A note from the trucker who brought my new Deuces home for me:
"Doug,
Thank you very much for the comments and recommendation. I very much enjoyed this load, as I mentioned the pictures are going on my website as soon as I get the chance to update. ( I might take one or two of yours if you don't mind as I think you have some better ones than I got with the camara on my phone).
As for the peace of mind of everyone on the forum board. My trailer is all but a big rig. The axles are Dexter axles spread 4ft 'rated' at over 30k lbs and my entire rig is 'rated' for apx 55k lbs, however I only have it registered for 50k lbs. It has a 44'deck making the overall length 53' kingpin to taillight. It is 40' from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle (California max "bridge law"). The trailer has the heaviest duty everything that I could get without getting a "big rig" trailer. It has 22# twin 'I' beams and a "torque tube" running down the center specifically to allow for the "bend" that some of the members were referring to without harming the integrity of the trailer itself. (it is still pulling as straight today as it was the day I got it) A tripple axle would be completely pointless (major overkill) in this situation and would simply cause more problems(tire wear, turning capabilities, fuel mileage, etc)
The load travelled very smoothly down the highway.
My experience as a driver includes heavy haul farm and industrial equipment, much larger in both size and weight; as well as "piggy-back," general flat and dryvan freight, etc. Currently my 'specialty' is oil-field tools and equipment, and I assure you that they (drilling companies, tool companies, etc.) make sure that my rig is entirely safe as I am constantly in and out of active drilling locations and service yards. (I think they check some things closer than DOT!)
Things learned: load the shorter one on the front to put the weight slightly more forward, however as it was, it was not a problem. Safety is always my #1 concern; and if I had any doubts whatsoever, I would have declined the load prior to, or assisted you in making other arrangements. I would never want to put anyones life in danger. The #1 fear among drivers is killing someone, no matter who is at fault. Accidents hurt us all; not to mention the expense of the equipment itself.
Again, thank you very much. I look forward to working with you, and anyone else involved with SteelSoldiers, in the future. Enjoy your "Beasts."
Thank you,
Michael A. Heinz
P.S. Feel free to pass on/post any of this information that you would like. And I am always open to contact from anyone that has questions about transportation that they may need. If I cannot help them directly, I will help them find someone that can."
