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Facts About Trucks – Eighteen Wheelers
? Legal weight for an eighteen wheeler
? Length of eighteen wheelers
? Length of time needed to stop an eighteen wheeler
? What is the turning radius of eighteen wheelers?
? What does an eighteen wheeler cost?
? What is the “fifth wheel” ?
? How many gears does an 18 wheeler have?
? What is “bobtailing” ?
? What Is The Standard Height Of An Eighteen Wheeler?
? What Is A “Tandem” ?
? What Is A Jack-Knife Accident?
? Eighteen Wheeler Manufacturers?
? How Many Axles Does An Eighteen Wheeler Have?
Legal weight for an eighteen wheeler
The legal weight for an eighteen wheeler is 80,000 lbs. [40 tons].[ 36287 kg Canadian] That is without any oversize or overweight permits. In comparison, the average automobile weighs over somewhere around 5,000 lbs.
legal U.S. weight per axle is: STEER 12,000 lbs DRIVES 34,000 lbs TRAILER 34,000 lbs
legal Canada weight per axle is: STEER 5443 kg DRIVES 15422 kg TRAILER 15422 kg
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The average length of an eighteen wheeler varies greatly depending on the type of cab they are driving. But the overall average is 70-80 ft. long. The length of an eighteen wheeler’s cab [by wheelbase] usually averages between 245″ to 265″ wheelbase. This is measured from the center of the rear wheel to the center of the steer.
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Length of time needed to stop an eighteen wheeler
The length of time to stop an eighteen wheeler is 40% greater than that of an automobile. Depending on the weight of their load, whether they are bobtailing, road conditions, and other factors. To be sure, it takes a much greater time to stop than an automobile… period. Trucks only have 10 brakes NOT eighteen as some have told me they thought. Trucks made now are required to have anti-lock brakes.
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What is the turning radius of eighteen wheelers?
Click HERE for more information on the turning radius of eighteen wheelers.
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What does an eighteen wheeler cost?
While there are myriad variables on the costs, the CAB of an eighteen wheeler usually ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 new. New trailers usually range from $30,000 to $80,00. So all in all you could be paying over a quarter-million dollars for a new truck and trailer.
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The fifth wheel on an 18 wheeler is a round plate above the drive tires that couples [hooks together] the trailer to the truck.
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How many gears does an 18 wheeler have?
The most common amount of gears in an 18 wheeler today is 10 forward and 2 reverse gears. Although they can range from 9, 10, 13, 15, and 18 gears!
Eighteen wheeler drivers use a “double-clutch” technique for shifting. It is much different to drive a truck compared to a car with a standard transmission. In a car the rpm’s match up and in a truck they do not therefore the clutch is depressed and then depressed again to “match” the gears with the rpm’s. Most drivers use what they call “floating” which does NOT use the clutch at all except to start and stop. “Floating” is an acquired skill that takes some practice to get used to. “Floating” gears saves fuel (when done properly) and saves wear and tear on the equipment. “Floating” is the preferred method.
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Bobtailing is the term used when a truck is driving WITHOUT the trailer attached.
This is very dangerous especially in wet weather but obviously must be done at times.
What is the standard height of an eighteen wheeler?
The standard height of eighteen wheelers is: 13′ 6″

Tandem sometimes incorrectly refers to a set of TWO tires (Pictured) on a tractor-trailer. However, these are more commonly known as double wheels, dual tires, or ‘dualies.’ They are used for safety (redundancy) so if one tire blows the others will continue to hold up until the tire is repaired.
The correct definition of Tandem is a set of two axles, with one axle immediately following the other. By distributing the load over two axles, each axle bears less weight. Because there are laws limiting the amount of weight that can be carried on each axle, distributing the weight over more axles allows a greater total amount of weight to be carried.
What Is A Jack-Knife Accident?
