How Do The Huge Custom Sleeper Rigs Keep Their Weight Legal?

I’ve seen two of these huge custom tractors recently. Both we’re affiliated with Allied Van Lines.

How do these big custom tractors deal with weight limits? Can they keep their axle weights under the limits?

A house full of furniture is very light in comparison to higher density loads.

Back when I was in the Air Force in the '70s and '80s, my shipping weight for household goods as an E5 was 3,500 lb. For my ex-husband who was a MSgt (E7), his was 7,000 lb and our whole house could be loaded into a moving van. They used to put in two and sometimes three military families on one truck that would be shipped in the same general area, if not to the same base.

So, two families that were E7's would be 14,000 lbs. Three families that were E5's would be 10,500 lbs. Those would pretty much fill up the truck, which were 48 footers back then. By the time the household was moved into one room to make it easier for the movers, it felt a lot heavier than what it actually was.

Laura

Many of these extended sleeper rigs are also extended frames/wheelbase. Therefore, the overall length of the combination vehicle is affected, meaning a shorter trailer. 80K is still the limit without permits most everywhere.

So I guess my question comes down to steer axle weight. I believe a truck can have a heavy duty steer axle (14,000 lb load rating?) and tires rated for that weight. Is it common for these trucks to have the higher rated steer axle?

This link is a compilation of truck size and weight limits by state.

Truck size & weight limits by state

Here's a thought. The next time you see one at the truck stop, or driving by, get on your CB and holler at 'em on 19.

Report back with what you come up with. Report due by 07 May.