About loads and loading - SGI
<p>The weight distribution of cargo has a definite bearing on the handling characteristics of the vehicle, as well as the life of the tires, frame, springs, axles and bearings.</p>. The handbook contains information about driver's licence qualifications, how to be a safe driver and many other important subjects that will assist you in passing your driver tests. If you have been driving for many years, the handbook will serve to remind you of your responsibilities as a professional driver and provide you with new laws as well as changes to previous legislation.
The weight distribution of cargo has a definite bearing on the handling characteristics of the vehicle, as well as the life of the tires, frame, springs, axles and bearings.
Even though the total load may not be over the total carrying capacity of the vehicles, poor distribution of weight could be overloading an axle or set of tires. Undue stress could be placed on the frame resulting in permanent damage and steering misalignment.
Distribution of weight will depend on the nature of the load. The loading of one piece of cargo which comprises the full load will present different problems from a load made up of a number of pieces of cargo.
This loading distributes an equal weight on all rear tires and eliminates twisting and stress on the frame. Uniform crosswise loading also prevents axle housing and wheel bearing overloading.
A very heavy load should not be loaded on one side. This overloads one spring and the tires on that side. This loading could be bad enough to allow the brakes to lock on the wheels on the light side and cause flat spots on the tires or a skid on a wet surface.