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Spread Axle or Tandem

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Diligent_Transport, Apr 23, 2022.

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  1. Apr 23, 2022 #1
    Diligent_Transport

    Diligent_Transport Bobtail Member

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    Looking to buy a flatbed. Will be running team OTR and not sure what would be best.
    I know that Tandem is best for tighter turns and tire wear, and is also a lighter trailer meaning I can carry more weight.
    But spread would be best for smoother ride and handling the weight better.
    Which is actually more common and easier to find as well?
    For the most part, it will be long trips and just going off loadboard loads
     
    Diligent_Transport, Apr 23, 2022
    Diligent_Transport, Apr 23, 2022
    #1
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  3. Apr 23, 2022 #2
    Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Spread with a slider. Saw some 53's in Beatrice, NE I might go look at. They had several if you're looking. 13 models I think
     
    Big Road Skateboard, Apr 23, 2022
    Big Road Skateboard, Apr 23, 2022
    #2
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  4. Apr 23, 2022 #3
    Diligent_Transport

    Diligent_Transport Bobtail Member

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    Nice appreciate it, might have to go take a look. 53's seem harder to find right now
     
    Diligent_Transport, Apr 23, 2022
    Diligent_Transport, Apr 23, 2022
    #3
  5. Apr 23, 2022 #4
    Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Orion's Belt
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    48x102 fixed spread with lift and/or dump valve
     
    Cat sdp, Apr 23, 2022
    Cat sdp, Apr 23, 2022
    #4
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  7. Apr 23, 2022 #5
    GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    SW FLA
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    X2 on a spread with slide
    Mine is either opened or closed. No in between settings
    It’s a 53’ so closed for light loads and California
    Open for heavy etc
     
    GYPSY65, Apr 23, 2022
    GYPSY65, Apr 23, 2022
    #5
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  8. Apr 23, 2022 #6
    Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    The City.
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    Closed sliders are heavier than fixed spreads or fixed closed axles.
     
    Ruthless, Apr 23, 2022
    Ruthless, Apr 23, 2022
    #6
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  9. Apr 23, 2022 #7
    bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    For a flatbed, a spread is best as it is easier to scale out your load. And a sliding spread is optimal.
     
    bad-luck, Apr 23, 2022
    bad-luck, Apr 23, 2022
    #7
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  10. Apr 23, 2022 #8
    HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    Savannah, TN
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    2 things to think about. A sliding spread is better for weight distribution. A sliding spread can make parking easier, even when heavy. I can't count the times I've closed the tandems to park, especially in tight lots, then spread again when I left in the morning.
     
    HoneyBadger67, Apr 23, 2022
    HoneyBadger67, Apr 23, 2022
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  11. Apr 23, 2022 #9
    Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Land of local
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    @Tug Toy I believe has a 53 that can be a closed or open
     
    Brettj3876, Apr 23, 2022
    Brettj3876, Apr 23, 2022
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  12. Apr 23, 2022 #10
    snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Unless you have a special need for 53. It's 5 extra wasted feet. And since Tennessee is practically in the way of most loads. It'll have to be closed axle.

    48 spread is the only way to go.
     
    snowwy, Apr 23, 2022
    snowwy, Apr 23, 2022
    #10
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