Basically, a jack-knife accident is when the trailer contacts the tractor by the trailer “coming around” on the driver. It is said that once a trailer exceeds a 45 degree angle, compared to the tractor, that a jack-knife is inevitable. This can be caused my many things and happens when the trailer wheels start to skid and actually ends up moving faster than the cab. Usually this happens on icy or wet roads but it can happen on dry roads when the trailer is empty and the driver has to do some very hard braking.
Eighteen Wheeler Truck Manufacturers
There are a variety of brand names for eighteen wheelers; among them are: Peterbilt, Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo, Mack, Western Star, to name a few more popular trucks.
How Many Axles Does An Eighteen Wheeler Have?
An eighteen wheeler has a total of five (5) axles.
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Hello,
I have three questions;
1. How many cylinders do tractor engines have, and what is their configuration? (inline, “V”, etc..)
2. What’s the torque and horse power of these engines?
3. What’s the average fuel economy for tractors?
Thanks!
Jim
diesel 8, quite a bit, not a prius.
Most only have a straight 6 cylinder diesel engine, the more expensive trucks have larger engines.
1. US trucks have inline 6 motors. Not 8 or more no matter how much they cost.
2. This question has alot of answers but you can get a motor with up to 625hp and 2500 tourqe.
3. On average 5 to 8 mpg.
Older macks have a v-8 engine but most trucks are inline 6s with 1-5-3-6-2-4 as firing order
they run 375 hp+
Scannia trucks from sweeden have the 16 litre V8 diesel engine, which is turbocharged to give max of 650Hp and 3000Nm of torque at 2500 RPM
i noticed where in the Q And A it said a tandem was a set of dual wheels when it isn’t You can have a single axel or a tandem axel the tandem being the second axel under the truck. a tag tandem is mainly used on dump trucks and can be lowered or raised to add support for heaiver loads.
The tag axle you see on dump trucks and cow hauling trucks is to legally haul more weight. if its a single drive axle truck then its just a single truck if it has two drive axles its a tandem
What is the standard distance from the ground to the bottom of the window in the cab of a semi truck? Are most trucks the same height?
What is the fuel economy (mpg) fully loaded and how far do you get when bobtailing empty ?
Otto, what a great name!
Fully loaded in the USA, #80,000 would be around 5.50 to 6.75 mpg. Now,, on the flats, not the mountains with an experienced driver and the cruise control on, 6.5 to 7 mpg, with a finely tuned motor.
With an empty trailer, (deadheading) about 7 to 8.25 mpg.
Bobtailing I really don’t know. I’ll guess around 7.25 to 8 something, maybe 9 mpg ??
I get 10 mile per gallon bobtail in my Pete. 6-7 loaded at 89k lbs.
Why does it take a bobtail longer to stop?
It takes a bobtail longer to stop for two reasons. One, the suspension is designed to be loaded and heavy. Bobtail drive tandems usually have only 7500 lbs on them which beings me to the second reason. There is simply not enough weight on all ten tires to have traction/friction needed to stop. Driving bobtail is dangerous.
“Driving bobtail is dangerous.”
Amen to that. I first time I drove bobtail in the rain I ended up going through a red light backwards. Thank goodness the intersection was clear. If you are a new driver here’s some advice, if you are driving bobtail and you think you are going slow enough, slow down some more.
Why is the american standard off brakes NOT like the standard in Europe?
The standard in europe is braking with de steering axle with more or less (automaticly) air to the brakes of the tandemaxle. When the brakes are in progress the weith of the truck is moving forward and the steeringaxle have more weith, the tandemaxle has less weith during braking. We don’t have any problems with Bobtail driving and no problems with a so called Jack-Knife accidents.
Sorry for my bad english, i’m from the Netherlands
Greetings and drive carfully
Big Bill
Hi,
I have a couple questions:
1- How much is the average insurance per month for a tractor trailer truck (18 wheels)?
2- What is the average life time (in terms of years and miles) of a a tractor trailer truck?
