Flatbed Fun

NY is not a closed axle state.

It is for our trailers.

CT, CA and FL are the only states requiring it.

Not true for everyone.

NY and WI (I mistakenly typed WY earlier) are also closed axle states for Prime because of the placement of our trailer axles. Both of the above states require no more than 43ft spacing between the kingpin and center of rear axle.

CT is the same.

CA is 40ft to center of rear axle.

FL is 41ft to center of of rear axle group.

With our axles open, the spacing is 45ft. The spacing when closed is 40ft. So yeah those 5 states are closed axle states for us at Prime. I should have noted that it's specific to our 53ft trailers. I know other trailers are configured differently.

What brand trailers do you primarily use? We are primarily all Retinaur, except for some of our more specialized trailers. We still have some Benson, and Wilson trailers, but they are being retired.

I prefer to keep my axles closed, if I can. Much easier to maneuver that way.

NY is not a closed axle state.

It is for our trailers.

CT, CA and FL are the only states requiring it.

Not true for everyone.

NY and WI (I mistakenly typed WY earlier) are also closed axle states for Prime because of the placement of our trailer axles. Both of the above states require no more than 43ft spacing between the kingpin and center of rear axle.

CT is the same.

CA is 40ft to center of rear axle.

FL is 41ft to center of of rear axle group.

With our axles open, the spacing is 45ft. The spacing when closed is 40ft. So yeah those 5 states are closed axle states for us at Prime. I should have noted that it's specific to our 53ft trailers. I know other trailers are configured differently.

Rob D, yeah the biggest problem is I can't put in much fuel at once, for fear of going over my 34k limit on my drives. I'll run myself down to 1/8 of a tank or so and put in 40 gals or so, depending on how far away the next weightstation is lol.

So in this situation, do you drive 300 miles, add 50 gallons, rinse and repeat?

Yup

Also even if he could shift 5,000lbs from the drive axles to the trailer, wouldn't he still be over the 80,000lb maximum if he adds 100 gallons of fuel?

Yes, but another concern was having to close my axles for NY and CT, which would put more weight on the rear tandems. When my axles were closed, I was 35600 and change on the rears. As mentioned above, NY and CT allow 36k on tandems , so I didn't have much play there.

Also, how does spreading the axles on the trailer change weight per axle? Does moving the forward trail axle toward the drive axle reduce the weight of the drive axle?

Only our rear trailer axle slides. Sliding it forward to close the axles shifts approx 2k from the drives to the trailer tandems. This amount can vary depending on where the load is placed on the trailer.

What brand trailers do you primarily use? We are primarily all Retinaur, except for some of our more specialized trailers. We still have some Benson, and Wilson trailers, but they are being retired.

Yeah we use Reitnouer also. I guess maybe they just come configured differently than yours. Just to be clear, I'm only talking about the 53 footers. Our 48s are fixed position, and can run in any state.

I prefer to keep my axles closed, if I can. Much easier to maneuver that way.

No doubt, I like em closed too. Easy to maneuver tight turns, less torque.

I took it down to just above empty and put in 50 gals, bringing me up to 3/8 full. In-cab drive scale is reading a smidge over 34k, but I calibrated it to read a smidge over actual weight. So here goes. Next weigh station is about 50 miles away. I should be good but wish me luck

If they do get you, it'll only be an axle violation which is the fine only. Considering you'll only be around 155# over on the drives, it wouldn't be that much of a fine lol.

Fan club here in St. Louis cheering you on. Did you make it through that weigh station clear?

Haha yup so far so good. I'm getting the truck washed now, and will be fueling again in about 10 miles. With that, I'll be close to making it where I need to be in Jax, FL.

Hey is my load secured?

I swear I remember reading how two straps are required at minimum and I might need some oversight permits.

Hey is my load secured?

I swear I remember reading how two straps are required at minimum and I might need some oversight permits.

LOL.

Less than 5ft and under 1000lbs you're good with one strap. I think you need a chain for that dump box though, the hydraulics have a mind of their own.