Tandems all the way forward

Plain and simple,LAZY.They probably don't weigh their loads either.Unless your yard is tight.I've had to move tandems all the way forward just to make a turn into yards from avoiding hitting cars and walls.

 

Better manuevering if your load is lighter than 30K. If you're heavy, you'll just have to deal with the current setting after you've hit the Cat scale.

 

Just easier in tight spots/turns... I do it most of the time when empty also.

 

Watch your tailswing,

and in some areas you may be in violation !!

 

I run them all the way forward only when empty or loaded really light. Not lazy, just makes turning way easier.

 

I have never heard of "too short" being a problem...?

Shorter, as mentioned, is more nimble in a tight road course.

I also think the the "big swing" is less of a problem compared to the highly increased off-tracking when having the tandems all the way back.

Mikeeee

 

Maryland will ticket you for being too short.

not every trailer will go so short as to get you a violation. But many will.

 

When I pulled vans and reefers, I would usually run with the tandems in the 4th or 5th hole from the front whenever possible. I was still short enough to navigate most tight areas, but I didn't have a massive amount of tail swing to deal with. Best of both worlds I suppose.

 

I'm gonna speak from my experience, and maybe a few others as well.

I always run my tandems as far forward as legally possible. Balance of the load, is what creates or deteriorates the ride. And the maneuvering is easier in tight yards and streets.

And tail swing has never been an issue for me.

Tail swing issues (for me) in extremely tight areas are dealt with by releasing the tandems and allowing them to float freely. this allows the tandems to be slid while backing to accommodate the situation. I've had to keep the tandems slid short to set up on a hole, then slid the tandems back from that position to insure it went in without hitting a trailer. Once set in the hole, slide them forward to avoid the curb in front.

Not sure that that reads as intended, seeing it in action would be better.