Double Steer 5 Axle Set Up And Operation

Hey,

I was looking for some education on how to operate the steer axles when I'm empty on a double steer 5axle steel hauler trailer. I'm going out on my first run in the "big truck" as my dispatcher calls it, on Monday and would like some help as how to raise and lock the steer axles once I'm empty.

Thanx in advance, Andrew

Pat M on here is who you need to ask. He's the resident heavy haul guy, has pulled about everything you can think of and has forgotten more than most will learn about the big stuff.

Hey,

I was looking for some education on how to operate the steer axles when I'm empty on a double steer 5axle steel hauler trailer. I'm going out on my first run in the "big truck" as my dispatcher calls it, on Monday and would like some help as how to raise and lock the steer axles once I'm empty.

Thanx in advance, Andrew

I find it rather stupid that a company would send you out with a piece of equipment you have neither the training nor the knowledge to be using. This is a jab at your company not at you personally.

Phil

Are you talking about a tractor with 2 steer axles or one that has drop axles. If it is a truck with 2 steer axles then they are on the ground all the time. If they are steerable drop axles then there will be a switch to raise and lower each one.

This is a photo of a double steer tractor.

Here is a dump truck with 2 drop axles. You do not see 2 drop axles on semi tractors very often unless they are ordered specifically for a special application or they are a converted dump truck. The reason being is that it would be VERY difficult to get weight on the steer axle because of the length of the neck on the trailer. They call the drop axle steerable but you don't really steer them. They do not turn with the steering wheel but are more like the wheels on the shopping cart they turn freely on their own.

There are a couple of things you need to be careful of. 1. NEVER back up with the drop axles on the ground. They are not designed to work in reverse and you have the possibility to break one if you do. 2. CAREFUL in the corners. Especially sharp ones. Drop axles will only turn so far and if you are going too fast the truck will go straight. This is especially true on snow and gravel. If you find that the truck goes straight when you have the wheels turned then you need to stop and lift the drop axle until you get around the corner.

Reading your post again, it seems that you may be talking about the trailer. If so there should be a weather proof box along the frame on the driver's side. Inside that box should be a switch to raise and lower the axles. Run with the axles up when empty and down when loaded. Same thing goes about backing with them on the ground.... Don't do it.

Ask your boss where the switches are to raise and lower the axles and make sure you know how they work before you leave the yard. You do need to have air supplied to the trailer before they will work. There is no securing them at all. There is a set of airbags that inflate to lift the axle while the suspension bags deflate. They work the opposite way when putting them down on the ground.

Reading your post again, it seems that you may be talking about the trailer. If so there should be a weather proof box along the frame on the driver's side. Inside that box should be a switch to raise and lower the axles. Run with the axles up when empty and down when loaded. Same thing goes about backing with them on the ground.... Don't do it.

Ask your boss where the switches are to raise and lower the axles and make sure you know how they work before you leave the yard. You do need to have air supplied to the trailer before they will work. There is no securing them at all. There is a set of airbags that inflate to lift the axle while the suspension bags deflate. They work the opposite way when putting them down on the ground.

Thanks a lot for the advice. Yes I am talking about the trailer. I do know they are auto raise when I put the truck in reverse. Then one back rolling forward they re-lower and continue from there. There must be a switch on the trailer but I couldn't see it nor did the driver trainer show me it. I will have a good look over the trailer in the morning. We do have them loaded indoors so it will be nice and worm for me the have a good look over things and chain down my plates. It's only 34,000 so pretty light, I just want to make sure I can lift them when I don't need them so I don't couse damage to the trailer and to possibly save fuel.

I guess doing my own dudiligence is the best way to learn the information I need to be a safe driver and if I need to come to this forum to make sure of that I will do so. Thanx for the advice and look forward to talking in the future.

Reading your post again, it seems that you may be talking about the trailer. If so there should be a weather proof box along the frame on the driver's side. Inside that box should be a switch to raise and lower the axles. Run with the axles up when empty and down when loaded. Same thing goes about backing with them on the ground.... Don't do it.

Ask your boss where the switches are to raise and lower the axles and make sure you know how they work before you leave the yard. You do need to have air supplied to the trailer before they will work. There is no securing them at all. There is a set of airbags that inflate to lift the axle while the suspension bags deflate. They work the opposite way when putting them down on the ground.

Thanks a lot for the advice. Yes I am talking about the trailer. I do know they are auto raise when I put the truck in reverse. Then one back rolling forward they re-lower and continue from there. There must be a switch on the trailer but I couldn't see it nor did the driver trainer show me it. I will have a good look over the trailer in the morning. We do have them loaded indoors so it will be nice and worm for me the have a good look over things and chain down my plates. It's only 34,000 so pretty light, I just want to make sure I can lift them when I don't need them so I don't couse damage to the trailer and to possibly save fuel.

I guess doing my own dudiligence is the best way to learn the information I need to be a safe driver and if I need to come to this forum to make sure of that I will do so. Thanx for the advice and look forward to talking in the future.

Well Andrew, how did things go for you?

I have read heavy haul pays more than typical flatbed. os that true? what are the typical salary ranges for HH? how do you get into it? how many years does it take? do you still run the typical otr schedule? thank you!