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Tri-axle vs tandem truck turning radius?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Raezzor, Jul 30, 2013.

  1. Jul 30, 2013 #1
    Raezzor

    Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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    So, just got a job with a new company. Pretty small, which is the way I like it. Only issue is the only truck they have open at the moment is a tri-axle. The 3rd axle is a lift axle so I won't have to worry about scrubbing and such, and I doubt I'll get any loads that'll need it since they said they rarely do OD loads anymore. However, I live out in the boonies. Roads here can be a little tight on turns and the place I usually park my truck has a somewhat tight entrance as well. So I was just wondering how much harder it is to get around in a tri-axle. The truck is a 2007 Pete 389 mid roof with a sleeper. Not sure exactly on the wheelbase but it looked about 40-60" longer then the tandem axle trucks they had that were the same model.
     
    Raezzor, Jul 30, 2013
    Raezzor, Jul 30, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jul 30, 2013 #2
    haulhand

    haulhand Road Train Member

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    It's probably between a 280 and 315 wheelbase so it'll take a little more to turn than your used to. Just set yourself up wide and then cut whichever way is opposite of the turn as soon as your truck clears to straitened out the corner. Sounds like a good gig but if they don't have four axle freight it just adds weight to pack around and will limit on loafs you can haul.


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    haulhand, Jul 30, 2013
    haulhand, Jul 30, 2013
    #2
    Raezzor Thanks this.
  4. Jul 30, 2013 #3
    Raezzor

    Raezzor Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

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    Thanks hand. The weight might be an issue but it sounds like they have some pretty steady customer setup for both outbound and inbound freight nothing which should be close to gross. I do plan on getting an empty weight on it with full fuel tanks just so I know ahead of time what I'm looking at. I figured that lift axle and the extra frame prolly add about 2-3k or so. Does that sound about right? And ya, I was guessing about 290" on the wheelbase. Should ride pretty nice though!

    Never been a big fan of Peterbilts because of the clutch, but the trucks sure are pretty. And at least I'll get experience moving this thing around in case I ever need to use one in the future.
     
    Raezzor, Jul 30, 2013
    Raezzor, Jul 30, 2013
    #3
  5. Jul 30, 2013 #4
    sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    Weight ever a issue , just drop anchor , eh axle.
     
    sdaniel, Jul 30, 2013
    sdaniel, Jul 30, 2013
    #4
  7. Jul 30, 2013 #5
    haulhand

    haulhand Road Train Member

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    Depends on the specs. My heavy speced 4 axle T800's went 27500 bobtail full of fuel and gear. A Pete should be a little lighter sounds like a good gig I wish you luck.

    That only works if your single piece or in the west.


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    haulhand, Jul 30, 2013
    haulhand, Jul 30, 2013
    #5
  8. Jul 30, 2013 #6
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Out west we have truck and trailers with a drop axle on the truck. If it's like my pictured truck then you shouldn't really notice that much in turning. The axle will tag behind the steers if it's located in front of your duals. Just remember if you do use it never leave it down when empty. You'll find out in the rain or other bad conditions the truck will not turn as well. We have them because our trucks are set to load 105,000lbs gross. The drop will allow more product to be loaded because the drop axle will take the weight off the steer and allow more on the truck. Our bad item was the switch to lower and raise was located outside the cab. That's the way Nevada had to have it. So if you forgot to lower or raise the axle you had to stop and get out. Also make sure you have an automatic switch to raise the axle when you go into reverse.
     
    GasHauler, Jul 30, 2013
    GasHauler, Jul 30, 2013
    #6
  9. Jul 30, 2013 #7
    haulhand

    haulhand Road Train Member

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    That's a good point gas hauler if its a steerable lift do not back up with if down. If its just rigid four tire lift you don't need to be concerned. Our four axles had the switch outside as well but it was directly under the drivers door so we got fairly adept at opening the door and dropping the axle just before a scale and then picking it back up a couple miles down the road with toe of our boot.


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    haulhand, Jul 30, 2013
    haulhand, Jul 30, 2013
    #7
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