Estimating axle weight when loading a spring ride tandem
Looking for some wisdom from anyone who may have been in this situation before. I have a Peterbilt 362 cabover that I have about 3/4 of a decent restoration done on. It is spring ride and actually doesn't ride too bad since the wheelbase is pretty long. I just bought a 42' closed tandem high side that is air ride with a gauge that reads pressure. I know the truck isn't really right for the hopper work (various commodities, not just grain), but I was hoping it would work in the short term since I also pull a spread axle flat and it is fine for that. How difficult and accurate is it to try and load the front hopper by coming up with a part full reading on the trailer gauge? I can't convert the truck suspension to air without a frame spliced cutoff from the salvage yard, and I just am not convinced that I should go there. With air ride obviously I could put a load gauge in the cab, but with the spring ride I'll be guessing all the time and having to get back in line alot to get it right. Also, I'd like to know if you all think there is any advantage to using a gauge that reads pounds instead of pressure. Thanks for whatever advice you can offer.