Reefer Spread Loading Question!

Why do you have to be heavier in the back? I have pulled a spread since 1981 and never Had to be heavier in the back.Now you can be heavier in the back but I always liked to be about even on each end.You can go 40000 on your spread but not over 20000 on either axle back there or you could get a ticket for over on an axle.Did you put dump valves on this if not put them on both axles and when turning dump the front one and make a BIG swing. Also if you are running in deep snow up a mountain you can dump the front one and throw about 5 thousand pounds up on your drives.when hauling apples or anything that put me close to or over 80000 I would put a single in the nose and doulbles all the way back that way if you had to take something off it was easy. You will find your load will ride much better with that spread also IF you drive like you have good sense

 

I would still load the nose heavier than the rear. dont understand why you load the front light. unless you have really heavy tractor.

 

why would you load the nose heavier It is already heavier to begin with. If you don't believe me go weigh it empty on a cat scale and you will find the spread to be about 9500 and the steer about 10000 and the rest will be on your drives, so as I said the nose is heavier to begin with but what do I know I've only been doing this for 35 years and I had the misfourtune of not going to truck driving school NOT.

 

your fixed 5th wheel is about 6 inches ahead of center isn't it.That is how most are set if yours is the way I described should work fine load a couple and go weigh them to see what you come up with

 

if you were pulling a dry van the pin could be set as deep as 42 inches on your spread my guess is it has a 24 or 30 inch pin setting

 

Hey there, lots of great information on here!

What type of tires are usually used on Reefers?
Is Thermo King or Carrier the preferred choice for refrigeration units?
What type of axles are generally used on reefers for long hauls?

 

loaded 42500 19pallets single double single 3doubles single double out ended 11900 steers 32000 drives 34000 trl.