Heavy Haul truck setup questions

What are you running? Gross weight, driveline stuff, average dim's...and the almighty % of loaded miles?

I average better than this at 150-190,000, 550 ISX 18spd 4.10 on 11R22.5's, usually 12'ish wide by 14'-14'6"ish high by 100-118' long on 9 axles, with approx 55% loaded miles. The empty stacked up weight is 63,500-72,000lbs depending on deck/rail & number of sections. Also I don't run a high percentage of mountain miles...but when I do, OH BOY!
Of course at this point of the year (Jan 1 to now) I don't even bother to calculate yet...we are in this thing they call winter, I call it Donate most of my income to the fuel company season.

 

Seeing as we both put our numbers in for so far THIS year, Why try to make a comparison?
If you want to compare, work out your MPG since Jan 1 to now.

Martin

 

My mileage is since Jan 1st of this year, 7 axles, 625 Cat, 18spd, 11R22.5's, 4.10 rears, 10'-11' wide and 14' high. Most of my running is from the Midwest to the Northwest, 42% empty, and LOTS of idle time, and this year I haven't been able to have anything other than a headwind.

 

I haven't calculated it yet, I do it quarterly...but January was probably about 3...I had loaded days that I know I got under 2MPG, friggin SD cross/headwind!

Yeah, my first two loads this year the winds were blowing so hard I had lots of time where I couldn't maintain speed...both were 349EL Cat excavators that had me grossing just shy of 180...

 

http://www.robertjamestrucking.com/winter-front.htm
http://www.volvotrucks.com/SiteColl...e/parts/accessories/accessories_catalogue.pdf

 

I don't think I've seen a 13 behind any motor bigger than a 550 HP. Is that factory 600 hp?

 

Hey. sorry to get back late. Do these heavy trucks have double frames.

If you are not going to haul over 120K. I would not get a double frame, just a heavy single should suffice.

Also, what gear ratio are most folks running.

I've been seeking advice for quite a while and reading a lot. 3.90's seem to be what all recommend

is 3.90 good enough to pull hills like twin sisters, Cabage?? 600HP Cummins ISX 13 speed tranny?

Can a 13 speed hold up under heavy haul situations or must you have an 18 speed?

I would just make sure you get a transmission with the proper torque rating and you will do fine. No matter how many gears you have.

That said, I pushed to get a upgrade to a 18 speed in my company truck. Only for the 14.4 low gear, instead of the 12.3 low gear in a 13 speed, and for the splitting of 4th gear. Now with a new truck in play with 3.91 gears instead of 3.55's, and 200 more ftlb of torque and about 25 more horsepower. I may change my mind come October.

 

Any four axle truck worth having will be double framed.

I have 4:10's in mine, 3:90's would be fine as well.

I think that a 13 would last, as long as it is rated for the torque that the motor is putting out. I wouldn't want one myself, being able to split the bottom gears is just to convenient when you are running heavy.