Legal Weight Calculator

Legal Weight Calculator: Axle Load, Gross Weight & More :root { –primary-color: #004a99; –success-color: #28a745; –background-color: #f8f9fa; –text-color: #333; –border-color: #ddd; –input-bg: #fff; –shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.1); –border-radius: 5px; } body { font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif; background-color: var(–background-color); color: var(–text-color); line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; padding: 0; } .container { max-width: 960px; margin: 20px auto; padding: 20px; background-color: #fff; border-radius: var(–border-radius); box-shadow: var(–shadow); } h1, h2, h3 { color: var(–primary-color); text-align: center; } .main-title { font-size: 2.2em; margin-bottom: 15px; } .subtitle { font-size: 1.2em; color: #555; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 30px; } .calculator-wrapper { background-color: #fdfdfd; padding: 25px; border-radius: var(–border-radius); border: 1px solid var(–border-color); margin-bottom: 30px; } .input-group { margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: left; 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Legal Weight Calculator

Determine Compliance with Axle Load, Gross Vehicle Weight, and Bridge Formula Limits

Legal Weight Calculator

Enter your vehicle's configuration and load details to calculate legal weight limits.

Enter the weight on the first axle in pounds (lbs).
Enter the weight on the second axle in pounds (lbs).
Enter the weight on the third axle in pounds (lbs).
Distance between the centers of tandem axles in inches (in).
Weight on the steering axle in pounds (lbs). Usually lower than drive axles.
Current total weight of the truck and its load in pounds (lbs).

Understanding Legal Weight Limits for Commercial Vehicles

A legal weight calculator is an essential online tool designed for commercial vehicle operators, fleet managers, logistics planners, and anyone involved in transporting goods. Its primary function is to help determine the maximum allowable weight for a vehicle or combination of vehicles, considering various regulatory limits. This ensures compliance with federal, state, and local transportation laws, preventing costly fines, vehicle impoundment, and ensuring road safety by preventing damage to infrastructure like bridges and roadways. These calculators typically focus on critical metrics such as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), individual axle weight limits, and adherence to the Federal Bridge Formula. Understanding and utilizing a legal weight calculator is crucial for efficient and lawful commercial trucking operations.

Who Should Use a Legal Weight Calculator?

  • Truck Drivers: To ensure their loaded vehicle does not exceed legal limits before hitting the road or at weigh stations.
  • Fleet Managers: To optimize loads for multiple vehicles, track compliance, and avoid penalties across their fleet.
  • Logistics and Dispatchers: To plan routes and loads accurately, ensuring efficient delivery without exceeding weight restrictions.
  • Owner-Operators: To manage their single vehicle operation effectively and legally.
  • Shippers: To understand load capacity limitations when booking freight.
  • Regulatory Compliance Officers: As a quick reference tool.

Common Misconceptions about Legal Weight

  • "My truck's GVWR is the legal limit." While GVWR is a critical component, it's not the only factor. State and federal laws, axle limits, and bridge formulas can impose lower limits.
  • "All states have the same weight limits." Weight regulations vary significantly by state, especially for interstate trucking.
  • "Weight is just about total weight." The distribution of weight across axles is equally, if not more, important than the total weight. Overloading a single axle can lead to violations even if the gross weight is legal.
  • "I can carry as much as my trailer can handle." Trailer capacity is only one part of the equation. The truck's chassis, axles, tires, and the overall legal limits are paramount.

Calculating legal weight is a multi-faceted process involving several key regulations. The most common limits include:

  1. Single Axle Limit: Generally capped at 20,000 lbs (or 9,072 kg) for non-steering axles on the National Network.
  2. Tandem Axle Limit: Generally capped at 34,000 lbs (or 15,422 kg) for two consecutive axles spaced 40-96 inches apart on the National Network.
  3. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum operating weight specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle.
  4. Federal Bridge Formula (F2): This formula is designed to protect bridges and applies to vehicles with more than two axles. It sets limits based on the distance between axles. The general formula is:

    W = 500 * (LN / (N + 1))

    Where:
    • W = Maximum Weight (lbs)
    • L = Distance in feet between the centers of the outermost axles.
    • N = Number of axles.
    There are variations and specific tables for different axle configurations and distances. A simplified application often uses W = (500) * (LN + 12N + 36) / (N + 1), especially when considering inches for spacing.

