New trailer spread spec

I always say blanket statements are dangerous.

 

Always?

 

Yep I always say that about blanket statements.

 

I have one with an 8 foot upper deck. It’s a great idea (not) if you keep your fifth wheel right over the rear drive. But if you’re like most and want it centered over your drives you will not have clearance underneath. I had an extension built on the front. Had the kingpin placed right at the end of the original frame with 20 inches added in front.

 

And with 8 feet behind the axle you are likely to drag and possibly get stuck. That’s a lot of tail behind you that’s not far from the ground to begin with.

 

I drove for Melton as a rookie and pulled their 53's. Three times I was over weight and all three times I was over 20k on the rear trailer axle.
One of the times the trailer was preloaded. The other two times only happened because I was rookie. Now with experience I am pretty confident when I need more weight on my drives.

If it were me I would have the on board scale and tell the loaders I like a nice ride make sure they put some weight on my drives. Oh and just haul lightweight freight.

 

Yeah, I guess I may have only been thinking about myself on that one. Being I currently have a single drive axle truck I'd guess an 8' upper deck wouldn't give me the swing clearance problems you were having.

While looking for used stepdecks, it seems the 8' upper 40' lower is not a popular size because of the issues you've mentioned. Has any specific company made some trailers this size you know of so I can look at buying one, or will I have to have one custom ordered to those specs..?

Also with an 8' upper is 12"-14" kingpin a doable setting..? Thanks..

 

Yeah.... a single screw you would have plenty of clearance with an 8ft upper. If ordering I would think you could get what ever kingpin setting you wanted.
Mine is a all steel Transcraft 8 foot upper and 40 lower. it’s also a 3 axle. I bought it used at decent price because of the short top deck. If I had to do it over I would pass on it. The short top deck is a pain. I have the swing clearance issues resolved but I’m all the time hauling 9 foot long kit boxes that barley fit and some have to be blocked up and let hang over.