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Trucker apps

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Commuter69, Apr 10, 2018.

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  1. Apr 10, 2018 #1
    Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    I have been using the Trucker Slide Calc app, and I generally like it when doing the math on how many positions (and which direction) to slide my trailer axles ....

    But it has one fatal shortcoming in that it does not take into account an adjustable 5th wheel. Does anyone know if there is an app that does? I know sliding the 5th wheel is rare(my dad has one foot and 3 toes on the one he has, he can count on that foot how many times I have needed to fool with it), and generally once it is set, you almost never need to deal with it again; but still, if you get a NEW truck, it probably has not been set....
     
    Commuter69, Apr 10, 2018
    Commuter69, Apr 10, 2018
    #1
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  3. Apr 10, 2018 #2
    craig_sez

    craig_sez Road Train Member

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    Dont need an app.........Most times you center the 5th wheel between yer drives...
    All the trailers have holes for the pins...Generally when the pin holes are close together its 250 lbs each and spaced apart is 500...In reality its more like 230ish and 470ish..
     
    craig_sez, Apr 10, 2018
    craig_sez, Apr 10, 2018
    #2
    RustyChops41, snowwy and dptrucker Thank this.
  4. Apr 10, 2018 #3
    Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    But I am one who HATES MATH!..... I hate it, I hate it, I hate it....

    lol

    Did I say I hate math?
     
    Commuter69, Apr 10, 2018
    Commuter69, Apr 10, 2018
    #3
  5. Apr 11, 2018 #4
    LGarrison

    LGarrison Road Train Member

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    You might as well find yourself a tutor everything about running a truck is math learn how to work a calculator
     
    LGarrison, Apr 11, 2018
    LGarrison, Apr 11, 2018
    #4
    jammer910Z Thanks this.
  7. Apr 11, 2018 #5
    Slomosion

    Slomosion Bobtail Member

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    Center the fifth wheel between tractor rear axles. Rarely will you ever change this. As a basic rule, slide trailer tandems to the maximum legal length. Weigh your axles. If you are over gross on the trailer, the load is not properly loaded, over loaded. If the drives are heavy, start moving the trailer tandems further foward until the drives are legal. Reweigh all axles. Simple.
     
    Slomosion, Apr 11, 2018
    Slomosion, Apr 11, 2018
    #5
  8. Apr 11, 2018 #6
    jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    How can that tandem slide calculator be accurate enough to even remotely trust?
    Different trailer manufacturers have separate spacing widths between the pin holes on the slide rails.. and with the way the weight is distributed.. the amount of weight.. it all changes each time.
    Most trailers now have pretty standard spacing, but I've pulled trailers that have a range of 250#-700# a hole.

    Too much technology can burn you.
    Learn to eyeball it.. use a 5th wheel pressure gauge of you have one.. and put her on the CAT scale.
     
    jammer910Z, Apr 11, 2018
    jammer910Z, Apr 11, 2018
    #6
  9. Apr 11, 2018 #7
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Most of us set our 5th wheels on a desire weight we want for the steers. With full tanks of fuel. Very seldom does it get moved after that. Only time it would get moved is if we were heavy and lost enough fuel we could afford to slide it a notch or 2 forward to run through a scale. Once unloaded. Slide it back.

    12,500 on steers with full tanks would be a good weight.

    Most you guys in FL's wont have much weight difference between loaded and empty. Only the fuel tanks would bounce around.

    Set your 5th wheel and the only thing you'll have to worry about is the trailer.
     
    snowwy, Apr 11, 2018
    snowwy, Apr 11, 2018
    #7
  10. Apr 11, 2018 #8
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    You should add. "Max legal length for route" To avoid the confusion that sets in with a lot of drivers. :)

    Cali and Nevada are 2 different beasts.
     
    snowwy, Apr 11, 2018
    snowwy, Apr 11, 2018
    #8
  11. Apr 11, 2018 #9
    Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    The app allows to place a measurement between hole positions on the trailer... If I have to adjust the trailer axles and use the first weigh figures(having already entered the space between holes), it then either tells me I am legal, or how many holes to slide the trailer forward or backward. 2nd weigh has always produced a legal result.
     
    Commuter69, Apr 11, 2018
    Commuter69, Apr 11, 2018
    #9
    jammer910Z Thanks this.
  12. Apr 11, 2018 #10
    Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    I was always taught that you can not legally exceed the 12k/34k/34k limit, unless you have the APU exemption (but I don't know how much more that allows)....

    That said, what if the driver and co driver combination adds so much weight, that you are consistently over that balance?

    And what is more important in California, the 40' bridge or the even balance?
     
    Commuter69, Apr 11, 2018
    Commuter69, Apr 11, 2018
    #10
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