Variable Explanations

Variable Meaning Unit Typical Range/Value
Axle Weight Weight placed on a specific axle or set of axles. Pounds (lbs) 0 – 25,000+ lbs
Tandem Axle Spacing Distance between the centers of two consecutive axles in a tandem set. Inches (in) 40 – 96 inches
Steering Axle Weight Weight on the front steering axle. Pounds (lbs) 3,000 – 12,000 lbs (often limited by tire/axle rating)
Total Vehicle Weight Sum of weights of all axles plus the vehicle itself. Pounds (lbs) Varies widely, often up to 80,000 lbs or more for legal limits.
Distance (L) Distance between the centers of the outermost axles for Bridge Formula calculation. Feet (ft) Varies based on vehicle configuration (e.g., 20-80 ft)
Number of Axles (N) Total count of load-bearing axles on the vehicle or combination. Count 2 – 7+

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let's illustrate with two scenarios using the legal weight calculator:

Example 1: Standard Tractor-Trailer Load

Scenario: A 5-axle tractor-trailer (2 steering, 3 drive/trailer axles forming two tandems) is loaded with goods.

Inputs:

  • Steering Axle Weight: 10,000 lbs
  • Drive Axle 1 Weight: 17,000 lbs
  • Drive Axle 2 Weight: 17,000 lbs
  • Trailer Axle 1 Weight: 17,000 lbs
  • Trailer Axle 2 Weight: 17,000 lbs
  • Tandem Axle Spacing: 40 inches
  • Total Vehicle Weight: 78,000 lbs

Calculation Results (simulated):

  • Primary Result (Legal Limit): 78,000 lbs
  • GVWR Limit: 80,000 lbs (assuming typical)
  • Steering Axle Limit: 12,000 lbs (assuming tire rating)
  • Tandem Axle Limit: 34,000 lbs (per tandem set)
  • Bridge Formula Limit: Approximately 74,000 lbs (for a 5-axle setup with typical spacing, may vary)

Interpretation: In this case, the total vehicle weight (78,000 lbs) is within the overall GVWR (80,000 lbs) and below the common state maximum of 80,000 lbs. However, the Bridge Formula limit (approx. 74,000 lbs) is the most restrictive. If the driver entered 78,000 lbs total and the calculator calculated the Bridge Formula limit as 74,000 lbs, the legal limit would be 74,000 lbs. The individual axle weights (17,000 lbs) are below the 20,000 lb single and 34,000 lb tandem limits. The steering axle (10,000 lbs) is also legal. The driver must ensure their total load does not exceed 74,000 lbs to be compliant with the Bridge Formula, and ideally adjust load distribution to maximize gross weight legally.

Example 2: Heavy Haul with Specific Axle Spacing

Scenario: A specialized heavy-haul truck with 7 axles (including spread axles) needs to cross a bridge with a known weight restriction.

Inputs:

  • Steering Axle Weight: 12,000 lbs
  • First Drive Tandem (Axles 2 & 3): 20,000 lbs each (Total 40,000 lbs)
  • Spread Axle Tandem (Axles 4 & 5): 25,000 lbs each (Total 50,000 lbs)
  • Rear Tandem (Axles 6 & 7): 22,000 lbs each (Total 44,000 lbs)
  • Tandem Axle Spacing (Drive): 44 inches
  • Tandem Axle Spacing (Spread): 96 inches
  • Tandem Axle Spacing (Rear): 40 inches
  • Total Vehicle Weight: 146,000 lbs

Calculation Results (simulated):

  • Primary Result (Legal Limit): 105,000 lbs
  • GVWR Limit: 110,000 lbs (hypothetical)
  • Steering Axle Limit: 12,000 lbs
  • Drive Tandem Limit: 34,000 lbs
  • Spread Axle Tandem Limit: 44,000 lbs (often allowed more for spread axles)
  • Rear Tandem Limit: 34,000 lbs
  • Bridge Formula Limit: Calculated based on the distance between the steering axle and the last rear axle. Let's assume this distance (L) is 60 feet for a 7-axle configuration. Bridge Formula (F2) might yield approx. 105,000 lbs.

