5th wheel placement on a heavy haul truck

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by paccarmike, Sep 20, 2021.

  1. paccarmike

    paccarmike Bobtail Member

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    Jul 9, 2014
    Washington
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    This question has been asked dozens of times. The question is 5th wheel placement on a heavy haul truck (3 axle truck). I have mine slide all the way forward which usually has my weights as follows:

    Steers: 11,000 (max 12,900)
    Drop axle: 9,000 (max 10,000)
    Drives: 31,000 (max 34,000)
    Tandems: between 39 and 40,000 (max 42,000)

    My friend is constantly moving his around. I told him to slide it forward and forget about it but he says that it bends the axle and puts too much weight on the front end (steers and drop axle) which I believe is nonsense because I'm still legal on all my axles with more than 1k to play with on both the steers and drop. I checked out the Fontaine website and they say that the Fontaine 5th wheel should be slide to the front. It all boils down to driver preference obviously but I'd like to know yalls thoughts.

    I never have to slide my 5th wheel whereas he does every day to every other day. He claims it helps with his fuel economy but his is 6.08 and mine is 6.04 and I usually haul heavier stuff than he does but about 5 to 6000lbs.he also says it helps with the ride but I don't think it would because my ride is as smooth as a freightliner can get which isn't smooth coming from a pete.. Thoughts on all this? Where do you have your 5th wheel and have you ever slid it?
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2021
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  3. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Jul 6, 2009
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    When the drop goes down. Usually the steers go up and so do the drives.

    It lifts the truck up. Is what my last one did. Wasn't much but you could see the frame climb against the drives.
    I had just enough pressure to keep the drop from locking up on braking.

    I'm with you. Set it and forget it.

    My steers were 13,000 when loaded. 12,500 empty. I have no idea what they'd weigh with the drop up and loaded.
     
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