Need help: Fith wheel to high with 11R/24.5 tires

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Gliderpilot, Aug 12, 2013.

  1. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

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    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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    2009 pete 386 48inch midroof flexair 3:55 rears cat C-15 475 HP 13spd 230 wheel base. Ya think i'll get 6mpg out of it? won't be cruising faster than 65-68. The company's Qualcom police bag you anything over 70. i'll look into the 5th wheel height when I get it back. looking at 90% tread on the 11R 24.5...49" FW....hate to have to buy tires already but that's my own fault
    Ok we're getting close....I read that I can leave the steers alone and swap the drives only from 11R's to LP 24.5.
    Lower Fw mount.......If I get it down to 48" can I stop bitting my nails everytime I come to a 13 6 underpass?

    Thanks,
    GP
     
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  3. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

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    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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  4. MH60L

    MH60L Light Load Member

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    When I bought my Western Star back in 2008 I was doing tank and needed to get the fifth wheel up to 51 inches. I bought a new fifth wheel base and reused the fifth wheel. Total price for the new base with install was 1300 and change. A lot cheaper than tires unless you need them.
     
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  5. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    My understanding is a standard spec for a 13'-6" trailer today calls for a 46.5 inch 5th wheel plate height (loaded) to comply with the 13-6 limit
     
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  6. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

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    New Jersey
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    So whats it gonna cost me to re spec this truck to lower down from a 49" height FW down to 47"?...can I straighten out this problem spending less than $3,000?....cant afford to change the rims down to 22.5. so it has to be LP 24.5 and a 5th wheel rework(though the Fw does not look high on the frame).
    Thanks, I really appreciate all the input so far
    GP
     
  7. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

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    Jun 13, 2013
    New Jersey
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    Red 386.jpg
    This is the truck I've been talking about. dont know if the image is large enough

    GP
     
  8. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    Before spending any money, I would see if I could back under a load like you will be pulling and measure the over all height. There is no need to spend money unless it is really needed, especially starting out.
     
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  9. Gliderpilot

    Gliderpilot Bobtail Member

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    You have point.maybe that's what i'll do.get it home first .
    Thanks,Gp
     
  10. rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    If it's too tall you'll be much cheaper to change the profile of your 5th wheel than buying 8 new or recapped tires.
     
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  11. DeMaHe

    DeMaHe Bobtail Member

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    Mar 9, 2013
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    Our lower 5th wheel came off a newer model wrecked truck...we left the brackets on the frame rail of our truck, disconnected and slid the higher 5th wheel off, slid the newer one on, reconnected...$600.00 total.
     
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