Big Bunk Sleeper question

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by GYPSY65, May 11, 2021.

  1. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    I pull a 53’ conestoga and I am looking at a new big bunk
    How big can I go for a wheelbase without hating my decision?

    I can get around a 288” with a 120” bunk and around 300” with a 132” bunk which being only a foot longer seems to give a lot more bang for the buck
    But again, I don’t want to hate my decision
     
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  3. RStewart

    RStewart Road Train Member

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    288 isn't too bad for getting around but you'll definitely notice 300. Either way, you'll get used to it eventually and not even realize it's so long anymore. What wheelbase do you have now?
     
    Last edited: May 12, 2021
  4. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    What overall length laws?
     
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  5. p608

    p608 Road Train Member

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    I thought that as long as you pull a 53 footer there is no length restriction.
     
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  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Where is this?
     
  7. MacLean

    MacLean Road Train Member

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    Canada for sure. Not sure how much they enforce it but it’s in place.
     
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  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Parts of Canada always had a 250” wb limit. A lot of Tractors had a Canadian spread. Drives were spaced apart more. Not sure if that’s related to 250” wb limit. If measured from center of axle group it would equate to a little bit longer rear axle distance, over a standard 250” wb.
     
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  9. larry2903

    larry2903 Heavy Load Member

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    Which manufactures are you looking at for your big bunk? Just started looking into this myself.
     
  10. ETMF 58 White

    ETMF 58 White Light Load Member

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    For whatever it’s worth: I actually asked the DOT cops- a senior and a newbie- that exact question in Arkansas this week while they had me pulled over at a portable pad this week. As nice as any fellows you’ll ever meet, by the way. They checked my oversize permit, saw that my truck and trailer was new and clean and load was secured properly, never even asked for my CDL or registration, then chewed the fat with me for a few minutes. Anyway, Senior DOT guy said, yes, the rule is 53 foot trailer, but in addition the whole rig can’t exceed 90 feet. I didn’t check the Arkansas book to see where that is, because I don’t need to know at the moment. But what brought the subject up was my son has been telling me about these Southern Pride guys who haul high dollar freight and carry their house on their backs, much like you are asking about.
     
  11. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    The only length problem is kingpin laws in some states, that applies to the truck you have now.
    I’m 79 foot long and have no problems. If you can get your tandems forward on your trailer you can get around preteasy with a 300 inch truck. Just have to piss a few people off on tight turns. I wouldn’t recommend it running some big cities on the east coast.
    A 110 to 120 sleeper , no back door has plenty of room. All I wanted was a shower and full size bed, all the other stuff was a bonus. Plus less weight and easier to get around.
     
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