Slide Calculator

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Quick Reference

5th Wheel Forward Steers heavier / Drives lighter

5th Wheel Backward Steers lighter / Drives heavier

Tandems Forward Drives lighter / Trailers heavier

Tandems Backward Drives heavier / Trailers lighter

Operations Suite

TruckerPro TMS

Dispatch, invoicing, compliance, driver files & fleet management — one platform for Canadian and US carriers. Plans from $99/mo for up to 5 trucks ($74.25/mo billed yearly), with unlimited staff users and no per-driver charge; features vary by plan.

Compliance & AI

BorderPro.ai

File ACE/ACI eManifests in minutes, not hours. PARS/PAPS tracking, automated customs docs, and AI-powered compliance checks for cross-border carriers.

How to Use the 5th Wheel Slide Calculator

Enter your axle weights (steer, drive, trailer)
Adjust the 5th wheel and tandem slider positions
View the current weight distribution across axles
Check each axle against legal weight limits
Review recommended slide adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 5th wheel slide?

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.

Why does slide position matter?

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.

What are the legal axle weight limits?

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.