How much weight can sliding tandems move?

You can estimate that you will move 250 pounds per hole for 4 inch spacing, and 400 pounds per hole for 6 inch spacing. This will help you estimate how many holes you’ll have to slide the trailer tandems to move the proper amount of weight necessary in order to get the axle weights legal.

What is the reason behind sliding your tandems on a 18 wheeler?

By sliding the trailer tandems forward, you will put more weight on the trailer tandems and take weight off the tractor’s drive axles. Conversely, by sliding the trailer tandems toward the rear of the trailer, you will take weight off the trailer tandems and put more weight onto the tractor’s drive axles.

When should I slide your tandems?

A: Sliding tandems is necessary and required for three main things: To adjust (move) some weight off of the tractor’s axles rear to the trailer tandem axles. To adjust weight OFF of the trailer axles and move some of the weight forward to the tractor axles.

Where should I set my tandems?

Tractor tandems are generally just referred to as “drives” which is short for “drive axles”. Basically the safest thing to do is set it for the California 40′ mark. That will get you close as possible to legal till you can weight out.

How much weight can a semi axle carry?

In addition to Bridge Formula weight limits, Federal law states that single axles are limited to 20,000 pounds, and axles spaced more than 40 inches and not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. Gross vehicle weight is limited to 80,000 pounds (23 U.S.C. 127).

How far back can my tandems be?

When the distance between the first axle of your tandems is 35 feet from the rear axle on your tandems to the last axle of your trailer tandems, you will have to reduce the amount of weight that you load onto your truck.

How far back can tandems be?

What do you call a sliding tandem on a tractor?

Tractor tandems are generally just referred to as “drives” which is short for “drive axles”. When sliding your tandems all the way to the rear, you eliminate almost all tail swing, which is why it is a preferred method used by some drivers when backing into tight spots.

What does the tandem axle do on a semi truck?

This important function can adjust the off-tracking of the trailer, effect the turning radius of the rig, and shift the balance of the weight between truck and trailer axles. Make sure the semi truck is properly coupled to the trailer.

What’s the best way to position trailer tandems?

By sliding the trailer tandems forward, you will put more weight on the trailer tandems and take weight off the tractor’s drive axles. Conversely, by sliding the trailer tandems toward the rear of the trailer, you will take weight off the trailer tandems and put more weight onto the tractor’s drive axles.

How often do you need to slide tandems?

I usually slide tandems twice: move to balance (34,000 lb. max per axle set) and before getting to the dock, as above. A set of axles spaced close together, legally defined as more than 40 and less than 96 inches apart by the USDOT. Drivers tend to refer to the tandem axles on their trailer as just “tandems”.