Fixed or sliding spread on a drop deck

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by J&J Trucking, Dec 16, 2011.

  1. J&J Trucking

    J&J Trucking Bobtail Member

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    Nov 22, 2011
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    Just wounding what your thought are on a fixed or sliding spread on a drop deck
     
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  3. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    I say fixed. I have never thought to myself, "man I wish I had a closed tandem" when pulling a spread.
     
  4. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    we had to go through a bunch of work last week scaleing loads on spreads going to canada. Apparently the people only allow 10K on each axle so we had to unload/slide the load/ and rescale the loads 5 times to get it legal with as much product as possible.

    LST has closed tandem trailers too but none anywhere near houston lol




    American Trucker
     
  5. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    I own a step with a sliding axle. It can save your tires if you keep it closed unless you need it spread to handle the weight. I would go with another spread or a lift axle. A spread axle is great to handle heavy loads, but you can go through a lot of tires. You could have a dump valve installed, but some manufacturers won't warranty suspension problems if you have a dump valve.
     
  6. JDP

    JDP Medium Load Member

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    What's the additional weight of a slider and a lift axle over a standard spread?
     
  7. Flightline

    Flightline Road Train Member

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    I read where a lift axle adds approx. 300 lbs. I though little hard to beleive but read that somewhere else on this form.
    I doubt a slider adds that much.
    More adds to the intial cost than anything. And usually not much choice if looking for a drop deck.
     
  8. The Admiral

    The Admiral Heavy Load Member

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    I run a slider which means i can get legal pin to axle in Ct & Ca. I think Doonan figures 900# for the slider and my dealer installed lift was about 90#. My opinion is the closed tandem is easier on tires and is easier to get around with. Also my back axle has a dump valve which makes it work even better. I guess i left out that it is a drop deck and the front axle lifts. Most of my loads are LTL's so i don't have to worry much about concentrated loads,not that the trailer won't take it.
     
  9. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    I don't remember the actual weight difference, but my empty weight on that trailer is 13,200 pounds. It is a 53' step with wood floors. I would not expect the slider to add more than a few hundred pounds.
     
  10. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    If all your doing is lifting an existing axle, the lift kit adds 60#
     
    SHC Thanks this.
  11. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    My neighbor has a lift front axle on his 48' Retinour and he said it was 300# heavier than the one with-out. It also cost him about $2,800 to add that option but he LOVES it as he runs empty to Toledo and then loaded back everyday to Chicago and he said he gets almost .5mpg more with the lift over his old trailer and he has not had to replace tires yet.
     
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