Going to spread axle

How feasible is it to routinely slide an axle on a spread, while fully loaded?

Right now, I run a tri-axle into BC at about 88,000 lb. 24 totes, stacked uniformly nose to tail in a 53' reefer. I can do the same weight on a 10'1 spread, given the weight reduction by dropping a full axle, on a spread independent moveable axles to get the weights right. Once we know what the axle positions are, we're good. The load is the same every time.

The driver would have to close the spread to 6' before entering BC. How arduous is this? Do you end up with 40K weight on one axle when you slide? That doesn't seem like a smart thing to do every week.....

 

Sounds pretty dang short to me...

 

They are stronger than they are rated for, normal operation, unless someone likes to mash the throttle and beat the equipment. No problems.

 

If I were to have another spread axle reefer, I would order an independent spread, both axles can move. the 20K per axle is nice for scaling mixed produce loads. the bad is they chew tires badly. You will want continental tires on it. Spreads do ride very nice, and lets face it, they look cool too. The option to run closed tandems at tight docks would be a bonus. For the money they want for spreads, especially independent spreads, I would go closed tandem. If money was the same, I say go for it, but if its more money, and I'm sure it is, for the spread, forget about it.

 

^^^^
Exactly as I would do if I buy a 48'.
Western Canada doesn't recognize spread as 20k each. 20k total combined. So closing it would work, as the allowable weight on a closed tandem is 37400 pounds.

 

If you are backing or turning tight they are tough on tires. One axle is always dragging. That's why u see us flatbed guys making really wide turns when we can.

 

I've heard a few comments on the CB about that...

Why didn't you just turn sharp so you would have a straight back into that spot?

I have a spread axle.

 

The fun part is backing them when the pivot point changes from the rear axle to the front axel.

 

I always thought this would be a benefit for tight areas as you have multiple pivot points. Having never pulled or backed a spread, I'm clueless. Just going by what all the "big boys" would say when I was pulling my reefer.

 

They change due to the surface of the road or lot. Nothing you did. It is unexpected due to unlevel surfaces.