what is the actual length of tractor trailer

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by snowbird_89, Aug 27, 2009.

  1. snowbird_89

    snowbird_89 Road Train Member

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    i'm just curious. what is the overall length of a tractor trailer? for example, what would be the total lenght of a pete 379 and a KW W900 with a 53' trailer? would it be at least 73'? how long are just the trucks themselves. i'm also guessing that a 379 or W900 would be longer than a volvo VN670 because the 670's usually have shorter wheelbases.
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2009
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  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Setback axle rigs are longer in proportion to their wheelbase. From bumper in front to the rear bumper is the overall length, that distance would be approximately , plus a few inches, the frame in front of the kingpin and the trailer behind it, roughly 50 feet behind with a 3 foot pin setting on the trailer.

    There probably isn't much difference in overall length unless there is a big difference in sleeper size.

    Most tandem tractors with a sleeper will have 20 feet or more in front of the pin, the Western Star I drive is about 24 feet and it is a setback axle with a 244 inch wheelbase. The pin location on a tractor is the center of the 5th wheel.
     
  4. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    T600/660 depending on sleeper size will come in a 230-244 wb. Even tho you can find them in a 244 wb (in Canada), the most common wb for a W900 is 265-270. Studio will normally be in the 275-280 range. The bigdog Petes and KW, usually pulling a flat, step or RGN, will be in the 285-290 inch range.

    As Mr 2+2 brought out, there isnt much difference in overall length. Had a 244 in wb Columbia thats the exact same overall length as my 265wb W900L.
     
  5. Kabar

    Kabar Road Train Member

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    The size can very. Most company truck are 230-242 regardless of make. last company I drove for had Pete 379/389 and Volvo 670. there where 2 inch's in deferents. Most O/O like a longer ride and will be in the 280's. Trailers are 53' for the most part. Flatbeds will run 40,45,48'. Some O/O refers run 48'. Al thou I don't know why they would short them selfs like that. Then you have your 40' and 28' pup's which are put together in a variety of ways. Must rigs are around the 72 foot range.
     
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  6. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    and of course where you have your fifth wheel set will effect the over all length some. I have a Volvo 780 with a 237 wheelbase, with a 53' trailer with a 36" pin setting (another small factor for overall length) and with my 5th whell just 1 notch forward of being centered on the axles, I am about 72 1/2 feet overall.
     
  7. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    I've got a Pete 379 EXHD with a 265" wheelbase & 48' flatbed. I measure 69 feet from the front bumper on my truck to the icc bar on my trailer. It'll be 74 feet if I had a 53' trailer.
     
  8. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    Dang it REDD. My pete is 29 foot from bumper to mud flap. I am 70 foot long and this beast is heavy. 300 gallons of fuel...:biggrin_2556:
     
  9. Oversizeload

    Oversizeload <strong>"Weight Limit"</strong>

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    Pete 379 day cab 242 w/b and a 53" lowboy I am 69 feet long with the 5th wheel 6 notch's from the front.
     
  10. REDD

    REDD The Legend

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    I can slide my 5th. wheel & stretch it to 70' total length.... Just haven't had the need to yet. Mine is about 33K I'm guessing.... Still have not gotten the certified empty weight Mercer wanted.
     
  11. notarps4me

    notarps4me Road Train Member

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    I am stretched. What size tanks? I am 34000
     
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