Wheelbase Question for those who been there...

Few things to consider is that the extra length in frame adds weight to the tractor which lessens the weight you can haul , also longer wheelbase is a bit harder to get in / out of tight spots also cannot get the trailer up close to the back of the sleeper to help with the aerodynamic air flow.

 

Hi HellStomper, without question, get the Pete. Not so much that I'm a Pete fan, but the longer wheelbase rides a lot better. The only thing with the shorter wheelbase, is you will probably be able to scale a load better, but I didn't have any trouble getting around with a longer wheelbase truck. BTW, the Cat will out pull the Cummins anyday and Freightliner is a good truck, but I've had better luck with a Cummins, plus with a Pete, you have better resale, and it's just cooler.

 

You could always shorten it up a bit, not that big of a deal.

 

don't worry a 300WB is easy to get around even in cities,,I would go for it,,my last truck had a 315 and I had no problems,,the pete is a 100% better truck . A 300 WB will give you a better ride and if you ever pull a flat it gives you room to overhang the front of the trailer for better paying loads, the cummins engine will also cheaper to fix and repair than the cat ,GO FOR IT you will be very happy.

 

My 379 has a 285....and I get everywhere I need to...have to b creative at times&can't be afraid to blindside..cuz lots of places I go are just to rite for me to turn around in...course I refuse to turn so rite that I'd drag the wheels on my wagon...let alone that bAckwards nonsence I see some do....was easier when I still pulled a 53' fixed spread....but now I have a standard closed slidin tandem....which makes it lil tougher in some places....btw..i do otr reefer ltl....lots of rite lil docks in big cities....and like mentioned by others need to be lil more careful loadin to b able to axle....dependin on what your doin...if your the type to worry bout those things....lol

 

we drove a 379 pete with a 323" wheelbase for about a year at Fed Ex Custom Critical.....i was a bit worried about how difficult it would be docking etc...once ya get used to it, its no big deal...we both docked in places customers told us guys with reg wheelbase trucks wouldnt even attempt.....

 

Way easier to shorten one than stretch one, basically they (or you if you have the equipment) will just pull all of the mounting hardware out of your tandem suspension, clean the frame rails in front, slide the whole setup forward (may have to remove a crossmember and or work around one, this needs to be determined BEFORE you settle on how much shorter), slide it up, drill your holes, remount everything, may have to shorten some airlines and double up your electrical line, but not a big deal.

Whatever you shortened your WB, take the same amount out of your driveline, cut off your frame end, (you can cut it a bit long and pie cut the end heat it and have a factory looking taper, if that is what you want.

That, (in my opinion, is the right way to do it, your factory frame is still one piece) NOW, I have seen people just cut a section out of the middle of the frame and splice it back together with a "patch rail" on the inside of the frame, quicker, easier, less work, but I think, less desirable.

If you are buying this truck from a dealer you might be able to work some of this into the price. Otherwise, just buy the Pete as 315 says, and IF you decide later you want it shorter, do it then.