Spring Suspension Tandem Dump Truck Ride

I was thinking that with 80,000 pounds (divided by 5 axles) would be about 16,000 per axle. The mid section lift axles will transfer more to the drives. But with the right weight distribution shouldn’t have more than 20k on any axle and even less on the steers. But I’m new to the idea of quad dump trucks. But not looking to gross more than 80k.

 

Yeah thats a good point. I'm due for front springs and king pins anyways. I've seen some 20K fronts for $5000 - $6000. Which is about what the suspension shop charges for springs and King Pins.

And I wonder what my rears are. According to the door sticker I have 40K's. But this dump truck is super heavy (27,000 empty). Besides a double frame and steel 16 foot box... I can't figure out why its so heavy. and its geared super low and slow.

 

looks like my same truck but without the dump box.

I’ve made the decision that my best option is a quad axle dump truck for the work I do. But I haven’t figured out if it’s best to buy a quad (knowing it will be 80k for a truck that might still need work). Or if it’s possible to convert my current truck to a quad. I have the axle space. I would need 2 steerable pushers and to relocate the fuel tank and hydraulic tank. My hesitation is if I can haul 80k on this truck frame. I have a 3/8 inch frame with the mid section double framed. My frame is in excellent shape (no rust jacking or issues). Honestly my current truck seems to be better than what I see for sale.

if I had 40k on drives then would only have about 13,300 on my 2 pushers and steer.

 

Good to know. I was a little worried about what will happen when you raise the pusher axles to back in and dump. That’s when you have some serious weight on 3 axles. So maybe converting my truck isn’t the best idea.

I see a lot of older quads that don’t look like they were built for the weight. But having a hard time finding reasonably priced quads that are heavy spec trucks. I watched some at Ritchie Brothers that looked like junk and still sold for 75-85k.