Can you drop a loaded 42,000# trailer on asphalt?

Most asphalt drop-lots have cement strips for the support legs. If the asphalt is at least 6 inches deep and old, it should be safe to drop there. If the asphalt is new and only 4 inches deep, the sand shoes will leave an impression unless their footprint is expanded with a couple of 2x8s. The ambient temperature is also a factor.

 

thats what i was thinking! also the base material under the asphalt.

 

You may have to call a wrecker to lift that trailer back up once the legs punch through that asphalt. I have seen this happen a few times in my travels and so I carry some extra wide boards to spread the weight out before dropping the trailer. I like rough cut 2x10's for dropping a heavy trailer on any questionable area wether it be sandy, muddy, or blacktop.

 

if you have air dump suspension it may not be an issue

 

I know a guy that dropped a loaded refer on asphalt. It sank about 12 inches into the pavement. He had to have a wrecker come out.

 

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If you take the time to stop with your frame under the nose of the trailer and then watch to see wether the ground will hold up then yes you may be able to "catch it" before it sinks too low. I have seen trailers that punched through blacktop and kept sinking until the nose of the trailer was touching the ground.

If in doubt use some heavy wood boards under the landing gear first or better yet find an alternate spot preferrably on a reinforced concrete pad.

 

I always carried 4x4's. You could use them to also help on stubborn tandems.