3- What is the average annual salary of a tractor trailer truck driver that works for a transportation company?
Ins. $5600 per year. Minimum liability is $1,000,000
Minimum cargo is $100,000
Average life time, (my personal opinion) around one million miles or 140,000 per year
or 7.25 years. NOW,, some drivers can destroy a truck in 4 to 5 years. Some drivers
will ease their truck up and down the road and it will last almost forever. With a good mechanic doing the PM’s and taking care of the truck, you won’t have to major
the motor until around 1,500,000 miles and it will be in such good shape that the company will decide to keep on running the older unit.
Wages: OTR, 14 hours per day times 5.5 to 6 days, around 80 hours. Management will pay you
ten to 12 bucks per hr. or so much per mile that it will come out to around the same figure. Most pay less, and let you sit without pay waiting for a load.
Is there a website like carfax.com for trucks?
Yes; It’s Carfax but under big trucks.
Hey I am thinking of becoming a owner operator and wanted to know which is best, automatic or standard? Any suggestions and please explain why you feel its best.
Thanks
I’ve been attending Roadmaster Drivers School and my instructor’s tell me that having a manual transmission gives you greater control of the vehicle going downhill. But, I’m just repeating what they told me. If I had it my way, I would get an automatic. But, then again, I enjoy shifting gears! Also, a few other truckers have told me that they would prefer manual over automatic.
If it’s not a manual shift transmission it’s not a truck….
In the ‘old days’ you were a mechanic before you were allowed to get behind the wheel. So it’s the trucking thing, you should understand the truck and be able to shift without the clutch.
Does Colorado require all semis to have engine brakes?
I also wanted to add that Engine braking is also known as the “jake brake: which you may have been referring to. It’s not so much as a physical part, but rather an action. “Jake brake” can lead people to believe it’s an actual part of the engine but it is not. It is simply using the mechanical drag, friction, and compression of the engine to aid in braking.
It does require the valves are operated differently for maximum braking power, though. Basically you don’t squirt any fuel into the cylinders and open the valves on compression strokes and close them before expansion strokes. This ensures the cylinder movement is always working against a vacuum.
If the valves are just operated normally (ie, you simply leave the engine in geer and the only difference is no fuel sent to cylinders) than it will slow the rig down some, but not nearly as fast. It’s quieter, too.
My house backs up to a truck route. What is it called when then slow down and it makes an extreme amount of noise? I understand it is against the law in many states.
Its commonly called a Jake Brake or engine compression brake. Its used to assist in slowing the truck by dampering the engine. Its especially useful in descending hills. It assists the driver in maintaining a safe speed downhill without overheating the brakes. Truck brakes tend to overheat easily and cease to work when this happens. It is not illegal in any state but small towns and residential areas tend to restrict its use due to the noise.
To help save the brakes from wearing out so fast trucks use what is called a “Jake Brake” or “Engine Brake”. The brakes are expensive and require a lot of work to change them so a truck will use it’s jake brake when it’s most convenient. There is a switch in the cab that the driver can flip that when he takes his foot off the accelerator this engine brake engages. There are a set of valves in the engine that use its compression to help slow down the truck. Engine brakes are generally prohibited in populated areas. If you want more of an in depth explanation search for jake brake, engine brake, or compression brake.
That noise is the ‘jake brake’ . The jake has three stages,low, med, and high. High is the loudest
and applies the most backpressure to the pistons which helps stop the truck and as a result saves the brakes. Also some cities and, or towns have laws against jakes. Jakes are a must in mountains.
i didn’t understand the post about the clutch.
i know on a 5 speed you shift gears whenever you feel the engine bogging down. if you want top speed you shift when the tach is red line.
what do you mean by double clutch?.
How much does an axle weigh on an eighteen wheeler and/or what is the gear ratio.
