13 Axle Setup?

C16 Cat is great but not necessary. In my book, ideal specs for heavy haul would be:
1998-2003 truck
3406E, C-15, C-16 cat, 14.0L detroit (PRE EGR, Rare, but a beast). 600HP+. Pre-low nox configurations recomended. If not available then custom tuning by PDI highly recommended
18 speed transmission. 13 okay if gross is less than 150,000
3.90-4.11 differential ratio (single speed rears, the double speed rears are unreliable, get an auxillary tranny instead if you need it)
24.5 tires to keep rpms in line
double frame (to the front axle not just to the rear of the cab)
14k steers with 385 tires
46k rears
20k pusher axle
260" wheelbase (much longer and you'll start running into a second escort on a 13 axle, shorter you won't have enough spacings)
A loaded 13 axle is a superload in most states. You definitely do not want to use a normal road tractor for these applications.

 

http://www.caledoniadiesel.com/en3/...&srt=model_year DESC&p=5&submit=Search&page=1

 

I think you are getting in way over your head...
Most of the quoted allowable steering weights listed in this thread are wrong.
A 13axle is not the unit to start on in heavy haul. If you even think or have to ask if that first post's photo of a freight truck is ideal to pull anything over 150,000...I'd advise getting more experience.

 

http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=4314767&dlr=1&pcid=2000660371

 

You have not mentioned anything about your experience, but jumping into 13 axles to start seems to be a bit much. If you have never done any heavy haul, you might want to start with fewer axles. You could start with six or seven axles and then expand the number of axles once you gain some experience. I am not trying to tell you how to run your business, but it is a big jump from 5 or 6 axles to 13.

 

I don't think "big jump" expresses this adequately...Herculean would be a better expression, but still a shortfall.

 

I'm a capitalist, I say let him lose his shirt on pulling a 13 axel so we can buy it at a discount from the bank in a year.

 

I'm less concerned about trying to buy his equipment for pennies on the dollar, than I am about the end result of rates due to his obvious lack of knowledge!

Most of the time it's these inexperienced types who seem to think..."Wow, I can get all this work 'cause I can do it for less!" Mainly because they're working for ~$2.00 freight rates, and hear what heavy haul rates are and they think they are getting a "raise"...not realizing the true costs involved with the new venture. Once they drop the rates, it always takes a long time to get them back to where they should be.

It's a vicious cycle...I've never understood that mentality, but it's out there...

"I don't know as much as this guy who's been doing it for years, but I know I can do it for less"

If you don't know what you are getting into, how is it that you can comprehend the fact that you "know" you can do it for less?

 

It was so nice that I join here on this forum because I learn a lot of things on that kind of job.

 

This is obviously off subject. Personally, I have a hard time justifying going to 6 axles from 5. Specialized rates have been bastardized over the last 18 months. It's depressing to see 5 axle RGN linehaul rates at a 20%-25% discount from where I believe it should be. Not coincidentally, 6 axle freight doesn't command the premium rate for the additional overhead and exposure. There is obviously a surplus of capacity in the market. Used equipment prices are dropping, many large carriers aren't hiring to the extent they were 6 months ago.

In my opinion, you start to get adequate compensation for hauling 7+ axle freight given inherent expenses and risks. Low utilization becomes the problem. I feel this is a problem I'll have to deal with in the near future, one that will definitely take some more research as equipment keeps getting larger and 5 axle open deck freight becomes more of a commodity.