Interpretation: The total actual weight is 146,000 lbs. However, the calculated legal limits are much lower. The steering axle is legal. The drive tandem (40,000 lbs) exceeds the standard 34,000 lbs limit, indicating a potential issue. The spread axle tandem (50,000 lbs) might be legal depending on specific state regulations for spread axles, but often exceeds standard tandem limits. The Bridge Formula limit (105,000 lbs) is the most critical factor here. The actual vehicle weight (146,000 lbs) significantly exceeds the Bridge Formula limit. The driver needs to offload approximately 41,000 lbs to legally operate this configuration based on the Bridge Formula. This example highlights how crucial the legal weight calculator is for complex loads.

How to Use This Legal Weight Calculator

Using the legal weight calculator is straightforward:

  1. Input Axle Weights: Enter the precise weight measured on each axle or axle group (e.g., single axle, tandem, tridem, spread axle). Ensure you use pounds (lbs).
  2. Enter Tandem Spacing: Provide the distance in inches between the centers of axles within a tandem or tridem group. This is critical for the Federal Bridge Formula.
  3. Enter Steering Axle Weight: Input the weight on the front steering axle.
  4. Enter Total Vehicle Weight: Input the current total weight of the vehicle and its cargo.
  5. Press 'Calculate': The calculator will process your inputs against common regulatory limits (GVWR, standard axle limits, and the Federal Bridge Formula).

Reading Results:

  • Primary Result: This is the lowest calculated legal weight limit. Your actual total vehicle weight must not exceed this value.
  • Intermediate Results: These show the limits for GVWR, individual axle groups, and the Bridge Formula. They help identify which regulation is the most restrictive.
  • Assumptions: Review the assumptions made (e.g., standard axle limits, type of bridge formula used) as real-world regulations can be more nuanced.

Decision-Making Guidance: If your current total vehicle weight exceeds the Primary Result, you must reduce your load. If a specific axle group weight exceeds its individual limit (e.g., tandem axle limit), you need to redistribute the load. The legal weight calculator helps pinpoint where adjustments are needed.

Key Factors That Affect Legal Weight Results

Several factors influence the legal weight limits and, consequently, the results from a legal weight calculator:

  1. Number of Axles: More axles generally allow for a higher gross weight, as weight can be distributed more widely. This is a primary factor in the Federal Bridge Formula.
  2. Axle Spacing: The distance between axles significantly impacts the Bridge Formula calculation. Closer spacing might require lower weights per axle to avoid exceeding bridge stress limits.
  3. Axle Type (Single, Tandem, Tridem, Spread): Different axle configurations have different standard weight limits. Spread axles, for instance, often permit higher weights than standard tandems due to better load distribution.
  4. Federal vs. State Regulations: While the Federal Bridge Formula sets a baseline (often 80,000 lbs GVW maximum on the Interstate system), states can have lower limits or specific exceptions for certain routes or commodities. Special permits can sometimes allow higher weights. Review state-specific DOT resources.
  5. Vehicle Configuration: The specific setup (e.g., straight truck, tractor-trailer, multi-axle vehicle) dictates the number and type of axles, directly affecting calculations.
  6. Tire and Component Ratings: While regulations set limits, the physical components of the truck (axles, tires, suspension) also have maximum load capacities. These must be respected, even if regulatory limits are higher. Exceeding tire load ratings is dangerous.
  7. Commodity Type: Certain commodities (like divisible loads vs. non-divisible loads) might have different weight allowance rules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between GVWR and legal weight?

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum operating weight specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Legal weight is the maximum weight permitted by law (federal, state, local), which can be lower than the GVWR due to axle limits, bridge formulas, etc.

Q2: Are weight limits the same everywhere?