Thanks!
how much does an average truck frame weigh?
how fast can an eighteen wheeler go
Speeds can vary depending upon what they’re governed at. Most companies govern their trucks between 60 to 67 mph. This is primarily done for fuel economy. Drivers that own their trucks can generally set their governor at whatever they prefer, unless contracted by a company who has a set governed speed.
Can anyone tell me how much a brand new 18 wheeler (plus trailer) would have cost in 1980?? Thank you!!
I believe a new 127 hood pete was around $65, and a refer trailer was $30 or $31.
A nice long-nose pete today runs at $150 and a 53ft. Dreat Dane Super Seal
with a Thermoking SB3, extra lights and stainless tank with alum big rims runs $85
plus tax. If you want to put fuel in your new truck, 300 gals. is $876.00 cash.
in NJ we have a 41′ bridge law…what hole would you recommend that the tandem be set at for this? I find that most chassis are different in length & wanted to know if there is a specific place we can just have the guys place the tandem.
If its a 53′ trailer jsut set it closest to the front of the trailer. All trailer set the slider to have rear alxe at 40′ to king pen so that way they can go in CA cause their brige law is 40′
what is a gooseneck?
can a volvo have 12 gears?
I am doing a paper for one of my engineering classes and I have a couple questions.
1) What is the inside dimensions of the trailer or volume?
2) What is the average weight of an empty truck with the trailer attached or max weight of products that you can carry?
I know that the total max weight is 80,000 lbs. I have a approximate measurement on number one, so if you don’t know it isn’t a big deal.
Thanks for the help.
The inside is 103″ wide and 53′ long not sure on height. my dads truck empty with half full of fuel can load 45,000 so minus that from 80k
1) Typically, the inside diminsions of an over-the-road trailer are: Length 52’6″, Width 8’5″, Height 9’2″. These are inside measurements and account for sides and roof being generally half an inch or so thick and the front and back being about 3″ thick. The dimensions will vary some depending on the exact construction of the trailer.
2) My empty Freightliner Century weighed about 37,000lbs empty, I believe. That would give a cargo weight of about 43,000lbs. However, the 80,000lbs must be distributed in a specific manner; specifically, 12,000lbs on the steer axle and 34,000lbs on the drive axles and again on the trailer axles. It can be difficult to legally scale a load over 30,000lbs and nearly impossible over 40,000lbs.
Are there any tractors out there that do not require a clutch, and i don’t mean to start and stop?
Hi there!
Where would I be able to find a labeled diagram of the engine, chassis, suspension, and air brake? need to study parts and am at loss..
thanks!
Jesse
If you go to the local DMV and get a commercial driving booklet, there is one in there, not the best but it will guide you pretty good.
How many hours can an 18 wheeler spend behind the wheel in one day?
A maximum of 11 hours driving and an additional 3 hours of non-driving time to prepare loads, inspect the vehicle, etc. In total, many Over-The-Road drivers work a 14 hour day. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is currently reviewing plans to reduce the number of allowed driving hours and the total On-Duty time.
These regulations change with some frequency, but currently stands at 14 at the most. This is because the regulation is actually 11 hours followed by a 10 hour break. If you started driving at the beginning of a 24 hour period then took the 10 hour break, you could get another 3 hours in before the 24 hour period expired. Of course, it isn’t recommended to drive 11 hours straight.
they come with inline 6 now but back in the old days they where 8 cylinder v-8. now there all 4 stroke engines but the old series 72 desiels were 2 stroke with 4 exhost valves per cylinder in the heads and intake ports in the chambers
On a recent trip through the southwest mountains my wife and i encountered a number of 18 wheelers with all their visible lights blinking, seems like the most we saw were going up the mountain, we assumed it was some type of courtesy or warning, can you explain?
It is just a way to let you know that they are going slow.
How much does an axle weigh??? I need it for permiting reasons and do not know how to get this weight. Thanks!
