Curbs, Tires and split axle trailors.

From someone who's never driven a split axle, I'm still having a lot of trouble understanding how the tire got damaged from just hopping a big curb. Honestly, I've never worried for a second about hopping a curb if need be pulling a regular tandem setup, and I've never done more than scuff up a sidewall. I really am not getting what the difference would be.

Can someone dumb it down for me, so I can learn something today?

 

dood needs to find the quote button!!! It's hard to keep track of who you're responding to in each of your posts!

 

I went to TMI in Walton, KY just a few months ago to inquire about a lift axle for my Utility. They told me that since my trailer wasn't built with it, they would have to change the whole axle & suspension. I can't remember the cost.... I do remember thinking that I'd just buy a new trailer built with the lift axle before I paid the price to have mine retro fitted.

 

First, the proper term is spread axle!

Unlike a tandem the axles & tires have generally a 10' spread. Also unlike a tandem, a spread can carry 40,000 pounds back there!

When you go into a turn the front axle usually just slides. This is rough on the tires & causes them to twist while sliding... That is why you usually don't see a flatbed doing a SHARP U-turn.... If you give em 5 acres to turn around, they are going to use all 5 of those acres!

Now when you put a spread into a tight turn, I already explained the tires sliding & twisting.... You do not have support from the other axle like you would with a tandem. Now imaging that tire sliding & twisting with up to 40,000 pounds of weight...... Then add a curb! Instant tire failure!!!