How long is too long, 57'?

The worst thing about a 57 footer is the rear swing because you still have to keep the kingpin to back axle leangth . So you have an extra 3 foot of over hang on the back to swing around . Other than that they are just another wagon behind the
mule !

 

I have seen lays potato chips use them

 

Worked in the Warehouse at Pactiv in Temple Tx. We had 2 Warehouses they used some 59s to move some of the Product back and forth.
It was really light plastic and Foam Stuffs, so I'm sure weight wasn't an Issue.

 

57s have been around since the 80s, running from Cali through the Southwest, to Texas. Tater chips and new soda cans are their main commodity.

 

59' 4 & 5 axle oilfield lowboys have been very common for many years. It take a good driver to drag one. There isn't any sliding the tandems forward. I delivered a new 59' 5 axle from Kansas to Odessa, Tx last month. An oilfield rigmoving company That I used to work for has some 59' 4 axle 10' 2'' spreads. Those are a little odd,but you can sure put a heavy load on.

 

I was reading a article couple of weeks ago, it was talking about how they are talking about making the gross weight up to 97,000 lbs and longer trailers. What are they thinking . It hard enough as is trying to stop a 80,000 lbs equipment when a bimbo ##### cut u off, what makes them think we can stop a 97,000 lbs like a 80,000 lbs.. Also it hard enough to get in spots or make turns with 53 foot trailers as is, to them do this it gonna cost #### load of money that nobody not wanna fork out...

 

Some European weight limits are well over 100,000lbs. American trucks don't utilize the same braking technologies that are more and more common across the Atlantic. If you're having trouble stopping, then slow down. You're moving too fast for conditions.

 

The suggested 97,000lb. limit change would require more axles on the combination. Basically, more rubber on the road you can run heavier without a special permit.

And, why is that important? More axles means more braking surface, which means you can slow down as quickly with more weight on.

And 53-foot trailers can fit into plenty of places, especially a van with the axles slid up, problem is that most driver's are too impatient to go through the steps to make the maneuver. Pull a 53-foot long lowboy with the axles clear at the back (and a third axle, making it want to turn even wider) and that 53-foot van won't seem real bad.

 

I pulled a 53' cow trailer for awhile that had three axles, grossing 97,000 with cattle on it would stop just fine. Pulled that heavy with a spread a couple of times and it sucked. It's amazing how much more braking power you get when you start adding axles.

 

This can be mitigated by moving the fifth wheel further up, so all in all you have a foot or two of extra length .
That's nothing for a professional .