how far can a load overhang at the rear

Transporting loads on vehicles always involves a risk of damage to property, the vehicle, and the people. One of the critical factors in road transport is adhering to load restraint rules set by authorities. One important aspect of these rules is the allowable overhang of loads at the rear of the vehicle. Failure to adhere to these rules can lead to accidents, legal sanctions, and loss of time. In this article, we discuss the allowable overhang length and the factors that can influence it.

Defining overhang

Overhang refers to the part of the load that extends beyond the rear of the vehicle. It is the part of the load that is not supported by the vehicle, and it is often secured to the vehicle by the use of restraints and fasteners. The allowable overhang of loads at the rear of a vehicle varies depending on the country, state, or province. For instance, in Australia, the maximum allowable overhang at the rear of a vehicle is 3.7 meters or 60% of the distance between the rear axle and the rear of the vehicle. In the United States, the maximum allowable overhang length is 3.05 meters.

Factors affecting overhang length

The maximum allowable overhang of a load at the rear of a vehicle depends on several factors, including the weight of the load, the type of load, the position of the rear axle, and the speed and terrain of the road. Heavy loads have shorter maximum allowable overhang lengths than lighter loads. The reason for this is that heavy loads exert more force on the vehicle's suspension, making it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. Similarly, loads that are top-heavy or off-center have shorter allowable overhang lengths than stable loads as they are more likely to shift during transport.The position of the rear axle also affects the allowable overhang length. The distance between the rear axle and the rear of the vehicle determines the length of the lever that the overhang exerts on the vehicle. The longer the lever, the greater the force applied to the vehicle, making it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle.

The importance of load restraint

The safe transportation of loads depends on the restraint or fastening of the load on the vehicle. If the load is not properly restrained, it can shift during transport, causing damage to the load, the vehicle, and other road users. In the case of overhang, a load that is not adequately secured can cause accidents if it falls off the vehicle. For this reason, it is important to use adequate restraints, such as ropes, chains, or straps, when transporting loads. The restraints should be strong enough to hold the load securely and should be inspected regularly during transportation.

Conclusion

In summary, the allowable overhang of loads at the rear of a vehicle is a critical factor in road transport. It depends on several factors, including the weight of the load, the type of load, the position of the rear axle, and the speed and terrain of the road. In addition to adhering to the allowable overhang length, it is important to use adequate load restraints to prevent accidents. As a responsible driver or operator, it is advisable to stay informed about load restraint rules to avoid legal sanctions and ensure the safety of the load, the vehicle, and other road users.