Why don't more of us run lift axle trailers?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by scoobertdoo, Nov 28, 2022.

  1. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

    1,512
    2,599
    Nov 11, 2020
    0
    In 2 years, I have seen only 1 owner operator with a lift axle reefer, or van.... Why? I mean we all pay tolls, and not every load is heavy. I would say 30-40 percent of my loaded miles it could be lifted. Always when unloaded. More roads are adding tolls each year.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. jlafume

    jlafume Light Load Member

    241
    323
    Jan 6, 2011
    Victorville,Ca
    0
    That's a gud idea with fuel this high, but how much would it cost to modify a trailer to do that?
     
  4. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

    1,512
    2,599
    Nov 11, 2020
    0
    Not many of us are ordering $130,000 reefers right now, but I can't see it being an expensive option on a new build.
     
    RubyEagle Thanks this.
  5. tnels501

    tnels501 Bobtail Member

    3
    11
    Aug 29, 2021
    0
    It used to be 1750. (Year or so ago)
    1200 for a bolt on; 500 for the Hendrickson box.
    I’ve had both weld on and bolt on, the bottom piece that attaches to the torsion arm, has to be welded on regardless. (If you’re thinking you can jump trailer to trailer that’s a negative) So get the bolt on, weld it on.
    I run reefers, have a 12 foot spread, with a lift on both. Front, empty, 1/2 mpg all day long.
    i feel comfortable putting 20k in it, so long as it’s crammed in the nose. And raised.
    12-34-20 being the max obviously.
    My tandems, 1/2-3/4 mpg. If you gave me the choice of; skirts, super singles, and the mesh mudflaps. I’d prefer to pull my big wagon all day long, or my tandems that have zero added MPG enhancers.
    The fronts, I change tires because I’m fearful of an older tire, over being worn out. I sell them to dump truck guys, and buy new.
    The back, yes does wear faster. But I’d say you get 2-300k miles compared to 3-400k. With the front never wearing out, negates the cost for my operation.
    We pull some birds for a local company, and in my opinion, I’d rather live load my wagon. We come back empty, and CAN use there’s. But it just doesn’t make sense. Before, or after 6$ fuel.
    I shake my head that this is only installed on a very very select few of trailers . Even as a factory option!
    Especially tankers , mind blowing the empty miles those guys do.
    Hope some of this ramble helps! Lol
     
  6. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

    1,512
    2,599
    Nov 11, 2020
    0
    I think every loves trailer I have seen runs a lift, and super singles.

    I run super singles on my drives, by choice, and have never had an issue with virgin super singles.

    Once I decide on a trailer, I will make someone a trade from duals to supers :)

    The weight savings alone on the ss keeps me from ever being over.

    I'll look into he bolt/weld ons once I pick a trailer, thanks for that info.
     
    cke, RubyEagle and singlescrewshaker Thank this.
  7. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

    4,478
    38,067
    Dec 31, 2017
    Little Havana, FL
    0
    The Hendrickson Under Beam Lift that fits my INTRAAX used to be about $500. Think it's up around $650-$800? with inflation & whatnot.

    Figure in labor cost if ya don't wanna do it yourself..

    Screenshot_20221128-144817_Samsung Internet.jpg
     
    cke, RubyEagle, Isafarmboy and 2 others Thank this.
  8. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

    8,623
    5,374
    Jul 16, 2012
    Bentonville Arkansas
    0
    I Think it has to do with not every O/O goes and buys new stuff. A lot buy 2nd hand stuff and the mega companys don't spec em with it. I pull refer for a big food company and i've asked em before why they don't spec em with it. There answer was because if the driver forgets to put that axle down when loaded it can cause damage or a ticket.
     
    cke, gentleroger and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  9. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

    3,017
    6,758
    May 2, 2010
    ludlow MA
    0
    NY charges tolls whether axle is up or down, i only do about 300 miles a week and 12-1400 total so it’s not worth it to add one, but If I spec’d a new one it would have it.
     
    cke, 86scotty and Midwest Trucker Thank this.
  10. scoobertdoo

    scoobertdoo Road Train Member

    1,512
    2,599
    Nov 11, 2020
    0
    Bad excuse. They have them that are fully automatic.
     
    cke, 86scotty and kylefitzy Thank this.
  11. NYStarcar

    NYStarcar Light Load Member

    249
    595
    Oct 6, 2020
    In a van down by the river
    0
    A lot of companies figure it's just something else to cause a problem. Noticing more large carriers going back to spring versus air ride on new trailers.
     
    cke, gentleroger, JoeyJunk and 2 others Thank this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.