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extended wheelbases...what's the point?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by theBadger719, Aug 5, 2014.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Aug 5, 2014 #1
    theBadger719

    theBadger719 Light Load Member

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    Nov 18, 2013
    Wisconsin
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    Every so often I see customized Peterbilt 379/389/359s with wheelbases that are obviously not original. Extended by a couple feet more than the usual. Also a smaller sleeper, usually a flattop but I've seen some Unibilt-style sleepers that have been cut shorter. What's the point of having several feet of bare frame between the sleeper and the trailer? Just makes the tractor super long and more difficult to maneuver if you ask me. Also most of these O/Os tend to pull spread axle reefers/dry vans. Why make it more difficult when they could just get trailers with sliding tandems?

    On a side note, how do these guys afford this kind of stuff? They must either have high paying loads or they spend everything they earn on their trucks.
     
    theBadger719, Aug 5, 2014
    theBadger719, Aug 5, 2014
    #1
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  3. Aug 5, 2014 #2
    hilliard

    hilliard Light Load Member

    78
    61
    Sep 13, 2009
    hilliard, oh
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    hilliard, Aug 5, 2014
    hilliard, Aug 5, 2014
    #2
  4. Aug 5, 2014 #3
    hilliard

    hilliard Light Load Member

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    Sep 13, 2009
    hilliard, oh
    0
    Ive been told putting the 5th wheel all the way back and trailer tandems all the way back also gives a smoother ride
     
    hilliard, Aug 5, 2014
    hilliard, Aug 5, 2014
    #3
  5. Aug 5, 2014 #4
    Oscar the KW

    Oscar the KW Going Tarpless

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    Why? Because its cool!
     
    Oscar the KW, Aug 5, 2014
    Oscar the KW, Aug 5, 2014
    #4
    Tonythetruckerdude, Road Boss, Bigchevy and 10 others Thank this.
  7. Aug 5, 2014 #5
    freightlinerman

    freightlinerman Road Train Member

    1,287
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    Mar 4, 2011
    Florida
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    If they changed the king pin setting to 20 feet back and removed the landing gear so the frame would be able to clear, it would look kinda cool. I'd rather a normal size or super size sleeper though.
     
    freightlinerman, Aug 5, 2014
    freightlinerman, Aug 5, 2014
    #5
  8. Aug 5, 2014 #6
    crxdc

    crxdc Road Train Member

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    Jun 24, 2013
    Las vegas NV
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    As for the split axle on the trailer each axle can hold 20K so a total of 40K when you have a 10 foot spread and a tandem only holds 34K so you get 6k more of a load and when you can bill by the load not the miles its better for ya.
     
    crxdc, Aug 5, 2014
    crxdc, Aug 5, 2014
    #6
  9. Aug 5, 2014 #7
    Maineman

    Maineman Light Load Member

    69
    72
    Jun 26, 2014
    Anytown, USA
    0
    The longer the wheelbase on the tractor, the smoother the ride, and on the trailer, the split axle allows you to load more weight on the tail
     
    Maineman, Aug 5, 2014
    Maineman, Aug 5, 2014
    #7
  10. Aug 5, 2014 #8
    Maineman

    Maineman Light Load Member

    69
    72
    Jun 26, 2014
    Anytown, USA
    0
    Putting the 5the wheel back will take more weight off of your steer tires and as far as having the tandem to the back... It's your ticket if you get an over bridge violation...
     
    Maineman, Aug 5, 2014
    Maineman, Aug 5, 2014
    #8
  11. Aug 5, 2014 #9
    BAYOU

    BAYOU Road Train Member

    2,847
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    Sep 23, 2010
    Beaumont,Tx
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    Rookies.......
     
    BAYOU, Aug 5, 2014
    BAYOU, Aug 5, 2014
    #9
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  12. Aug 5, 2014 #10
    Maineman

    Maineman Light Load Member

    69
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    Jun 26, 2014
    Anytown, USA
    0
    Well said driver.
     
    Maineman, Aug 5, 2014
    Maineman, Aug 5, 2014
    #10
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