Ron:
The axle spacing is 10' 1". Federal Bridge Law spacing states that you must have at least 10' between axles to obtain 20,000 pounds per axle. This is a little complicated, but in every state other than Michigan, the Federal Bridge Law applies. In Michigan, the only axles that must have at least 10' spacing centerline to centerline is the distance between the centerline of the rear drive axle and the lead axle on the trailer. In Michigan, every axle in any group is rated at 18,000 pounds no matter what the distance is. Problem is, almost every other state is 80,000# gross weight, that is, unless you are on an overweight permit. Then, the gross weight is what is stated on the permit and that weight is determined by tire width and not axle spacing. On a permit, the maximum allowable weight is 20,000# per axle, except the drive axles and steer axle. The steer axle is 13,000# and the drive axles are 34,000# as a group.
Now remember, the load must be placed on the trailer so as to have the axles in specification. If the axles are heavy, you get fined.
The best part of all of this is that most every state other than Michigan only recognize 5 axles. That means that I can put 80,000# cargo weight on the trailer but I must have my lift axles in the air, that is, unless my lift axles are not cab controlled (mine are). If the lift axles cannot be set from inside the cab (down pressure), then they can be down. Hauling 80,000# on 5 axles is like a snowball headed for hell. You don't have enough brakes to stop, even with an engine retarder. That's what happens when some whiz kid in state government comes up with a bright idea. Besides, it destroys the roads. The per-square-inch of static tire loading is extreme and that destroys the pavement.
And you thought that trucking was easy, right??
