Turning a fixed tandem axle to a spread axle

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by PacManTrap, Feb 5, 2016.

  1. Crazytrucker77

    Crazytrucker77 Heavy Load Member

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    Just to give ya a heads up. If you go to a spread axle setup you will go through tires a lot faster then with a standard setup (especially the front axle). At least that has been my experience. If you still want to and can get your axle set up to a spread axle I recommend putting a dump valve on the rear axle. It will help with wear on the tires a little.
     
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  3. PacManTrap

    PacManTrap Light Load Member

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    That’s definitely a good point lol. I pull nothing but beverage loads so a 48’ is more than enough. Seed, beer, sodas etc are all loads that will work with a 48’ or better
     
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  4. PacManTrap

    PacManTrap Light Load Member

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    I appreciate the advice thanks. I have 3 spreads now, all have dumps on both axles and my Reefer has a lift axle.
     
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  5. Crazytrucker77

    Crazytrucker77 Heavy Load Member

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    Do you find using the dump function on the front axle makes the tires last longer on both axels. I have always been curious about this. I just got a trailer last week with a spread and haven't decided what axle to put the dump function on.[/QUOTE]
     
  6. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    [/QUOTE]

    The dump should be on the rear axle, not the front. And if used religiously it practically eliminates the excess tire wear.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2018
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  7. mrbamcclain

    mrbamcclain Light Load Member

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    Does that apply with a forward spread as well? Also, how do you run it to a switch in the cab?
     
  8. Logan76

    Logan76 Crusty In Training

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    My reefer has a separate pigtail with dumps on both axles.

    I want to do a 53' with the spread the whole way at the back, 13' spread.

    My current trailer is a 48' with a 10'2" spread.

    Pulled open decks since I started grabbing gears, I'm more comfortable with a spread than a closed tandem.
     
  9. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    Run a toggle switch to a separate pig tail. Do yourself a favor and add at least 2 more toggles and worrying oin the truck side in case you evet want to write I bank up lights/strobes/ whatever.

    What do you mean by forward spread? Are you talking about a cali legal on a trailer longer than 48? Doesnt matter. You always want the rear axle to dump, not the front.
     
  10. mrbamcclain

    mrbamcclain Light Load Member

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    My rear axle sits forward of the rear of trailer about feet.
    What's the purpose of having a dump on each axle?
     
  11. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    How long is your trailer?
     
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