Advantages of a spread axle trailer?

How about Spread sliders ? I am about to buy a 48' reefer trailer with a spread axle slider. not sure yet what the spread (10'?) is but I now I can close it up and make it tandem, no dump valves that I know of, anyone have experience with these ?

 

To resurrect this thread....

I'm looking at a 53' reefer with spread sliders. I've pulled a 48 with a fixed spread previously and really liked the ride. It wasn't hard to back but I can see where tire scrub played an issue when making tight turn backs.

I'm intrigued by this dump valve that was mentioned for the forward or rear wheel sets in order to minimize tire scrub. Is this something that has to be added or is it a factory installed standard system?

One final question, 53' Spread and 53' tandem reefers. The spread has Thermo-King and tandem a Carrier. Same year. The tandem is $1,500 less than the tandem. Worth it to move up to the sliding tandem (it also has aluminums and new recaps)?

Thanks in advance for your replies...

 

I personaly would pay the extra $1500 to get the spread. I hate the recaps, but whatever.

As for the independent dumps on each axle, you can not get that feature from the factory, however I know there are dealers that will install it for you. Perhaps not every dealer though.

 

I like the spreads too. Better ride and better weight distro. I wish I had dumps on mine though. Watch it with the tight turn backing, you can roll the tire until the bead separates from the rim. Then you get to beat on the rim with a hammer for hours to straighten it out enough to get the tire to seal again. Go ahead, ask me how I know that.

 

Resurrection again lol

I'm buying a new utility 53' van with full sliding 10'1" spread.

Any advice on tires etc? ... Things a newbie to the spread axle world should know?

Thanks!