Tandem placement and turning radius

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Jan 22, 2022.

  1. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Actually lowering the tag axle on the trailer INCREASES the weight on the drives. Think about that see saw again. Tag axle goes down and is essentially pushing the trailer up, removing weight from the tandems on the trailer and pushing weight onto the drive axles.
     
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  3. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    If that lift axle was in FRONT of the trailer axles then it would take weight OFF the drives
     
  4. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    That reminds me of another benefit of the tag axle back there. When the roads are slick and especially if it's windy I run that tag axle on the ground even when empty. Not surenhow to say this but having that axle down closer to the back of the trailer increases stability. Or you could say it gives the wind less power when trying to push the trailer sideways. When the axle is up there is more trailer behind the trailer tandems and more leverage for the wind. When you drop the axle it takes that extra leverage away.
     
    expedite_it and Hammer166 Thank this.
  5. gentleroger

    gentleroger Road Train Member

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    I don't have an air dump - never have. Company stopped specing them after 1 to many drivers went down the road with the suspension dumped and wrecked the drive line. I don't agree with the philosophy, but in 12 years I've never had an air bag fail. The risk isn't to the air bags - it's to the differential if you try and move before the suspension settles.
     
  6. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

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    That's mighty interesting.

    I didn't know the see saw effect works up and down on a trailer too.
     
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