Spread axle vs..

IMO the biggest advantage to spreads. You can have 20K and 20K lbs on each spread axle. Vs. just 34K lbs on standard tandem duals.

 

Kansas, except in California which has them rated at 36k or 38k... for 8 foot spreads, and then 20k each axle for 10 foot spread. I'm curious cause I've seen the "CA Legal" sliding rear axle and I'm trying to figure that out..since I haven't had a chance to drive a trailer like that yet, so I'm unsure of it's "Legal" issue selling point and what it's about.

 

Me and my brother have this argument all the time. He likes tandems I like spreads. To me they are easier to load. I can get around easier with a spread than I can a tandem. Some people hate backing a spread up but myself. I can get a spread into a tighter hole than I can a tandem. If you are hauling a piece that is going to have you close to gross, as long as I am not over on my drives I know I am good to go!

The only good thing about a tandem in my book is if your doing over gross, SOME states will give more than 40,000 on a tandem they won't on a spread.



The deal with a CA legal trailer is that. If a trailer is longer than 48ft the trailer has to measure 41ft from kingpin the the rear axle. Not the center of the tandems. I don't know why CA does it! It's their law and I am not one to argue. This law applies to the CA interstate system. When you get on secondary roads overall length comes into play. And trust me their are some seconday roads in NORCAL that a 48ft trailer is to long. All the roads into the town of Angels Camp CA advise no more than 28-30ft from kingpin to rear axle. Depending on the road you are on. Not a sign you want to see when you have a 48ft lowboy with the tandems slid all the way back.

 

I think this goes back to what you're used to and prefer. Most all backing up is setup anyway, and some people only get used to one way because when they haul different kinds of trailers, they have to learn how to back up with them, and sometimes that can be a lot of work (and embarrassing) , but well worth it to be able to haul anything, anytime, anywhere you want. Personally I don't assume I'm good to go, had a couple of loads that I thought felt right, numbers were right, but scaled anyway because the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and found my neck hairs were right. Don't forget, technically, even though you have the weight on those spreads in the range they are capable of carrying, we're then still able to get "got" if the axles exceed their limit.

Not sure I understand this point, any tandem on an interstate over 34k without a permit is still OW.

Thanks for this explanation. It kind of makes sense in reference to the bridge law, etc, also.

I think you answered or didn't realize you answered your question. CA, MI and a few other states have that kingpin limit because essentially they don't want you hauling a "full" load because it tears up roads and bridges, hence if you have your kingpin distance set right, you can't carry a full 80k, because you'll be overweight on some axle combination somewhere. The other reason you mention answers your question too. Those secondary roads. Tandems spread out, or our spread axles in our case, make maneuvering difficult if not impossible in some spots

Thanks for the quick answer on that question.

 

A spread axle can be easier to load and make a mistake on load placement than a tandem. I rarely weight a spread if the load is heavy, but nearly always weigh a tandem. You can load a spread a little differently than a spread. For instance, you may put a heavy load back more toward the spread to put more weight on the spread axles. In some respects I prefer a tandem. They are certainly much easier on tires and suspensions than a spread axle. If you put a heavy load too far back it could put you over on a tandem but be fine on a spread. I think that both have their advantages and disadvantages. Spreads can really chew up tires and that can get expensive quickly. A dump valve can help reduce the stress. No matter where you move the tandem, you are still only allowed 34,000 pounds on the axles. A spread can take 40,000 and still be legal.

 

Im hauling a 53' step deck right now.... I miss the spread axle. But being in California, I had to slide the rear axle slid forward. Did come in handy turning around in a culdastuck this morning here in California. Soon as I hit the state line (hopefully Arizona) Im getting my spread back

 

It may be difficult to slide the rear axle if you have much weight on the trailer.

 

Only had 17000 on the trailer when I slid the axle. Hoping for a light load so I can slide it back where it belongs. Only the second time since September 18th 2011 Ive had a 53' trailer. Im accustomed to spreads now lol Our trailers have the air slide on um. So its easy.