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The Surface Transportation Assistance Act authorized trailers 53 feet long to be operated on the national network of highways, and encouraged states to allow them on all roads. The intent was to improve the cargo carrying capacity of a truck: a 53-foot trailer will carry more freight than a 40-foot trailer, which was the pre-STAA maximum.

Here's where it gets fun: states can set a measurement called KPRA, which means "kingpin to rear axle." For instance, California requires a trailer with two or more axles to be 40 feet or less KPRA on a 53-foot trailer. The kingpin--the metal piece that locks into the fifth wheel on the tractor--is four feet back from the nose of the trailer and you can't move it. Therefore, the center of the rear axle has to be at least nine feet from the DOT bumper in the back of the trailer. If the freight you carry is both heavy and bulky, this is going to prove extremely entertaining because if you load past, say, 36,000 pounds you are probably going to be overweight on your trailer tandems. Guys who pull only in California should consider running 48-foot trailers rather than 53s, because there's no KPRA measurement on a 48. My brother pulls into California and they run 48-foot reefers for exactly this reason.

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Related Questions

How long is a semi trailer?

It depends on the age of the trailer and what it's use is, but most trailers now, that are used for general freight are either 48 feet or 53 feet long.


How long is a tractor trailer?

The average length of a standard tractor trailer is 70 feet in all, the trailer itself being 53 feet in length. Most flatbed trailers are 48 feet long.


What are the dimensions of 53' van trailer?

A standard 53-foot van trailer typically has dimensions of approximately 53 feet in length, 8.5 feet in width, and about 13.5 feet in height. The interior cargo space usually measures around 52 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. These trailers are commonly used for transporting freight and are designed to maximize cargo capacity while adhering to road regulations.


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is it legal for your load to hang over 45" on a 53' trailer


Can you pull a trailer behind a trailer on pa turnpikes?

Yes you can. You can pull doubles and triples. You can pull two 48 trailers and two 53 foot trailers. You can pull three 48s, but you cannot pull three 53 foot trailers.


Are Tractor Trailers allowed in Manhattan?

They are, but with restrictions. For example, 53 ft. trailers aren't allowed without a permit.


How many 53' trailers can you park on one acre?

40


Can you pull double 53 foot trailers in oregon?

Yes


Looking to rent or lease a 53' refrigerated trailer.?

A wide variety of trailers, included 53' refrigerated trailers, are available for rent or lease at PLM trailer leasing. Their website is http://www.plmtrailer.com/


How much can a refrigerator 53' van haul?

Here in America, the 53' trailers hauled by 18-wheelers are usually 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall. That makes the math easy for those truck drivers that have to fill out those pesky bills-of-lading. So, 10 X 10 X 53 = 5300 square feet (sf). The total gross weight is another story.


What states are 57 foot trailers legal?

57-foot trailers are legal in certain states, including Arkansas, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. However, regulations can vary, so it's essential to check with each state's transportation department for specific rules and restrictions.


How many semi trailers 53 ft long can you park in an acre?

Oh, what a lovely question! Imagine an acre as a big, open field where you can paint a beautiful landscape. You could fit around 16 semi trailers that are 53 feet long in an acre, just like adding happy little trees to your painting to create a charming scene. Remember, there's always room for more beauty in your world!