AARoads Forum

Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: roadman65 on March 14, 2016, 05:35:41 PM

Title: Floating axel is not only for dump trucks anymore
Post by: roadman65 on March 14, 2016, 05:35:41 PM
I was noticing now that lift up axel that appears on dump trucks is now manufactured on regular truck trailers now.  They are claiming that if it helps with weight distribution with dump trucks so it can with regular trucks.  Plus it helps cut down on toll costs as the driver can raise the extra axel on his rig before he enters a toll booth and then lower it after he pays the toll as only a toll collector can charge what is on the ground at the time the vehicle is in the toll lane.

What will they think of next? I would have never believed it unless I saw it come through my toll lane on FL 528.
Title: Re: Floating axel is not only for dump trucks anymore
Post by: kurumi on March 15, 2016, 02:35:59 AM
This rigid dumper has more axles in the air than on the ground: https://www.flickr.com/photos/46034184@N00/337310036

Here are some more weird trucks, mostly out of the Great White North: http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/martin_phippard_droms.htm

And this exists: http://www.commercialmotor.com/big-lorry-blog/more-weird-machines-on-biglorr
Title: Re: Floating axel is not only for dump trucks anymore
Post by: SteveG1988 on March 15, 2016, 07:51:35 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.commercialmotor.com%2Fbig-lorry-blog%2F2010%2F08%2F21%2FP4060550.JPG&hash=a7f20d33ecc821baa727688630714b63fc8ad022)

Michigan allows that, an old law that was grandfathered in. FHWA says if they alter the law, the law is no longer allowed.

Trailers have to be registered in Michigan.

(https://carrytransit.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/8-axle-trailer-carry-transit-vassar-michigan.jpg?w=750&h=216)
Title: Re: Floating axel is not only for dump trucks anymore
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 15, 2016, 08:52:29 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 14, 2016, 05:35:41 PM
I was noticing now that lift up axel that appears on dump trucks is now manufactured on regular truck trailers now.  They are claiming that if it helps with weight distribution with dump trucks so it can with regular trucks.  Plus it helps cut down on toll costs as the driver can raise the extra axel on his rig before he enters a toll booth and then lower it after he pays the toll as only a toll collector can charge what is on the ground at the time the vehicle is in the toll lane.

That would be toll evasion.  And if a truck needs to have the axles down for his load, lifting axles up to avoid tolls would also create numerous load distribution issues, and the trucker could receive several tickets for violating those rules as well.