blt2ski wrote:
If you understand the real laws as they pertain to how much wt you can put on an axel, you would know that
Obviously, I don't know the real laws, or I wouldn't be asking the question! ;)
I've picked up some bits and pieces, but have trouble putting it all together. This thread has been very interesting, but also contains quite a bit of confusing and conflicting information. I have a tough time staying withing the manufacturer axle weight ratings on my rig (especially the 20k rear.) I understand the physical ramifications of that, but worry about the potential legal issues.
blt2ski wrote:
not over 500 lbs per inch width of tire, which is typically 10-12K per axel, you will not get an overwt ticket.
Great summary, thanks! Please double check my math: My tires are 275/80R22.5, which should give me a 275 mm tread width if I understand tire specifications properly. That's a tad over 10.8" per tire. At 500 lbs per inch, I figure that's 5,400 lbs per tire, or 21,600 for the axle.
So I take it my legal limit is 21,600 on the rear axle, and I'm within my limit. But the legal limit on my front axle would only be 10,800 on the front, even though the front GAWR is 13,000 pounds. According to my last weigh slip, my actual front axle weight is 12,240. So I was worried all this time about my rear axle, when it turns out the front is my problem? Yikes! :E
So I guess I need wider tires on my front? I don't think I have room for 315's, but that's what it sounds like I need... :(
transamz9 wrote:
Floats are the big wide tires that you see on the front of a lot of dump trucks and heavy haul semis.
Thanks! I was guessing something along these lines, but you know what happens when you guess and make assumptions, especially about trade jargon. :S
