A question for Dr Sockpuppet

[DiscoStu]

I've wondered this for ages. Why do HGV's have three axles if they always drive around with one off the road?

[PAH]

Helps them get over humped-backed bridges without becoming beached.

Also, they put the other axle down when they've got some stow-aways on board to cope with the increased load.

[Pinto]

Isn't it a tyre saving device? No point wasting rubber when the HGV is empty?

[Sockpuppet]

I've wondered this for ages. Why do HGV's have three axles if they always drive around with one off the road?

'cus they are not loaded fully.

5 axle artic can weight 40 tonnes. 6 axle artic can weigh 44 tonnes. So if your running at 38t you can lift your tag axle.

So it saves diesel and tyres if you run around with it up. Also if you have a 6 axle unit then your road tax is cheaper. £650 per year as opposed to £1650 per year for a 5 axle lorry.

[Bod]

I feel this would be an opportune moment to quote Mr Francisco Zappa :

"Truck Driver Divorce"

Truck driver divorce!
It's very sad
(Steel guitars Usually weep all over it)
The bold & intelligent MASTERS OF THE ROAD,
With their Secret Language,
And their GIANT OVER-SIZED MECHANICAL TRANS-CONTINENTAL HOBBY-HORSE!
Truck driver divorce!
It's very sad!
Oh the wife!
Oh the kids!
Oh the waitress!
Oh the drive all night!

Sometimes when you get home,
Some ugly lookin' son-of-a-bitch
Is trying' to pooch yer HOME-TOWN SWEETHEART!

Oh, go ride the bull!
Oh, go ride the bull!
Make it go up 'n down
'N when you fall off,
You can eat the mattress!
TRUCK DRIVER DIVORCE!.
IT'S VERY SAD!
Bust yer ass
To deliver some string beans,
Deliver some string beans,
Deliver some string beans,
To
UTAH!

[DiscoStu]

My question is answered, thanks all

(I think you've earned your PhD now SP!)