Tandom Question (Where does it go?)

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by AlmostSuperman, Jul 16, 2016.

  1. Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    2,039
    Thanks Received:
    1,424
    Location:
    Weed, CA
    0
    I think you got your numbers crossed here, 3031, if I'm reading correctly. If you want more weight on your tandems, slide the box forward, not back. If you want more on the drives, slide the box back.

    When dealing with STexans's illustrations, correct ones - forward moves weight back, back moves weight forward. It's all about that teeter totter.
     
  2. Steel Dragon

    Steel Dragon Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2015
    Messages:
    2,681
    Thanks Received:
    2,833
    0
    When he moves the box back, hes moving the tandems forward,moving the box forward, moves the tandems to the rear, lets make this even more confusing...
     
    Blackshack46 Thanks this.
  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2011
    Messages:
    14,963
    Thanks Received:
    29,154
    Location:
    Longview, TX
    0
    I also think many people are confusing weight distribution needs [to meet tandem weight limits], with California's Length Law ("maximum 40 foot position") which has nothing to do with weight, but rather trailer tracking in tight turns. California implemented this when 53's came out and they got tired of replacing signs and poles knocked over at intersections and tight off-ramps

    The California "40 foot rule" is a requirement that is met easier and more accurately with a tape measure and/or permanent trailer marking rather then "counting holes"
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  4. 3031

    3031 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2011
    Messages:
    178
    Thanks Received:
    145
    0
    Well in his illustrations "Forward" and "Back" refer to the tandems, but I'm referring to the box so the directions are reversed (i.e. pushing the box back is the same as moving the tandems forward).

    My trainer used to say "Forward go the tandems, back goes the weight". But I never liked having to remember that something was the opposite of something else. So now I just think of it as pushing the box wherever I need the weight to go.
     
  5. Lepton1

    Lepton1 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2012
    Messages:
    12,647
    Thanks Received:
    25,588
    Location:
    Yukon, OK
    0
    You mean you slide the tandems to adjust weight? Wow. I just put them wherever it looked purdy.
     
  6. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2009
    Messages:
    2,360
    Thanks Received:
    3,120
    0
    Your company is fill with "tools." They are nothing but a source of wrong information unless you haul the exact same load in the exact same truck and trailer everyday.

    250lbs per a hole of weight transfer is a 'rule of thumb.' Google that phrase if you don't know what it means. Their is nothing written in stone that any hole on any trailer or load will move transfer exactly 250lbs. Each trailer and even load can produce greatly varying results.

    You are responsible to scale each load. The hole count does not matter to anyone that writes tickets. It may be useful as a guideline or starting point to know what hole count others are using, but is no guarantee that the equipment you are using will have the same hole count when scaled legally.
     
  7. Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    2,039
    Thanks Received:
    1,424
    Location:
    Weed, CA
    0
    Right on, Toomany. Same for 5th wheel slots. Besides that, once a driver accepts/is assigned a load, that driver is also accepting responsibility for what happens afterwards. No excuses, get it done, roll on!

    Actually, it's kinda fun weighing and waving at the scale officer, when you know you got it.
     
    Lepton1 Thanks this.