No. While federal regulations set baseline limits (like the 80,000 lb GVW maximum on Interstates), states have varying regulations. Some states allow higher weights on specific routes or with special permits. Always check the specific state's Department of Transportation (DOT) rules.

Q3: What is the standard weight limit for a tandem axle?

On the U.S. National Network, the standard limit for a tandem axle group (two axles spaced 40-96 inches apart) is typically 34,000 lbs.

Q4: How does the Federal Bridge Formula work?

The Bridge Formula calculates the maximum allowable weight based on the number of axles and the distance between the outermost axles. Its purpose is to prevent excessive stress on bridge structures. Different formulas exist (F1, F2, etc.), with F2 being common for trucks.

Q5: Can I exceed the Bridge Formula if my total weight is under 80,000 lbs?

Generally, no. The Bridge Formula is often the most restrictive limit for multi-axle vehicles, even if the total weight is less than the standard 80,000 lb GVW maximum. You must comply with the lowest applicable limit.

Q6: What happens if I get caught overweight?

Penalties typically include significant fines, potential impoundment of the vehicle, delays in delivery, and possible suspension of operating authority. It can also lead to increased scrutiny from enforcement agencies.

Q7: Do spread axles have different weight limits?

Yes. Many states allow higher weights for spread axles (axles spaced more than 96 inches apart) compared to standard tandems, as they distribute weight over a larger area. These limits vary by state.

Q8: How accurate are online legal weight calculators?

Online calculators provide good estimates based on common regulations. However, specific state laws, local ordinances, bridge postings, and permit allowances can vary. Always verify critical weights with official DOT resources or enforcement officials.

Q9: Can I use this calculator for international travel (Canada/Mexico)?

This calculator is based on U.S. federal and common state regulations. Weight limits and formulas differ significantly in Canada and Mexico. You would need a calculator specific to those countries' regulations.

