Lift axle

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by RHay, Jun 24, 2020.

  1. RHay

    RHay Light Load Member

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    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.
     
    RunningAces Thanks this.
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  3. Phantom Trucker

    Phantom Trucker Medium Load Member

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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.
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    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.
     
  5. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    The front axle on a spread, as I'm sure you're aware of really tears up the tires. It is done to save the tires and make turning easier
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2020
  6. RHay

    RHay Light Load Member

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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
     
  7. brianv31

    brianv31 Light Load Member

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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.
     
  8. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    As long as the front lift axle is not automatic like some of the newer trailers it goes down when you have, I think over 16K or something like that you can just keep lift down and put a dump on your rear axle that will pretty much accomplish what you are trying to do and not wear the tires very much
     
  9. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    A tandem lift axle is usually done to save on tolls as well as tire wear
     
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  10. kwswan

    kwswan Road Train Member

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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.
  11. Rontonio

    Rontonio Road Train Member

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    I will tell you that adding 10’ of tail swing going around corners in tight city spaces is going to be a much bigger pain the ### than having 10’ more inner bridge.

    I post this for my prospective

    1A795792-7D3A-471D-8C48-CAF14AFA4012.jpeg


    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 turn
     
    cke, Tug Toy, shawnhhllc and 3 others Thank this.
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