Split(spread?) axle reefer trailers. What's the deal with them?

are you referencing a lift axle? if so,i have seen the guys have to get and pull a knob to lift that front axle.I have mine set up to lift w/a switch on my dash.I do have to get out to actually "dump"my rear axle bags in order to dump the load.I saw a 53' reefer the other day that had a lift front axle.it looked cool and i assure you that it comes in handy when he backs that monster as it appeared to have the rear axle slid back or it was set up all the way back.wild looking and probably expensive-

 

A dump valve and a lift axle are two different things. A lift axle has another of airbags rift the axle up off the ground after the suspension bags are dumped.

 

yes i know.i pull one w/both on a daily basis and have for a few years now.I have just never encountered whatever you were referencing in the one post.i raise/lift my front axle to turn and dump the rear to dump.I had no idea that you dump an axle to make a turn.that is a lot of weight on dumped air bags to be in motion,unless it is a lift axle, especially during a turn the way you described it. i am unable to envision the process i guess as i consider the way my spread works.i may have just learned something,don't know just yet.

yes.i understand that the bags are dumped as the axle is lifted.I reckon i'd have to see what you are talking about to understand the concept.i am slow like that at times.i have tried to word my post well enough to explain my inability to grasp the modern technology that you post regarding. i pull a 1997 spread w/front lift so that may be my problem.antiquation on my behalf.

 

All a dump valve does is exhaust the air on either the front or rear axle as stated in your post and previous posts. No lifting no nothing all it does is exhaust the air. Which let's that axle skim along as opposed to dragging. Its hard on sub frames and air bags as well as axles but it really cuts down on turning and backing. It can also be used as a modified lift axle. Just don't get caught. Dump the air take your handy dandy ratchet strap ratchet the axle up and go right on down the road.

I have almost always pulled a spread we have a love hate relationship when the trailer doesn't have a dump valve or its not working. Getting 80ft of truck and trailer around some of those corners in small towns can be a real you know what. they have their advantages and disadvantages. Lift axles are nice because they bring the axle completely off the ground when turning dumps are nice because the tires never leave the ground and you dont have to worry about dropping an axle at 70 going down the interatate if you forget to drop it. That's about the best way I can explain how a dump works.

 

spreads are nice i will always get one over tandem axle it rides better i never have to scale and it just look cool behind my pete and dump valve on back axle is a must it saves on tires and it backs alot easier

 

Just remember you can only have 20k max on either of those splits individually. 19k on one and 21k on another is only 40, but they can and will pop you for it if they feel so inclined.
I got nailed in Missouri on a flatbed because of that. A little over 700 lbs over on the forward split.

 

I think it's just a reefer thing, cause we tend to stay heavy.... or at least I do I rarely if ever see below 40k in the box (it gets annoying sometimes when they load me at 46k then i get to play the tandem slide game) rolling at a grand speed of 65mph.

 

In the Pacific NW we use a lot of double slide axles on 53' reefer trailers. You can slide the axles individually and make a spread or close them up and have a regular tandem setup. When heading North you use the spread to get out of Washington and before you enter Canada you close it up to a tandem and required wheelbase for BC. That allows 40,000lbs in WA and 37,300lbs in BC that way.

 

.. resurrecting this old thread .. on a spread axle 53' reefer how does that affect the bridge law in states that don't allow you to be over/past the 12th hole?? .. or does that spread axle remove that restriction because of the spread?

.. also .. does it allow you up to 40,000 on the spread (at 20,000 per axle instead of 17,000)??

.. and I understand that there are some differences per state .. just trying to wrap my head around this aspect before I get my own rig and trailer .. thanks

 

Keep in mind when spread you can break an axle with to tight of a turn.