Pulling a pup (28’) with a tandem tractor

Doubles single drive the only way to go. There's no traction advantage to the extra drive axle. As far as the rear plate no one runs rear plates on commercial tractors. Not required.

 

Most companies that have pups and twin screws get their equipment spec’d so they can mix them together as needed. Many FedEx Ground sleepers are twin screws and have the mud flaps still attached.

 

I don't know, pal, I'm sure there's plenty of singles axles spinning their wheels here today. While I'll give you the benefit, living in S.Cal, here in Colorado, you'd be nuts to head out in a single axle in the snow. Fact is, I bet CDOT is shutting down pulling any "joints" today.

 

I agree with you. Worked 6 or so years at Reddaway doing both linehaul and then P&D. I've ran every mountain pass in Montana, Utah, Idaho, and most of Washington. While you can run all those areas with a single axle, there is an enormous benefit in terms of traction when you have a twin screw. I've filled in on a few short peddle runs after I came back early, and other company drivers stopped and asked me how I lucked out with a twin screw.

 

I live near Mojave, I don't know what snow is.... We do drive in deep sand. I see no reason to pull double and triples in the snow at all. Seems like a good day to work in the garage.

 

Right, I meant empty van. We would swap on 80 once in a while, pups going out generally a empty van coming back. Doing a Detroit was same thing on weekend, pups up, empty van back. Chicago was different, usually got a loaded van coming back so then I might grab a tandem;

 

Nothing moves in sand. Twin screws aren't the answer to every situation as evidenced here. I agree on doubles in snow, and I think most companies won't send them out, but sometimes , conditions change, fast, and nothing works.

 

Right there with you, lost some really good friends over the years. I have told more than one dispatcher if you want it moved you come drive it, hmmmm, none has ever showed. Nothing more important than for a driver to keep him (or her) self safe, period. If you even think its dangerous park it till your comfortable moving it. In the last 30 year and 3 million miles I have not seen or heard of a load more important than a single life, protect what matter. Remember your life matters.