Split(spread?) axle reefer trailers. What's the deal with them?

So, all across the country as I toodle along at the blistering pace of 62 mph(sorry to anyone who has gotten stuck behind me), I see these nicely tricked out trucks with these matching split axle reefer trailers behind them. Why would you pull a split axle trailer? What's the advantage to having a trailer like this verses one that is just a pair of sliding tandems? What are the disadvantages? Can you slide the individual axles on these trailers to make a set of tandems if you need too? Also, I heard a guy at a truck stop running a reefer once say that you could have your truck licensed to carry up to 105,000 pounds in the 48 states. Is that true?

Thanks guys,

MS

 

Most states you are good for 40k on a spread axle (as long as it is over a 10' spread) versus 34k on a closed tandem. Some slide, some lift, some dont.

 

Hahaha I know the feeling about the 62 mph .. sorry to all as well.
Split axles look cool as hell too, just had to ad that .. lol
I think that is what the call heavy haul above 80, 000 , but most of the heavy haul trailers I have seen all have 3 or 4 axles .

 

I am not positive about all splits, but most the back set of wheels stay at the back of the trailer, not unlike a tanker.

 

They are called spread axles and you can load 40k on a 10' spread. 80k is the limit for a divisible load in all 48, however some individual states do have higher limits. Basically when you get loaded, you load lighter in front and heavier in back a ever worry about axleing out. As far as moveable axles go, some are fixed, some have a front slider, some have a rear slider, some are a fixed spread that slides like tandems and a few have both axles sliding independently. It just depends on how the trailer was ordered. My stepdeck has a rear axle slide to make the trailer Cali and Canada legal.

 

Ok. So it's basically that it's easier to haul with a spread axle because you don't typically have to worry about the weights or adjusting the tandems. I think I understand it now.

Thanks guys for the info.

MS

 

Easier to haul... but isn't it more difficult to back into tight spaces with a spread?

 

One of the axles is fitted with a dump valve usually. When the valve is engaged, all of the air is released from the airbags on that axle, which makes the pivot point the other axle, it makes it easier to backup than a tandem IMO if the dump valve is on the rear axle. If it doesn't have a dump, then yes it's a real pain sometimes.

 

I've watched a couple of them back up and have never seen them dump the air out of an axle before. That's cool.

MS

 

Ga. DOT got me for 38,690 on the spread dump i pull.so i was 690 over at the time.I am just stating MY overweight ordeal on the spread axle frameless end dump i pull.It is only 40' long so fwtw.It is a 10' spread.yes,he measured for the bridge law which stunned me being a spread axle.I've had many overweight tickets pulling closed tandem end dumps where they measured but then most end dumps are just 38-40' so they salivate at the prospects of writing that up.

I can state that the ride is better.I can also state that w/the lift front axle,turns are better when i lift,then drop real quick,the axle.otherwise,you can watch and feel the tires drag across a sharper turn.Loading is much quicker-