first time driving spread axle flatbed

Dont try to shift gears when starting out an making a turn at intersection, you will do it and truck will stop like brakes are on because of drag of spread axle.

 

And keep doing what you are doing, and that's asking questions

I think you would be hard pressed to find another driver (flatbedder) that wouldn't take the time to tell or even show you how to do it right, even shippers will help you if you are hauling some odd type of equipment

But if you are not 100% sure then either ask someone there or phone a friend, send a friend a picture if need be

You may be able to do it wrong only once!!!!

 

With your limited experience, You will more than likely go out with a trainer for a few week, Pay close attention, What company are you going to?

 

One other quick note........if you have a spread axle trailer with a rear axle dump, don't use it in a turn if you're in the high side of the transmission! At that speed the back of the trailer will hop like a pogo stick!
BTDT!

JD

 

Well said. That applies to several things in trucking.

 

I always go by the rule, if the tires are rolling you are not ripping them off the rim... LOL I other words, if the tires are rolling while you are turning then you are doing good. Once they stop rolling or rolling the opposite direction, you are turning too sharp. the heavier the load the wider you want the turn.

 

I've been flatbedding solo for 10 months, listen to these guys it's all spot on. I want to add this....when parking for the night just drive to the back, that's where all the spots are at. And, I myself only back between trucks if there are 2 spaces between them.

 

You can break the frame doin' that loaded.

 

i know. only do it empty or backing at SLOW speeds

 

All great advice! I prefer the pivot point on the rear axle as well. All I've ever done is spread flat, had to pull a van two weeks ago for a day. I could not back that trailer up with the tandems slid forward! I had to slide them all the way back and boom I could back again. Point is you will get used to it very fast and always ask for help. Good luck