A lift axle is a specialized type of truck axle that raises and lowers a vehicle. The lift axle is often located behind the front or rear axle. This type of axle is controlled by hard rubber balloons or airbags, and the motor in the front or rear lifts it up when the ignition is turned on. Lift axles are added to trucks for a variety of reasons, including to prevent frame damage and to support heavy loads.
When the driver turns the ignition on in a vehicle, air pressure is applied to the lift axle, which raises the trailer’s axle. The lift axle adds another axle to the equation, relieving pressure from other axles. It is important to understand how lift axles work, as they are not the same as conventional trailers. Here’s how they work:
Do Lift Axles Increase GVWR?
There is no question that lift axles can increase the GVWR of a truck. However, they can also put tremendous pressure on the remaining axles. In a study conducted by the Green Truck Partnership, lift axles result in an average improvement of 0.823 l/100 km in fuel consumption. In other words, they can increase a truck’s economic benefit by $1.15 per kilometer.
A lift axle is a special type of wheel assembly that mounts on a trailer or truck. It is typically found on dump trucks and tanker-style trucks, which tend to haul over-sized loads. A lift axle spreads the weight over a larger area, reducing the impact of the load on the road. A truck that is oversized could damage pavement or bridges. So, a lift axle may be an excellent choice for your vehicle.
Although lift axles can increase GVWR, it is important to keep in mind that GVWR limits vary from state to state. Those in Maryland require lift axle certification, which involves verifying the tires’ size, their weight carrying capacity, and overall performance. Additionally, the state also requires the use of an externally mounted air pressure regulator and gauge. Middleton & Meads, Inc., is a certified lift axle repair facility.
When Should I Raise My Tag Axle?
When should I raise my tag axle? There are many reasons why. The first is to comply with weight restrictions. Some roads require that the vehicle’s weight be distributed equally between the axles. Raising the tag axle can vary the weight displacement on varying surface conditions. You should raise it as a precaution and check with your dealer to ensure that it is safe. After all, it’s not just a simple matter of safety; it’s also a necessity if you want to meet weight regulations.
When you raise a tag axle, you reduce the truck’s wheelbase. The shortened wheelbase allows you to make the truck more maneuverable. But when you need to raise your dump bed, you must lower the tag axle. Fortunately, some tag axles are made specifically for raising dump beds. But how do you know which axle is right for your truck? If you want to make the best decision, you should know the difference between the two types.
What is a Steerable Lift Axle?
A steerable lift axle is an option for trucks that have a non-steerable auxiliary rear axle. It allows the driver to keep the auxiliary rear axle on the pavement when cornering. Unlike steerable lift axles, non-steerable auxiliary rear axles must be raised before entering a tight corner. A steering lift axle can address these issues, but they tend to be more expensive.
To be legally used, a vehicle must be retrofitted with a steerable lift axle. It also must have an air pressure control valve located outside the cab, beyond the reach of occupants while in motion. Moreover, steerable lift axles must have four tires in total instead of two. They are also easier to steer in a straight line than a curved one. This axle allows the driver to steer the vehicle while driving.
Another reason why steerable axles are popular is the fact that they allow trucks to travel at higher speeds. They also make it possible for drivers to make turn-by-turns without halting their movements. Adding a steerable lift axle to a truck means an increased payload capacity. In addition, steerable lift axles are more efficient, and a single installation can take as little as six hours.
What Does the Lift Axle Do?
A lift axle, also known as a tag axle, is an additional axle mounted on a truck or trailer. It is used to disperse a vehicle’s weight over a wider area, which is beneficial for heavy-duty trucks. Usually, a lift axle will be mounted behind the driving tandem axle. It can also be installed on a single-rear-axle straight truck.
A lift axle is a non-powered axle on a truck or trailer that lifts the rear axle when the truck is empty or partially loaded. It increases a truck’s load carrying capacity, helps extend tire life, and improves fuel efficiency on empty trips. A lift axle is a type of non-powered axle that is typically mounted in front or behind the rear driving axle on straight trucks. Single-rear-axle trucks can also have lift axles installed to prevent the weight of a rear axle from overly burdening the bridge or pavement.
A lift axle works by using air bags and steel springs to carry the weight of a truck or trailer. The air bags must deflate before the steel springs can lift the axle. The driver controls the lift axle’s function using switches and air valves. The driver must be familiar with the vehicle’s axial load before setting up a lift axle. In most cases, this will require adjusting a load limit switch or other mechanism that automatically sets up a lift axle.
Do Lift Axles Have Brakes?
The question of whether lift axles have brakes has been a subject of debate for decades. In fact, they do. According to the Green Truck Partnership, they can cut fuel consumption by nearly 0.8 liters per hundred kilometers. But what about their safety? In addition to improving fuel efficiency, lift axles can also reduce road noise. Moreover, their manual operation can help avoid axle movement during unsafe times.
To design a proper brake system for a lift axle, one must first develop an algorithm. In general, the algorithm should have a set of input/output parameters for its evaluation. Then, it must be able to satisfy a set of criteria. These criteria can be found in Table 2.
A rear lift axle, also called a “stinger” or “Boost-A-Load,” is a type of lift axle that extends the outer bridge of a truck by 15 feet. This feature allows the truck to boost its payload by up to five tons and offload its loads easily. It can also be installed on a single rear-axle straight truck. Nevertheless, there are still many debates about this technology.
How Can I Increase My GVWR Legally?
If you’re wondering, “How To Increase My GVWR Legally,” you have come to the right place. To increase your payload capacity, you must first understand the limits of your truck’s GVWR. To find out your truck’s maximum payload capacity, you can look at the sticker found in your driver’s door jamb or glove compartment. You can also refer to your owner’s manual to see the maximum payload capacity of your truck. GVWR is the weight limit the truck can legally haul, so exceeding it can cost you fines and even loss of your liability insurance. Besides, over-riding the legal limit will overwhelm the drivetrain and brakes, so you should be aware of this limit and adhere to it.
One way to increase your GVWR is to increase the size of your tires. You can buy a new tire with a smaller diameter. The size of your tires should be equal to or smaller than your truck’s GVWR. When choosing a new tire, remember that you should not exceed the maximum weight of the vehicle. While you’re at it, get a weight-distributing hitch and install electric brakes.
What PSI Should My Lift Axle Be At?
In order to achieve optimum performance from your Simard AMS20AL3 steerable lift axle, adjust the air springs pressure to the desired level. This will ensure that the axles are balanced and positioned for maximum weight distribution. It is essential that you check the air springs’ pressure in the truck’s normal operating conditions. If the air springs are not set correctly, your vehicle may suffer from distortion on the tire areas.
You can determine what PSI your lift axle should be at by referring to the placard that comes with your vehicle. The weight & tire placard should list the recommended psi for each axle. Never use PSI that is lower than the minimum tire inflation table value. The placard will also indicate the maximum load psi for the tag axle. The tag axle typically has a lower GAWR than the drive axle, so it rarely needs to be inflated.
