Pusher Axle ?

themagicoen · Nov 15, 2006

I'm ordering a pusher axle for my new truck, a 2007 Columbia CL112 - 96
sleeper - 22ft box - engine undecided but it's going to be CAT. I can't get the axle from the dealer or tandems because then I have to pay 12% FET. I found a good dealer and a good product but he need to know if I want dual or single tires, weight, and other odds and in's. Now am I correct in that if I put the pusher right in front of the rear axle I can get a max of 34k out of the tandems? So if the 1st axle is rated for 21k, I only need to get a 13k pusher? And being only 13k, do I need to get duals or single tires? Is there anyway to put a 21k on and get 54k? I'm also looking at a really nice lift gate from the same place by interlift that slides under but they want $13,000 for it - that will have to wait. Thanks in advance.

ATeam · Nov 15, 2006

When thinking about axle weights, it is wise to simultaniously consider your manufacturer's GVWR, bridge formula GVWR, curb weight and payload. Since you are also seeking to avoid FET tax, FET tax law is also a consideration, especially the six month period in which FET tax liability can be triggered, regardless of who installs the lift axle. Also note that tires come in a variety of weight ratings. Tire capacity should also be considered as you put your package together.

Good information is in The Rand McNally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas, available at most truck stops and some book stores. It includes sections entitled "North American Federal Weight and Size Limits," "Bridge Formula Table," and "State/Provincial Weight and Size Limits." The first two sections are online at:
http://www.randmcnally.com/pdf/tdm/Federal_Bridge.pdf

The bridge formula is explained online at:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/publications/bridge_frm_wts/index.htm

After reviewing the above, I believe you will find it wise to keep your maximum loaded weight on the drive axle under 20,000 lbs.

When having your lift axle installed, it is wise to do it such that the lift axle controls are out of reach of the driver. Consider placing them under the bunk so they can be reached from outside through the access door in the side of the cab. In some states, it is illegal to have lift axle controls within reach of the driver when the driver is seated in the driver's seat. I've seen a fleet owner pay a $100 fine because his lift axle controls were illegally positioned.

themagicoen · Nov 15, 2006

thanks for the good info. As for controls, you may think I'm crazy but - My friend is a computer genius and so am I so were going to get the air-weigh setup, which you can intergrate into a computer, then wright a software program to even out the weight using relays and control valves. I have to read up on that FET and bridge laws. Thanks

TeamCaffee · Nov 15, 2006

We have some friends that bought a brand new truck, the dealer set up their appointment at another location to have their pusher axle installed. They then actually started with their new truck ready to haul 13,000lbs and only paid sales tax on the pusher. We had ours installed as a accessory to avoid the FET. Ours is a 23,000lb axle running a single tire. We understand that you can get a 21k and thus get your 54k. We also feel that you need to get the same size tires on your pusher as you do your drives. Great for tire swaps. We also have the innerlift lift gate and feel it was sure worth the money we paid for it. The large deck has the room to turn pallets around and all of the extra safety features are great. The lift gate is self leveling which is a bonus. We also have the foot controls which leaves your hand free to manage the freight.

LDB · Nov 15, 2006

I believe if you dig deeply enough into this you will find the 6 month point to only determine who is responsible for insuring the FET is paid. You are responsible for the FET at any point in the lifespan of the truck. If the truck is less than 6 months old the facility installing the axle is responsible for collecting and forwarding it. That is what I was told by one dealer. I suspect it's true. I can't see the government giving up that tax money just because the truck is 183 or more days old.

Unless you position the lift axle 97" apart from your drive axle you are limited to 34k total on the pair. If you go with single tires you are limited to around 10.5k for the lift axle due to the limit per tire of around 5250#. That still gives you 30,500 plus 12k front. You really shouldn't need more than that.

I would definitely match tire size with your other tires. Many operators put their old steer tires on the lift axle. Since it has no drive you don't need the added traction of lugged tires and will get a little better mileage with steer tread on it.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA Life Member 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5508, 5509, 5641
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

simon says · Nov 15, 2006

You were essentially correct the first time concerning the 34K weight. 99% of all states mandate 34,000 lbs. on the rear. If you had enough weight on the front axle and needed a 14K front, then it would be 14 + 34= 48K total. Otherwise, 12 + 34 = 46. There are a few states and provinces that allow a total of 50K. Just look at your Road Atlas front section for the weights...
I almost got a lift axle, then cancelled it (didn't like the financing, and like baseball, some trades never made are the best). You can put the pusher between 48-52" pending clearance of rear drive spring hangers. I would get a heftier axle (20-22K) even if you only mount two tires on it. I was spec'ng 255/70R22.5's as ground clearance was an issue- I might have had 4-5" clearance. One could then plate 42 or 44K (11,000 on the lift). I was also told to mount those inboard to get the full 11K. If you could mount 295/70R 2.5's, you could get 12K plus.
Later you could always add two more to get the full 46 GVW, if you thought you needed it. I was told by Granning that the 20-22K axle is much more sturdy and can handle some abuse, like hitting a curb hard...

cowboyz · Nov 16, 2006

I believe its illegal to avoid tax?? And I know, no one wants to pay the FET but its just the nature of the beast. When the Gov starts tracking this there are going to be some sad people, and some broke ones also. I don't know seems like.... you know.... stealing or somethins. Why should one person buy a truck and pay the FET, And the other try to get over, Just don't sound right. But thats just my experience. I saw another post where one was sueing a owner for something like 125,000, Gosh... it would proably cost twice that if one got caught in a Tax evasion deal, With lawyers, fines, loss of wages due to court. Might be something to think about.
I've tried to be nice about this, But its nothing but stealing, And it don't matter if its the gov. or not, Its stealing, Look at all the effort one puts in getting over on someone, And what about Getting caught, Well anyway, thats my voice.... FOR NOW!!!!

YOU GOT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING
OR YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING!!!!

simon says · Nov 16, 2006

P.S. I enjoyed the article on pusher vs. live axle tandem. If I ever do another truck, for the ride, stability, load capacity, the live axle is the way to go. One could probably buy a good used Class 8 with a live tandem & sleeper, and do what ever modifications one needs to for the money involved. All these considerations of waiting until 6 mo. old or more, FET or not, controls mounted outside the truck, yata yata, go right out the window.

Broompilot · Nov 16, 2006

I believe Leo is correct. So you will not be breaking any laws just jumping thru a hoop they have given us the opportunity to jump thru. Not Illegal I am doing it if its gona save me $.

I to was in your shoes deciding wether to add a tag or not. Decided against it, waited the 6 months and I have to problem without one. You may decide diffeent in 6 months. But please wait and save your capitol.

themagicoen · Nov 16, 2006

Well I'm not trying to break no laws, if I have to pay FET, I'll pay the FET. Now, if there is a loophole that allows me to pay 12% only on the axle and not the whole $130,000 truck so be it - if that means waiting 6 months, so be it also. The main reason of this post was to figure what to spec it for. And also Chuckwagon, that is me suing an owner for $125,000 - and yes, I will be paying taxes on that when it clears the courts.