While spread axle trailers are more stable and easier to load and unload, they do have their disadvantages. The spread axles are harder to maneuver, and the tires tend to wear out faster. They also don’t handle well on tight turns or crowded docks. Additionally, they hang past other trucks while at a truck stop. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages of spread axle trailers:
While the FMCSA has no regulatory authority over Canadian trucking, Canadian regulators affect American carriers’ privileges and ability to operate there. While Canadian trucking rules are nearly identical to U.S. regulations, spread axle trailers are not legal in Ontario or western Canada. Western Canada does not allow vehicles with 10-ft axle spreads. The overall length limit is 75.5 feet. Some jurisdictions require permits for 53-foot trailers.
While spread axle trailers may look cool, there are a few rules to follow when using them. In Canada, the maximum allowed load per axle group is 3.7 m, which is considered the legal limit. A driver cannot exceed this weight unless they have a permit from the minister responsible for the Transportation Act. This limit can be different in each province, so make sure to check with your provincial government before you start driving.
How Do You Turn On a Spread Axle?
The spread axle allows the driver to place lighter tires on the TT. They also keep the heat of the vehicle under control. When backing up, they also allow for smoother turns and can be jack-knacked tightly into the campsite without scuffing the tires. For this reason, it’s essential to know how to turn on a spread axle. There are several tips and tricks that can make this process as easy as possible.
What are the Legal Axle Weights in Canada?
The purpose of axle weight limits is to protect motoring public from significant mishaps. A legal axle weight is defined by the gross vehicle weight plus the weight of the shipment. A vehicle carrying a significantly heavier load can cause permanent damage to its axles and trailer. Consequently, axle weight limits reduce unnecessary maintenance and replacement costs. In addition, axle weight limits are important to prevent damage to roads. Many vehicles in Canada are not designed to carry such weights.
The weight limits on commercial vehicles are based on the Gross Axle Warranties. A tandem axle weighs 34,000 pounds. A semi-truck’s steer axle may weigh 12,000 to 15,000 pounds, while a single tire can weigh up to 7 tonnes. The total weight of the load may differ, and the maximum legal axle weight is dependent on the vehicle type. While some weight limits may be higher than others, there is no need to worry.
How Do I Know the Axle Spacing?
A thru-axle is a piece of axle that uses a threading that is 20-30mm longer than the outside diameter (O.L.D). These axles aren’t outside to outside, but they are angled. Because they need to thread through a frame, they are longer than the outer diameter. A threading may not be long enough to keep the axle secure, so a caliper should be used to measure them.
Axle spacing is the distance between the centerlines of the axles. It can vary from model to model, depending on the mounting hardware and spring length. There are some standards for axle spacing, but you should always go by the manufacturer’s recommendations when purchasing a trailer. Check out the Equalizer Action Article to see an animation of a tandem axle in action. Also, learn more about equalizer links. You’ll find the answer to the question, “How do I know the axle spacing?
Can American Truck Drivers Work in Canada?
Yes, American truck drivers can work in Canada and vice versa. However, trucking companies in the U.S. cannot hire Canadian truck drivers as employees. Although trucking companies in the U.S. are able to hire American truck drivers, they are unable to hire Canadian truck drivers. Canadian trucking companies can employ American drivers as owner/operators, but they cannot hire American truck drivers for domestic work.
The regulations differ between the two countries, but there are many similarities. For instance, the US requires truck drivers to take a drug test and adhere to different hours than the Canadians. Canadian trucking companies, in turn, prefer drivers with clean criminal records. So, American truck drivers looking to work in Canada should read up on the Canadian regulations. These regulations may be different, but if you’re interested in working in Canada, you should contact Canadian trucking companies.
The Canadian government has an Immigration and Refugee Program which welcomes newcomers. Truck drivers are among the top occupations in Canada’s immigration program, so it makes sense to apply for a job with a work permit. Furthermore, hourly wages for truck drivers in Canada are competitive. The median wage is $26 an hour, and can rise to $32 per hour in some provinces. Employment and Social Development Canada says the labour market for truck drivers is expected to increase in the coming years.
Can American Truck Drivers Drive in Canada?
While Canadian laws allow truckers to enter the country, the rules and regulations for truck driving in Canada differ from the US. In the US, a driver must take a half-hour break after every eight hours of driving. In Canada, a driver must take a full-hour break after every 13 hours. The regulations in the US also restrict drivers to seven-day duty cycles of up to 70 hours. Canadian drivers can work up to 121 hours in a 14-day period.
American truck drivers are permitted to enter Canada as long as they have the proper documentation. However, drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to enter the country. Additionally, firearms must be declared at the border and carrying them could result in criminal penalties. Although handguns are banned in Canada, the rules for handguns vary from province to province. Therefore, it is important to research these laws before moving to Canada.
What are the Axle Weights in Ontario?
For years, aggregate haulers have argued that the Ontario Department of Transport (DOT) has unfairly targeted them for axle weight fines. When axle overloads are cited, aggregate operations stall. This means haulers do not receive payments for hauled loads, and contractors are left with costly fines. Today, the province has started collecting axle weight data and using the results to improve its regulations.
The MTO has given industry 15 years to upgrade to newer, SPIF-compatible vehicles. However, it grandfathered in old equipment in order not to harm the industry. Load equalization technology is a process where trucks carry more weight on their front axles than on the rear. The MTO has also mandated that aggregate producers weigh their trucks by gross weight. It’s an effort to improve dynamic performance.
How is Axle Spread Measured?
Axle spread is the distance between adjacent wheels on a vehicle. It is measured from the center of one wheel to the center of the next wheel on the same axle. It determines the stability of the vehicle and how much weight each wheel can carry. Wider axle spreads are important for larger vehicles to avoid wheels coming into contact during a turn. The following is a guide to axle spread measurements and how to calculate them.
The first step in measuring axle spread is determining the wheelbase. The wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the front and rear wheels and the center of the driving and steering axle group. The second step is to determine the length of the steering axle. In many instances, the steering axle is a separate group from the drive axle. If the wheelbase is too short, the steering axle will not be able to steer. A third measurement is the axle weight allowance.
