axle positions and too much thinking time

LDB · Jun 26, 2005

I was just sitting here thinking about how sliding the tandems on a semi adjusts axle loading. That got me thinking about a modified system for straight trucks. What if the drive axle was positioned about 33% of the way back under the box and the second axle was sliding rather than lift? If it could move anywhere from just behind the drive to just in front of the dolly legs it would be impossible to overload the front axle even on front heavy units. That could also eliminate altering driveshaft angle etc. when stretching a tractor since the front axle wouldn't move and the rear would be the adjustable one. Just some thoughts during too much thinking time.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

redytrk · Jun 26, 2005

Leo...You are just going to have to patent these ideas,before someone steals the fortune you would have had.

Now just watch some smart ##### blow holes in this setup.

I would love to be able to take some of that weight off the front axle. This would be the answer.

Glen Rice · Jun 26, 2005

Your sliding lift axle has been used on Canadian trucks for years. Good idea, just a bit late?

x06col · Jun 26, 2005

LDB: We use split rears on our units. 8'1" allows 12/20/20, and, makes it real easy to tweak and place weight where you want it.

LDB · Jun 27, 2005

Well Don, you were right. Here's two that already have taken my idea and even passed it around to all the Canadians! I've never seen such a setup on a straight truck yet but got to thinking about it. I'll have to start looking more closely in truckstops to try to see one.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

redytrk · Jun 27, 2005

Where would the driveshaft go. Or would we have to switch to front wheel drive?

LDB · Jun 27, 2005

In what I envisioned the forward rear axle would be fixed and the driveshaft would go to it. The rearward rear axle would be the sliding axle and would move between the dolly legs and the forward axle over maybe a 6' range. Generally it would be just behind the other axle but if the box was to be filled with heavy material it could be slid back for proper distribution. I figured I might as well put that here in public instead of private msg since the Canadians and everyone else have already taken my idea.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

x06col · Jun 27, 2005

Yes, if you have an idea, act on it, don't just tink about it.

Broompilot · Jul 6, 2005

Some people ( ) have way too much time on their hands. You need to be underload more to prevent this problem.....

ATeam · Jul 8, 2005

Can't say whether it's a good idea or not, but I LOVE the way you think. Looking at something, putting it together with something else, and wondering about it out loud. That's the sign of a creative mind.

Tennesseahawk · Jul 9, 2005

Ateam... if that's all Edison did, we wouldn't have electric light... just the little cartoon lightbulb idea above his head.

If you have the idea, the money for the idea, and it proves to be a promising idea, by all means do it! Sitting around talking about this or that, but no plans on doing any of it reminds me of a couple of old men sitting around playing checkers.

T-hawk
Whadaya want for nuthin? Rrrrrrubber biscuit?