[AT] tri-axle trailer question ...good info

[Andy Glines]

>Message: 2
>Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 06:33:08 -0500
>From: Cecil E Monson <cmonson at hvc.rr.com>
>Subject: Re: [AT] tri-axle trailer question
>To: Antique tractor email discussion group
>
> > Cecil the other factor is the axle rating on the rear of your dump 
>truck. You should be able to find that out with the build code you 
>mentioned.  The DMV folks will get a little testy with you if you are 
>hauling more weight on the rear of the truck (load weight + tongue weight) 
>than the axle is rated for.
> >

There has been some great ideas and info traded on the hauling subject in 
the last couple of days.  IMHO hauling very much "on topic".  There has been 
something that I thought was left out.  When talking about tounge weight we 
discussed the rear axle capacity.  There is an issue most of us will have 
long before the rear axle capacity beomces a problem.  Be aware the when you 
push down on the back of a truck you reduce the load on the steering axle.  
I found this out when I hauled the Huber home last fall.  The machine proved 
to be heavier than I had estimated.  I wanted to let the truck carry part of 
the load.  I have an '82 chevy 1ton w/duals.  I moved the Huber forwrd on 
the trailer and noted that I wasn't even close to the overloads on the rear 
of the truck.  I failed to notice that I was also lifting the front end.  
This arrangement made for a dicey trip home with my new treasure.  It was a 
VERY long 3 hour trip.  While I had no problems related to the load it 
certainly wasn't comfortable.  I would have been helped by a hitch closer to 
the axle, longer wheelbase truck, gooseneck trailer.  It's not only if the 
equipment is rated for the load but how you rig it.  Don't let the tail wag 
the dog!