Flatbed tractor questions

Looking at a 2000 freightliner fld120


435hp Cummins n14...20000 front axles 52000 rear axles

8LL transmission 4.56


The wheelbase is 180"


The wheelbase concerns me as I've read here that I wouldn't be able to scale 80k# due to the short end

Can this work?


Work would be regional northeast flatbed. 48k# loads.

Thanks

 

Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see why not.?
51' steer to rear axle on 5 is all you need according to interstate bridge formula..

180" is 15'. Assuming the kingpin is at center of drives..
The a 48' skateboard with 36" kingpin & 24" rear axle to ICC leaves 43' kingpin to rear axle..

15' + 43' =58' 84250lbs
Even if you had to run the 5th wheel a foot or so ahead of center of drives to load the steer some the total bridge length will be fine. Get a spread axle & you'll have even more leeway to scale out 80k gross legally..

 

The longer the frame the better. You can do 60 foot loads etc, over hang front and back. 20k steering only if you have those balloon tires, they have to be capable of handling the weight, usually for heavy haul loads. And finally, if your gonna spec it out close as possible to your likings, don’t get nothing under a 500 horse and get a 13 speed.

 

You could gross 80,000 with that truck. That truck is good if you’re driving around heavy in the city. That is not a good spec for Northeast regional flatbed work.

 

So for NE regional work, NJ NY, PA, New England, De, MD,

What would be optimum specs?


500+ horsepower (I was hoping for an n14 or big cam, which are usually less than 500... especially big cam. I know some of the n14s are 525hp, are they still as reliable?


For transmission I understand 18sp would be best followed by 13....


I'm seeing a few 15 speeds and a bunch of 8LL


Wheelbase optimally would be 240"+

.....


I'm just looking for a reliable truck with a cheaper engine to work on, that's why I was leaning towards something like this little 180wb daycab with the n14 celect.


Kind of just brainstorming here, thank you everyone for the valuable information.

 

Here is the actual listing btw

 

It's an n14 celect plus

 

Springride...........better you then me.

 

Ah...

So not only will I get a rough ride from the 180 wb, but the spring ride will be rough as well.

Good to know...

 

That’s a heavy haul spec out truck, unless your gonna do all heavy haul, I would walk away.