Traveling Axle Trailers For Sale in Pennsylvania

Traveling axle trailers, often called traveling tail or sliding axle trailers, are built for loading equipment with a low approach angle while keeping the deck height practical for road use. In Pennsylvania, they are a common choice for contractors, equipment rental fleets, paving crews, and agricultural operations moving skid steers, compact excavators, loaders, rollers, and similar machinery. The core advantage is the movable axle group, which shifts to change the load angle and make loading easier than a conventional fixed-deck tag trailer. For buyers comparing listings, the first numbers to study are trailer length, loaded deck height, load angle, and rated capacity in the working section of the deck, not just the gross rating.

Most traveling axle trailers in this class are tandem axle units in the 42-foot to 53-foot range, typically 102 inches wide, with steel frames and wood decking such as Apitong. Deck heights often land around 37 to 38 inches, and load angles commonly fall near 6.5 degrees on sliding axle designs, with some hydraulic tail models running a little steeper depending on tail length and setup. Air ride suspension is common because it helps protect equipment and improves road manners when the trailer is loaded. You will also see keyhole chain slots on 16-inch centers, stake pockets, steel side rails, Jost two-speed landing gear, 17.5-inch tires, and 20,000-lb hydraulic or electric winches. On heavier spec units, galvanized frames or galvanized components are worth attention in northern states where road salt can shorten the life of painted steel.

Capacity and loading geometry matter more than cosmetic condition. A 35-ton class traveling axle trailer may be rated for a specific load concentration such as 50,000 lbs. in 10 feet, which is critical if you haul compact but heavy machines. Swing clearance, kingpin setting, top deck length, and the length of the main deck all affect what can be loaded and how the trailer tracks behind the tractor. Buyers hauling taller equipment should pay attention to deck height and legal overall height, while those loading low-clearance machines should focus on approach angle, traction plate condition, and whether the trailer uses a hydraulic tail or full traveling axle slide. A pony motor can be useful for fleets that want hydraulic function without depending on tractor wet kits, while quick couplers and remote controls can speed loading cycles.

Used traveling axle trailers should be evaluated closely around the axle slide mechanism, hydraulic cylinders, suspension, brakes, deck condition, and wear points in the chain slot area. Check for frame repairs, crossmember damage, loose or cracked approach plates, winch operation, and uneven tire wear that may point to alignment or suspension issues. On air ride models, inspect bags, valves, and ride height consistency. In Pennsylvania service, corrosion at light wiring, brake components, and exposed steel is common, so galvanized construction can be a real long-term advantage. For buyers moving mixed equipment, a well-spec'd traveling axle trailer offers one of the best combinations of low loading angle, strong deck capacity, and day-to-day versatility in a non-detachable low-profile trailer.