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SLIDING YOUR TANDEMS..

by trevor
(QUEENS,NY)

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO SLIDE YOUR TANDEMS???
DO YOU SLIDE THEM TOWARDS THE PROBLEM??
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?? IF THERE IS TO MUCH WEIGHT ON BACK DO YOU GET IN YOUR TRUCK AND PUT IT IN LOW.. AND MOVE UP?? OR DO YOU PUT IN REVERSE AND MOVE BACK TO GET THE WEIGHT OFF THE BACK??HOW DOES THIS ACTUALLY WORK!!!!!

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Apr 11, 2010
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Tandemology
by: NickV

Sometimes this can get to be a real pain in the you know what. Jimmy hit the nail on the head but just wanted to add a little bit of a tool I was told. Think of the tandems as the fulcrum point of a see saw. If you can visualize what would happen to a see saw when you move the middle back and forth is exactly how your weight is distributed.

Most major carriers will get it close for you cause they don't want to mess with having to reload and distribute accordingly. And when all else fails, fire up the CB. Yeah there are some jerks out here but most of em just look the part. Someone will be more than happy to help you out.

Can't tell you how many times I've been in a jam and the CB has saved me.

Apr 06, 2010
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Getting legal on axle weight
by: Jimmy

I know how to do it in my mind, but trying to explain it so you understand might be something else. Basically, you can weigh 12000 lbs on the steer axle and 34000 on the drive axle and 34000 on the trailer tandems. So that's 80000 lbs gross.

If you are over on the drive axle, you need to shift the weight to the steer axle or the trailer tandems. Same with trailer tandems, put the overage on the drive axle.

Remember, removing the excess weight does not make it disappear, it goes to the other axles.

Occasionally, the load is so botched up, it needs to be unloaded and re-loaded. Sliding the axles won't make any difference.

Each notch is about 250-500 lbs, depending on the trailer manufacturer. As an example, you are over 1100 lbs on the drive axles. Slide the trailer tandems forward about 4to5 notches and that 1100 lbs will transfer to the trailer tandems. That's assuming you have that much leeway to put that 1100 lbs on the trailer.

Sliding the trailer tandems forward means putting the truck in reverse.

If you were over on the trailer tandems, you would slide the tandems back, assuming you have the room to absorb the weight on the drive axle.

If you're over a minimal amount over on the drive axle, you can slide the tandems back and the overage will transfer to the steer axle. That's assuming you have a sliding 5th wheel. Not all trucks have sliding 5th wheels.

Getting legal is a headache at times, but part of the biz. Also remember, there is a "bridge law" in effect. From the kingpin to the center of the rear axle, you are only allowed usually 41ft. Just ask anyone hanging around for assistance if necessary.

Other truckers will usually help you. Jimmy

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