Kingpin to rear axle

Iowa recognizes a spread, you can register for 86,000 and be perfectly legal, just don't get caught on the interstate.

I run thru Iowa all the time with more than 34,000 on my spread, done it for years, across scales and all.

 

I have been across Iowa several times with a spread and never had a problem either. Their own bridge table list 40,000# for a 10' spread.

 

MN is actually 43' to the Center of your rear axle group. Not the rear axle.
I bought a 53' tri-axle step that is 41' to the center of the tri and 47' to the rear axle. Perfectly legal in MN.
I did a ton of homework before hand. What I found is alot of the Atlas info is incorrect. I called to verify in quite a few states.
Illinois is 45' 6" to the rear axle.
Indiana is 43' to the rear axle.
Mi is 41' to the Center of rear axle Group.
Wi is 43' to the Center of rear axle Group. And they measure tri-axles at the center axle, not the rear like is on most info pages.

 

I don't know exactly what iowa deal is with not recognizing a spread for years I never gave it any thought. Last year it was mentioned to me sure as #### nope 80k on a spread is legal gross.

That being said you can still go up to 20k/axle on a spread given they are spaced far enough apart they just done give you the 85500 other states in the Midwest do.

I think of it the same way as some states are axle states and others are footprint states. I believe it's Minnesota that is a footprint if you run a single dual single tri axle trailer you're legal gross is still only 80k because you have the same footprint as a tandem 5 axle even though you have the extra axle.

But yep every state has to let a 48 in no matter where the axles are. I do believe it's in the front of a rand McNally atlas as well but don't quote me on that. And I don't remember exactly but I also believe the weight limits for each state are in there as well I'll have to check tomorrow

 

Read the next paragraph in the book that you snapped the bridge table from. Word for word from the iowa CMV book.

Five-axle livestock transports with a spread-axle semitrailer
A five-axle truck tractor/spread-axle semitrailer combination transporting
livestock is allowed a maximum gross weight of up to 86,000 pounds, provided
all of the following conditions are met.
• The vehicle combination must have at least 61 feet of distance between
the first and last axles on the combination.
• The semitrailer spread-axle must have at least 8 feet 1 inch of spacing.
• Must transport livestock only.
• Must not travel on the Interstate Highway System when exceeding 80,000
pounds gross weight.
• Must comply with posted bridge embargoes or roadway weight limits.

They will NOT give you 86 if you're hauling freight legal gross is 80. Even though you can bridge 86. Now if we look at the chart which you provided. Under 5 axles 57 feet is the max bridge that they show 80,000 max gross weight. 6 axles at 57 is the same along with 7.

The next table shown is for 6 and 7 axle combinations where the weights increase.

This information can all be found in their axle and gross weight book. Under no circumstances does iowa list a 5 axle combo over 80k gross unless it's being used in livestock. Thus showing the great state of iowa doesn't recognize a spread...unless you're pulling a cow wagon, with a 61ft bridge, and a spread of at least 8ft 1in.

Again I'm not saying you can't put 20k on the front axle of a spread 20k on the back axle of a spread and be under 80 and legal. I'm saying you can't be 86000 in Iowa with a spread axle grain trailer or a spread axle flatbed.

 

I never said you could go over 80,000 I just pointed out that they do allow a spread. Someone said they don't recognize the spread but they do. Ohio is the same way, you can have 40,000 on your spread as long as you don't exceed 80,000.

 

The way you're wording it makes it sound like Iowa won't give more than 34,000 on a spread, which you admitted is not true.

 

No you can run 40k on the back group, but they don't recognize a spread in the sense you cannot run over 80k with one. If you can't put the extra weight on what's the point of having the trailer? For years I couldn't figure out why my dad was stuck on a tandem now it makes sense. Can't put anymore weight on so why deal with increased tire wear, more stress on the axles, subframe etc. If they're only going to give you 80k gross.

I said they don't recognize a spread that being said ill further explain why it has always been said thay way. I guess different parts of the industry consider things differently. Ks, Ne, Sd, Nd(fine print), Ok, all these srates will give you either 86000 or 85500 with 5 axles and a 10ft spread on the back axle group. Iowa will give you 40k on your back group 20 per axle but you're not allowed to run over 80 with the same combo so unlike the surrounding states unless you're hauling livestock they do not recognize a spread axle. See above post and you'll see the point why have the excess wear and tare if you can't put the extra weight on?