OT Over the scales with three tractors on trailer

I will be hauling most times a 300, H, and Super C and possibly 3 trailer plows.

That may however be changing. Here in Ontario scales personall use to scoff at light trucks wasting their time by pulling into scales. Then all of sudden it was discovered one of the international rental companies had a fleet of 2,000+ trucks in Ontario, 94% of their trucks being picked up on random inspections were unfit for the road. Inspectors were sent out to examine the whole fleet within a week. My understanding is the whole fleet did not look much better.

Discoveries like this only add to agrivation for private owners of light trucks. You can be sure other jurisdictions have noticed this as well. My guess is you would have to check with local authorities almost monthly, as these rules are changing fast. The States and Provinces having spent 25 years getting the heavy truck rules standardized, now have the communication network in place to deal with just about any problem, and do it quickly.

I know one Province here in Canada is calling for every truck over 3,200Kg. or 7,000lbs. gross be subject to crossing scales and randon inspections. That is little more than a 3/4 pickup with 1,500 lbs.in back. I think that is a bit much, but who knows what bureauacrats will do with it. Add to that discoveries such as was discovered in Ontario, much of that fleet being single wheel vans.

I say this as, having driven heavy truck trailer combinations, I can't remember ever being checked for tire ratings. On the farm I had a 70 series Chevy single axle tractor with 40' low bed, and over the years a couple of 20 series pickups with an 18' bumper hitch trailer. With either of those combinations, and if I was anywhere near registered or rated weight, I could almost count on them coming out to inspect my tires.

I think this is a good policy on their part. Over the years I have hauled a few loads both on light and heavy trucks, whereby tire rating were exceeded. It is not a very comfortable feeling, as it will cause control problems. It can happen on one axle particularly hauling equipment. You put the heavy tractor in the wrong place.

I remember one night loading my 1066 and 656 on Chevy C-70. Normally I would have put 1066 on front, however 1066 was coming off 10 miles before 656 so it went on back. Scale guy said my trailer tires were over loaded, either I correct it or I couldn't continue. I could leave one tractor at scales. I had crossed numerous times with 1066 on front and 656 behind, so I unloaded both and put them other way. He reweighed me and let me go, no fines either. My gooseneck was such that tractors couldn't be put up there. Scale guy did point out that had tractors been ahead about 18" would have made the difference.