extended wheelbases...what's the point?

Can anyone tell me why some canadien tractors have spread tandems?

 

Uh, Tight Docks are getting the norm in Grocery Warehouses ESPECIALLY in the Northeast and good luck with those Truck Stop Parking Lots unless you pull in at 2-3pm everyday as well as some Rest Areas. In certain Freight areas its probably cool. Like comments on the Spread Axle Trailers, love to have one.

 

In Canada you can put more weight on a spread tractor axle.The spreads go up to 76 in.

 

No, you're still bound by the statutory interstate weight limit unless you're running a permit load. It just gives you a little breathing room when you're, say, loading a 46k steel coil and not 100% certain you got it perfectly centered.

I've backed tri-axle power units and quad axle lowboys, yet, put me in one of those Ottawas, and you'd think I'd never backed a trailer in my life. It turns so fast, and it's like my mind just can't grasp the concept of, "hey... this isn't a tractor.. it doesn't turn like one".

One other thing re: long wheelbase tractors, if you ever get into hauling ag, the states tend to be much more nitpicky about bridge law formula for intrastate trucks than they are for interstate trucks, and short wheelbase trucks actually hurt the ag haulers in that their allowed gross gets reduced, especially when you get into trailers like the 28" end dumps and such.

 

its all PERCEPTION--Ive told the story before on here about my first hood--1980 359 w/a 220 wb--and my first 45' trailer--actually a 1974 tempe 42' stretched to 45'.......
just pulled into farm and 3 generations out a barn when i rolled up...My grandpa-Dad and older brother--so of course--they all strolled over to see the dumb### youngin's 1st NEW ride...and after some standard playful banter...my 'ol man said--Tell ya what--grab MY wagon and go make MY last 2 picks--and Ill let ya drop that sum##### on Leggett Sunday night--and I'll get your wagon inta the market for ya!" LMAO....
Well that was lil over 34 years ago--and for the record--I just pulled out of that same market bout 4 hours ago--w/my 300" 379 and a 53' fixed spread reefer....LOL
and MOST of the other points have been covered here--some obviously are just for show--but most work for a living everyday--cuz they get kinda pricey--and ya gotta pay for it--LMAO

 

Come winter time I'm adding 36" to mine can't wait!!!