Tank Chassis - Tank Chassis Types

Tank Chassis Types

The tank chassis has evolved over the past years to accommodate greater payload weights. The tank chassis comes in tandem axle, spread axle, tri-axle, and hi/lo combo configurations. Tandem Axle Chassis were the industry standard initially. The closed tandem drop deck chassis typically have a GVWR of 65,000 lb (29,484 kg). The quest to increase payload capacities spawned the tri-axle chassis with the ability to scale 42,000 lb (19,051 kg). on the trailer axles. The addition of the third axle however added a significant increase to the tare weight of the chassis, thus limiting the permissible weight limits to comply with bridge laws. This led to the invention of the Spread Axle Chassis with a spread of 109 in (2,769 mm) allowing for the same weight to be dispersed on the rear axles of the trailer (42,000 lb or 19,051 kg) as the tri-axle. This is the new industry standard with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 80,000 lb (36,287 kg).