Running with JCT, Part Deux

I normally don't have too. But the way the initial weights worked I needed to. I needed a little weight of the drives in order to put my tandems one hole back past the California hole. I know that in most states allow 400lbs extra on drives for APU but I try not use that. Especially in California.

Even though I was 360lbs over on my tandems in California and if I would have got pulled in, I rather be a little over than over length on my bridge.

I don't know about the 14's but on my 12 the best position for weight distribution is one hole forward of all the way back.

 

By putting your 5th wheel all the way back, you're creating a huge gap between your truck and trailer which translates to a wind stop. MPG's are drastically affected by this.

Mine is set in the second notch from the front. I regularly have 12,000 + on my steers. This allows me more wiggle room on my other axles. My 5th wheel position is NON-NEGOTIABLE as this is my truck and I pay for fuel.

Only a handful of states list 12,000 lbs as their limit, but rarely enforce it. Most are 20,000 lbs. Legally, you can only have what the tires are rated for.

 

I tried that, and ate up a set of new steers. Had it set for the max weight rating of the steers. Not doing it again. I still average 7mpg.

 

I completely understand where you are coming from.....

But, 7 MPG is not great economy. The 2012's should be getting 7.5 MPG or better. The 1st batch 2014's (the onel that came in the summer of 2013) should get 8.0 MPG. The other 2014 should be getting closer to 8.5 MPG.

I run heavy on my steers. Got 188,000 miles on a set before I traded in and still had 10/32 and 12/32 on them. I got 145,000 on my last set and that was only because of a manufacture's defect which they credited me for so I'm starting over. I fully expect to get over 200,000 miles on a set of steers.

Not trying to get into a pissing match or step on anyone's toes, but these are simply facts.

 

If I had my fifth wheel closer, then I can get 7.5 better. Right now, I am just cruising along til its time to either trade this in for a 2016 in the March-May time frame or this truck forces me to request another truck.

I know after I deliver this load, I need to go to shop to have both windshields replaced (gotta love those gravel trucks dumping rocks all over the place as the pass you doing 80mph) and get the DEF system fixed again. This will be the third time it has malfunctioned. Error code EEC 61 with check engine and MIL light on.

 

There are a butt-load of brand new 2015's at the terminal now. They have the 3:07 rears and come with fridge and led headlights. Only negative is they have a carrier unit as an apu. ( I personally don't care for 'em) They also have gauges instead of the 1-piece instrument cluster you have now.

 

I will ask about getting one then. This is the third time in 4 months the DEF system has malfunctioned.

 

If they send you west dont fuel in phoneix i got fuel at the Zip fuel station exit 45 on i 10 in salmoe Az for 3.379 I love it when a plan comes together LOl

 

Um, Pilot & J in Eloy $3.439 which is a net of $3.339. Loves in Chandler (I-10 x 162) $3.429, which is a net of $3.369.

You have to keep in mind the $0.05 rebate at Loves, Pilot, & Flying J. In addition, you get a penny spending cash at Loves and $0.05 at Pilot/Flying J. Also, don't forget the free shower and sweepstake entries you get. Don't get those benefits at Mom & Pop stores. (maybe a shower...if they have one).

Not sure if anyone is aware, but a JCT driver won the 1,000,000 points giveaway from Loves a couple of weeks ago. That's $10,000. Just by swiping his card in the store.

So, don't always look at the price you see on the sign at diesel stops. Subtract $0.06 - $0.10 per gallon to get a true price.

 

Steel I'm confused. If its 3.439 and we get .05 credit that makes it 3.389. Also do we get that at loves as well?