I simply had to turn around today on my way home from work. This truck was parked at a neighboring business and it caught my eye. While I was taking the picture, the driver came out, was very sociable, and tried to explain the set-up to me. He said the truck was customized... and something about not having to raise the trailer as high with this set-up as would have to be done with the conventional fifth-wheel. I'm trying to recall exactly how he explained it, but with only a very basic understanding of tractor-trailers, it pretty much went over my head. I think he said something about "mechanical" coupling or something... instead of pneumatics?

Would someone here like to try once again to explain this to me. It's kind of intriguing. Do you see very many rigs set up this way?

Thanks!

__________________

I'm not sure what he was trying to explain, but one thing for sure that thing will get horrible fuel mileage. Not only is he running a poor mileage truck to start with, but once he gets the air up over the cab its supposed to flow right over the trailer. Thats why you see van trailers so close up to the cabs. But on this rig the air will drop between the truck and trailer because of that huge gap and then it will have to bounce back over the trailer. Resulting in far worse MPGs than necessary.


What this looks like to me is that some body thought it was cool to take a rig that is set up for hauling seriously long freight with a nose over hang and runs down the road like this.

Every once in a while you'll see a reefer truck looking similar. It might LOOK cool, but what it does to the bottom line because of the excessive fuel consumption is not worth the look in my book. But thats just me.

__________________

Thanks, Brickman! I don't know much about tractor-trailer configurations, but I wasn't understanding his explanation... and I wish I would have asked more questions. The guy seemed very straightforward and down-to-earth which led me to believe this was done for a purpose other than "cool". Oh, the truck belonged to a small company with about a half-dozen drivers, I think he said at one point.

The fifth wheel slides because he mentioned having it slid all the way back. Plus, he was saying that he liked the COE because he sometimes hauls construction materials in 60' lengths and, while he gets his permit, he does not need an escort? So I assume the fifth wheel can be slid forward to the more typical location directly behind the cab.

I wish I would have gotten a picture of the fifth wheel area. I think that's critical to his explanation since he said that the advantage of this set-up is that he doesn't have to raise the trailer as high to hook it. But height has nothing to do with where the fifth wheel is... so there must be something different there.

I didn't even think about it then, but you're right -- his gas mileage has to be pretty rugged. By the way, he's pulling a flatbed. It had framework affixed to the sides for the tarp... which just makes it look like a van in the photo.

Dang, I wish I would have gotten some better pictures!

__________________

Pretty good pic though DUCKS!

It is intriguing but unusual at the same time.

__________________



The Truckers Report Merchandise

I could tell from the pic it was a curtain side flat. And you mentioned the 60' length of poles. That makes sense. I doubt the fifth wheel slides all the way to the cab. It wouldn't be possible to pull a trailer with the landing gear and trailer frame would catch on the end of the tractor frame.

Since you mentioned they haul over length stuff I would say you are right they aren't doing it for "coolness". But I've seen some that do.

__________________

I do have another picture, but it's taken facing the extended fifth wheel area... and the trees in the background at that angle interfere with the overall view. Plus, what I assume are his company's identifying numbers are clearly visible on the one tank... so I was reluctant to post that one.

I'm always somewhat shy about taking pictures of people's property. This guy was nice and said it was okay. Do most truckers mind if you take pics of their rigs?

__________________

You're good, Brickman! I didn't notice it 'til I saw the logo of the tarp manufacturer on the side while standing right there. DUH! LOL

__________________

Not usually. If you are up in the window taking pics of the interior without asking they are likely to get a little ticked off.
But driving by and take a pic of the truck or load is expected to happen if you have a show truck or an odd load.

__________________

Thanks, I'm a flatbedder so the second I saw it and saw the ripples in the side I knew what it was.

__________________

Dang, if I was gonna do that I would build a Living Room behind the sleeper!

__________________
My childhood dream of becoming a truck driver turned into a nightmare!