Another Question for a Flatbedder... - Page 2 - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Brickman · **^ Top** #11 04.19.2007

The standard 10'2'' spread is the most common. Trailers can be special ordered with the front axle being fixed and the back on a slider. This is most common. You can even get them with the rear axle fixed and the front a slider. All tho less common I have seen them.

And then Canada has the 8'6'' spread (I think thats the distance). Just to be different and to make it harder for US drivers with the 10'2'' spread to haul in some provinces. The reasoning is that the 10'2'' is too hard on the roads.

I've even seen reefer trailers that I was certain the 10'2'' spread was slide able.

MedicineMan · **^ Top** #12 04.19.2007

I thought I'v been seeing the same thing, slidable spreads. I thought I was seeing things. All my spreads have always been fixed. I assume they are making them slidable because of stupid drivers who can't figure out how to load a spread axle. I had a few drivers who could never figure it out. Same driver that are th major reason we ended up loosing the trucks

Young-Gun-101 · **^ Top** #13 04.19.2007

Im no expert but i will say this usually the spread is a fixed spead now to turn eaiser all u need is a dump valve. Although after you intall the dump valve you lose the warrenty on your axles. just figured i would put my 2 senses in Thanks Mike

wallbanger · **^ Top** #14 04.20.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brickman

The standard 10'2'' spread is the most common. I've even seen reefer trailers that I was certain the 10'2'' spread was slide able.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

I thought I'v been seeing the same thing, slidable spreads. I thought I was seeing things.

You're right fellas, I have seen 'em too. Actually, the first one I saw WAS a canadian hauler, pulling a reefer, with sliding split tandems. I thought it was cool, so you can run 'em spread (which rides easier, my bud was telling me) or as a set of tandems (of course backs easier).

MedicineMan · **^ Top** #15 04.20.2007

the spreads ride like a dream, unfortunatly they EAT tires. I had chains hung on the frame rails on my spreads so I could chain up one axle when light or empty. Also they can be fun to back as they will change which axle is pivoting if you hit a grade change while backing. So you go from pivioting on the front axle one second to the back axle the next second. AT least if you dot have dumps on them. We have a few MRI scaners with dumps if that perticular trailer goes to a specially tight site and every one of those trailers has bent axles on them.

Ducks · **^ Top** #16 04.22.2007

Thanks, ya'll! There's just so much to read and learn on this forum, and I'm really enjoying it. I thought about the comment someone made about backing with a spread axle, and I bet that would be interesting to try.

Brickman · **^ Top** #17 04.22.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducks

Thanks, ya'll! There's just so much to read and learn on this forum, and I'm really enjoying it. I thought about the comment someone made about backing with a spread axle, and I bet that would be interesting to try.

You get used to it, but still get frustrated some times when it doesn't work the way you know it should, and it makes you look silly to the other drivers when you are trying to back in.

Ducks · **^ Top** #18 04.22.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brickman

...and it makes you look silly to the other drivers when you are trying to back in.

That, to me, would be the worst part. I don't mind screwing up occasionally... or being challenged. But I hate looking like an idiot, when in fact, I'm just having a bad day. LOL

25(2)+2 · **^ Top** #19 04.22.2007

I mostly drive spreads and we do have to back them. They are equipped with dump valves for the back axle only. When backing into tight areas and the dump valve is working, I can change the pivot axle from front to back by turning off the lights, which cuts power to the dump valve and waiting for the back axle to air up. This prevents that 12 to 13 foot of trailer from swinging into something from pivoting on the front axle.

It's best not to load top heavy trailers with an axle dumped, they are even tippier when only one axle is bearing weight.

AJ

Nuthinspecial · **^ Top** #20 04.22.2007

Spreads are difficult to back as mentioned above, and dump valves on the rear axle make it all better, HOWEVER....most folks install a red light on the dash for when the axle air is dumped....I knew a fella last year who didn't have the "idiot" light installed, and somehow dumped the air but forgot to flip the switch after backing into a parking space. The next morning he went trucking down the road, and when he crossed the state scale he was nearly 40,000 #'s on the one axle. This cost him $16,000 in California.

Bottom line: if you pull a spread, you need a dump valve (helps to back, tight manuevers and also saves eating up the tires) but you must also remember to put the air back there when you're done.....idiot light seems to be the most reasonable solution.

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