Recommended axle Combination for OTR Hopper or end dump.

Apr 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I operate out of Michigan so we have the ability to Run 11axles total and a commin thing here is 8-axle A-Train Doubles or "supertrains" that is currenly what i run now and that keeps me in michigan borders. If i were to branch out and run in the states surrounding Michigan (OH, IN, IL, WI) etc What would be a good Recommendation on trailer axle Combo? i know alot of states can use 3 axle trailers and have seen 3-spread 9 on some trailers. i dont really want to be relegated to just a normal 34k Tandem trailer if theres better Combo's available to me. TIA

Apr 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I operate out of Michigan so we have the ability to Run 11axles total and a commin thing here is 8-axle A-Train Doubles or "supertrains" that is currenly what i run now and that keeps me in michigan borders. If i were to branch out and run in the states surrounding Michigan (OH, IN, IL, WI) etc What would be a good Recommendation on trailer axle Combo? i know alot of states can use 3 axle trailers and have seen 3-spread 9 on some trailers. i dont really want to be relegated to just a normal 34k Tandem trailer if theres better Combo's available to me. TIA

Replied on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:13 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. 3 axle at 9' spacing is a good end dump setup if you run in and out of MI a lot. But honestly a lightweight tandem is going to work best for otr. There are to many differences between state laws. The permits might be more of a cost and headache than what the extra axle or 2 will gain you

Replied on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:13 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

3 axle at 9' spacing is a good end dump setup if you run in and out of MI a lot. But honestly a lightweight tandem is going to work best for otr. There are to many differences between state laws. The permits might be more of a cost and headache than what the extra axle or 2 will gain you

Replied on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:14 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I'm from Michigan and run into the same issue. When I started hauling bulk I ran a tridem belt trailer. The problem with the additional axle is it adds too much weight to be competitive outside of Michigan, and can't haul enough weight to be competitive inside of Michigan. I now run a spread axle belt trailer and a tandem hopper. I do mostly long hauls so there's no need to be set up for running over 80,000. I would love to see Michigan get more in line with other states on weight. It's sad that I can't be competitive in my own state because our legal gross is 164,000. Good luck

Replied on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:14 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I'm from Michigan and run into the same issue. When I started hauling bulk I ran a tridem belt trailer. The problem with the additional axle is it adds too much weight to be competitive outside of Michigan, and can't haul enough weight to be competitive inside of Michigan. I now run a spread axle belt trailer and a tandem hopper. I do mostly long hauls so there's no need to be set up for running over 80,000. I would love to see Michigan get more in line with other states on weight. It's sad that I can't be competitive in my own state because our legal gross is 164,000. Good luck

Replied on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:16 AM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Anything more then 2 axles resticts you from interstate use. So if you are looking to start running interstate instead of intrastate I would buy a spead axle. It helps with bulky commodities that make it difficult to get enough weight onto tractor, always nice to be able to run 40k on trailer if needed. Also if buying new get front axle lift on a spread or rear axle lift on a tandem.

Replied on Sat, Apr 26, 2025 at 09:16 AM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Anything more then 2 axles resticts you from interstate use. So if you are looking to start running interstate instead of intrastate I would buy a spead axle. It helps with bulky commodities that make it difficult to get enough weight onto tractor, always nice to be able to run 40k on trailer if needed. Also if buying new get front axle lift on a spread or rear axle lift on a tandem.