Re: OT Over the scales with three tractors on trai

Posted by Hugh MacKay on October 16, 2005 at 02:31:15 from (216.208.58.169):

In Reply to: OT Over the scales with three tractors on trailer posted by Brian Schmidt on October 15, 2005 at 21:37:00:

Brian: Depends quite a bit on size of tractors. DOT looks at a number of factors; registered weight of the combination, individual axle weights, also ratings for vehicle and tires. That tire rating is a big one with most of them, especially with lighter trucks. If folks arn't usually hauling a lot of weight they tend to use cheaper tires. Here in Canada and I expect it is the same State side every tire is stamped with a load rating in lbs. If you exceed that rating, they don't take kindly to you.

I say this as, having driven heavy truck trailer combinations, I can't remember ever being checked for tire ratings. On the farm I had a 70 series Chevy single axle tractor with 40' low bed, and over the years a couple of 20 series pickups with an 18' bumper hitch trailer. With either of those combinations, and if I was anywhere near registered or rated weight, I could almost count on them coming out to inspect my tires.

I think this is a good policy on their part. Over the years I have hauled a few loads both on light and heavy trucks, whereby tire rating were exceeded. It is not a very comfortable feeling, as it will cause control problems. It can happen on one axle particularly hauling equipment. You put the heavy tractor in the wrong place.

I remember one night loading my 1066 and 656 on Chevy C-70. Normally I would have put 1066 on front, however 1066 was coming off 10 miles before 656 so it went on back. Scale guy said my trailer tires were over loaded, either I correct it or I couldn't continue. I could leave one tractor at scales. I had crossed numerous times with 1066 on front and 656 behind, so I unloaded both and put them other way. He reweighed me and let me go, no fines either. My gooseneck was such that tractors couldn't be put up there. Scale guy did point out that had tractors been ahead about 18" would have made the difference.

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