Mr. John Tutorial : Sliding the trailer tandems (trailer axles) of a semi

Showing the simplicity of how to slide your trailer axles to keep your weight within regulations. Each hole represents 300 to 500 lbs depending on the spacing of the holes (manufacturer of trailer). It's a good idea to carry vice-grips as the locking knub on the shaft or the holes the knub is suppose to lock into on many trailers is worn and the handle will not remain 'out' keeping the locking pins 'in'. By clasping the vice-grips around the shaft near the locking hole the handle will remain out thus the locking pins remain 'in' allowing axles to be slid. A small sludge hammer and penetrating oil may be required to loosen locking pins or move the trailer slightly forward or backward with the tractor brakes off and the trailer breaks on and the release handle locked 'out' to relieve the tension on the locking pins. Mark the hole you want to slide over to with a pocket knife by scratching the metal, then move the tractor forward or backward with the trailer breaks on (red knob 'in'), then release the locking handle when the locking pins are at or almost in the slots wanted-then gently move the tractor forward or backward til all 4 pins 'lock' in the holes. The bar in the last hole above and to the left of the adjusting pullout shaft is a safety bar mean't to prevent the axles from moving any further in that direction.

[@socratest2544]

Short and straight to the point

[@franciscoflores902]

What if it don’t lock into position

[@josephfreitag3772]

I did not know axles could move like that.

[@SafeTravells]

Indeed- all trailers have this capability so the unit will fit into the D.O.T. perimeters of 12000lbs on steers, 34000lbs on drives and 34000lbs on trailer= 80000lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

[@narrowpath2980]

What’s that bar in the first hole for ?

[@SafeTravells]

Hi...That's a 'stopper bar' to prevent the axles from sliding off the rail....the other end of the rail has the 'ICC' bumper mount.

[@jovanygallardo2703]

​@tinyhome60mph that stopper bar is it suppose to move freely or does it have to be welded. DOT put me out of service for that.