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A common setup is 2 drive tandems and 1 trailer tandem or spread. Let's refine to calculate based on inputs. var driveTandem1Actual = numAxle1Weight; // Assuming Axle 1 and 2 are a drive tandem var driveTandem2Actual = numAxle2Weight; // Assuming Axle 3 is part of drive or another group // Let's assume Axle 1, Axle 2 form the first group, Axle 3 forms the second group for simplicity based on input labels. // A more robust calculator would ask for number of axles per group. // For this specific calculator: var axleGroup1Actual = numAxle1Weight; // Assuming single or first axle var axleGroup2Actual = numAxle2Weight; // Assuming second axle var axleGroup3Actual = numAxle3Weight; // Assuming third axle // If Axle 1 & 2 are tandem, and Axle 3 is separate, spacing is between 1&2 // If Axle 1 is steering, Axle 2 & 3 are tandem, spacing is between 2&3 // The provided inputs suggest: Steering (separate), Axle1, Axle2, Axle3. // Let's interpret: Steering, Axle1 (drive), Axle2 (drive tandem with Axle1, spacing between them), Axle3 (trailer tandem, spacing between Axle2 and Axle3) – this requires two spacing inputs. // Given ONE tandem spacing input, let's assume it applies to the *first* tandem pair if multiple exist. // Simplified interpretation for ONE spacing input: Axle 1 and 2 are a tandem pair separated by 'tandemAxleSpacing'. Axle 3 is another axle. var tandem1Actual = numAxle1Weight + numAxle2Weight; var axle3Actual = numAxle3Weight; // Treating axle 3 as a single axle for calculation if no second spacing is provided. // More complex interpretation: Let's assume Steering, then Axle1, Axle2, Axle3 are sequential axles. If tandemAxleSpacing is provided, it applies BETWEEN two axles. // A standard 5-axle truck might be: Steering, Drive Tandem (2 axles), Trailer Tandem (2 axles). Total 5 axles. // Let's assume the inputs `axle1Weight`, `axle2Weight`, `axle3Weight` represent *load on specific axles*, and `tandemAxleSpacing` applies to the spacing *if* two of these are considered a tandem. // Re-interpreting based on common truck configs and limited inputs: // Steering Axle: numSteeringAxleWeight // First Tandem Axle Group (e.g., drive axles): numAxle1Weight + numAxle2Weight // Second Tandem Axle Group (e.g., trailer axles): numAxle3Weight (treating as single for now if no second spacing) // Let's assume a common scenario: Steering, Drive Tandem (Axle1+Axle2), Trailer Tandem (Axle3+Axle4 – but we only have 3 axle inputs) // Okay, let's simplify based on the literal inputs: // Steering Axle: numSteeringAxleWeight // Axle Group 1: numAxle1Weight // Axle Group 2: numAxle2Weight // Axle Group 3: numAxle3Weight // The `tandemAxleSpacing` implies that *at least two* of these axles form a tandem. // The most common interpretation for ONE spacing input is the spacing between the FIRST two axles IF they form a tandem. // Let's assume: Steering Axle, Axle1 (part of drive tandem), Axle2 (part of drive tandem, spacing from Axle1), Axle3 (trailer axle or part of another tandem). // We MUST make an assumption for the calculation logic. // Assumption: Steering axle is separate. Axle1 and Axle2 form a tandem. Axle3 is a single axle for simplicity, or part of a second tandem we don't have enough inputs for. var steerAxleActualWeight = numSteeringAxleWeight; var firstTandemActualWeight = numAxle1Weight + numAxle2Weight; var thirdAxleActualWeight = numAxle3Weight; // Treat as single for now. // Calculate limits based on assumptions var steerAxleLegalLimit = 12000; // Standard limit, can be higher based on tire/axle rating var firstTandemLegalLimit = standardTandemAxleLimit; var thirdAxleLegalLimit = standardSingleAxleLimit; var calculatedTotalWeight = steerAxleActualWeight + firstTandemActualWeight + thirdAxleActualWeight; // Bridge Formula Calculation // W = 500 * (LN + 12N + 36) / (N + 1) — This formula is often for specific configurations. // A more general form: W = (500) * (L + 12N + 36) / (N + 1) = 40 && numTandemAxleSpacing = 40 && numTandemAxleSpacing standardTandemAxleLimit) { tandem1Legal = standardTandemAxleLimit; } else { tandem1Legal = currentTandem1Weight; // It's legal up to its current weight } } else { // If not a tandem, treat individually (but this input is supposed to be for tandem) tandem1Legal = numAxle1Weight + numAxle2Weight; // Sum of weights, check against single axle limits if needed if(numAxle1Weight > standardSingleAxleLimit || numAxle2Weight > standardSingleAxleLimit) { // This scenario implies spacing is invalid for tandem, so treat individually } } var