single axle drive with tag/pusher axle

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by lastgoodusername, Mar 20, 2009.

  1. lastgoodusername

    lastgoodusername Medium Load Member

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    anyone have experience with removing the front rear and adding a pusher or leaving it in the rear position and install a tag. goals are weight reduction and possible fuel mpg improvement. thanks, johnny
     
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  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    A certain truck manufacturer offered that setup on new trucks with the guarantee of selling the parts to convert to a full tandem later,this was on new trucks, not used.

    You could spec a new truck with a 23k single axle with enough frame length to mount an air up and down tag axle, it would save both weight and fuel, and should ride better, especially empty with the tag raised, the drive axle should be at the back, giving a longer wheelbase with the tag raised.

    You might find a single axle used tractor with enough frame length to do the same thing, but it isn't something you see everyday.

    It might save tolls when empty if the toll is based on the number of axles down.
     
    Baack Thanks this.
  4. lastgoodusername

    lastgoodusername Medium Load Member

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    central NC
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    i am thinking of converting my current truck.
    1.drop center axle in front.
    2.extend shaft to back axle.
    3.dump valve on front air bags.
    4.mech. lift for front axle, currently use two straps and lashing winches on
    the front axle on my trailer
    5.most all tolls are axle "down" based
     
  5. V8Lenny

    V8Lenny Road Train Member

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    Single vs. twin screw saves about 1,5 liter/100km and maybe 500kg in weight. Pusher is not good for drive-axle grip, tag is best, better than twin screw. But you must be able to lift it from the cab, with full load. We pull 60000 kg with single drive-axle through the winter. Twin screw is only needed for soft sand and mud.
     
  6. RickG

    RickG Road Train Member

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    There was a long discussion here about states that do not allow controls for lift axles to be in the cab . There is a $100 fine for that in Louisiana . Ohio will fine drivers for lifting the axle when loaded .
     
  7. V8Lenny

    V8Lenny Road Train Member

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    Hide the switch, fit another outside the cab and don't lift it when officials are seeing. Lifting when loaded is only needed when trying to get moving in winter.
     
  8. lastgoodusername

    lastgoodusername Medium Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2008
    central NC
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    just to clarify , tag is on the rear of the drive, pusher ahead of the drive? johnny
     
  9. lastgoodusername

    lastgoodusername Medium Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2008
    central NC
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    do your trucks connect the air bags front and rear or is there a seperate leveling valve for each of the axle groups? thanks, johnny
     
  10. V8Lenny

    V8Lenny Road Train Member

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    Yes, pusher in front, tag rear of drive axle. Leveling valve only on drive axle. Once saw a swiss registered Peterbilt 379 in Belgium with single drive axle and tag axle raised, looked like it was factory made. He was pulling a 2 axle tanker trailer with it, Switzerland and central Europe has 40 ton gross weight.
     
  11. Paul Burk

    Paul Burk Bobtail Member

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    Nov 7, 2010
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    does any mafg. make a full locker sindle axle drive(with tag axle) to use on current truck & what would wt. savings be? Thanks Paul
     
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