Backing & making turns with a spread axle
#1
09-24-2007, 11:48 AM
Backing & making turns with a spread axle
I have never hauled a spread axle trailer, but will be soon. Everyone keeps saying how much harder they are to back and make turns with. How true is this? Any tips to make it easier would be appreciated.
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Mama cooks the chicken fried in bacon grease, Down the road, Down the road, Down the road a'piece!! Adapt and overcome.
#2
09-24-2007, 11:59 AM
It's easier if you're able to dump the air suspension in the rearmost axle. The trailer then steers on the forward axle instead of between the two.
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#3
09-24-2007, 12:57 PM
Originally Posted by PackRatTDI
It's easier if you're able to dump the air suspension in the rearmost axle. The trailer then steers on the forward axle instead of between the two.
__________________
Mama cooks the chicken fried in bacon grease, Down the road, Down the road, Down the road a'piece!! Adapt and overcome.
#4
09-24-2007, 01:26 PM
Originally Posted by Jimbpard
Originally Posted by PackRatTDI
It's easier if you're able to dump the air suspension in the rearmost axle. The trailer then steers on the forward axle instead of between the two.
__________________
You can take the driver out of the truck but you cant take the truck out of the driver.
#5
09-24-2007, 01:39 PM
It helps alot for making tight turns. As far as backing, I never really got used to using the dump valve. When you dump the air it makes the trailer turn much sharper, so it's like backing a little pup trailer. With full air on both axles, it turns alot slower, so it's more like a typical tandem-axle... but not quite! I guess you just have to experiment and figure out what works for you. 8)
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#7
09-25-2007, 01:33 AM
Originally Posted by nrvsreck
It helps alot for making tight turns. As far as backing, I never really got used to using the dump valve. When you dump the air it makes the trailer turn much sharper, so it's like backing a little pup trailer. With full air on both axles, it turns alot slower, so it's more like a typical tandem-axle... but not quite! I guess you just have to experiment and figure out what works for you. 8)
This trailer has got to be fun. :lol: 
__________________
You can take the driver out of the truck but you cant take the truck out of the driver.
#8
09-25-2007, 02:48 AM
Some spreads can dump the rear axle also so you can do that for your final backing. Ideal would be independant lift axles in both positions - that's what I would spec. Deadheading or light loads with just the rear on the ground would ride nice!
#9
09-28-2007, 07:31 AM
Originally Posted by PackRatTDI
Originally Posted by nrvsreck
It helps alot for making tight turns. As far as backing, I never really got used to using the dump valve. When you dump the air it makes the trailer turn much sharper, so it's like backing a little pup trailer. With full air on both axles, it turns alot slower, so it's more like a typical tandem-axle... but not quite! I guess you just have to experiment and figure out what works for you. 8)
This trailer has got to be fun. :lol: They just don't go into really tight places. |
