Lift Axles: Are They Worth the Money?

which axle is the lift on yours and how do you like that new trailer

 

to me they are when added to your other axles so you can carry more weight. Don't give me this 80k BS because I run over that all the time without issues.

 

The op is talking about lifting the front axle when empty or loaded light to save on fuel,tolls,&wear,not adding a extra axle.

 

I wish my company (Prime) would effing do that... It can be a pain to turn/back with the front axle up, and some of them are auto-magic and apparently can't be over-ridden.

 

I dont really see a whole lot in fuel savings but I would definitely say its worth it if you run alot of toll roads often. Adds up quick.

 

You could make your own lift rather easy (and I'm almost certain someone here has) it would add 20 lbs and take less then 5 minutes to raise or lower it.

 

I feel the same. I dont like the over hang past the axle that the rear is rotating on. I'de rather have the turn radius at the rear most part of the trailer when backing up. That way there is no mistake where the trailer is and where its going.

Now for going around a tight corner in small towns,.. yeah,.. I can see where lifting the rear could be advantageous. I guess you just have to pick which is more important to you.

My carrier has a 3 axle step where the rear 2 axles lift. You can run as a spread axle, tandem or tri axle. Only thing I dont dont like is that its running 17.5 wheels. If you think 255/70 22.5 tires in the brand you like are difficult to find in certain areas,.. try 17.5 tires. And if they do have them,.. they will be pricey.

 

you might gain about 1/2 MPG with the axle up,, if you have a spread axle trailer lifting an axle when making a tight turn will save lots of tire wear from scuffing,, some states require lift axle controls to be on the outside of the cab out of the drivers reach when in the cab and driving

 

235/75/17.5 $155.00 new. I carry at least one mounted on a rim at all times.