Axle weight? It tells you on the door frame of your truck. Now How much does the axle weigh itself, ?
hello what are the best engines and best used trucks to buy under $15000?
Here are 2 good engines
Detroit Diesel DD16
600HP
15.6L
2050 lb-ft torque
Cummins ISX15
600HP
15L
2050 lb-ft torque
http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/trucks/find-by-model/coronado/on-the-road.aspx
i wanted to know the max n min air pressure on a trailer tire..thanks
It seems to me that when a tractor engine is idling, I hear kind of a tapping noise. Can anyone explain what is going on in the engine that makes that noise? Thanks.
how many 18 wheeler trucks are currently on America’s roads? (number in total) Thanks
I have been curious for a long time. Up here in the northwest it is very common for a truck to have a drop axle what is it for? Also does anyone know how much weight can be held on a trailer with 3 axles, or even 4 axles?
thank you
How much does the “avarage” tractor of a semi tractor trialer weight?
Alex, it’s a diesel. The noise is pretty characteristic. It’s between injectors and a lot of other vibrations, more so than gasoline engines.
John Tagen: It’s four-way flashers, just like on a car. It’s a courtesy for people to steer clear and give room, especially up slopes when they tend to go much slower than most traffic.
VJK: Exhaust brakes typically, a ‘jake brake’ makes a lot of noise. It’s used to help slow the truck down via compression braking, so you’re not wearing out your brakes when you don’t need to.
The engine is built to last a lot longer and take the use. If you back up to a slope, they’re used a lot going down hill to avoid burning out the brakes.
Inline six cylinder engines are de facto configuration. Output is from 350-600HP and anywhere from 700-2500FT/LB of torque, usually rated around 2000RPM. Displacement varies from 8 liters to 18.
I have a question for those who load trucks for a living. When loasding trucks, what is the standard time that it should take to load a truck?
17,18, 20,22 pallets weighing 2000 to 2550 lbs each. single stack and various patterns
Union and non union shops.
Thank you,
All the new Frieghtliners we are getting as company drivers/ or Lease have the exhaust coming out the bottom of truck, I and many other drivers are companing of fumes in the cab, I have a co2 detector in the truck and had a reading although low of 28 …..alarm goes at 70. Anyone know why this sudden shange in Location of exhaust? and if anything is being done before a death of a driver happens?
I am planning on starting a career driving OTR. The company states drivers pay $1.25 for fuel, and I want to know (approximately) on average how much fuel does a driver go through in a week or a month? I have always heard truckers make good money and, basically I would like to make sure I’m not going to have to spend half my pay on fuel.
Thanks
I thought I’d throw out a few answers here. I’m in Canada, these are reference for North America
– Auto or manual trans? I prefer manual, greater control, better fuel milage and more durable when used properly
– Gear ratio: 3.55:1, 3.73:1, 4.11:1 are very common 4.56:1, 5.13:1 and 3.23:1 are common. I’m sure there are other ratios esp. off highway, planetaries, 2-speed rear ends etc.
— Speed: trucks capable of 100 mph are not uncommon. Although most large fleets are speed limited to between 55 and 67 MPH In ON and QC Canada trucks must be limited to 108kph by law.
– 41 foot law: most large fleets mark each trailer at the 41 foot mark. 41 feet from the center of the kingpin to the center of the axle group.
– gooseneck: a gooseneck is the front part of a low boy or float. it detaches from the rest of the trailer while staying attached to the truck for front loading of machinery.
– empty weights/load weights: there are too many variables and combinations to really give an accurate average empty weight. most combinationa however should be able to haul between 44,000 to 46,000 lbs.
– Hours of Service: US 11 hours on duty within a 14 hour window , 10 hours off
Canada 13 ” ” ” ” ” 16 ” ” ” ” ”
most US states recognize the 8-2 sleeper split, one that I know of does not
– trailer tire air pressure: read the sidewall !! 95-105 PSI is common
Above you stated that the wheelbase is measured from the center of the rear wheel to the center of the steer. Actually, the wheelbase is measured from the center of the steer axle to the trunion. The trunion is the center point between the two rear axles. If the truck is a single rear axle, it would be measured to the center of the rear axle.
