Generally, there are two types of box trucks: those with two axles, also known as “tandem” trucks, and those with three axles, known as “tridem” trucks. The number of axles determines the maximum weight that the truck can carry. A two-axle box truck can carry up to 26,000 pounds, while a three-axle box truck can carry up to 36,000 pounds.
Contents
What is a 2-Axle Vehicle?
A two-axle vehicle is any vehicle with two axles and dual rear wheels. This classification includes trucks, camping and recreational vehicles, motor homes, and more. The weight limit for a two-axle vehicle is generally up to 26,000 pounds. This weight limit is in place to protect roadways from damage caused by heavier vehicles. Additionally, 2-axle vehicles have a higher registration fee due to their potential risk to the infrastructure of roads and highways.
What is a 3-Axle Truck?
A tri-axle vehicle is a truck, tractor, or trailer with three axles at the rear, designed primarily to haul heavy loads. Dump trucks, tow trucks, and cement mixers commonly have a tri-axle design. Tri-axle trucks are essential to many business operations due to their stability and capacity to displace weight. They are also used in construction projects to haul lumber or gravel.
How Many Axles Does a Normal Truck Have?
The most common three-axle configuration is found on trucks with a medium to heavy weight capacity. These trucks have one axle connecting the two front wheels and two back axles connecting the other four wheels. Commercial coach buses and some full-size RVs also use this configuration. Although three-axle vehicles are more common in larger vehicles, a few smaller vehicles also use this configuration. The number of axles on a vehicle depends on the size, weight, and desired configuration.
What Is a 5-Axle Truck?
A five-axle truck consists of a tractor or straight truck power unit and a trailer with five axles. This vehicle is typically used for hauling heavy loads such as construction equipment or agricultural products and in towing applications. The extra axles add stability and enable the vehicle to tow heavier loads. Six-axle trucks are similar to five but have an additional axle on the trailer. These trucks are larger and heavier than five-axle trucks and are typically only used in heavy-duty applications.
How Many Axles Does a 26-Ft Box Truck Have?
Most 26-ft box trucks have two axles, but finding a model with three is possible. A three-axle truck is known as a tandem-axle truck and is typically used for hauling heavy loads, such as construction materials or large pieces of machinery. Although tandem-axle trucks are more expensive than two-axle trucks, their extra axle provides excellent stability and capacity, making them the best choice for hauling hefty loads.
How Do You Count Truck Axles?
There are two ways to count the number of axles on a truck. The first is to count the number of sets of tires, but this method is only sometimes accurate as some trucks have single tires in the front or rear instead of pairs. The second method counts the number of axle assemblies, including the axle and supporting structures such as suspension or brakes. This method is more reliable but requires more effort to count all the different parts. Regardless of the technique used, counting is vital to avoid fines for having too many axles.
Conclusion
Truck axles come in various configurations depending on the size and weight of the truck. The most common configuration is the three-axle truck, with one axle connecting the two front wheels and two back axles connecting the other four. Five-axle trucks are also standard, consisting of a tractor or straight truck power unit and a trailer with five axles. To count the number of axles on a truck, it’s best to count the number of axle assemblies, which includes the axle itself and any supporting structures.
