Lift axle

Depends on what setup you are going for.

Benefits that I know of in my company for a triaxle with a front lift:

• The tire doesn't wear when it's up, so it extends it's life (big cost-saver for them... when the driver uses it).
• Lift axles can be equipped with switches in the cab that you can control remotely, so you can lift them for tight corners/backing
• Lift axles can be used to shift weight forwards or backwards on the trailer (putting it up will shift weight, about 1500 pounds, onto the drives, IIRC and vice-versa for down)

Others have mentioned other things, but these are what I know first hand.

 

On a spread axle flatbed do a front lift rear dump setup 90 percent 2 axle trailers with lift setup that way. Makes trailer easy handling. going with more then 2 axles can change where and how many lifts. Pulled tridems with one lift on rear nice trailer pulled one tridem with three lifts trailer sucked with rear two lifted got squirrelly.

 

On a flat they will likely spec a different heavier suspension on the axle that lifts. Thy is to give it more lift. This is why axle lifts add 300 lbs or so on a flat. That is one drawback.

Second drawback is related to the first. If you axle is down and you dump the air all of the weight goes on the non lift axle. This can present problems if your backed into a dock and they want to drive a large forklift on there. Especially with a 53. If you have a rear lift that's a huge diving board back there!

Another issue I have is the factory didn't do the abs correctly and I get a light with the axle up.

 

Hmm.

I suppose this is a loaded question. Get it. Loaded...

So, I have looked into this as I was going to purchase either a 3 axle step deck or a RGN 3 axle trailer. Depending upon where you wish to take this trailer, you might want to look into what California wants. They want all controls on the exterior of the trailer. I also think CA wants a proportioning valve to balance out the weight between the fixed axle(s) and the lift axle(s) Canada I think also has the same issue. (SPIF Compliance for Canada)
This is the same issue for a 4 axle tractor.

Steerable lift axle can be a problem. When you purchase a lift, make sure the steerable has the ability to automatically lift when in reverse. This will keep you from tearing the darn thing off the trailer when under a load.

The only weird thing I see about lift axles in CA is when you are stopping for the evening, and you shut your truck off, CA Controls want to make the lift axle lift. (Stupid IMO) If heavy, I would want that axle on the ground.

Also, regarding California or any state with a 41ft or less king pin rating, I think being able to lift the last 2 axles might be a cool thing. lift the rear axle and you are complant with the king pin rule in CA. Also, lower the rear and raise the center and you can now put 40K back there in stead of 34K.

Decide which states you want to take the trailer and go from there.

 

Singles or duals?
Budget?
Average run will be how many miles?
How long are you keeping it?
How light does it need to be?

 

Figuring in the weight of the lift axle and the additional cost, Unless I had 3+ axles on the trailer I would not even bother with it. I would just go with a dump valve. It's not like you will have it up when loaded or running 50% dead head. Think about how often you are really going to have that thing off the ground. The tire wear savings are not going to be all that much running loaded all the time where you need it on the ground anyhow.

 

Cnsper,if it was a closed tandem i would agree but on a spread there is benefit.
If he does a front axle lift not only will the trailertires last longer but also the drivetires.(more weight on then)
If he runs only 25% empty,that would be 35 000 miles in a year.

 

The ideal setup for what I do would be a spread with a lift axle on the front, and a dump valve on the rear, all cab controlled. I'm fairly certain that setup is legal in the states that I run, and I'm not too concerned if it isn't.

My deadhead is nearly 50% and I run the northeast, so the toll savings would be significant. Though I am pretty good at dodging the tolls when it suits me.

I'm frequently delivering to jobsites and my pickups are usually in tight yards & farms therefore the dump valve for the rear.

As soon as my "new equipment" fund has enough to purchase this setup, that's what I'll be getting for sure.