Anyone know the approximate area per tire in contact with the road?
I’m building an Army Reserve center in Houston, Texas. I’m concerned that an 18 wheeler loaded with an Abrahms tank will tear up my appproach with its weight. How much would this rig weigh? Especially its rear wheels. The tank weighs about 70 tons.
wondering if anyone knows how many 18 wheel trucks are estimated to be on public roads this year?
if so, also, how many are flatbed/stepdeck??? thanks russ
I need to buy a truck to transport an oil tank of 60 cubic meters (about 19,000 US liquid gallons, or 380 oil barrels).
Do I need to have an 18-wheeler or can I use a 14-wheeler?
Makes big difference in price so it’s important.
Thanks!
Agis
How many 18 wheelers are on the road in the USA?
ralph and russ both. they say theres gonna be a drop in flatbed trucks in the next couple years because of the rising fuel prices im not sure the number but theres gonna be less. and ralph it usually takes me for 20 pallets weighing 2200 pounds it takes 1-3 hours depending on where you go and who is working. once i sat getting loaded for 8 hours and all i was getting was 10 tons of steel in my flatbed so it all depends.
@annette, im sure by now you know your answer. Its called compression breaking (jake or exhaust brakes, depending on who you talk to) Basically what it does is “vent” cylinders to slow the engine assisting in slowing or breaking. It also saves on wear of breaks. As to illegal, it is only illegal if posted, on highways, streets ect. However now its widley required that the engine breakes are muffled. But it still can be loud. Think of it this way, suffer a little noise, or a semi in your yard.
what is recommendtions on torque on tighten nuts on wheel
flashing lights are so you can know a truck is going slow. In many states it is required by law.
moving a tank that heavy is a permit load. you can probably find out more info from your state dot website or by contacting them. Or you can ask an engineer how thick the concrete needs to be.
there are many different trucks so it’s hard to say an exact weight, but most will be between 15,000-19,000 lbs. There are more than 50 different trailers that all weigh differently. The most common type on the road will be 16,000-20,000 empty. (a trailer for the tank a whole lot more)
most of the old trucks with unmuffled engine brakes are reaching retirement age. All new trucks have a muffler built in. They may be noisy but in places where city ordinances don’t want to put up with the inconvenience of noise are putting up with trucks going down hill with almost half their braking power taken away
company drivers are not usually paying for fuel. People buying their own trucks do. If you’re not buying a truck then you should try a different company.
fuel economy is affected by the road being flat or over mountains, light or heavy load. For a whole trip mpg for an old truck can be as low as 5mpg and as high as 8.5mpg for a new truck. A new truck can do 10-12 heavy on flat ground 12-15 light on flat ground 2-3.5 light going uphill 1.5-2.5 heavy uphill and idle speed downhill 30mpg
drop axles and extra axles are to spread wieght out they are used for heavier loads. Your state may allow more than 80,000 lbs max for the extra axles
truckers make between 25,000 and 300k/yr depending on experience and what company you work for . (and a little bit of luck being in the right place at the right time)
last I saw was more than 3million drivers. No one know for sure.
1. How many cylinders do tractor engines have, and what is their configuration? (inline, “V”, etc..)
Most are an In-line 6 cylinder Although there Maybe a few older V6 still Running
2. What’s the torque and horse power of these engines? Varies depending on Engines and transmissions, See Caterpillar, Cummings, Detroit, Mack, Etc.
3. What’s the average fuel economy for tractors? 5.5 to 7 mpg over a week or two
4- How much is the average insurance per month for a tractor trailer truck (18 wheels)?
