Kingpin setting vs axle weight

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Cat sdp, Jul 6, 2016.

  1. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    I've never understood this....

    If you have 2 identical units and loads and one trailer has a 18" kingpin the other has a 36" will there be a differance in axle weight...?

    I love the 18" for tank/dump work. But the vans seem to like the deep pins .....
     
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  3. DDlighttruck

    DDlighttruck Road Train Member

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    I'm sure someone has a better answer, but you won't be able to get as much weight on your steer axle. Or, it's harder to do so.
     
  4. Blackshack46

    Blackshack46 Road Train Member

    The farther you are under a trailer the more weight on your tractor all around. At 18" two pallets would barely be over the drives, so less weight. At 36" you'll have most of the front to pallets on your drives so more weight on the drives. More on the drives also increases the weight on the steer axle.
     
  5. BUMBACLADWAR

    BUMBACLADWAR Road Train Member

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    I'm no expert on heavy load,but I seem to remember king pin setting "not making much difference" like maybe 3 or 4 hundred lbs. Max.When I hauled heavy loads of flour,I typically ran the tandems in the 8th hole,starting back from the doors and had no pallets loaded in the "last skid space" by the doors.Ran kingpin where I could pull the pin between the tires/axles.Never had to readjust at the Cat scale.
     
  6. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    You can't adjust the kingpin setting. It is where it is on the trailer. Vans usually have it around 36" from the front of the trailer. 20' container chassis are about fifth wheel deep.
     
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  7. BUMBACLADWAR

    BUMBACLADWAR Road Train Member

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    I assumed he was talking about his fifth wheel plate,not the actual kingpin
     
  8. Dustyroads38

    Dustyroads38 Light Load Member

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    Close, but the weight on your drives doesn't transfer to your steers unless your Fifth Wheel is forward from the exact center of your drives.
     
  9. BUMBACLADWAR

    BUMBACLADWAR Road Train Member

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    True,but given enough wiggle room on weight and tandems back,and no pallets in the last 4 feet,I preferred not to run borderline on the steers.Drives not as concerned.
     
  10. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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  11. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Yes indeedy.

    More kingpin setback means the nose of the trailer is heavier.
     
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