Question: Chaining Up Axles

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by TheLittleGuy, Mar 21, 2014.

  1. TheLittleGuy

    TheLittleGuy Medium Load Member

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    Nashville, TN
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    so I'm wanting to chain up the extra axles on my 5 axle set up for when I'm dead heading or running light. My question is twofold. First, do I have to run chains or can I use cargo straps like what they sell at Walmart? If I have to run chains, what size must I use minimally?
     
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  3. losttrucker

    losttrucker Road Train Member

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    Way to much work to keep chaining
     
    HalpinUout Thanks this.
  4. Guntoter

    Guntoter Road Train Member

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    I use cable straps that I get at 4X4 shops. They have a loop that goes around the axle, the other end has a loop that I put a hook on, dump the air, hook the hook to the frame. When you are ready to load it just unhook the one on the frame (hook it to a rope or short cable so it is not tight to the frame when not in use). One on each side of the axle should do it.
     
  5. TheLittleGuy

    TheLittleGuy Medium Load Member

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    Nashville, TN
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    The work appears to be in changing the air lines into the bags. The supply line goes in the top of the front bag through a T fitting then back to the rear bags.
     
  6. Jumbo

    Jumbo Road Train Member

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    As long as you are not chaining the axle with the leveling valve on it then it shouldn't matter should it?
     
  7. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    On my current 3 axle RGN, the rear bags are the last in line, air supply wise. I may put 2 quarter turn valves inline, before the rear bags, then use them to keep the air dumped. Could also just dump the air, disconnect the airlines from the bags, and use 2 push fittings and a few feet of 3/8" airline to hook the lines together. Lots of way to do it.
    As far as chains/straps/etc go, as long as the strap/chain is rated for the weight of the axle, wheels and tires, it will be fine.

    Martin
     
  8. TheLittleGuy

    TheLittleGuy Medium Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2008
    Nashville, TN
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    Therein lies a problem. As I understand it, the rear drive is the primary drive axle. The leveling valve is attached to the front drive on my Freightliner.
     
  9. jorlee

    jorlee Light Load Member

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    You would have to convert your tandem drive to a single screw. You can only chain up dead axles.
     
  10. TheLittleGuy

    TheLittleGuy Medium Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2008
    Nashville, TN
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    Or disconnect the leveling valve from the front axle when its chained up
     
  11. jorlee

    jorlee Light Load Member

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    Feb 17, 2007
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    So, what is going to keep air in the back axle, with the leveling valve disconnected, or keep it from being over inflated?

    Remember, you can only chain up dead axles. Truck tandem drives, are both live at all times. Trailer tandems you chain up the one without the leveling valve.
     
    fortycalglock Thanks this.
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