Lift axle

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by whiskeyone, Apr 29, 2016.

  1. mickcuster

    mickcuster Bobtail Member

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    Sep 7, 2013
    Elk Mound, WI
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    I have a front lift, rear dump setup. The trailer was equipped like that from the factory. I love it. Both axles are cab controlled. The only con I have found, is the front axle uses a different air bag than the rear, to allow more height, making it not axle out evenly. At 40,000lbs on the spread, the front axle will have about 20,500 lbs on it. I hate to carry that much weight on the spread, and usually try to load heavy on the drives when possible. It really hasn't been a problem, just need to be aware of it.
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Sep 19, 2005
    Baltimore, MD
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    True, but watch that tailswing.
     
  4. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Mar 31, 2013
    sarasota, fl
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    You can avoid this problem by doing the adapter kits after delivery of the trailer. When you add a lift kit to an existing axle you don't change the air bags or ride height control valve. You don't change anything, you just add to the existing parts. I have no idea why the manufacturers don't just put the kit on when assembling a new trailer. Probably something to do with weight savings and or cost.
     
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  5. 07shaker

    07shaker Light Load Member

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    Jan 12, 2013
    Tx
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    If you want to see tailswing, the trailer I used to pull was a pintle hitch so it did sharper turns and then it would stretch out and I've had 16 ft behind the rear axle that was 12-14 ft wide. Actually did a 16 ft wide load like that. Gotta really watch it on the corners then.
     
  6. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    Aug 12, 2007
    Kansas city,Mo
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    If you wanted to fix that you could always shim the rear axle bag. Put a thin plate between the bag and the frame mount. Some of the more experienced guys might have more info I have just heard about it being done before.
     
  7. Foxcover

    Foxcover Medium Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2011
    Dallas, TX
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    I just bought a new Revolution and got a lift axle.
    Love it, saves fuel for sure and when empty it throws a bit more weight on the drives.
    I bought a 2017 model that was already on the ground which had a reasonably nice spec, then had the dealership add what I wanted. The only thing I have to get added is the Tire Pro inflation system. I needed this trailer in a hurry (hence buying one already on the ground) and couldn't wait the two week back order for the inflation system. I can bring it back in whenever it suits me to get it installed.
    Here's the trailer spec order:
    Front lift axle manual & wired to pin on front of trailer.
    Dump on rear axle wired to pin on front of trailer.
    Hendrickson tire inflation/deflation system.
    Aluminum Fontaine dunnage rack on passenger side.
    Locking polished tool boxes on both sides c/w floor securement articles.
    12 sliding ratchets & 12 sliding rope hooks on drivers side.
    6 sliding ratchets & 12 sliding rope hooks on passenger side.
    All aluminum wheels durabright outsides.
    Led backup flood lights wired to pin on front of trailer.
    Right weigh digital load scale mounted on drivers side.
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  8. baha

    baha Road Train Member

    4,137
    2,832
    Jul 25, 2013
    ga
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    How much did they tell you it would weigh, have you had a chance to unhook it on a scale anyplace to find what the real weight is?
     
  9. spax

    spax Medium Load Member

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    Aug 5, 2011
    United States
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    That is a really nice trailer. I love the setup. That's just how I want one. Where did you get it? I had found one with ss tires, a lift and disc brakes but the guy wanted brand new money plus for it.
     
  10. slavcha

    slavcha Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2011
    Utica NY
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    That's a nice. Is a lift axle factory or dealer add on?
     
  11. Foxcover

    Foxcover Medium Load Member

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    Nov 22, 2011
    Dallas, TX
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    With all my stuff in there it weighs 9,480lbs. The trailer weighed 8,800lbs bare.
    Unfortunately I should have ordered this a couple of months ago when I contemplated it. There's a 60 day wait from the factory on high spec special orders.
    The result of waiting now became trying to get a well spec'ed 2017 model trailer already on the ground and adding what I wanted as I need it to fill in gaps when the weather is bad.
    I was still going to wait because I was hell bent on disc brakes and nobody seems to order stock with discs, however drums have become so light and durable that there was no weight savings in comparison. In fact to my surprise the discs added a little weight.
    With that said I figured I'd loose more by waiting cause the weather looks like its going to stay stormy for the next 6 weeks at least, resulting in more lost days and weeks of revenue this year. I have a good gig I can do with this trailer running locally on days that are too wet for my dump trailer. I just needed to be able to scale 48k lbs, my tractor is heavy.
    I've been dealing with Steve @ Superior Trailer Sales in OKC for years and they usually order their stock with a decent spec so here we are.
    I also found out that high spec orders don't have everything installed on the assembly line, stock trailers after assembly are taken to a different part of the factory to have optional extras added so there's not much difference doing it there or at a dealership that does tasty work.
    If I did order straight from the factory here's what I would have added to the current spec.
    All steel components (landing gear, axle assembly's, hubs etc) painted company colors.
    Probably would have went with discs but I'm very torn on that still.
    Dunlop or Michelin tires, (They come stock with Chinese tires but seem to hold up ok).
    Clearance lights every 2' down the side rails of the trailer. (The wiring on these trailers is awesome unless you want to splice into it, voiding the 10 year warranty on wiring & lights) so adding them after isn't really worth it.
    Adding a few more chain ties in the floor but they already have a good amount.
    Small fenders in front of the front axle.
    The only thing I'm worried about, I'd have ordered an 18"-24" kingpin setting, standard is 30". I've a heavy front axle and run my fifth wheel right up to the front drive axle.
    Sure, having a spread on the trailer makes it easier to not go over axle when loaded to gross (hence why I run extra weight on the steer when pulling the end dump on tandems) but I hope I don't have to dick with the slider every time I change trailers.

    All this stuff (other than kingpin setting) really makes a trailer truly unique but has no real or very little practical advantage. All the other stuff that I added will however help save money, time or sweat which are one of the same to me! Lol
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