Reefer: Recommend fixed spread or sliding closed tandems?

Ive always pulled closed tandems and can easily load 44k in those specs. We run cali produce loads with 53' closed all the time. if you are over weight take it back and have the shipper correct it. The spread looks like it would help but to me seems like an extra step. U should be fine with a closed axle.

 

I have never met anyone with a spread that would ever go back to a slider.

 

There nothing easier to axle out or manuver than a spread with a rear axle dump valve no matter what the application.

 

I would.....NOT!!!!

I don't and won't pull heavy loads but know I can with this baby. I don't have axle dump valves to the cab with this trailer (yet) and sometimes backing requires an extra pull-up, but so what!

I've pulled both tandem and spread, even owned a '53 sliding spread for short while. The ride much better when pulling a spread. Even when I get pulled into a scale, it seems the green light is on all the time, like the scale master is thinking "Why even bother weighing this guy?"

When pulling a sliding tandem, I never enjoyed weighing at truckstops and sliding the tandems back and forth. To be honest, I've NEVER weighed my truck with the spread.

 

Sure, your front axle tires will wear quicker if you do jack-knife backing or just plain do a lot of city driving (turns are the culprit).
I pull loads of 40,000 or less although I could easily go heavier. Other spread owners here will attest to that. There is a noticeable ride improvement when compared to a tandem.

 

True a spread will wear out tires faster but in most applications it's trivial. Dump valves can help save them some but driving habits can help the most. Think of it this way, a trip from say Michigan to Florida. How many turns would make on that run where a spread would make any measurable difference in wear? In my experience the majority of people who say their not worth it or claim higher costs have never owned or even pulled a spread axle trailer.

 

I pulled a spread axle step-deck for many years. was always grossing 80,000. Tire wear is not a big factor if you drive it right. No tight corners...... make them big! Also pulled a spread axle reefer (until another driver decided to take his hood off with it). Once you drive a spread and get used to it, you will never want to drive anything else. yes, without a dump they do turn wider..... small price to pay for not having to worry about axleing out and the best part..... NO MORE SLIDING YOUR AXLES!

 

Loading a spread axle reefer is almost idiotproof. If you are loading say 22 skids at 2000 pounds each you cannot do it wrong. Run 'em all straight in an go. I dont know how many times I get funny looks from forklift operators when I say to not single any skids. I run 22 straight in and I'm still light on my drives. The front trl axle really takes alot of the weight. Once you go spread you'lll never go back. Quick dumps are your friend although not *ahem* lega...........