Mountain Driving with 53' trailer and tandem positioning

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by baby, Aug 3, 2014.

  1. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    what's the kingpin on a 48 or 53 flat???? 45 feet? and spread axle to boot.

    we don't have the luxory of shortening our wheelbase. and we do just fine.

    BTW, wouldn't the 550 in colorado be the worst road in the country. cuz i have yet to see anything that curvy.
     
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  3. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    In a van down by the River.
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    My first solo load was over Monteagle with 42,500 in the box. I know nothing like those out west but was still pretty nerve racking. Most of my training was in mountains of PA, WV, VA, and NC. Seen one guy burn up his breaks on I64 in NC. Worst I've seen is in WV....I64 9% downgrade for 6 miles. And US 421 in WV the pass there is two lanes and have to use both.

    As for original topic, had been told by driver of my company closer trailer wheels are to tractor better pushes up hill, but I never noticed a difference. I have 9 months and would never train. I know nothing compared to most guys and gals out here
     
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  4. baby

    baby Light Load Member

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    Feb 27, 2014
    Charleston, WV
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    oh. ive been to wyoming a few times...ive been northeastern for a WHILE now...cant seem tobfind a middle happy road beteeen the truckers itch to roam and the homesickness of home!
     
  5. jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Columbus, GA
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    Wyoming on east side.
     
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  6. jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Yep not a thing slides.
     
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  7. baby

    baby Light Load Member

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    Feb 27, 2014
    Charleston, WV
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    wellll..i always LIKED pulling flats with fixed tandems because alp you had to do was onow how much you can load to stay legal on your trailer and make sure itbgot ooaded right! definately an advantage over picking up preloaded boxes and scaling and sliding tandems!:i miss flatbedding!
     
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  8. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    You can pack weight better than you can drag it.
     
  9. jsprocket

    jsprocket Heavy Load Member

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    Columbus, GA
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    Only down side is that they are longer. Backed In next to a 53 box and same truck and I was a good few feet out from him since 5th wheel is fixed
     
  10. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    Denver, Co
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    Yes, but where your tandems work on US 40 over Berthoud, unless you also have wings on that trailer won't work on Red Mountain, Molass or Coal Bank
     
  11. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    just a walk in the park
     
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