Pusher And tag axle question

MT tag and pusher up loaded down given weather permits. Tags and pushers mover weight as previously stated all dependent on the pressure regulators and where they are set.

I have yet to put a new gauge on my trailer so I'm unaware of the pressure running to my tag axle suspension bags however I have the axle set to pick up 10500lbs. With the tag up I roll across the scale with roughly 45000 on the back axle group. With the axle down I've got roughly 43500 on the back axle group. This puts my tandems on the trailer around 33500.

Different states have different laws regarding tag and pusher axles Nebraska requires a minimum of 8% be carried on the tag axle or its disregarded on the axle group and they consider it a tandem (the fine isn't cheap either don't ask me how I know).

Pusher is the same concept on shifting weight around although they push weight back onto the trailer axle group. Steerable pusher stayed down unless backing up if it was a non steerable pusher always pick the axle up going around a corner and then drop it.

Most of us run a switch from the cab to run the axles (although they're illegal in most states why I don't know) during tight turns I also used to pick my tag axle up until the switch developed a short and I had a case of an axle coming up and down at its own free will.

 

i don't think its illegal to have a switch to raise you lift axle in your truck other than Canada, ( i could be wrong on that) but i know it is illegal to have a pressure adjustment for you lift axle in the cab.

dot thinks your running with no weight on it just making it look like you are and then cranking the psi back in when you come up on there scale. no idea why you would actually want to do that though cause if you don't have enough weight on your lift axle you will smoke the tires with the lightest break application and they ride like crap if you don't have enough weight on them.

 

I've been told it is in Nevada. Our switch was located outside the cab so you had to be outside to move it.

 

it very well could be i am not familiar with the laws in all states. but i do know i would run in any state without worrying about getting ticketed for having a switch in my cab

 

With them down is using more fuel, also.

 

They "frown" upon it in the Midwest. And dot throws their weight around when it comes to cab controlled raise lower switches. You are 100% correct to my knowledge...The REGULATOR must be controlled from outside the cab most laws are vague on method of raise and lower however there are a few officers with hard ons who have and will send trucks back to unload if they leave with the tag up.

I'm not sure how most states do axles every time I have been weighed in another state they have never mentioned my tag axle weight they weigh the trailer as a group (43500 or 44000 depending on the officer book gives me 43500 10'1") Nebraska on the other hand will weigh my trailer tandems and then weigh my tag separately.

That being said I pass the same scale 2 to 6 times a day and now days they just leave the light green and roll me across after my drives have weighed. I load legal 99.9% of the time so they don't even waste their time with the trailer.

Forgot to mention the great state of Kansas begins asking questions on 4 prong cables. I always told them it was for all my extra trailer lights I don't have that problem anymore there's a short in my tractor somewhere so I just drop my axle from the box on the nose. I have to get out to roll my tarp over anyway.

 

When I added my pusher I mounted a box with the gauge and regulator behind my sleeper. Some guys have mounted them in there sleeper side boxes. From what I was told the regulator can't be within reach or in the cab with you so your not able to mess with it going over scales.

I know of some guys in the past that had pushers would hide a regulator in their cab and run a hose from the exhaust port of the pusher and plumb into their muffler exhaust pipe so when they would go over scales they can play with the pressures and dot would not hear any air exhausting giving away a sign your messing with weight transfer.

 

my control box/regulator are in the side box under the sleeper

 

Where do you run your pressure at? I've got mine set around 50-55lbs. It seems to be about right as I drive on scales with the pusher down I have the correct weight on my steer axle.

 

that's right around where i set mine as well. if memory serves puts somewhere around 9500lbs on the pusher