Choosing the Right Axle Setup Can Be Harder than it Seems
When hauling heavy loads, far more goes in to picking the right trailer than merely hitching up whatever is available. This is particularly true when it comes to axle configuration. While tandem axles are certainly the most common on the road today, some companies choose to go with spread axle trailers to help manage particular weight distributions. While one is not necessarily better than the other, they both have vastly different pros and cons. While we won’t touch on all of them, we’ve decided to highlight a few things to think about when deciding between tandem or spread axles.
First, what’s the difference? Tandem means the axles are placed close together, with very little space between the two, and the tandem axles can be positioned at various points along the trailer to support the necessary weight. Spread axles are quite literally spread apart from each other. While spread axles individually may not be as strong as the combined tandem axles, they allow for a higher overall load capacity.
Take weight distribution, for instance. Tandem axles can haul 34,000 pounds in addition to the standard 46,000 that can be hauled by the drive and steer axles. This puts the total haul possible at 80,000 pounds, exactly the legal limit. If you plan to take this large of a load, however, it is going to require some skillful positioning and balancing on the part of whoever is loading the trailer to make sure that the weight is distributed in a way that won’t damage the trailer. With spread, axles, however, this problem becomes far less significant. Each of the spread axles can handle 20,000 pounds on their own, making the total possible weight between all the axles 86,000. While the legal limit is still the same, this extra 6,000 pounds of leeway allows the weight to be distributed far more easily than with a tandem axle.
There are, however, several key problems that lead to spread axles being used as a secondary. Many state laws regulate the spacing between spread axles, and these laws may vary from state to state. These regulation differences are critical to interstate drivers. Spread axles are also much tougher on tires. With the distance between the axles, there is significant lateral force, which can result in scuffed tires, especially when being pulled through a tight turn. If this results in serious damage on the road, a repair call can get quite expensive.
In the end, fleet managers have to look at the overall route. For longer hauls with varied conditions, the spread axle is a far better option. They ride more smoothly, track better, and are much easier to balance. If your route consists of city driving or tight turns, tandem axles are the way to go.
At Bauer Built, we understand the challenges of choosing the right trailer for the job. While we can’t make the decision for you, we can provide the tires you need to get the load from point A to Point B. With over seventy years of experience under our belt, we understand the needs of our customers better than any other tire dealer in the United States. To find out more about Bauer Built, or to take a look at our wide selection of tires, visit us online today!
Categories: Bauer Built Blog, Commercial Services
