How much Wheelbase affect MPG ? (New truck purchase)

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Narcis.M, Apr 21, 2011.

  1. Narcis.M

    Narcis.M Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2010
    Quebec
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    Hello , i plan to buy a 2007 Pre DPF Volvo780 i found with Cummins ISX 565HP , 13 SP , 22.5LP tires and 3.55 rears ,390000milles, truck is really awesome , looks extremely good ,but the only thing that makes me backup on this is the 243 wheelbase ,...i look at all the Volvo's 780 for sale in truckpaper.com and they usually have an average of 230WB , so this one i look for is 13 inch more which is considerable imo, i wonder how much more fuel it takes because of this .
    What is the best distance between the fairing and the trailer for optimal MPG ?
    P.S / Pulling DRY VAN , avg 65-80.000 lbs gross in the mid west and west .
    Any help is highly appreciated as i need to take a decision in the next few days .
    TY
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2011
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  3. special k

    special k Light Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2008
    Ontario Canada
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    It depends what you are going to use it for. Pulling a van people usually recommend no more than a couple of feet between the fairing and the trailer before you start to see significant(?) losses in fuel mileage. Pulling a flat or a tank it usually doesnt matter near as much. If your loads are always light you could run the fifth wheel up as far as possible without overloading the steer axle. I'd go with the longer wheelbase for versatility down the road myself.
     
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  4. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    East Central FL
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    You found a good truck and I would go with it because of the spec's. If you own the van you can add an aerodymanic thing that goes on the front of the van. The longer wheelbase not only makes it more flexible but for a more comfortable ride.

    KH
     
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  5. Narcis.M

    Narcis.M Light Load Member

    76
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    Oct 17, 2010
    Quebec
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    Thx a lot for help guys , you mean to move the fift-wheel up as far as possible towards the truck if i am light to reduce the gap ?
     
  6. freedhardwoods

    freedhardwoods Light Load Member

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    SW IN
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    Yes, that will help.

    These will help also - http://www.airtab.com/main.html
     
  7. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    Home of the Stampede
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  8. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    Help what, make your wallet lighter? Better add a 3000d to those airtabs!:biggrin_2554::biggrin_2559:
     
  9. freedhardwoods

    freedhardwoods Light Load Member

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    SW IN
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    You should research things before sticking your foot in your mouth.

    It is a well known fact that air turbulence causes a significant reduction in fuel mileage. You can see for yourself in wind tunnel testing that the airtabs greatly reduce the turbulence between truck and trailer.

    By using clear tubing you can also see how the FASS system removes air from the fuel.

    You only have the manufacturers claim and user testimonials that the 3000d works.
     
  10. belltransit

    belltransit Light Load Member

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    oak grove, mo
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    i have a 300d on my truck...never saw any increase in mpg. should have keep the money.
     
  11. DL550CAT

    DL550CAT Road Train Member

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    Waynesburg, Pa
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    I know a guy that put air tabs on his trailer. He hauls light most of the time mostly just cardboard. He only had them a couple of weeks when I talked to him last. He said that he was not sure about the mpg improvments cause he had not been doing his normal run all the time. But that it did seem to be up about 2 tenths. He also said the most noticable differance was how the trailer handled when it was light. Told me he thought they were worth it.
    If I catch up to him again I see if he has a better idea of any mpg differance.
     
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