4 Advice to Choose a 4 axle fuel tank trailer

Ideal loading conditions are a rarity in the hauling industry. While loading equipment in the yard might not pose any difficulty, a level surface with plenty of room to maneuver is much harder to find on an active jobsite. 

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Many operators have found traveling axle trailers provide the ideal combination of features to increase safety and versatility. However, like any trailer, maximizing these benefits relies on a careful matching of product specs with the individual operation. Simply selecting a traveling axle trailer off the lot, so to speak, will often get the job done. But a careful consideration of available features with a reputable dealer or manufacturer promises a long-term solution that will provide more safety, durability and better return on investment.

Traveling axle or sliding axle trailers are available from a number of manufacturers. Each brand offers slightly different features, but there are a few design standards that make these trailers well suited for operations looking for versatility and ease of loading. Operators who know what they need in these areas are well on their way to finding the right trailer for their operation.

Key Specs to Consider

First, start with your required capacity. Generally, traveling axle manufacturers offers models with a 40- or 55- ton capacity, making them suited for transporting a variety of equipment.

If the trailer will mostly be hauling larger machines like excavators or pavers, pay close attention to the manufacturer's 10-ft. capacity rating. Those wanting to haul mixed loads of small and mid-sized construction tools, such as skid steers or lifts, should carefully consider the overall capacity. This number tells you how many pieces of equipment, such as mini-excavators or concrete road dividers, you can safely transport on the trailer deck.

Depending on the required capacity and intended use, you can then choose from a number of available deck lengths ' usually 48, 50 or 53 ft. ' to select a trailer that is optimal for your specific hauling needs. This customization is especially cost effective for businesses that often haul mixed or concentrated short loads, since it allows them to choose a length that works best in the areas they will be used.

Loaded deck height is another spec you should keep in mind to limit permit costs and maximize productivity. Within the U.S., legal load height is 13 ft. 6 in. However, operators are faced with many overhead obstacles that are even lower, especially in urban environments. In these situations, a single inch can mean a difference of hours when it comes to getting from point A to point B and beyond. A traveling axle trailer with a low loaded deck height of 36 in. provides optimal flexibility for transporting taller equipment.

Also make note of the trailer's load angle. This feature is key to safety and efficiency since it allows you to simply drive or winch loads onto the deck, eliminating the hassle of ramps and the dangers associated with driving up and over the rear axle. It also makes transporting machines with low ground clearance, such as pavers and rollers, much more convenient.

Load angles vary between models and manufacturers, but are usually between 8° and 6°. Generally speaking, the lower the load angle, the easier loading will be, so compare this important spec before making a final decision.

Designed for Durability

Look for a trailer with a rugged design made to excel in the adverse conditions often found on construction jobsites.

To provide ample power and traction for moving axles on muddy or uneven terrain, carefully consider the rig's piggyback cylinder. Most traveling axle trailers rely on hydraulics to move axles forward and back and tilt the trailer deck up and down. When it comes to the axles, the piggyback cylinder is the driving force behind this movement. While a 4-in. cylinder is common on most traveling axle trailers, models with a 5-in. cylinder provide 56% more push force of the cylinders to maximize axle operation while loading and unloading.

For additional durability and long-term value, consider a 4-beam frame design that uses 4-in. I-beam crossmembers. Compared to the perimeter frame, which uses 3-in. crossmembers and concentrates weight on only two outside beams, the 4-beam frame offers better deflection across the entire deck. This results in a more even weight distribution that increases trailer longevity and versatility with mixed loads of smaller equipment. 

Another durability differentiator is the thickness of the apitong decking. This tightly woven and incredibly dense South Asian wood is less susceptible to chipping and cracking compared to oak or other hardwood, while providing more traction than metal. For maximum longevity, look for trailers offering 1.5-in.-thick (nominal) apitong. 

Winch Type Matters

An in-deck winch is standard equipment on most traveling axle trailers from reputable manufacturers. However, the type of winch makes a significant difference.

Look for a trailer with a 20,000-lbs. direct-drive planetary winch, which offers up to twice the loading speed of a more traditional worm gear model. This productivity boost is especially important for operators frequently needing to load immobile equipment or objects.

Remote control winch operation should also be considered. For the most part, this is a standard feature from leading manufacturers because of the safety and productivity benefits it provides. With a remote control, operators can use the winch from any position ' including behind the wheel of inoperable machinery or on the passenger side of the trailer to avoid traffic. This feature also makes it possible for a single operator to load the trailer.

Here again, small differences between manufacturers can quickly add up. For optimum efficiency, look for a six-function remote system. This not only controls the winch but also moves the axles and tilts the deck. A remote with a range of 150 ft. increases the viable working area, allowing operators to choose the safest vantage point for loading and unloading. Additionally, a USB-chargeable remote offers added convenience over battery-powered options.

Additional Features

After all the 'make or break' decisions that go into trailer selection, there are the little extras from leading manufacturers that can make a big difference in productivity and safety.

Take the number and size of toolboxes, for example. Look for a trailer with ample storage for chains, binders and other necessary equipment. Some manufacturers offer traveling axle trailers with an additional curbside toolbox with a chain rack for safe, convenient access away from oncoming traffic. This second toolbox also provides significantly more storage capacity than models with a single driver-side storage option.

Trailers with double keyhole tie-down slots on top of the outside beams and recessed in the center of the main deck can offer increased flexibility. This feature allows for safe side-by-side loading of smaller equipment, such as skid steers. 

