When to use steering-lift axles?

[Brandonger]

Should lift-axles that steer rather than drive be used at higher or lower speeds? Or, what is the rule or mechanic behind lift-axles in general?

When do you drop steering axles? When do you drop extra drive axles? Do they do anything to help with stability?

[UK_WildFire]

Depends on your waight on the trailor if your carrying a light Weight trailor then there is no need to be using the Steering Lift Axle as it can be up but if your carring a heavy load then the axle is surposed to be down more tires for a heavy load makes it more easy to drive & steer, hope this information helps you out buddy.

[Nimir-Raj]

Lift axles are used to comply with EU road rules on weight across each axle. There is a legal limit for the amount of weight an axle is allowed to bare.

Generally speaking, if your trailer/cargo exceeds 7tonne then the axle should be down. Though there are certain situations where you may wish to lift it, to gain more traction (as it puts more load on the drive axle, which equals more grip.)

In real life, most truck use an automated system to put the axle down as necessary if the vehicle is travelling faster than 20mph.

[Jon605]

Lift axles, (also known as 'tag' or 'push' axles here in the US, depending on their position to the main drive axle) are implemented primarily to spread out the weight of the trailer on roads where only so much weight is allowed per axle.

Don't understand? Go find a women's high heel, (you know, the kind with the really pointy heel) and a sneaker/tennis shoe. Put the high heel on one foot, and the sneaker/tennis shoe on the other, and step on a large piece of paper that is on top of some soft carpet. Chances are, the high heel will punch a hole in the paper, and the sneaker will float on top, even though they both have the same amount of weight on them. The shoes are the truck axles, the paper represents the road, and the carpet represents the dirt beneath it.

This is why countries/states create load limits per axle, as some roads can be damaged by to much weight focused in one spot. Lifting axles solve this problem by spreading the weight over more surface area, thus reducing the strain on the road. The only reason they lift up and down is to save wear on the tires when they aren't needed.

As for the usage of lift axles, road load limits would actually vary from region to region, but I generally just lift them when empty and drop them when I attach a new trailer. This is just what I do in game, it keeps it simple and I don't have to do a bunch of calculating. Extra axles can help with steering stability at times, but isn't terribly noticeable in-game unless you are going well over 55 mph.

-JTB

(Sources: I have seen a lot of truckers in my area, and have driven a straight truck myself.)

[Mikali]

Originally posted by JonTheBuilder:

Don't understand? Go find a women's high heel, (you know, the kind with the really pointy heel) and a sneaker/tennis shoe. Put the high heel on one foot, and the sneaker/tennis shoe on the other

Do you do this often?

[PIG | Acarbalacar]

Originally posted by JonTheBuilder:

Lift axles, (also known as 'tag' or 'push' axles here in the US, depending on their position to the main drive axle) are implemented primarily to spread out the weight of the trailer on roads where only so much weight is allowed per axle.

Don't understand? Go find a women's high heel, (you know, the kind with the really pointy heel) and a sneaker/tennis shoe. Put the high heel on one foot, and the sneaker/tennis shoe on the other, and step on a large piece of paper that is on top of some soft carpet. Chances are, the high heel will punch a hole in the paper, and the sneaker will float on top, even though they both have the same amount of weight on them. The shoes are the truck axles, the paper represents the road, and the carpet represents the dirt beneath it.

This is why countries/states create load limits per axle, as some roads can be damaged by to much weight focused in one spot. Lifting axles solve this problem by spreading the weight over more surface area, thus reducing the strain on the road. The only reason they lift up and down is to save wear on the tires when they aren't needed.

As for the usage of lift axles, road load limits would actually vary from region to region, but I generally just lift them when empty and drop them when I attach a new trailer. This is just what I do in game, it keeps it simple and I don't have to do a bunch of calculating. Extra axles can help with steering stability at times, but isn't terribly noticeable in-game unless you are going well over 55 mph.

-JTB

(Sources: I have seen a lot of truckers in my area, and have driven a straight truck myself.)

Thanks alot for the info. It also helped me a lot. Though, I have a further question, though you might not be able to answer it. If we only look in-game, does it rly make any difference, to lift the axles when not carying a load? I can understand that IRL it would give a better fuel comsumption and less tire wear. But does this apply ingame also, or do you just do it for added realism (which also would make sense) ?
Basically, ingame, is there any benefits by using one of the lifting bodies, rather than just the 6x4, seen from a "gaming" perspective?

[ArcticBliss]

According to SCS's blog it should matter, at least on tyre wear IIRC.

http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/IntOrg/road/pdf/weights.pdf

[Brandonger]

So, I more or less understand the purpose of lifting/dropping drive axles, to aid in either traction in specific weather conditions, or to better the weight distribution of a load, but I'm still not sure about steering axles.

For example, I'm a big fan of RJL's Scania T and "ohaha's" Volvo FH2013, both of which offer 8x4 or larger drivetrains, with options for the second, droppable steering axle.

When exactly do I employ that to aid in steering? I was told that at higher speeds, it's better to put the second steering axle down for control, and to lift it at lower speeds, to increase maneuverability, but I just don't understand the concept behind it.

[Brandonger]

Also, another question, should I opt for the steering axles AHEAD OF or BEHIND the drive axles? I feel like placing them behind the drive axles gives better maneuverability, at the cost of less control. Which is better?

[Jon605]

As for getting the lift axle in front or behind the drive axle, there really isn't a huge difference, except that the rearmost lift axle will let you turn a bit sharper around corners.

[Schu]

This is a very old thread, so I hope you found the information you were looking for. However if you did not, what you’re referring to as the second steer axle, is not actually a steering axle. It does so in the game, because that’s just how it was designed, for ease of programming and less effort in the driver. However, in reality the lift axle steers itself due to the movement of the truck. So when the truck turns right, the lift axle steers it self towards the right. These are all controlled with self articulating hydraulic rams.

The sole reason for these lift axles, is weight distribution. Not exactly for stability, however, it does help a little bit. I am a truck driver in the US, but I don’t have a whole lot of experience using lift axles. But I know basically the purpose of them. I do not know exactly when and when not to lift them, though. It’s all based on how much weight you’re carrying and the type of load it is.

[Sandhill]

In game I think it has ALMOST no importance at all. You never need them.

[Schu]

Originally posted by Sandhill:

In game I think it has ALMOST no importance at all. You never need them.

Simply, yes. Next to zero effect in game other than tire wear and repair costs, and I think some stability. But if you wanted to really go full on simulation, just search the internet for axle weight limits in the country you desire.

[Sandhill]

+ I have no argument against being realistic if it does not hinder game play. The various chassis and axles are fun ways to make the game more entertainig and certainly improve gameplay.
I just always caution that if you're struggling, no change in your truck is going to help much.

[Drevin]

Originally posted by Sandhill:

The various chassis and axles are fun ways to make the game more entertainig and certainly improve gameplay.

Well, by what I read on the forums, there is that axle that can get you stuck if you stop on a bump and end up with the non powered wheels on the bump and the powered wheels in the air. :P

[Goose_Few]

In my game experience, couple of times had to lift it in order to move in a steep hill. Also is just a bit easier to maneuver inside some companies.