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Why Do The Nice Trucks Have Spread Trailer Axles?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Perilously9, May 30, 2019.

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  1. May 30, 2019 #1
    Perilously9

    Perilously9 Bobtail Member

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    I’ve always noticed that the “nicer” trucks on the road have always been pulling a spread axle trailer. Some of them are reefers, but many are not.
    I know that some of these trailers are just flat beds with a tarp surround it, making it look like an enclosed trailer. I could understand the spread axle there as flat beds need to balance weight to not be overweight, but what about the reefers and dry vans?
    I’ll put some pictures here so you can see what am saying.

    Google Image Result for http://www.tenfourmagazine.com/feature/2010/JuneCvrPic04.jpg

    So my question is, why are the running split axles? Is it just the aesthetics? Also do the trailer have smaller tires than the ordinary tandem trailer tires? It looks smaller in the picture but it could just be my mistake. Thanks!
     
    Last edited: May 30, 2019
    Perilously9, May 30, 2019
    Perilously9, May 30, 2019
    #1
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  3. May 30, 2019 #2
    Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Cant see your pictures but Im guessing you posted pictures of long wheelbase pete's and KW's and the reason for the spread axle trailers to to load rear heavy on the trailes as most of those type of trucks run 12-13,000 on the steers empty so they cant add any more weight.
     
    Roberts450, May 30, 2019
    Roberts450, May 30, 2019
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  4. May 30, 2019 #3
    LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

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    You can run 40k on the the spread axles. Makes life easier
     
    LDLWells, May 30, 2019
    LDLWells, May 30, 2019
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  5. May 30, 2019 #4
    x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    As stated you can run 40K back there and not worry about shifting or breaking scales and get cited. Provided you remain under 80K and so on.

    Maintenance is essentially zero if you have a dump valve in tractor to allow the rear spread to float with very little scraping for docking etc Or making tight U turns etc.

    Appearances are not that important function is.
     
    x1Heavy, May 30, 2019
    x1Heavy, May 30, 2019
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  7. May 30, 2019 #5
    Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    That's where the big money is.
     
    Dave_in_AZ, May 30, 2019
    Dave_in_AZ, May 30, 2019
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  8. May 30, 2019 #6
    tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    I thought the hood trucks were way lighter on the steers than the slopes.
     
    tucker, May 30, 2019
    tucker, May 30, 2019
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    D.Tibbitt Thanks this.
  9. May 30, 2019 #7
    Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Nope, it’s harder to shift steer weight, due to the distance or long wheelbase.The spreads fall into the 20 k rule, same as a single axle, instead of (17+17)34k tandem rule. Plus they ride better, but the real reason is to look cool. Lol
     
    Rideandrepair, May 30, 2019
    Rideandrepair, May 30, 2019
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    Midwest Trucker and tucker Thank this.
  10. May 30, 2019 #8
    Ruthless

    Ruthless Road Train Member

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    The City.
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    They are.
    265” L model, my steers run 10,000 on the daycab. Spread axle is the only way to get to 80k with a healthy load on a flat/step. Can’t get 12/34/34 if the steer is 10,500. I ran my fifth wheel all the way forward with 50k on the deck. Only put 500lbs more on the steer.
     
    Ruthless, May 30, 2019
    Ruthless, May 30, 2019
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  11. May 30, 2019 #9
    peterbilt_2005

    peterbilt_2005 Medium Rare

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    Not pretty but it paid well and was 36k just as it sat. Spread could handle 40k.
    IMG_20190530_163243.jpg IMG_20190530_163204.jpg
     
    peterbilt_2005, May 30, 2019
    peterbilt_2005, May 30, 2019
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  12. May 30, 2019 #10
    QuietStorm

    QuietStorm Heavy Load Member

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    The only reason everyone isn't using 48' trailers with spread axles is because big companies:

    1: are tired of steering wheel holders tearing off the tires turning too sharply,

    2: the very small extra $ that 5' gives them throughout the life of the trailer, and...

    3: for some reason certain shippers have started requiring 53' trailers for 45' loads.

    Otherwise, it's really the best.
     
    QuietStorm, May 30, 2019
    QuietStorm, May 30, 2019
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