Length vs mpg, pups vs 48ft trailer. Which is better?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by feldsforever, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    On average do 48 foot or pup trailers get better mpg than the 53 footers?
     
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  3. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    There are a lot of variables that affect mpg, but never heard length was one of them. However, I would say that pups will affect mpg, as the space between the pups creates more drag
     
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  4. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    I've been driving a while. All ways 53 foot some reffer. But mostly dry box. I know on the flat side of the industry the mpg is always changing. I never hear much about the shorter boxes thou.
    Thank you.
     
  5. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Every wall that hits air drops mpg, but once that air is moved the continuous drag is negligent.
    So a 13'6" trailer @ 28ft will be worse that a 12' @ 48ft trailer. The further the trailer is from the wall in front of it also means more air drops behind and when the next wall hits, there is more air to move. For example a super long wheelbase tractor will always get worse mpg than a tractor with the trailer tucked up next to the cab.
     
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  6. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Weight is the biggest factor. Pair of doubles get less.
     
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  7. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    I see thank you.
     
  8. feldsforever

    feldsforever Road Train Member

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    I didn't expect that. Thank you.
     
  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    I mean if you really want to split hairs with mpg, you can get a lift axle for light loads or empty, but do you use it like that often enough to offset the cost of said lift axle?

    Simple answer is no, or the mega's would use them.
     
  10. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    I have pulled both 53ft stepdeck 48ft stepdeck . 53 flat and 48flat. Id say in flatbed there is no definitive answer because it changes with weight and shape of load.... I wouldnt think length would play much a factor as weight or region of country u run.
     
  11. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    i honestly don’t know the math, so that may or not be true, but lift axles are definitely not idiot proof and so that alone would be a reason for the megas not to
    Use them....
     
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