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.

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.

This wont do any harm to the trailer or real axle if loaded?

They're designed with the dump valve for that purpose, so I figure the trailer manufacturers don't think it will do permanent damage. Besides you only dump the air for making manuevers so you won't be driving on it for extended periods.

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)

also do not try to turn to tight depending what you are haul have a tendency to lean :shock:

I once saw a chicken hauler in a black long nose stretched wheelbase Peterbilt with matching spread axle reefer back into a dock who would have never made it without that dump valve. :wink:

This trailer has got to be fun. :lol:

http://www.sasktrucking.com/images/rocksontrailer.jpg

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!

Looks like an ontario spec trailer. Theres alot of 4, 5 and 6 and 7 axle trailers here in ontario.

They just don't go into really tight places.