Short wheelbase winter issues

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by CbarM, Mar 18, 2013.

  1. CbarM

    CbarM Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2011
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    Hey guys, I am curious if a short wheelbase tractor is harder to steer on packed snow n ice then a longer wheelbase is. I just got goin with my cabover 192" WB haulin crude n maybe I just dont have the front end loaded up enough. I am having to take most corners in 2nd or 1st when loaded otheerwise it slides easily. Logic tells me that a longer wheelbase is better for slippery conditions, but this is my first experience in winter with a truck this short...
     
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  3. Sarabeara

    Sarabeara Medium Load Member

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    Ummm - not trying to hi-jack you CbarM, but hey! Did you remember the photo of this unit you're talking about? I'd really like to see it!
     
  4. CbarM

    CbarM Heavy Load Member

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    Irvine, AB
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    Lol...I tried but it said they were to big. Text me n I can send ya some. This truck has gotten alotta compliments already n even had a couple handshakes from a couple of pretty impressed guys!!
     
  5. Licensed to kill

    Licensed to kill Heavy Load Member

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    Go into paint and resize them.
     
  6. CbarM

    CbarM Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2011
    Irvine, AB
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    Hmm...still cant do it...grrr
     
  7. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    Yeah, here is why: A longer wheelbase gives the front axle a much longer torque arm, allowing the steers to more easily overcome the friction of the fifth wheel. So keeping the fifth wheel well lubed (or installing a teflon plate,) is much more important on short wheelbase trucks. The longer trucks do have more resistance to rotation, which does reduce the benefits of the longer arm; but overcoming the fifth wheel friction is the dominating factor in what you're asking about.
     
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  8. MNdriver

    MNdriver Road Train Member

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    I was gonna say, grease your 5th wheel but he already said it.
     
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  9. Sarabeara

    Sarabeara Medium Load Member

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    Goes to show you what I thought! I thought it was his center of gravity. I never thought about the 5th wheel! I'm always learning!
     
  10. Sarabeara

    Sarabeara Medium Load Member

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    OK.. Right click the unopened picture, and a menu will open saying "Open with" and click on Paint.
    Once its opened, look at the top - close to the left side and click on resize. Change the horizontal, and the vertical numbers to 50, and then hit"ok" at the bottom.
    Save the file with a new name if you don't want to lose the original size. And you should be able to upload this file to this forum. If the file is still too big, repeat the process until its within the file size allowed. :D
     
  11. JayTee

    JayTee Light Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2013
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    Like he ^^^ said. Also, if you have the room try and slide your 5th wheel forward and max out the weight on the steers. Remember if you get crossways to the tune of 5 degrees it's gonna feel a lot more out of control than it will with a long wheelbase.
     
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