Overweight on your axles? Calculate exactly how many holes to slide your trailer tandems to get legal.
Updated for 2026 FMCSA regulations • Mobile-friendly • No signup required
Learn the proper technique for sliding your tandem axles to redistribute weight and get legal at the scales.
Enter your scale ticket weights
The tandem slider on your trailer allows you to redistribute weight between your drive axles and trailer axles. By moving the trailer wheels forward or backward, you change where the cargo weight sits relative to the axles.
When: Your DRIVES are overweight
Moving the slider toward the cab shifts weight from the drives to the trailer axles. The trailer wheels move closer to the load's center of gravity.
When: Your TRAILER is overweight
Moving the slider toward the rear doors shifts weight from the trailer to the drive axles. The trailer wheels move away from the load's center of gravity.
Each hole on the slider rail represents approximately 250-500 lbs of weight transfer, depending on your trailer's hole spacing and total load. The formula is:
For example, if your drives are 1,500 lbs overweight and each hole transfers 250 lbs:
1,500 ÷ 250 = 6 holes forward
| Axle Configuration | Maximum Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steer Axle | 12,000 - 14,000 lbs | Varies by tire rating |
| Drive Axles (Tandem) | 34,000 lbs | Most common limit |
| Trailer Axles (Tandem) | 34,000 lbs | Most common limit |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 80,000 lbs | Interstate highway max |
* Some states have lower limits on certain roads. Always check state-specific regulations.
2026 Master Guide to Tandem Weight & Bridge Law
The complete guide to understanding axle weight limits, tandem adjustments, and bridge law calculations. Stay legal on every scale!
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