Spread axle trailer not level

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 93fla, Apr 18, 2020.

  1. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    I had this issue when I pulled a spread axle cattle trailer. You need to raise your 5th wheel to get your trailer as close to level as you can. Mine was a simple fix, I only had to go from tall 22’s to low 22’s on the trailer to make it sit level.

    If you’re not loading your spread up to 40k you can probably get by as you are as long as you’re not over 20k on either of the axles.
     
    650cat425 Thanks this.
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  3. 93fla

    93fla Bobtail Member

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    Thanks everyone for replying
    The trailer is a drop deck on 255/70-22.5
    N yes my 5th wheel is a low one
    I did the level thing n measure the height of the trailer on the front as close as possible to the front of the bottom deck n the back by the rear axle
    N everything if looking like the front is lower
     
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  5. Largecar359

    Largecar359 Road Train Member

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    What size tires are on the tractor? Do you pull any other trailers? Box van, where trailer height would be a issue?
     
  6. 93fla

    93fla Bobtail Member

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    The tractor is on low 24's n no my main job is all open deck
     
  7. 93fla

    93fla Bobtail Member

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    Today I'm going to try up the suspension on my truck a little bit maybe I can get a better level on my trailer or lower the trailer one
    I will update later today if I got something got after moving the suspension
     
  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Don't!

    You'll #### up your driveshaft angles and have vibrations and accellerated driveline wear.
     
  9. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Confirm your ride height is correct but as @AModelCat said do not overinflate your bags. That will cause more issues than your trailer running downhill to the truck. You need to raise your 5th wheel. That is your only option.
     
  10. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If your trailer has a single leveling valve feeding all trailer air bags, pressure will be equal in all bags. Equal pressures means equal load support. Doesn't matter how much the bag is extended.
     
  11. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    My cattle trailer had a single leveling valve on the front axle. Yes the bags would have equal pressure, but if the trailer is pointing downhill to the truck there will be more weight on the front axle. If the trailer isn’t level the balance point will be the front axle instead of the middle of the spread.
     
  12. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Force = pressure x area. All bags have the same area to support the load, pressures are equal. Therefore the force generated by each bag should be approximately equal.
     
  13. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    All I know is when my cattle trailer wasn’t level I was 22/18 if I was right at 40k on the trailer. Got it sitting as level as I could and I’d be 20,500/19,500 at 40k. Wyoming was the only state that ever gave me grief.
     
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