver. Picked up their trailer, loaded and there was a light missing. They told me to change it. I told them, not a mechanic, just a driver.

 

I fully understand that one..but as you know...it really sizzles my bacon, and I prefer my bacon soft..not crunchy!