November 28, 2023 The Importance Of Weight Distribution In HGV’s

In this article, Walker Movements take a look at why the weight distribution of your HGV is so important and how it should be managed.

Driving a truck requires a very specific set of skills. Its weight and structure mean that it can be difficult to handle and manoeuvre and so the way in which its weight is distributed can be very important.

Why is weight distribution important?

It is essential that the weight of any HGV is evenly distributed in order to make sure that it remains stable. This can have a direct impact on the way that the vehicle handles, and instability on this front can be potentially dangerous.

The weight distribution in a truck is related to the total weight that is supported by each wheel and each axle. Each one should have an even weight, and none should be subjected to more than the maximum supported capacity that the manufacturer recommends.

HGVs are not indestructible and so how they are loaded will affect how viable they are. A concentration of too much weight in one place can cause unnecessary stress to a particular area, such as the axle or the trailer hitch.

When this occurs, you can see increased levels of wear and tear, and in some cases, a complete failure. The tyres may also feel the brunt of a poorly distributed trailer, and when wear and tear on these is increased, the quality of the ride is reduced and the grip on the road is compromised.

Another huge risk of poor weight distribution in an HGV is that it can become unbalanced. This could lead to it weaving, swaying or even toppling and therefore presents a massive risk to other road users.

When braking, you need the weight of your truck to be even in order for this to be effective. When the weight is out of balance, you might find that it is more difficult to slow your HGV down, and the risk of collisions increases.

One thing that most drivers will complain about in the course of their career is the state of British roads. We are all aware of the number of cracks and potholes that are appearing which make driving even more difficult.

Not only do you need to take this into consideration when driving, but you also need to think about the affect that you might be having on them. It is well known that a truck which is overloaded in one area can put extra strain on the road beneath it, and so badly loaded trucks can be a big cause of wear and tear on our roads.

In addition to the safety concerns, it is also important to ensure that the weight distribution of your HGV is correct in order to stay within the law. There are strict limits in place to help keep your vehicle safe, and if these have been found to have been broken, then you may find yourself at risk of penalties.

Weight limits

In the UK there are various weight and dimension limits for HGV that it is vital you abide by. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) limits refer to the total weight that a vehicle can carry when its weight and the weight of the load are combined. Currently, the law stats that the maximum weight for a six-axle articulated lorry is 44 tonnes. There are also axle weight limits, and the maximum weight for a single axle is 10 tonnes, a double axle can hold 16.5 tonnes and triple axle limit is set at 25 tonnes. This is done to ensure that the weight of the vehicle and the load is evenly spread across all axles. The intention is to prevent the risk of an axle failure and ensuring that the vehicle remains stable.

Loading your HGV

Before you begin to load your HGV, you need to not only think about the size and weight of your load, but also the height, shape and volume. Different loads will need to be positioned in different ways and you will need different restraints to hold it in place.

The weight needs to be evenly distributed over the axles to keep is stable, and the centre of gravity of your load needs be as low down as possible.

Sometimes the way that you load your vehicle will depend on the vehicle type, and this will need to be considered each time.

To load a vehicle correctly, you will need to calculate the payload, which is the maximum load that your vehicle can carry. You will need to deduct the kerbside weight of the vehicle and fuel from the maximum authorised mass (MAM) to find the payload.

Another factor to take into consideration is whether you are making more than one delivery. If you are, then it is important to remember that the weight and its distribution will change during the second leg of your journey compared with the first. This means that you may have to redistribute your loads after each drop off to ensure that no axles become overloaded.

When driving you need to remain alert for any signs that your load might have shifted. You might spot leaking liquid, hear unusual noises or notice a difference in the way that your vehicle is handling. If this happens, you should stop the vehicle as soon as you are able to do so safely and make sure that the load has been re-secured before you continue driving.

Any HGVs carrying loose loads should also be checked periodically as they may move around within their container, particularly if you are travelling on different gradients.

A truck can be a very dangerous thing if the driver does not have full control over it. An uneven weight distribution can change how the vehicle behaves, leading to points where it can become dangerous. In some situations, there is also the risk of a complete failure of the truck, and if that happens when the truck is travelling at speed, the results could be catastrophic.

Walker Movements are specialists in quality second-hand, used commercial trucks and trailers and are global leaders in the trucking industry. Walker Movements have a true passion for the industry and make it their mission to answer any question customers can throw at them.

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