Trailer tire scuffing problems?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 7
From: Burnsville, MN
Trailer tire scuffing problems?
I'm considering beefing up an existing trailer by reinforcing it and adding extra axles. In particular, I'm considering using 4, 3500# axles rather than 2, 7000# axles because I would like to spread out the bed area that the load can rest on directly. The lead axle would be right at the middle of the trailer, which would have a 24' to 26' bed.
My question is, the tire scuffing problem associated especially with turning while backing, but also to a lesser extent, even turning while travelling forward.
I know its something of a problem, I just don't know how much. Does anyone have any experience about this to share? I'd certainly appreciate it. Thanks.
My question is, the tire scuffing problem associated especially with turning while backing, but also to a lesser extent, even turning while travelling forward.
I know its something of a problem, I just don't know how much. Does anyone have any experience about this to share? I'd certainly appreciate it. Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Four axles is a lot to turn even while going forward, basically, you are going to be dragging it through corners instead of pivoting. That is why bigger trailers with four axles have a pivot between the 2nd and 3rd axle. You see this on the larger cranes and such. I do not think I have ever seen a tractor trailer with more then three rear axles.
The bigger question is braking and how even it would be. I would imagine you need brakes on all axles with this set up and if they are drum, I don't think I would want to brake it hard on a slippery surface.
The bigger question is braking and how even it would be. I would imagine you need brakes on all axles with this set up and if they are drum, I don't think I would want to brake it hard on a slippery surface.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: N. Georgia
You will be scuffing the rear tires off the trailer at a very rapid rate. I have never pulled a 4 axle trailer but on a three axle loaded with a john deer tracked loader you would buff the rear axle tires off four times as fast as the other two axles. Also, when you backed in to unload the tires would nearly come off the rim they were pushed over so hard on the side walls. Pulling the trailer loaded you should have no problems except when you tried to make 90* turns.
Joe
Joe
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 7
From: Burnsville, MN
Great. Really appreciate the feedback. Its clear now that this is a real problem and not some kind of urban myth. I've also contacted several trailer manufacturers and they also recommended no more than three axles, though they're perfectly willing to build whatever the custormer wants!
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Alamosa, Colorado
If you ever want to see the effects of scuffing, watch a semi with a spreadaxle make a very sharp turn. This is why many semi drivers with three or more axles in the rear will dump the air out of the helper axles before turning.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
big trailer here is a link to a 8 axle michigan asphalt trailer, 3 axles are lifts, 5 stay down. there is a huge amount of scrubbing on turns, you can always tell where they have been.
some manufacturers will go with 3 axles for more stability, but you would be fine with 2.
some manufacturers will go with 3 axles for more stability, but you would be fine with 2.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by rebocardo
> that makes all those axles nessisary?
Logging?
Logging?