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Ideas on constructing a ramping device for tractor to reduce residual heel in tank?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by DELTA_V, Feb 8, 2015.

  1. Feb 8, 2015 #1
    DELTA_V

    DELTA_V Bobtail Member

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    Aug 20, 2014
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    I am looking for ideas on constructing a ramping device for the tractor drives that would be small enough to stow and would allow about a four inch lift of the drive axles to lift the front of the trailer for a more complete off load thereby reducing residual heel.

    I am am confident some experienced tanker drivers have come up with some ideas and devices which work well for this application. I would appreciate hearing from you with the construction plans and perhaps a photo or two of your creation. I don't want to try and reinvent the wheel, so to speak, if someone has a good system they have already created.

    Obviously, I am trying to avoid unhooking and building blocking under the landing gear and endless cranking :).

    Your ideas and input would be greatly appreciated.
     
    DELTA_V, Feb 8, 2015
    DELTA_V, Feb 8, 2015
    #1
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  3. Feb 8, 2015 #2
    david123abc

    david123abc Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 2, 2011
    Augusta, GA
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    4x4 wood about as wide as the catwalk, cut the ends at an angle to make a ramp?
     
    david123abc, Feb 8, 2015
    david123abc, Feb 8, 2015
    #2
  4. Feb 8, 2015 #3
    Riprap

    Riprap Light Load Member

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    Saginaw, MI
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    Would it be easier to drop air from trailer bags and temporarily raise leveling valve on tractor?
     
    Riprap, Feb 8, 2015
    Riprap, Feb 8, 2015
    #3
    baha Thanks this.
  5. Feb 8, 2015 #4
    Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Ramps sound good but end up being a big pain in the butt... And kinda hard on rears.
     
    Cat sdp, Feb 8, 2015
    Cat sdp, Feb 8, 2015
    #4
  7. Feb 8, 2015 #5
    Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    On carhaulers, we have a system that overlifts the airbags for increased ground clearance. It's basically a second leveling valve that is activated when an air switch is thrown in the cab. It would be perfect for the scenario you present, allowing you to lift as needed without worrying about over-inflation of the bags as you unload, as the secondary valve merely maintains a higher ride height and would bleed bag pressure as you unloaded, protecting your bags.
     
    Hammer166, Feb 8, 2015
    Hammer166, Feb 8, 2015
    #5
  8. Feb 8, 2015 #6
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    SW Arkansas
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    I saw a guy that had ran a bypass line around the leveling valve for his tractor air bags. When he opened the valve the air bags would inflate until the shocks reached the end of their travel. It gave him 2"-3" extra height and was enough for when you get on the bad inclines, he doesn't worry about getting all of the product off. Guy said to make sure you don't forget to close valve before you leave as bad things may happen if you don't. I've brought it up to our shop guys but as I drive a company truck they won't bother with it. If I was an O/O I would do it for sure.
     
    kemosabi49, Feb 8, 2015
    kemosabi49, Feb 8, 2015
    #6
  9. Feb 15, 2015 #7
    chalupa

    chalupa Road Train Member

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    Houston,Texas
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    Tankers are usually lite on the drives anyway .......but I'm curious...why do you care about heel?

    What I did was had my 5th wheel raised professionally and then run the 24.5 on the mule with 22.5 on the trailer. The tanker got about as empty as it was going to get with this setup.

    Most of my trailers had auto suspension dumps too which helped..........so back to my first question......
     
    chalupa, Feb 15, 2015
    chalupa, Feb 15, 2015
    #7
  10. Feb 15, 2015 #8
    chalupa

    chalupa Road Train Member

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    Whoops ! Better fix that before I get flamed. "tankers are usually lite on the drives" because in the past a std load would over load the drives and you can't shift liquid very well SO a smaller tires on the trailer plus and elevated 5th wheels gets you legal. Loaded drives now usually run 32/33k to the trailers 33/34 k.

    Whew.....
     
    chalupa, Feb 15, 2015
    chalupa, Feb 15, 2015
    #8
    Cat sdp Thanks this.
  11. Feb 16, 2015 #9
    QualityMike

    QualityMike Light Load Member

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    Jun 19, 2011
    North Dakota
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    6X6 ramps 18" long are a good idea. Punch a hole through the end and put a chain through to hang with your tire chains. You only need to roll up on them when you are almost empty. Takes the strain off the rear end.
     
    QualityMike, Feb 16, 2015
    QualityMike, Feb 16, 2015
    #9
  12. Feb 16, 2015 #10
    Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    So you'll stop the unloading process disconnect and plug/cap hoses. Move truck 18" and reconnect and finish unloading ....... Dow and other holier than tho places will never allow it.

    like I said sounds good.... In the field not so much.


    Unless your paying a fine for the wash why bother..

    P.S. Like others have said...tell your boss to spec his equipment right. But what do I know.
     
    Cat sdp, Feb 16, 2015
    Cat sdp, Feb 16, 2015
    #10
    Hammer166 Thanks this.
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