first time driving spread axle flatbed

Don't take turns too tight with a spread axle. Try to avoid any 90 degree backing. It will drag the front axle and wear out your tires and sometimes if you get too tight it'll tear the tire off the rim. they are trickier to back but I haven't pulled anything but a spread for the past 2.5 years so once you get used to it it's simple

 

Just follow Rugerfan's advice. Once you get used to the spread you will never want to go back to a closed tandem.
Ride is better

 

Yep just what Rugerfan said. Don't turn very tight. You will flat spot your tires. Scrub/slide your front axle sideways instead of rolling your tires.
Read your FMCSA handbook. That is a good start. Other than that watch the other drivers load. When in doubt put another chain or strap on your load. You're carrying that equipment anyway, put it on your load. Good luck.

 

Its not much different than a regular trailer.

Often when backing, it can pivot on the front or rear axle, depending on where the weight is and if your on a 'hump' or not. Try to create as wide a swing as you can when backing to avoid dragging the front axle. If the axles slide and your doing legal loads, just keep the axles together. Once you get used to the trailer and understand where the weight will be, you will know before hand when to spread and when there is no need to spread. When spread they 'normally' like to pivot on the rear axle. Which is how I prefer it,.. some dont,.. but you have to keep in mind that the shorter the turn radius, forward or back, the more the front axle will drag or scuff the tread as I like to refer to it. Depending on the style of tires used,.. this can cause anything from pitting, to tearing in the tires.

Get into the habit of checking those tires AND your load any time you make a stop. Hopefully you will get at least a basic run down before they send you out to get loads. Flat bed is totally different then anything in a box. Your load is out there for everyone to see. And as such its your responsibility to control how it gets loaded, how it gets secured, and how much finesse the load will need while going down the road. You will never see a flat bed driver sitting in his truck while getting loaded. There are no walls to catch load shift. If the load is not secure and it goes over,.. thats it,.. lost load or potential death for an innocent motorist. Secure your loads as if you family will be in the car behind you. Not only that,.. but think of your own safety as well. If you have to brake hard,.. make sure that load wont come crashing into the cab with you.

I make it a habit to stop 20 - 30 mins after I get load,.. usually first rest area, truck stop or pull off I see where I can get at least 10ft away from traffic. Check binders/straps for looseness, make sure edge protectors will stay put and tarp will remain tight and not ballooning and blocking your rear view or flagging out into oncoming or other traffic or road side objects.

Flatbed demands a whole new level of respect and attentiveness from you.

Not trying to scare you. The level of self respect you will achieve once you become an old hand at this should make you feel invigorated. Dont be afraid to ask other drivers for advise or even help when getting loaded. Flatbedders arent like reefer or most van drivers,.. we will and do help each other. Lots and lots of tricks to the trade so to speak. Tossing straps, twisting to prevent flapping, hitching bungee on out of reach rings, laying out the tarps, Storing dunnage, using various objects to protect tarps and get loads level,.. way too much for me to list,.. and I dont even know them all. Still learning something new every time I go out. For me flatbedding is much more rewarding then anything else I have done. More work and yes,.. be prepared,.. you will have good days and you will have bad. Learn from your mistakes, dont be lazy and take shortcuts, do it right the first time.

As with anything in trucking,.. time in the seat will make you a pro.

Hurst

 

My advice, if you think 6 straps will make it make it legal then use 10 or 12. I over secure everything. it is much better to spend a few more minutes securing the load than to have a claim or accident. And on the spread, see if you can talk you boss into a electric dump valve for either axle. Then when you have to turn short you can dump the air from one of the axle's and save some wear on your tires. Good luck.

 

I guess Hurst beat me to it, and a much faster typer than me. But listen to him. He is right.

 

agreed with all the above. were i am working now i have the abilith to dump the air out of the back axle. and it does make backing SO much easier

 

Where are you going to be working? You will get used to the spread. Just go slow take your time backing and turning. Where ever you work will more than likely go over and over and over securement. I have found this site to be helpful also. And have had several other drivers from other companies help me out. Dont be afraid to ask. One thing you can do is take pics of good loads while you are in the yard or wherever you see one. You can always use that for a reference. Also pay attention to other drivers. You will be able to tell whats good and whats not. Seeing both is helpful. As a flatbedder, take pride in how your load looks. We all check each other out.

 

Didnt read everything before I responded. Pretty much what Hurst said is it.