Multi axles, over 5 that is

I pull a dump trailer with a lift axle as a 3rd on the trailer to make six total for the truck and trailer. Companies want guys that know when to lift and put the axle back down when needed, not once you've reached 60mph and said oh crap and then flatspot it once it hits the pavement. Supposedly in Florida where I live a combination vehicle can not have an air valve in the truck to control the axle, so when i'm loaded I put it down via a valve on the trailer, and when I'm empty I raise it back up, just this week I broke 2 major welds on the drop axle due to a left turn with an incline in it, I've been pulling this trailer now for six months so it finally decided the stress was too much. Simply put these companies just want people who are aware of the stress and pressure put on these added axles, sharp turns, u turns for example can mess a lot of things up in a heartbeat.

 

Yes that is the idea, and no offense taken to your comments. In Florida we have a lot of tri-axle dump trucks that have the valve inside to control the axle, basically lift when turning and put back down immediately, not once you get up to highway speeds. I typically gross around 76,000 and making the turns put a lot of stress on my drop axle, the wear on the tires is ridiculous I've had them on for around 4 months now, granted they were slightly used but still in good shape, but four months later they are worn pretty bad. I haul on a dedicated contract for Leon county so I see the same roads and same turns on a daily basis, I have a total of 180 miles round trip which I do 2-3 a day with apx. 120 of those miles being interstate miles and the wear on the 3rd axle is still severe. What I'm saying without rambling anymore is that like you've stated these companies are looking for individuals with their best interests in mind when it comes to being a safe driver and conserving and preserving their equipment.

 

I think you can lift as many as you want assuming the remaining axles can carry the load. Not much help lifting 5 if the remaining 3 bottom out. If you look most older Michigan sleds had 5 down and 3 lifts (the down axles were spring). Most newer ones I've seen are the opposite since air suspensions are cheaper and lighter than they used to be and the front 3 and back 2 are lifts. Ohio used to restrict lift axles, you could lift it from the cab but you weren't allowed to control the air pressure from the cab, probably the same with FL. (ohio has done away with this) Was supposed to kept people from cheating the scales. (not that anyone would ever do that )

 

Most Mi. trains will have a dump switch in the cab to raise the tires in a turn.

I drove a 4axle trk. that was wired to dump the air on my tag when I turned on the turn signal and was in low range.

Would not raise the axle,just dump the air to make the turns easier.

Some states will nail you if the axles come off the ground when turning.
They would watch you make the turn and see the axles lift. Then stop you and weigh you with the portables with the axles they saw on the ground.

You also have to be carefull when making turns if the roads are wet or icy.
With the extra axles down it will push you in the turns. Nothing like going straight for the ditch or light pole instead of turning.

You need to make your turns wide and slow.

I run a 13 axle unit. To many pivot points. HaHa.

Most new trls. will auto regulate with the weight, but some you still have to do it manually.

Good luck with your quest

 

Well that's the stupid thing about Michigan. Your allowed 34k on a tandem if your under 80k. But as soon as you go over 80k everything changes and they limit every axle to 18k max. But with 11axles most of the time that's not that hard to do.