Loading and fuel efficiency considerations

I've given this some thought. Other than the axle weight and bridge law requirements, it's hard to see a lot of fuel up or down in cargo location. Maybe some sidewall flex differentiation. If I have a 25,000lb cargo, and place half on drivers/tandems, I'll still be around 11,500 steers, with the balance split on the drives/tandems. Wind resistance, torque requirements, road conditions will remain unaffected. In other words, I don't see the fuel impact. I can say, 1/2 or 1 ton heavier on the drive axles makes for a much smoother ride, noticably smoother. Maybe that would impact sidewall flex, thus fuel use, I don't know that. If you have a perfect driver, 100lbs psi every tire, progressive shifting, green driving with moderate braking, employing all the driving methods that make a great difference one truck to another, maybe it would be possible to measure load placement within the axle weight requirements. Really, I guess the sidewall flex factor would be the only real distinction for a study. Note: I think driver skills and the condition of the truck are still the central issues with fuel consumption.

 

weight is weight is weight, So I cant see how loading would affect the fuel economy. The gross weight is what it is, coupled with the coefficient of static friction, both of which are fixed. So shifting the weight around wouldnt do much, just quickly looking at it. I'll give it further thought, but cant see, off hand how it would.

 

I think the biggest difference you will see between different loadings is a different ride quality, improved ride quality could smooth out the driving some which may equate to fuel savings but it would probably be so minimal that it's not even worth looking at.

 

Allow me, what is wrong with you? You load cargo on the floor of the trailer, right? So batteries are lower center of gravity than beverages, right? I don't know how I'd pick my loads for that. Heavier takes more fuel than light loads, I think we can all agree on that.