single axle drive with tag/pusher axle

**lastgoodusername** · 03.20.2009

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

**25(2)+2** · 03.20.2009

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.

**lastgoodusername** · 03.20.2009

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

**V8Lenny** · 03.21.2009

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.

**RickG** · 03.21.2009

Originally Posted by V8Lenny

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.

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 .

**V8Lenny** · 03.21.2009

Originally Posted by RickG

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 .

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.

**lastgoodusername** · 03.21.2009

just to clarify , tag is on the rear of the drive, pusher ahead of the drive? johnny

**lastgoodusername** · 03.21.2009

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

**V8Lenny** · 03.21.2009

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.