W900 good for tanker?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by Life on Wheels, Nov 24, 2022.

  1. Life on Wheels

    Life on Wheels Light Load Member

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    I’m a smooth bore chemical tanker driver with a Mack Pinnacle. It’s ok, but it is definitely not the truck I want for years to come. I’m considering a W9 for my next truck. I used to haul fuel as a company driver with one, and I really liked the truck.
    I loaded my own trailer, so I could adjust the amount of product I loaded according to the weight of the truck, and more specifically, the drive axles. Also, the weight of the fuel that particular day.
    I don’t have that luxury as a chemical tanker driver, so my question is do any of y’all have problems with weight distribution or overweight issues with your W900 pulling smooth bore chemical? A lot of my trailers are pre-loaded to near 45,000 pounds.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2022
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  3. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    With smooth bore trailers the weight balance is only adjusted by changing fifth wheel height and/or trailer axle ride height (if air ride).
    Take a tape measure to the tractor of a company truck that carries the weight balanced well and measure the height of the fifth wheel from the ground and then set your fifth to that height by changing fifth wheel pedestal height and/or putting full length spacers under the fifth wheel plate.
    Another way of adjusting height is tire size.
    There is also the possibility of running steer tires to maximum weight to carry weight off the drives.
    Steer axles are rated at 12k, 12.8k 13.8k and more.
     
  4. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    A W900 built light (light frame, 38k or 40k drive axles, smaller fuel tanks, small bunk etc) can be a great truck for smooth bore.
     
  5. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    You’ll have to spec it light , with a high 5th wheel to net 45K in a stainless tank……..
     
  6. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    Good luck finding a used W900 built how you need it. I’ve only ever met two O/O’s with lightweight W9’s and both custom ordered them.

    The most recent was a short hood, studio sleeper, short wheelbase, 100gal tanks, no Vortox air cleaners, no stacks, aluminum 5th wheel, no frame steps, and some other lightweight tactics. Its looks were why I asked about it, because I’d never seen another W9 like it. It was an ugly thing, with its odd proportions and stripped looks.
     
  7. Life on Wheels

    Life on Wheels Light Load Member

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    I guess I’ll just have to settle for a K100 then
     
  8. Life on Wheels

    Life on Wheels Light Load Member

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    Good advice. Thank you.
     
  9. ChicagoJohn

    ChicagoJohn Road Train Member

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    I have numerous OO running W900 trucks and they can all haul 45,000. It's close on the gross, like 79,700 with full tanks, but so far I only have 1 OO who can't haul 45,000. (He has an 86" studio sleeper)
     
  10. Life on Wheels

    Life on Wheels Light Load Member

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    That answers my question. I’ll stay away from the studio sleeper! Thanks for answering
     
  11. Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I drove a '21 W900 mid roof sleeper spec'd for tanker and flatbed, I was 33k empty with a 6,000 gal stainless tank with the fuel gauge on 1/2. You can get 46k easily, even more with some lighter specs, granted you have a light trailer. Macks are light trucks, I'm not even 30k with a stainless tank now, 27,500 with an aluminum lol
     
    Jubal Early Times Thanks this.
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