PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-555
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 555
FEBRUARY 1999
PS 555
11
PS 555
our 1
1
/
2
-ton trailer’s maximum payload is not negotiable.
Some units add duals or turn wheels to widen the wheelbase so they can haul a
bigger load. Bad idea. They’re courting trailer suspension and bearing damage.
If you have to haul a 600-gal fuel pod, for instance, use the M1061A1 5-ton
trailer. A full fuel pod can weigh more than two tons.
Play it safe. Make sure your load is no more than the 1
1
/
2
-ton limit. If you
suspect the load might be too much, don’t haul it. It’s that simple.
Reversing the trailer’s outside wheels to make the loads less top heavy makes
your trailer wider than the 96 inches allowed for highway use.
Also, the leverage that comes with increased axle length overloads wheel
bearings and suspension components. They won’t last long.
Adding
a wheel to
each side
to make
duals
doesn’t
beef up
1
1
/
2
-Ton
Trailers . . .
your trailer to carry a heavier load, either.
Your trailer will suffer from some of the same problems that come from
reversing the wheels. The trailer’s axle spindles also take a beating and eventu-
ally wear out.
Drive Safely, Too
Once your trailer is loaded safely, it’s up to you to drive safely.
âž¡
Never drive faster than weather and road conditions permit. A trailer and its
prime mover can flip without warning—especially around corners.
âž¡
Slow down over rough terrain. Potholes, ditches and
stumps can wreck your trailer if you’re moving too fast.
i dunno.
..
are you
sure
that's gonna
work
?
sure!
it
only makes
sense
that
more wheels
means a
bigger
payload
.
that's
not
what it
says in my tm, pal!
you're
flirtin' with
disaster
with
this fix!
don't
modify
the wheels.
it
won't increase
the payload.
PS 555
11
PS 555
Back to Top Back to Top
