53 foot spread

What region are you running it in? Ask if they have either dump or lift valves on either axle. What size tires?

They pull like any other wagon. You need to watch out for sharp u-turns, and no more 90 degree backs into docks or parking.

 

@Hurst

Where are the axles? You won't be able to do California unless it's set up with the axles really far forward but I think most states you will either be ok or you can get a permit.

 

You generally don't have to do difficult backs or navigate tight docks. A lot of shippers, if loading inside, will have an in and an out door to drive through. That's been my experience anyway.
It's an old joke, flatbedder starts to back up and a van driver yells out "Watch out he's trying to back up!!"
You'll figure it out. Take the corners a little wider too. Some are lazy to corner with.

 

You need a air dump valve for the aft spread axle. Hopefully your tractors have that inside of them. Being able to dump the rear spread axle allows you to pivot the entire trailer on teh forward axle spread like a pin. Rotate into position and then complete the backing into the dock or bay. So much easier than a standard tandem trailer.

You can scale 40K back there, which changes the behavior of your tractor if light on the drives. Beat you to death being ### end heavy on some of the roads like I - 20 near Tallujah for example. Broken plates every 10 feet for 200 miles. If it is raining she will slide a little bit when empty. Nothing too major.

And you must be much much more aware of all of the corners on that #### trailer when backing or manuvering. You will have a tail that can and will try to hook everything and anything in range. You will understand what I mean when you try to get into someplace.

Good luck.

 

Are you worried about the normal 10' spread almost every flatbed has?

I don't see what the problem is. A spread is a good thing, maybe even a great thing, all the way until its midnight and you have to park at the smallest Love's in the country.

x1 is right the tail swing on a 53' w/ a 10 spread seems very dramatic with sharp turns, you've got almost 6 feet of trailer hanging behind the rear axle.
Your rear axle will always be the pivot point during a turn unless you're on some uneven terrain/hills which makes for some funny trailer dances.

Get it loaded right and I think the ride is a lot smoother and less bouncey than a tandem axle.

 

Isn't a 53' spread the same axle position as a 48', just with over hang?