Switching from a 48 to 53'

No, you only get 34,00 when the tandems are together.

 

Sounds like all if what you do fits on a 48...... Why upgrade?

 

Bridge law.

There are 2 types of 53 ft trailers used. One type has the spread moved forward so that theres a 10 ft tailswing (Swift and Hunt uses these). These types are under the bridgelaw in CT, CA and FL. Florida BTW gives you 44000 on the tandem, regardless of what kind of trailer.

The 2nd type is the more popular for owner ops and specialized carriers. It has the slideable rear axle. While some places will give you theblues because of the bridge law, this trailer, because of the wheel positioning makes loading longer heavier loads easier to get the axle weights right because the load center is farther back.

And the sliding axle gives you an extra adjustment. Closing the spread will move 2500 lbs from the drive axles to the trailer.

 

I agree. If i was pulling a flat, id much prefer the 48 ft. The only way i would think about going to a 53 would be for a stepdeck.

A 48 spread is easier to maneuver than even a 53 tandem.

 

I upgraded to a brand new 53fl last year…..you gotta be careful. Ive found that some states you either have to be open 10ft to be considered a spread or anything closer than that and your considered a tandem….. I run with mine closed all the time due to better tire wear. But, I understand you can't do that all the time if you pull heavy loads…..

 

8 foot spreads or less aren't even worth having as a spread. You're limited to 34.

I pulled a 53 step and found that extra 5 feet wasn't worth the hassle. Never got used. And shippers HATE loading trailers with closed axles. Most of my loads on the east coast went through tennessee. Most of my loads on the west went to california. East coast shippers didn't complain much as none of the loads came close to 40k. But california HATED me. Even pissed off a broker in new york. She had 4 wide crates. One was 14 wide and the other 3 were 11 wide. The trailer weighed 37k so one box had to go on another truck. She knew i could haul 40 on the trailer but couldn't understand why i couldn't in california.

 

Wow... Sounds a bit complicated to this Dry Van company guy.... Maybe there is a Cliff Notes version or a FB for Dummies book???

 

^^^ Confusing to us tank yanks, too! That's why I dread winter when I've gotta haul precast, out of asphalt season. : (