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Unloaded Axel weights

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Polanich, Nov 28, 2012.

  1. Nov 28, 2012 #1
    Polanich

    Polanich Bobtail Member

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    Nov 28, 2012
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    I recently visited an International Truck-Tractor sales lot. I wanted to know the weight of the new sleeper model International he showed me. He said it was 17,500 lbs with a Cummings under the hood. He claimed one like it has a Cat under the hood and weighs 18,200 lbs.

    I then asked the central question. If I recorded the individual weights under each of the three axels separatly, what could I expect the answer to be?
    I, independantly, tried to prorate the 17,500 lb unit by taking total weight as a function of 144" WB. However, that came to 5,590.278 lbs front, 7,170.13425 lbs 3rd axel and 4,739.5725 lbss Rear axel. I then realized that with the Cab, sleeper and engine mostly over the front axel and the Transaxel over the rear two axels, my calculation would be wrong. I'm also interested to know what additional weight an empty 53' van would add to the 3rd and rear Tractor axels separatly were it the be coupled as usual.

    If I can get the correct weights, this information could lead to an innovation i'm working on that could effectively eliminate the Federal Fuel Tax.
    An 18 cent per gal. current $ number is soon likely to spike according to Gov. spending watchdogs. Apparently, deferred Fed. highyaw maintanence will soon be a prime topic in Congress this next year.

    Guess whos going to become it for the fuel tax tag game?
     
    Polanich, Nov 28, 2012
    Polanich, Nov 28, 2012
    #1
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  3. Nov 28, 2012 #2
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Assuming a tractor fully loaded with fuel and an empty trailer, the steer axle is typically in the neighborhood of 11,000 lbs, and if the 5th wheel placement is correct, a maxed out gross weight of 80,000 lbs will put an additional 1,000 lbs on the steer to achieve the only axle weight that will yield max gross ... 12,000 steer - 34,000 drives - 34,000 trailer, for a GVW of 80,000 lbs

    But I'nm still perplexed what you're asking, otherwise. You can disregard tractor length and tractor weight and a bunch of other stuff once you know you have to be at 12,000 and 34,000 when fully loaded to 'max out' and trucks are designed to accomplish this by finding that sweet spot for the 5th wheel placement that [should] remain fixed once set. The bigger variable for steer axle weight variance is the size of the fuel tanks and their position on the frame as to how much fuel burn will reduce weight, and where. Regardless of the total weight of the tractor, the max axle weight numbers remain the same.
     
    STexan, Nov 28, 2012
    STexan, Nov 28, 2012
    #2
  4. Dec 30, 2012 #3
    rockyroad74

    rockyroad74 Heavy Load Member

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    It depends on the truck and trailer. My empty weights are roughly: steer=10800lbs, drive tandem=9000lbs, 48' flatbed trailer=9500lbs I think a 53' van trailer, not reefer, is around 13000, but they vary. Not sure what my drives or trailer axles weigh with trailer hooked up, as I don't ever need to axle weigh while empty, just occassionally get a gross empty weight which is 32800lb.
     
    rockyroad74, Dec 30, 2012
    rockyroad74, Dec 30, 2012
    #3
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