5th Wheel & Trailer Tandem slide calculator for USA and Canada. Enter your CAT scale weights and get optimal slide positions.
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A 5th wheel slide is an adjustable coupling mechanism that allows the driver to shift the connection point between the tractor and trailer forward or backward. Moving the 5th wheel redistributes weight between the steer and drive axles, helping you stay within legal axle weight limits.
Slide position directly affects how weight is distributed across your axles. If your drive axles are overweight, sliding the 5th wheel or tandems can shift weight to stay within legal limits. Incorrect slide position can lead to overweight fines, tire wear, and unsafe handling.
In the USA, federal limits are: steer axle 12,000 lbs, drive tandem 34,000 lbs, and trailer tandem 34,000 lbs, with a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 lbs. Canadian limits are higher in most provinces: steer 12,000 lbs, drive and trailer tandems up to 37,500 lbs, and gross up to 87,000 lbs.