Spread axle vs. sliding tandem. Pros and cons

The spread is a lot harder on tires.

 

well most spreads i have seen have a drop axle for them sharp turns and all. and i think on a spread your alowed 45000. not sure on that but im sure if it wrong someone here will tell me about it

 

20k per axle=40k on spread
There is a very good discussion on here a while back about this--can't find it at moment....

 

I would spec nothing else but a spread for a van, refer, flat or dump. The ride is way better, no real worry about axel wieght just load it heavy to the rear. As far as tire weare i've had no issues with tires on my spread and i run in some tight spots and heavy. If buying new i would spec a dump valve on the rear and a front lift axel.

 

You can overload on a spread if not careful, refering to an axle. But not usually.

 

??? Um.....no. Having had spreads with front lift axles they are not better for turning than a rear dump. Dumping or lifting the front axle not only makes your trailer 5' longer but most won't carry the load on the rear axle only.

I hear a lot of people say this but unless your constantly driving in circles it's not as noticeable as most like to believe. Any added tire wear is easily made up by never having to pay to scale.

Agreed, if the trailer can be ordered a spread IMO it's worth it. The only trailers we have that aren't spreads are grain hoppers. And that's only because with the exception of Cornhusker all MFG's require them to be a minimum of 48' to get a 10' spread. (cornhusker is like 46') Vans, dumps, reefers all can benefit from the added load carrying capacity of the spread. I've seen a few FIXED tandem flats running around, whoever orders those should be shot. I would love to see even an experienced steel hauler load a heavy coil on one and get it legal.

 

I also prefer a spread--but I say again BUTTTTTTT-remember you are going to have to pay attention--it works well for me doing lTL with a reefer--or the guys with big pieces on a flat---but especially full loads(in any kind of box)make #### sure the folks loading you know it is a spread--and do not be surprised if you have to explain it to them!
Most of the regular whse type guys think everyone has a 53 and the typically load them like a 48--So KEEP this in mind and tell people how you Want/Need it loaded!
just my$.02