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Steer axle weight different trailers?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DDlighttruck, Jan 27, 2016.

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  1. Jan 27, 2016 #1
    DDlighttruck

    DDlighttruck Road Train Member

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    Is there a reason why going from a van to a flatbed would change my steer axle weight? I'm not really over enough to worry about it, but I don't understand the reason behind it.

    Van Load 1/scale 1
    Gross 78000, steer 11540, drives 34320, tandems 32140

    Van Load 2/scale 2 (slid 5th wheel)
    Gross 77780, steer 12000, drive 33180, tandems 32600

    Flatbed Load 1/scale 1
    Gross 76740, steer 1220, drives 32600, tandems 31920

    I know if I want to fix it slide it back one hole. Anyway, just curious if someone can educate me a 'lil. Thanks!!
     
    DDlighttruck, Jan 27, 2016
    DDlighttruck, Jan 27, 2016
    #1
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  3. Jan 27, 2016 #2
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Assuming identical 5th wheel position
    Fuel? Driver on/off? Passenger?

    The flatbed notes you provide tell me you need to move your 5th wheel back some (maybe one hole) because if you ever put 34k on the drives you're going to be kind of heavy on the steer. Get to a point where 34k on the drives, full fuel and you're between 12k and 12.5k steer. and leave it alone. Van, flatbed, makes no difference once you've found the sweet spot, LEAVE IT ALONE!
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2016
    STexan, Jan 27, 2016
    STexan, Jan 27, 2016
    #2
    Longarm, White_Knuckle_Newbie and DDlighttruck Thank this.
  4. Jan 27, 2016 #3
    Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I'm guessing the steer was around 12,200?
    That is still a good weight. They won't pull you in for a couple hundred over on the steer, and I have had it like that for years.
    My current steer weight is 12,240.

    It could be a little extra weight on the trailer front end or more fuel in the tanks.
    My guess would be fuel.
    Either that or you have a really fat person in the passenger seat.
     
    Moosetek13, Jan 27, 2016
    Moosetek13, Jan 27, 2016
    #3
    DDlighttruck Thanks this.
  5. Jan 27, 2016 #4
    Locke

    Locke Light Load Member

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    so, there is no real weight difference between a empty flat bed trailer and a dry van trailer?
     
    Locke, Jan 27, 2016
    Locke, Jan 27, 2016
    #4
  7. Jan 27, 2016 #5
    DDlighttruck

    DDlighttruck Road Train Member

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    I'll have to doublecheck on scale 2 if I fueled up that day on my logs. That was the first thing I considered. It was 6-8 weeks ago, I don't carry on the truck that far back.

    I know for a fact scale 1 and 3 were fill tanks and go over to the scale.

    @STexan, driver on all 3 times. I wondered if the flatbed "hooked" deeper on the 5th wheel, moving weight forward. Yes, I agree, I thought I had it set where it should be, and was going to leave it there. I'm still not worried about the overage, I'm just trying to understand it.
     
    DDlighttruck, Jan 27, 2016
    DDlighttruck, Jan 27, 2016
    #5
  8. Jan 28, 2016 #6
    TruckerVinny

    TruckerVinny Medium Load Member

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    Extra tools, chains and straps in the cab when pulling the flatbed?
     
    TruckerVinny, Jan 28, 2016
    TruckerVinny, Jan 28, 2016
    #6
  9. Jan 28, 2016 #7
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I think the center of gravity will always effect weight distribution. It seems to me to be basic physics.
     
    Moose1958, Jan 28, 2016
    Moose1958, Jan 28, 2016
    #7
  10. Jan 28, 2016 #8
    crxdc

    crxdc Road Train Member

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    Ultra light VAN or aluminium flat maybe a steel all have different weights. If your tires and axel can handle 12200 just roll on driver.
     
    crxdc, Jan 28, 2016
    crxdc, Jan 28, 2016
    #8
  11. Jan 28, 2016 #9
    Pmracing

    Pmracing Road Train Member

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    Too many variables to not expect different steer weight results.

    Mikeeee
     
    Pmracing, Jan 28, 2016
    Pmracing, Jan 28, 2016
    #9
    albert l and crxdc Thank this.
  12. Jan 28, 2016 #10
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    As long as you're not exceeding the load limit on your steers, don't fuss too much.
     
    PackRatTDI, Jan 28, 2016
    PackRatTDI, Jan 28, 2016
    #10
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