While selecting a traveling axle trailer can be a complicated process, there are experts readily available to help walk you through all the options and ensure you get the right trailer for the job. Work with reputable dealers and manufacturers to understand the key considerations for optimal safety, efficiency and longevity. 

Before buying a trailer, you need to identify your needs and ask yourself the right questions. Here is a list of criteria to consider when choosing a trailer:

Work environment:
Will you be using your trailer indoors or outdoors?
What type of ground will your trailer be used on (concrete, tiles, gravel, etc.)?
How much working space will be available (length and width of traffic lanes, narrow passageways, etc.)?
What kind of routes will you be taking? Will there be any slopes? Will there be any obstacles (sidewalks, rails, etc.)?

Payload: This is the maximum load the trailer can carry (some trailers can carry loads from 1 to 2 tonnes, while others can carry up to 8 tonnes).

The type of goods to be transported and their packaging: This information is fundamental in determining the size and type of trailer to choose.
Would you like to tow a single item?
Or is the merchandise broken down into several pallets, for example?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of 4 axle fuel tank trailer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Number of axles: Depending on the type of goods to be towed and the degree of maneuverability you require, you can choose a trailer with 1 or 2 steered axles.
One axle means 2 wheels, while 2 axles means 4 wheels.
Note that with two steered axles, your trailer is easier to maneuver and more stable than a single-axle trailer.

The type of hitch: You can choose between different types of hitches.

The type of braking: Several types of braking are possible for your trailer, including:
Parking brakes (handbrake, wheel chocks, drawbar braking)
Service brakes (hydraulic, pneumatic, or inertia braking system)

There are many different types of industrial trailers on the market. The type you choose will depend on your needs.
Here's a list of the main trailers available and their main applications.

Dump trailers:
These are for transporting bulk goods on construction sites or mining sites, for example. The goods towed are often sand, ores, or rubble.
The main advantages of these trailers are their speed and ease of use. All you have to do is tilt the trailer using a jack system, then load and unload the goods.
Some dump trailers are equipped with a moving floor, enabling rear unloading without tipping. These models are dedicated to transporting large quantities of goods, for example in the agricultural or timber industries.

Flatbed trailers:
These are suitable for tall goods or goods high in height.
Please note that these trailers are not equipped with tarpaulins. This means you need to make sure that the goods you're towing are safe from harsh weather conditions, as there's no way of adding protection.
Depending on the goods to be transported, you can choose the material of the bed (wood, aluminum, steel). You can also add anti-slip elements for better grip.

Semi-tank trailers:
As their name suggests, these trailers are equipped with a tank for transporting liquids and granules.
Different types of tanks are available depending on the goods to be transported:
Powder tanks are ideal for transporting flour, grain, or polystyrene beads.
Chemical tankers are dedicated to products that may pose a significant chemical risk in the event of a leak. The tanks are therefore made of steel or aluminum to withstand particularly aggressive chemicals.
Oil tanks are used to transport fuel oil, bitumen, or gasoline. Special authorization is required to use this type of tank. Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers is also mandatory.
Food tankers are often divided into compartments to carry different food liquids (milk, juice, oil, etc.) at the same time.

Container trailers:

These are used for multimodal transport, to move heavy but not fragile goods. They can carry a wide range of different goods.

Van trailers:
These protect and secure the goods being transported with armored, watertight walls.

Reefer trailers:
These are used to transport goods, usually fruit and vegetables, while controlling their temperature.
Temperatures range from around -20° to +30°.

Extendable trailers:
These are practical for transporting very long parts, as they can be extended.

Tautliner trailers:
These are equipped with a bed and a tarpaulin on the top and sides. These trailers need to be tarped and untarped.
However, there are straps already installed, which simplifies tarping, making these a good compromise for protecting your goods from bad weather, without investing in a more expensive 100% tarpaulin solution.

Curtainside trailers:
These trailers are equipped with a tarpaulin-covered platform and can be used to transport all types of goods. In addition to their versatility, their main advantage is the fact that they are already tarpaulin-covered. Unlike Tautliner trailers, you don't need to tarp/untarp.

Trailers can either be towed either by hand or by a vehicle. The choice of one or other type depends on the nature of the goods to be transported.

Hand towed trailers

With hand-towed trailers, towing is done manually, simply by manipulating the trailer's drawbar to move it forward or backward. Transportable loads are therefore lower, up to kg. Some manufacturers offer models with a load-bearing capacity of up to 3 tonnes.
These trailers are ideal for indoor transport on smooth, flat ground. They must also be free of obstacles and slopes.

Vehicle towed trailers

Industrial vehicle towed trailers are designed to handle much heavier loads (up to 8 tonnes depending on the manufacturer) which are impossible or too dangerous to move by hand. They are also suitable for very intensive and frequent use.

These trailers are more robustly built than hand-towed trailers.

A trailer can have one or more axles to support its load. The number of axles affects your trailer's maneuverability, and the amount of maneuverability you need depends on the nature of your merchandise. Here are the main differences between a single-axle trailer and a double-axle trailer to help you make your choice.

Single-axle trailers
These are equipped with a pivoting front axle and two fixed rear wheels.
They have several advantages:
They are lighter and easier to maneuver.
They are less expensive.

Their main drawback is that since they are on two fixed wheels, they are less stable and don't offer good load distribution or roadholding.

Double-axle trailers
These are equipped with four wheels, making them more stable than single-axle trailers. They offer better load distribution and improved roadholding. So they're the right choice if you're moving large, heavy, or even delicate loads.

On the other hand, they are less easy to maneuver than single-axle trailers and are often more expensive.

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