Freightliner on the high side?

Not knowing the particulars of that particular truck, those specs should do fine for general hauling like you describe.

 

Seems like a generic truck, geared for Interstate driving. 3.42 is a higher geared ratio than others.

 

12k front axle? My 12' Cassie had exactly the same specs as you quote with a 14k front axle. You couldn't get the front axle to scale under 12k with a loaded refeer. Lowest I ever seen was just under 13k. Insanely nose heavy truck.

 

What about a 2.79 gear ratio? @jbatmick

 

If you aren't doing drop and hooks but rather doing all live loads all you have to do is correctly load the wagon. Which is where a driver with a brain comes in handy.

 

The 3.42 is used with an overdrive transmission , the 2.79 is usually used with a direct transmission (or an OD but driven mostly in direct gear).

 

It doesn't really matter as long as the final transmission drive will give the desired road speed. 2.79 direct is very similar to 3.42 with overdrive. What you want to avoid is say direct with 3.42 or over drive with 2.79. Then you are at opposite ends of the spectrum. One will have too much pulling power and max out at 50 mph the other you will have to use granny and all the small gears more but it will run 130 mph (if you have the horsepower)

 

Are they good for pulling 53ft dry van @sdaniel i know a few truckers never heard of 2.79 rear gear