RGN Low Boy Heavy Haul--Are Spreaders Interchangable

[rshackleford]

From one detachable gooseneck low boy manufacturer to another are any of the spreaders interchangeable? Are they easily modified?

Thanks.

 

[Junkyard]

Not all are interchangeable but some brands are similar enough it doesn’t take much to swap them. They aren’t to bad to change the lugs on if you find a deal on one.

Quite a few Trailking and XL pieces interchange. Liddell and Fontaine will swap as well. Not all models and years but there are quite a few that will.

If you modify it needs to be done by somebody who knows what they’re doing. Lugs MUST be T-1 steel. It’s ugly when they break.....

 

[hosspuller]

Was curious about T-1 steel mentioned by Junkyard … From a few net searches, be very careful of any modifications you're considering. T-1 or A514 steel has a yield of 100k psi … 7018 rod is not up to snuff. Pre and post heat is important too.

 

[rshackleford]

I should have said that I have a Trailking 55 ton. Its good to know that there is some interchange possible with the XL spreaders. Do you think the dealers know that they interchange and will be helpful?

 

[Junkyard]

Most dealers won’t know and want to sell you what they have or order one. The good thing is a 55 ton Trailking is probably the most common style there is. Lots of 102” wide TK trailers use the same setup. Is your trailer built to run a spreader? They build some that will take a 4th axle but not all like that will take a spreader. They build the transition different, heavier material and additional gussets.

 

[rshackleford]

I don't know. We have a fourth axle so I assumed it was a given that the spreader was good to go.

I feel like we have priced out a TK spreader several times though a dealer. I assume we gave the a serial number and they had used that to confirm and quote. I guess that is something we'll have to look into.

I found some great deals on XL spreader. I hope that they will work.

I'm trying to haul a 105,000 lbs machine.

 

[Junkyard]

Most are but it doesn’t hurt to double check. Many of XL’s trailers are the spitting image of a TK, especially earlier ones. If you’re looking at used make sure you don’t end up with one from the SE as they can run a 10’-1” spread and make weight. You’ll need 14-1 to get 20k per axle back there. I haven’t bought a ND permit in many years, what do they give on 4 in a row vs the 3+1?

Sometimes a jodog between the truck and trailer works better. Most machines end up heavy on the truck vs heavy on the trailer. What are you hauling machine wise?

 

[rshackleford]

Yes always trouble to get enough weight on the front end and take advantage of those 20k fronts.