Spread axle vs..

OpenRoadDreamer · Jun 21, 2012

The Bird said: ↑

Tandems darn near back themselves, and I'm always finding myself oversteering them.
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Now thats a good idea lol

Working Class Patriot · Jun 22, 2012

MrEd said: ↑

I am with a smaller company. We have spreads. They are great for being easier to load. Some of them have the sliding rear axle, for going to California, and we also close them going to Canada. Don't forget about the lower weight allowance on a closed tandem. Had one guy who didn't remember that, and was reminded in California after he had closed it. He was 35+ on it. Also, IMHO, if you use spreads, install a dump valve. Sure makes tight turns easier. My last company had dump valves, this company doesn't. Pretty big difference, especially when backing.
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If you have a dump valve on your spread....Make ##### sure to shut it off before crossing a scale....Don't ask me how I know this.....

SheepDog · Mar 8, 2013

Very Helpfull...

jxu417 · Mar 9, 2013

Jfaulk99 said: ↑

You guys are way over thinking this. If my trucks can maneuver around concrete/asphalt lots with 60,000 on the spread alone, 40k total isn't going to hurt anything. (unless it's a Transcrack)

These guys back 90* in doors all day with 240,000 net on 6 axles (closed tri axle trailer) so I would hope yours would survive with 40k or less!

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Door 667 at Middletown, right??

wreckmaster23 · Oct 3, 2017

CAXPT said: ↑

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.
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Florida will give you 44k on a tandem due to their bridge laws. They have a 41 ft kingpin rule and to cover that they allow 44k without a permit.

ford06 · Oct 3, 2017

Working Class Patriot said: ↑

If you have a dump valve on your spread....Make ##### sure to shut it off before crossing a scale....Don't ask me how I know this.....
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what axle do you have your dump front or rear rear makes more sense right when do you dump and its just dumping air from suspension not a lift axle thats somthing differrent correct

spyder7723 · Oct 3, 2017

CAXPT said: ↑

Not sure I understand this point, any tandem on an interstate over 34k without a permit is still OW.
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False. 34k i on a tandem s the federally mandated MINIMUM weight states may allow. Each state is allowed to set higher limits, they just can't set them lower. Florida for example allows 44k(or is it 40? Been a while since i needed to look). Look in the front of your rand mcnally truck atlas, it will list all the state weight limits.

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