KINGPIN SETTINGS FOR A 53 Drop Deck with SPREAD AXLE

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by noxcape, Nov 8, 2015.

  1. noxcape

    noxcape Bobtail Member

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    May 29, 2012
    chicago, IL
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    Hello guys!
    I'm calling in all experts in truck - semi trailer dimensions!
    The subject for today is KINGPIN SETTINGS by state!
    The trailer is a 53 FT Step deck (drop deck) with rear sliding axle.
    Some states have kingpin to rear axle, to rearmost axle, to rear group of axles, etc. limits and after 2 weeks of digging on the internet I've found different info that does NOT MATCH!
    The main question is: WHERE I COULD GET A CITATION FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH STATE REGULATIONS IF I USE MY SPREAD AXLE?
    ANY COMMENTS OR FEEDBACK ARE VERY WELLCOME!
    Those pulling this kind of trailer - in what states got pulled over for kingpin settings?
    Up front I know that:
    CA - 40 feet to rearmost axle;
    CT - 43 feet between kingpin and center of rearmost axle (or &750 ticket);
    IN - 43 feet to the rearmost axle of the semitrailer;
    ME - 43 feet to the center of the rearmost axle;
    NY - 43 feet to the centerline of the rear axle;
    RI - 41 feet to the center of the rear axle;
    VT - 41 feet to the center of the rearmost axle;
    --------------- ALL THESE STATE ARE FINE AND I UNDERSTAND CLEAR WHAT THEY WANT -------------

    HERE STARTS THE CONFUSING STATES TO ME:
    FL - saying "— 41 feet between kingpin and the center of the rear axle or rear group of axles "
    MD - saying "41 feet to the center of the rear tandem axles—allowed on Interstates and designated routes only.
    or other version **53 feet trailers allowed if distance between the kingpin and center of rear axle assembly does not exceed 41 ft.
    MI - saying "37.5 to 40.5 feet (±0.5 foot) to the center of the rear axle or the center of the rear axle assembly" or "*** Semitrailers longer than 50 ft can operate on designated hwy. only; are limited to 3 axles; and must have a wheelbase of 37 ft to 41 ft (from kingpin to center of rear axle or rear axle assembly).
    MN - saying "43 feet to the centerline of the rear axle group";
    NH - saying "41 feet to the centerline of the rear axle or to the midpoint of a tandem axle of the semitrailer"
    NJ - saying "41 feet to the centerline of the rear axle or rear axle group";
    NC - saying "41 feet to the rearmost axle or to a point midway between the two rear axles" or "The distance between the kingpin of the trailer and the rearmost axle, or a point midway between the two rear axles, if the two rear axles are a tandem axle, does not exceed 41 ft feet";
    PA - saying "41 feet to the centerline of the rear axle or rear axle group. **All trailers, regardless of length, must have a max. of 41 ft from kingpin center to center of rear axle or rearmost group of axles on trailer.";
    SC - "41 feet to the center of the rear axle assembly or to the center of the tandem axle assembly"
    TN - "41 feet to the rearmost axle or to a point midway between the two rear axles";
    VA - "41 feet to the rearmost axle or to a point midway between the rear tandem axles. "
    WV - "37 feet from the rear axle of the truck-tractor and the front axle of the semitrailer—allowed on interstates and designated highways only. "
    WI - "43 feet to the center of the rearmost axle or to a point midway between tandem axles—allowed on interstates and designated highways and certain state trunk highways only"

    Also I've found on Wisconsin DOT website saying"
    (c) The distance between a kingpin and semitrailer axle shall be measured as follows:
    1. On a semitrailer having a tandem axle, from the kingpin to a point midway between the first and last axles of the tandem axle.
    2. On a semitrailer not having a tandem axle, from the kingpin to the center of the rearmost axle.

    I AM REALLY CONFUSED because I can't figure out what states consider my spread axle (10'01" spread) as a group of axles, or tandem axles, etc.

    Truck dimensions forum.png
     
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  3. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    Basically I go by '43 to rear axle everywhere except California.
     
  4. noxcape

    noxcape Bobtail Member

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    May 29, 2012
    chicago, IL
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    No!
    In Connecticut you will get a $750 ticket ... also I very worry about TN, FL, VA, ...
     
  5. PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    I got measured at the Connecticut scale at 43' and was sent on my way.

    41' in the center of the tandems is basically 43' at the rear axle.
     
  6. mountaingote

    mountaingote Road Train Member

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    They don't care where your kingpin is, it's how far the axles are from that point. That determines your cornering ability. Your 10' 1" spread is a spread in every state, not considered to be tandems.
     
  7. skootertrashr6

    skootertrashr6 Medium Load Member

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    Pueblo, Co
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    Your 10'1" spread is seen as 2 seperate axles, not a tandem, until you slide them together. For TN it is 41ft. It is distance between kingpin and the rearmost axle, or a point midway between the two rear axles if the two rear axles are a tandem axle. So as a tandem it is 41ft to to center of tandem axle group. As a spread it is to center of rearmost axle.

    http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2014/title-55/chapter-7/part-2/section-55-7-201/
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2015
    Reason for edit: Add link
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  8. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Tampa, Fl
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    I go everywhere with mine spread (2013 Fontaine 53' Step, 18" king pin set back. 41.5' to center of spread),.. even California. Fla is the only state that has hassled me,.. $75 fine. Fla you can close the spread and they allow 40k on tandems. For $20 I now have their annual permit which excludes me from being hassled when my axles are spread. Its all about the money.

    Been through the scale in Ct off i84 few times when they are actually open,.. most of the time when I come through they are closed. Ct DOT officer told me that they dont hassle guys with 53' spreads as long as they stick to the truck routes. Thats pretty much what I am seeing nationwide.

    Can DOT push the state law on to you? Sure I guess if they are having a bad day,.. but if you are on a delivery or pick up,.. and that is the route you need to be on,.. its like towns with no trucks or 5 ton limits. If you have a reason to be there then chances are you will not have any problems.

    Hurst
     
  9. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    In Fla he measured to the center of my spread.

    Hurst.
     
  10. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    If you have a short king pin set back it makes the rear axles that much farther back from the king pin. I know DOT doesnt care where its at,.. its the measurement they will hang over your head. Just sayin,..

    Hurst
     
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  11. noxcape

    noxcape Bobtail Member

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    May 29, 2012
    chicago, IL
    0
    I believe those states with the center of rear axles or the center of the tandem and rearmost axle, the law is made if you have one single axle trailer! But if my both axles are on the ground my turning radius point will be right there in the middle of trailer axles no matter if tandem or spread ....
     
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