How much weight are you allowed on the steer axle of a semi?
When a big rig pulls onto a set of scales to weigh, the maximum amount over each of the three axles groups (one steer axle and two tandems) is as follows: Steer axle: 12,000 pounds or 6,000 pounds per tire. Drive axle tandems: 34,000 pounds or 4,250 pounds per tire.
Where can the legal axle weight limits be found?
Explanation: Individual axle weights are shown on the vehicle plate. This can be found in a prominent place on both the vehicle and trailer.
What is the legal weight on a semi trailer?
80,000 pounds
The weight maximum for a semi-truck with a loaded trailer legally allowed in the United States is 80,000 pounds. A semi-truck without a trailer weighs between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds, depending on the size.
How do you distribute weight on a semi trailer?
You have to distribute the weight more or less evenly from front to back, but you can skew your figures a bit to load a little heavier in the middle and lighter at the front and rear. This helps distribute the weight a bit more evenly over the length of the trailer.
Can you be overweight on steer axle?
Your steer tires have a maximum load rating of 7,000 pounds each, which would therefore limit your legal steer axle weight to 14,000 pounds. This is the most restrictive of the laws, so 14,000 pounds is your legal weight limit in this case.
How do I check my axle weights?
The kerb weight of each axle can be found in the manufacturer’s brochure. Simply subtract the kerb weight of each axle from the maximum legal axle weight figure on the plate. The difference between the two figures is the maximum load that can be carried on each axle.
How do I determine my axle weight?
Multiply the center of gravity distance times the weight to get the moment for each component and item. Add all of the moments and divide by the wheelbase to get the weight on the rear axle. Subtract the rear axle weight from the total weight to get the front axle weight.
How do you distribute weight on a semi-trailer?
What is the weight capacity of a 53 foot trailer?
80,000 lbs.
Maximum weight: 45,000 lbs can be hauled by a 53 feet trailer. Overall length:80” Total weight:80,000 lbs.