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Single Axle vs. Tandem Axle

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013.

  1. Jul 10, 2013 #1
    zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

    190
    251
    Apr 28, 2011
    Charlotte, NC
    0
    Good evening,

    I am curious the benefits of a single axle trailer. Besides being able to pull less weight, are there advantages to have a single axle tractor? I would imagine maintenance would also be cheaper as there are less parts with a single axle. Are there any other advantages to one?
     
    zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013
    zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jul 10, 2013 #2
    road_runner

    road_runner Road Train Member

    3,570
    9,181
    Mar 26, 2012
    Montucky
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    We use single axles for our city trucks. They are easier to maneuver due to their shorter wheel-base. One of the downsides is that we have a scale in town. They love to pull us in for DOT inspections since a single axle still counts towards their "quota" for monthly inspections.

    I personally hate them in the winter time. Give me a twin-screw any day.
     
    road_runner, Jul 10, 2013
    road_runner, Jul 10, 2013
    #2
  4. Jul 10, 2013 #3
    zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

    190
    251
    Apr 28, 2011
    Charlotte, NC
    0
    Would single axle tractors make for good OTR trucks in your opinion? Was initially thinking doing some "hotshot" work on the East Coast, but seems to be fairly limited in freight under 20,000#. I feel a tandem may be able to help provide additional opportunities that may be to heavy for a S/A.

    Also, do they get similar fuel mileage to a tandem?
     
    zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013
    zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013
    #3
  5. Jul 10, 2013 #4
    Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

    3,938
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    May 10, 2012
    Temple, TX
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    You will get great Gas Mileage that way.
    It won't use any Gas, talk about saving some money.
     
    Balakov100, Jul 10, 2013
    Balakov100, Jul 10, 2013
    #4
    Sneakerfix and 379exhd Thank this.
  7. Jul 10, 2013 #5
    zmster2033

    zmster2033 Light Load Member

    190
    251
    Apr 28, 2011
    Charlotte, NC
    0
    Good catch. Just updated.
     
    zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013
    zmster2033, Jul 10, 2013
    #5
  8. Jul 10, 2013 #6
    rodknocker

    rodknocker Road Train Member

    1,242
    584
    Dec 18, 2008
    Southeast
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    They say it's cheaper to use single axles even with the 3 overweight tickets I get each week. The benefits is more gross weight can be hauled with a set of doubles. Less tire maintenance. Probably gets slightly better fuel millage. Disadvantages IMO would be the squirrelly ride, the stopping power and the weight limit on the drives
     
    rodknocker, Jul 10, 2013
    rodknocker, Jul 10, 2013
    #6
  9. Jul 10, 2013 #7
    Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

    3,938
    2,641
    May 10, 2012
    Temple, TX
    0
    Lift Axle, you could still gross out if you needed to, and if your light, even better.
     
    Balakov100, Jul 10, 2013
    Balakov100, Jul 10, 2013
    #7
  10. Jul 11, 2013 #8
    KANSAS TRANSIT

    KANSAS TRANSIT Road Train Member

    4,080
    6,844
    Jul 28, 2011
    Glasco,Ks.
    0
    Whether it makes sense or not ALL depends on your operation, and what you haul. For instance, if I run one of my 3 axle setups out east vs. on of my 5 axle setups, the difference on tolls and bridges alone for the trip could be as much as 300.00
     
    KANSAS TRANSIT, Jul 11, 2013
    KANSAS TRANSIT, Jul 11, 2013
    #8
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