I have a fontane 48' spread. My front axle has a lift for when empty. My question is is there a reason most spread axles I see lift the front and not the rear? I realize you would have some rear tail to be concerned about, but seems like it would get around much better in towns and tight roads.
I've been contemplating moving the lift to the rear axle and relocating the leveling valve to the front. Then I would lose the ability to dump the rear when taking corners. My other thought would be to put a leveling valve on each axle to elevate that issue. Any advice or pros and cons, please share.
Lift axle
Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by RHay, Jun 24, 2020.
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With the front axle being a lift it adds a wee bit of weight on your drives. -Sometimes it's just enough to get you going again in slick/snowy situation in a yard or something.
RunningAces Thanks this. -
I've seen that too, lift the front axle. Not sure why, I'd lift the back axle for the same reasons you say. Some people just do it different, I guess. Maybe it doesn't look cool. Might ride a bit better, but empty shouldn't be a concern anyway. I'd change it so the back axle lifts. Can't be that tough.
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Last edited: Jun 25, 2020
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I'm aware of the front eating up tires but if you could lift the back and run on the front when empty it should get around better in town and tight places. Now loaded I'd still want to be able to dump the back axle. So I would need to move the leveling valve to the front axle
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Bulk trailers with a 4-2 tandem like a pneumatic or a tanker lift the front as well. I've thought the same as you, and lifting the rear instead of the front would make you legal in states with a short KPLA law. RGNs with a tri axle group lift the rear.
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Speed_Drums and brianv31 Thank this.
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You don't have to move the leveling valve to the front axle
The dump valve will still work on the rear with the leveling valve on the back axle.beastr123 Thanks this. -
I post this for my prospective
this is like 14’ of tail swing ( maybe 2-3’ more than running on the front axle of a spread)
I have seen guys wipe out cars in the left or light poles behind them in a tight u turncke, Tug Toy, shawnhhllc and 3 others Thank this.
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