I was paying so much for cargo or freight insurance and then there is Liability Insurance Some will be covered by a Transport company and some buy a Lease Operator/Owner Operator so as a Lease Operator I think I paid $33 dollars a week or roughly $132 a Month.
5- What is the average life time (in terms of years and miles) of a a tractor trailer truck?this Varies greatly depending on Maintenance, engine can be rebuilt over and over sometimes lasting 20 yrs.and roughly 100k-120k per year a million mile truck is possible, but most companies and Owners exchange them every 3-6 years
6- What is the average annual salary of a tractor trailer truck driver that works for a transportation company? It varies but Average is probably 40k to 50k for less than 5 years employment and rises some after that, Also some people with good business practices Make 100k and up as owners
7. Agis Liberakis you need several trucks At least three considering the weight of truck and tanker trailer to be Legal 3 18 wheelers holding 50,666 lbs./6333 Gal each or 4 18 wheelers holding 38,000 lbs. And I am guessing a bit sine I am not sure the Dry Weight of a Tanker trailer. Oil/ Water weighs roughly 8 lbs. Gallon. So 19,000 US liquid gallons Weighs 152,000 lbs.
8. How fast can an eighteen wheeler go? Most Companies have a speed governing system in the computer system that keeps them between 62 and 68. remove the governing system and Load conditions about 85 to 90.
9. Trailer Dimensions varies a bit if it is refrigerated you have some Insulation, but generally about an in less than outside Dimensions so 108″ x 53′ x 9′
10. We always set our trailer axles if possible to California Bridge law of 40′ which is Legal in Nearly every State.
John F. Tagen when Climbing a Grade we have to down shift to get more torque to keep Load moving as fast as Possible But we lose speed. when Our Speed drops to below 45 MpH some states require us to put on our Flashers for visibility, warning that we are moving slower than regular traffic.
11. Jaime Benavidez 20 tons for tractor and trailer. So 90 tons total or 180,000 lbs.but it is Spread out over several Axles normally we have five axles including the Steering Axle but on and OVER Dimensional Load. You will have more axles to keep it close to 32,000 lbs. per Axle, Maybe 40,000 per axle since it is a Special Government exemption I would Expect 12″ thick of Concrete may be 14″ but I am Not and Engineer.
FYI legal weight for steer tires is not 12000 lbs in every state. In fact, in all but 3 states legal max is 20000 lbs.
I see alot a questions and no responds. So here is some info for things i see here.
1 Motors> Most (99%) of trucks in the US mexico and canda have inline 6 cyclinder motors. HP ranges deeply as there are so many different motors by a bunch of companies. There are a few old V8 V10 and V12 diesels out there but not any.
2 Fuel Milage This ranges from 4 to 8 MPG on average.
3 Fuel ammount> this also varies Most trucks have 120 gallon to 150 gallon dual tanks giving you 240 -300 gallons of fuel take about 10 gallons off of that lost fuel do to the pickup system in the tanks.
3 Speed. Most Company trucks are cut at 55- 65 though you can turn the computers up on your own truck Mine light a road sign up at 115MPH.
4 Distance on a full tanks> this varies as well do to the weather the terrianso many things can effect this
.5 Life of truck> this depends on how well you take care of it and if you want to keep the truck. I personal turned a 2001 Frieghtliner FLD120 with a 500 det and a 13 speed 1.2 Million miles with only 1 inframe( rebuild the motor In the frame of the truck)
also a tranny that was not talked about is the old 5 and 4 and the old 6 and 4. this being you have 1 primary and one secondary tranny. so take the numbers and time them 20 and 24 gears. giving you 16 foward gears and 4 rev and 20 foward and 4 rev On these you had 2 sticks instead of one and had to work them together. hook the steering wheel and shift quick…
Also on shifting there is also a thing called jack shifting. you use your engines jacks to drop the RPMs of the motor to shift faster. this is when up shift mainly. it allows you to keep your momintum going when pulling out and trying to get up speed
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