axle3Legal = numAxle3Weight; // Assume single axle limit applies if not part of a defined tandem // Determine the *lowest* of the applicable limits var legalWeightLimit = standardMaxGVWR; // Start with the highest potential limit // 1. Steering Axle Limit legalWeightLimit = Math.min(legalWeightLimit, 12000); // Standard steering axle limit // 2. Tandem Axle Limit (for the first tandem pair) if (numTandemAxleSpacing >= 40 && numTandemAxleSpacing = 40 && numTandemAxleSpacing <= 96) { // A very rough estimate based on distance if we assume some typical configuration // A common value for a 5-axle setup with reasonable spacing is ~73,000 lbs. bridgeFormulaLimitApprox = 73000; // Assuming a standard 5-axle config calculation. } // If there are more axles, the limit can increase, but standard limits often cap at 80,000. legalWeightLimit = Math.min(legalWeightLimit, bridgeFormulaLimitApprox); // Compare current total weight with calculated limits var primaryResultValue = Math.min(numTotalVehicleWeight, legalWeightLimit); // Ensure primary result is not higher than the standard GVWR primaryResultValue = Math.min(primaryResultValue, standardMaxGVWR); // Display Results getElement("primary-result").innerText = primaryResultValue.toLocaleString() + " lbs"; getElement("gvwr-result").innerHTML = "Max GVWR Limit:" + standardMaxGVWR.toLocaleString() + " lbs"; getElement("axleWeightLimit-result").innerHTML = "Max Single Axle Limit:" + standardSingleAxleLimit.toLocaleString() + " lbs"; getElement("tandemAxleLimit-result").innerHTML = "Max Tandem Axle Limit:" + standardTandemAxleLimit.toLocaleString() + " lbs"; getElement("bridgeFormula-result").innerHTML = "Approx. Bridge Formula Limit:" + bridgeFormulaLimitApprox.toLocaleString() + " lbs"; // Assumptions displayed getElement("steeringAxleAssumption").innerHTML = "Steering Axle Limit Assumption:12,000 lbs"; getElement("tandemAxleSpacingAssumption").innerHTML = "Tandem Axle Spacing Considered:" + numTandemAxleSpacing + " inches"; getElement("bridgeFormulaTypeAssumption").innerHTML = "Bridge Formula:Approximation based on typical 5-axle configuration"; getElement("results-container").classList.remove("hidden"); updateChart(steerAxleActualWeight, firstTandemActualWeight, thirdAxleActualWeight, standardMaxGVWR, legalWeightLimit); } function resetCalculator() { getElement("axle1Weight").value = "10000"; getElement("axle2Weight").value = "10000"; getElement("axle3Weight").value = "10000"; getElement("tandemAxleSpacing").value = "40"; getElement("steeringAxleWeight").value = "8000"; getElement("totalVehicleWeight").value = "38000"; // Clear errors getElement("axle1WeightError").innerText = ""; getElement("axle2WeightError").innerText = ""; getElement("axle3WeightError").innerText = ""; getElement("tandemAxleSpacingError").innerText = ""; getElement("steeringAxleWeightError").innerText = ""; getElement("totalVehicleWeightError").innerText = ""; // Reset input borders getElement("axle1Weight").style.borderColor = "#ced4da"; getElement("axle2Weight").style.borderColor = "#ced4da"; getElement("axle3Weight").style.borderColor = "#ced4da"; getElement("tandemAxleSpacing").style.borderColor = "#ced4da"; getElement("steeringAxleWeight").style.borderColor = "#ced4da"; getElement("totalVehicleWeight").style.borderColor = "#ced4da"; getElement("results-container").classList.add("hidden"); if (myChart) { myChart.destroy(); myChart = null; } // Clear chart canvas if present var canvas = getElement('weightChart'); if (canvas) { chartContext = canvas.getContext('2d'); chartContext.clearRect(0, 0, canvas.width, canvas.height); } } function copyResults() { var primaryResult = getElement("primary-result").innerText; var gvwrResult = getElement("gvwr-result").innerText.replace('Max GVWR Limit:', 'GVWR Limit:'); var axleLimitResult = getElement("axleWeightLimit-result").innerText.replace('Max Single Axle Limit:', 'Single Axle Limit:'); var tandemLimitResult = getElement("tandemAxleLimit-result").innerText.replace('Max Tandem Axle Limit:', 'Tandem Axle Limit:'); var bridgeFormulaResult = getElement("bridgeFormula-result").innerText.replace('Approx. Bridge Formula Limit:', 'Approx. Bridge Formula Limit:'); var steeringAxleAss = getElement("steeringAxleAssumption").innerText.replace('Steering Axle Limit Assumption:', 'Steering Axle Limit:'); var tandemSpacingAss = getElement("tandemAxleSpacingAssumption").innerText.replace('Tandem Axle Spacing Considered:', 'Tandem Spacing:'); var bridgeFormulaTypeAss = getElement("bridgeFormulaTypeAssumption").innerText.replace('Bridge Formula:', 'Formula Type:'); var resultsText = "Legal Weight Calculation Results:\n\n"; resultsText += primaryResult + "\n"; resultsText += gvwrResult + "\n"; resultsText += axleLimitResult + "\n"; resultsText += tandemLimitResult + "\n"; resultsText += bridgeFormulaResult + "\n\n"; resultsText += "Assumptions:\n"; resultsText += steeringAxleAss + "\n"; resultsText += tandemSpacingAss + "\n"; resultsText += bridgeFormulaTypeAss + "\n"; // Use navigator.clipboard for modern browsers if (navigator.clipboard) { navigator.clipboard.writeText(resultsText).then(function() { alert("Results copied to clipboard!"); }).catch(function(err) { console.error("Failed to copy text: ", err); fallbackCopyTextToClipboard(resultsText); // Fallback for older browsers }); } else { fallbackCopyTextToClipboard(resultsText); // Fallback for older browsers } } function fallbackCopyTextToClipboard(text) { var textArea = document.createElement("textarea"); textArea.value = text; textArea.style.position = "fixed"; // Avoid scrolling to bottom textArea.style.left = "-9999px"; textArea.style.top = "-9999px"; document.body.appendChild(textArea); textArea.focus(); textArea.select(); try { var successful = document.execCommand('copy'); var msg = successful ? 'successful' : 'unsuccessful'; alert('Results copied to clipboard (fallback): ' + msg); } catch (err) { console.error('Fallback: Oops, unable to copy', err); alert('Failed to copy results. Please copy manually.'); } document.body.removeChild(textArea); } function updateChart(steerWeight, tandem1Weight, axle3Weight, maxGVWR, legalLimit) { var canvas = getElement('weightChart'); if (!canvas) { // Create canvas if it doesn't exist var chartContainer = getElement('chartContainer'); canvas = document.createElement('canvas'); canvas.id = 'weightChart'; chartContainer.appendChild(canvas); } chartContext = canvas.getContext('2d'); // Destroy previous chart instance if it exists if (myChart) { myChart.destroy(); } // Data for the chart var labels = ['Steering Axle', 'Drive Tandem', 'Trailer Axle', 'Max GVWR', 'Legal Max Limit']; var dataPoints = [steerWeight, tandem1Weight, axle3Weight, maxGVWR, legalLimit]; var colors = ['#007bff', '#ffc107', '#6c757d', '#28a745', '#dc3545']; // Blue, Yellow, Gray, Green, Red myChart = new Chart(chartContext, { type: 'bar', // Use bar chart for comparison data: { labels: labels, datasets: [{ label: 'Weight (lbs)', data: dataPoints, backgroundColor: colors, borderColor: '#ffffff', borderWidth: 1 }] }, options: { responsive: true, maintainAspectRatio: true, // Allow aspect ratio to be maintained plugins: { title: { display: true, text: 'Weight Distribution vs. Limits', font: { size: 16 }, color: 'var(–primary-color)' }, legend: { display: false // Hide legend as colors are mapped to labels } }, scales: { y: { beginAtZero: true, title: { display: true, text: 'Weight (lbs)' } }, x: { title: { display: true, text: 'Axle/Limit Category' } } } } }); } function toggleFaq(element) { var content = element.nextElementSibling; if (content.style.display === "block") { content.style.display = "none"; } else { content.style.display = "block"; } } // Initial chart setup – create canvas and context, but don't draw yet function setupChartArea() { var chartContainer = document.createElement('div'); chartContainer.id = 'chartContainer'; chartContainer.innerHTML = '

Weight Distribution vs. Limits

'; // Insert chart container after the results container var resultsContainer = getElement('results-container'); if (resultsContainer) { resultsContainer.parentNode.insertBefore(chartContainer, resultsContainer.nextSibling); } else { // If results container not ready, append to main calculator wrapper var calcWrapper = getElement('calculator-wrapper'); // Assuming calculator wrapper has this ID if(calcWrapper) calcWrapper.appendChild(chartContainer); } // Ensure canvas is created if not already if (!getElement('weightChart')) { var canvas = document.createElement('canvas'); canvas.id = 'weightChart'; chartContainer.appendChild(canvas); } chartContext = getElement('weightChart').getContext('2d'); } // Call setupChartArea on initial load document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { setupChartArea(); // Add event listeners for real-time updates if desired (optional) var inputs = document.querySelectorAll('.calculator-wrapper input'); inputs.forEach(function(input) { input.addEventListener('input', function() { // Only calculate if results are already visible or if calculation is triggered by button // For real-time, uncomment below: // calculateLegalWeight(); }); }); });

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