Hopper question

Are spread axles worth it? Depends on where you are doing your trucking. We do all of our work based off of 25 ton, and it allows us to make a little bit more than your standard tandem axle would in select states. The farther north you go, it's almost a necessity. But...if my dad could go back in time, I'm sure he would choose 102 43' or 45' tandem axle trailers. Drivers can be hard on spread axle tires, and it creates a lot of headaches for old time scales that don't account for 50' trailers.

I don't think there is a noticable difference in sturdiness. The 78 sides will do everything that you need them to, and will fit everything up with a bare minimum of 25 tons; except select products i.e. hulls, midds, and some lighter ddg's. We only haul those lighter commodities with a flat rate anyways, because a lot of times you won't get a full load with the appropriate trailer size.

My trailer is 45' x 102" x 72" and while I really like it, I wish it were 43 x 102 x 78. Shorter length weighs less while still having the same capacity. Sleepers on trucks will subtract from your load capacity so I run a day cab and have no issues with 24-25 tons of midds and staying under 78,000. The interior bracing in the upper corners needs to be kept watch on especially if the trailer was used on farms and in fields. Keep the inside clean and waxed. I use a spray on wax (Griot's) and a foam cannon on the end of a garden hose. If it doesn't have it, get the vent hood that goes near the top on the back of the trailer so you don't have to open the tarp to unload. I used a hole saw for three 2" holes under the hood. Gorilla tarp repair tape is the best stuff! Clean tarp with alcohol before applying. Learn the proper tension of the tarp support straps that run lengthwise under the tarp. Too many get them too tight and all that does is pull the end caps in, then rain runs into the trailer under the tarp. They don't need to be guitar string tight! Mostly my work is by the ton for feed ingredients like midds, ddgs. Corn, beans and such (whole grains) are by the bushel. Short hauls (less than 25 miles) to places with long wait times get charged by the hour.