Right size tarps...

No, I wish I did. The rear axle slides and thats about it.

I think if I did a lift axle, I would have the front axle lift while still allowing the rear to slide.

I'm looking at buying another truck and trailer next spring,.. couple of things I will check into when ordering the trailer.

I'm still learning the ins and outs,.. and all the secret tricks of the trade.

Eventually I'll get this figured out.



Hurst

 

REAR! The other part besides wear is turning radius. Like driving a compact car.

 

When you think you have it all figured out, you are in more trouble than you think.

If you are really about using your trailer for everything, you should think about an 8' upper. If you can get the kingpin far enough forward to not hit your tires and still get the weight needed on your steers, it would be the txtts! Remember, the real high dollar, make you hollar freight, is lower deck freight.

 

While I would agree on the shorter turn radius,.. I wouldnt like the amount of swing past the axle on the ground. Could make things difficult with a 53' trailer to get into a short tight spot like at a truck stop between two trucks parked close together. I'd rather swing on the rear axle so I know exactly where the rear end is and where its going. 90 it in and you dont have to worry about the rear end over shooting your angle.

Thats just me and what I want. You guys might be more comfortable swinging on the front axle. When I did reefer work, I preferred to extend my tandems when at a shipper and thats what I got used to. Different learning curve with a spread. But backing is still backing. The skill required hasnt changed.

Hurst

 

Yeah but who makes a lower deck longer than 43'? And why would I need more than 43'? Its rare to need all of my lower deck. I prefer to do mostly equipment. Thats what I mainly look for. Plus I'm starting to get call backs from places and brokers requesting me.

Also I havent had any issue using 1 or 2 of my load levelers when they are needed. I had to use one with these PODs I just hauled.

I find the 10' upper deck invaluable when it comes to putting partials up there. They typically only need about 8' which leaves room for my dunnage and tarps to remain up front. Plus even when they want exclusive rights to my trailer, if I know I'll have room,.. I'm looking for a partial anyway. In the last 3 - 4 months I've become pretty much obsessed with utilizing my whole trailer with what ever I can find going my way. I mean even when a load that pays ok at $2.60 a mile,.. if I can find a partial paying another $1.4 - $2 mi,.. cha ching.

In fact,.. I'm considering getting a shorter lower deck, 40' or 41' to save some weight, yet still retain my 10' upper. Still on the fence with this idea as well. I know I'm going to lose my mind when it comes time to finally sit down and order it.

That and not sure if you noticed or not. But fuel prices been coming down last couple weeks. I havent paid over $3.68 gal in last 3 weeks. I take that back,.. I got stuck buying some fuel in North PA at $3.89. Saturday I got fuel in Indiana for $3.41 and then topped off in Ga on Sunday for $3.47 to get me in an out of Fla.

I think we will have a profitable winter provided rates remain stable and dont drop with the fuel prices.

Hurst

 

I'd almost like to route through SC just to buy fuel!

I like to top off when ever I see really low fuel prices, even if its only 50 - 75 gals. I always feel ridiculous doing it. But I cant seem to help myself knowing I can save $20 - $30 at the pump.

Hurst

 

If you're really crazy about partials, get your next truck with a coffin sleeper, stretch it out to about 300", and put an extra deck on the tractor. That's what I'm doing with my old K100. Considering putting some hydraulics and ramps on it so I can fit a car between the tractor and trailer to really make the partials game interesting. Right now I'm heading out to pick up a full load paying $4 a mile that would fit right there, and I'd have my whole trailer left for up to another 40,000lb.