Just Couldn't Figure This One Out

Headed eastbound on I40 last night and pulled through the Knoxville weight station. Give me the go-ahead through the bypass lane. There is an older kw on the scales with the dreaded red light.

Now as I roll through I can clearly see he's at 52k pounds. (Flatbed) Weird part was he was showing 16k on his steers.

Just couldn't see him over 4k at only 52k pounds.

Load looked a little far back on the trailer. Any idea how he's so far over from you bedders?

My guess was he slammed on his brakes and broke the scale.

Anyone?????

Not sure what he did but you are legally allowed up to 20,000 on you steer axel in most states. The reason the 12,000 lbs is used is because it's the weight that is best for the tractor as far as wear and tare on the parts. Im not sure about this but I'm thinking that at 12,000 lbs it's probably the best weight range to have the best control of the truck.

Not sure what he did but you are legally allowed up to 20,000 on you steer axel in most states. The reason the 12,000 lbs is used is because it's the weight that is best for the tractor as far as wear and tare on the parts. Im not sure about this but I'm thinking that at 12,000 lbs it's probably the best weight range to have the best control of the truck.

20,000 is the max allowed but you also have to take into account the weight rating of the tires if they are rated at 6000 then your total weight allowed is only 12,000

Just for clarification, Maverick is dead on with that information. Joe, although you are correct in that most of the states will allow 20,000 pounds on the steer axle, that weight is limited by the weight rating of the steer tires. I would venture a guess that 99% of the big trucks out here on the road have a weight rating of 6,175 lbs on each of their two steer tires. So, if you have 14,000 pounds on your steer axle but only have steer tires rated at 6,175 you are not legal. And don't even think that they are not going to step out of that office and check that information on your tires if you are above twelve thousand pounds. They know how this game is played.

Chris, that weight distribution does seem odd. I'm not sure what's going on there.

Chris, that weight distribution does seem odd. I'm not sure what's going on there.

Thought maybe some of you wiley ol road warriors could figure it out. Blew my mind when I saw it.

Never thought about tire rating. Sounds reasonable to me though.

Na, gonna just imagine he/she broke the scales. Makes for a better memory.