Ideal load balance

I have a particular load that I haul on a tandem flatbed 90% of the time that grosses 65k. I scaled it and rounding to the nearest thousand I am at 10/25/25. No real complaints just wondering if having the drives and tandems balanced like this is good or if it would be better to shift the load forward and get more on the truck. Thinking it may give better traction? I can easily move the load forward or backwards a good amount. Ran it like this a lot and it works fine just wondering what is “ideal” and if there would be any benefits to repositioning.

 

Me personally i like to scale as even as possible between the drives and trailer. Feel like it rides better . If going thru snow and ice then id move it up to get more weight on drives that extra couple thousand pounds in traction could be a big difference... other than that i dont really think u would need to

 

Not flatbed, but from a van perspective I've noticed better fuel economy with a more balanced or drives heavy approach. It may be just anecdotal evidence, but it's what I prefer. Also as @D.Tibbitt said, balance seems to make for a more comfortable ride.

 

I always try to favor the drives for traction and safety. Normally 500-1500lb

 

A well balanced load, equally set on drives and trailer is better. Even in bad weather.
Some of the benefits
Load rides better, the suspension works and the truck runs smooth. Better on the cargo and the driver. No bucking and sway. Better fuel mileage equal weights are being “ carried “ not pushed or dragged.
What about bad weather, rain, snow?
When you take weight off an axle, it is more likely to slip and slide.

 

just remember. if tandems on trl too far up. could cause your steers to be over

 

Have you been hitting the sauce?

 

no. its true

 

The biggest factor in steer weight is fifth wheel position. Move it forward and you get more weight on your steers. Move it back you get less. Your tandem position determines the balance of weight between the drives and tandems. Tandems go forward you get less weight on the drives and more on the tandems. Tandems go back you get less weight on the tandems and more on the drives. Increasing the weight on your drives will add some weight to your steers if your fifth wheel is in front of the center of the drives. If anything moving the tandems forward will slightly reduce your steer weight.

 

It's true you've been hitting the sauce??