new reitnouer need advice.

Nope. Dumping air is hard on the beams. Trailer mfgs warn against it. My mechanic warned me against it. I didn't believe but I do now. The main beams cracked (more like a tear actually because they are aluminum) right through the bottom flange and half way up the web....right in front if the front axle.

You can probably order trailers with a rear axle dump but they'll come with stronger main beams.

 

I've had aluminum trailers since 1985, Ravens and Reitnouer all with dump valves. The 85 ravens required welding (cracks in front the first axle). Never a problem on the ones newer than 92

In my opinion a person would flat out have to abuse a late model, top of the line, aluminum trailer, in order to crack the main beams. Hauling legal loads.

I'm talking top of the line, not putting a 48000# coil on a light duty trailer. I agree with @SMTatham more to the story

 

What's the point in buying a trailer to haul a legal load? One person's abuse is another's normal day. Anyway, suit yourselves I don't care. I'm just telling the OP what happened here.

 

I hear what your saying. Some people "work" their equipment harder than others. I do like legal and easy.

 

You don't need to get testy. I am not saying it didn't happen or can't happen. I AM saying thre is more to the story.......age of trailer, load, how long air was dumped, how trailer was maneuvered WHILE dumped, terrain.......a litany of factors here. You don't take a trailer....and POOF the main beams just magically crack. Doesn't happen.

 

Not testy. I guess I don't see the point in buying a trailer and then having to worry about the weight I put in it or if I have to turn a corner with the air out or the terrain. I'm just saying of the mfg doesn't change the beam design with a dump valve option added you may want to ask some questions. Whatever. Just trying to help. Don't care. You've been warned. Do your homework.

 

We've been running dump valves on our trailers with no issues. Three of them are Transcrafts which I've heard many people say crack easily.

 

Rank, you're one of the few I almost always find myself agreeing with, but this time I think you are mistaken. While dumping the axle does shift weight to the front axle, it puts a lot less strain on the frame than taking a tight turn or a jack knife sharp type of backing into a dock/parking space. those tight maneuvers put too much force on the trailer beams from the side. A direction the are not built to with stand.

 

I'm curious Rank if you have ever dealt with Transport Equipment Sales out of Milton,On.
They have a 01 reitinouer 48' tri axle that has been advertised since this summer. I've talked to them a few times and looked at a few pics. Was thinking after the first of the year booking a load that way to give it a look. It's a bit older than I am really looking for but the price with the way the exchange rate is works out pretty good. Whats the word on the street with these guys?

 

If it's been for sale since this summer, it must be over priced or beat to crap.