Help backing spread axle 45 degree and 90

Not to mention putting upwards of 40,000 pounds onto one axle and may over load the tires and/or walk them right off the rims.

 

Yeah, that’s what I mean. I’d imagine there are things you really need to consider with a dump valve, and it wouldn’t simply solve your backing issues. Pivoting 40k on a single axle can’t be good.

 

Ok if you don’t have a dump valve you back the trailer in an arc not like a closed large 1/2 circle adjust 100 times if needed

 

I switch trailers once a week usually (company driver, company trailers). Most have a rear axle dump valve, but a few older ones don't. It's good practice to never back at or greater than 90 degrees, although it does have to be done at times. If you're trying to back up and it feels like you're backing into something, that's your axles screaming because they're bound up. Having a rear axle dump valve does wonders both for you and the trailer. Plus, it's really the only resolution other than a sliding front axle.

Set up just like you're backing up any other trailer. Just keep in mind that a spread will not swing like anything else, and you won't be able to catch up to it while counter-steering as quickly. Just take your time and practice practice practice.

I should note that while loaded, a rear axle dump valve won't actually raise the rear axle, it just takes about 75% of the pressure off of it and puts it on the front axle. And you will have about 10 ft of tail swing because the rear tires will skid at an extreme angle such as 90 degrees

 

Tires are cheap compared to twisting up a trailer. I saw a guy backing in a tight spot with no dump valve and the left side nose of the trailer had to have lifted 4-6” while the rear didn’t.

 

It puts all the weight on the axle, and that section of the frame, yes. But you use it when you're going slow. It's far better than the alternative. I've had 51k on the deck, and was doing 70mph for 20 miles before I realized I still had the axle dumped. Think that's bad? My rear bag started leaking, so the rear axle wouldn't air up. Only thing keeping the front aired up was the fact that I had the dump valve. I was still under contract for one more load. Hauled 48k for almost 200 miles at 60mph. Do I recommend it? #### no. But it held. So what I'm saying, is that stuff is tougher than you think. If it can handle the way I've abused it, then it will be fine maneuvering at less than 10mph pretty much forever.

Anecdotal of course, but that's been my experience so far.

 

Man, we gotta work a little ocd into you!!

I reach for my dump switch like 50 times an hour to make sure that sucker is in the 'up' position.. lol

Maybe time for a light up toggle for you!!

 

Sadly, it already has a light. Thing is, I'm paranoid about it, and look at it all the time in a panic. It's always off.

Except those times I'm a few miles past the turn and it's still on....

I'm going to wire a buzzer to the hot wire for the light. That way if the light's on, the buzzer is on.

 

I’ve left mine dumped a time or two or forgotten to dump it.

I have noticed lately my brain has tied it into my blinker, blinker goes on dump it, Turn blinker off, dump off, of course not counting lane changes. It is almost automatic now. Lol

 

The trailer I have now is an old Manac...dump valve is wired to the brake lights!! I was sitting at a red light and felt jerking like the trailer was airing up and looked in my mirror to see the front axle tires bulging and the rears weren't. Foot off the brakes and everything went back to normal. WTH???