Why don't more of us run lift axle trailers?

That's a gud idea with fuel this high, but how much would it cost to modify a trailer to do that?

 

It used to be 1750. (Year or so ago)
1200 for a bolt on; 500 for the Hendrickson box.
I’ve had both weld on and bolt on, the bottom piece that attaches to the torsion arm, has to be welded on regardless. (If you’re thinking you can jump trailer to trailer that’s a negative) So get the bolt on, weld it on.
I run reefers, have a 12 foot spread, with a lift on both. Front, empty, 1/2 mpg all day long.
i feel comfortable putting 20k in it, so long as it’s crammed in the nose. And raised.
12-34-20 being the max obviously.
My tandems, 1/2-3/4 mpg. If you gave me the choice of; skirts, super singles, and the mesh mudflaps. I’d prefer to pull my big wagon all day long, or my tandems that have zero added MPG enhancers.
The fronts, I change tires because I’m fearful of an older tire, over being worn out. I sell them to dump truck guys, and buy new.
The back, yes does wear faster. But I’d say you get 2-300k miles compared to 3-400k. With the front never wearing out, negates the cost for my operation.
We pull some birds for a local company, and in my opinion, I’d rather live load my wagon. We come back empty, and CAN use there’s. But it just doesn’t make sense. Before, or after 6$ fuel.
I shake my head that this is only installed on a very very select few of trailers . Even as a factory option!
Especially tankers , mind blowing the empty miles those guys do.
Hope some of this ramble helps! Lol

 

The Hendrickson Under Beam Lift that fits my INTRAAX used to be about $500. Think it's up around $650-$800? with inflation & whatnot.

Figure in labor cost if ya don't wanna do it yourself..

 

I Think it has to do with not every O/O goes and buys new stuff. A lot buy 2nd hand stuff and the mega companys don't spec em with it. I pull refer for a big food company and i've asked em before why they don't spec em with it. There answer was because if the driver forgets to put that axle down when loaded it can cause damage or a ticket.

 

NY charges tolls whether axle is up or down, i only do about 300 miles a week and 12-1400 total so it’s not worth it to add one, but If I spec’d a new one it would have it.

 

A lot of companies figure it's just something else to cause a problem. Noticing more large carriers going back to spring versus air ride on new trailers.