Dumb question about wheelbase

All trucks to a certain extent are custom built, especially KW and Pete, they aren't like cars on a mass production line.
Short wheelbase for around town work, log trucks, etc where you need manoeuvrability.
Long wheelbase for OTR where you want big sleeper and more fuel.

 

Also the longer the wheelbase the better the ride

 

A lot of the time the salesman, or whomever makes the listings doesn't know how to measure wheelbase. It happens all the time. So, it could be they just measuring it different even though there is only one way to do it right.

 

There are no dumb questions if you do not know the answer. We are here to help. Only the jerks will give you a smart reply.

Don't be ashamed to ask.

 

Shorter wheelbase provides a tighter turning radius so you can crunch your cab extenders proficiently.

 

Pulling a van, the trailer is typically tucked up close to the back of the cab for aerodynamics.

The same make/model/sleeper truck if spec'd for flatbed work will be a little longer, so that a headache rack can be mounted and longer pieces can overhang on the front of the trailer without getting into the cab.

Wheel base might also be stretched in order to carry more weight legally under the federal bridge formula...greater distance between the axles, the heavier load that group of axles can carry.

Spec'ing a truck is not a "one size fits all" sort of thing. The specs you need depend entirely upon what you need the truck to do for you.

 

Trucks aren't built like cars. There is no standard model. The person orders and specs pretty much every component from the seats, axles, wheelbase, suspension, engine, transmission, even the hubs and bearings. Even the thickness of the frame can be different depending on what you want the truck to do.

 

And don't forget.......wheelbase is measured from the CENTER of the tandems to the center of the front axle.
Some folks think it's measured from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle.