heavy loads vs less paying light loads

Take the heavier load. More money is just that. More money. Wear and tear will not be that much different.

 

So is the correct answer C) None of the above?

 

If a truck won't take 80,000 gross without extra stress or wear then you have what I call a tater chip truck..
This is usually those who claim 7 or 8 mpg..

 

The effects of load weight on fuel mileage are often not what you'd expect...

Example....48,000 lbs of flat steel plates vs 5,000 lbs of foam insulation.

You'll get MUCH better fuel mileage pulling the steel plates because of the aerodynamics of it...the steel load is pretty much like pulling an empty trailer from an aerodynamics standpoint, while the insulation has a profile similar to that of a dry van trailer.

If the OP is talking about a van trailer then this won't really apply....but for the guys pulling skateboards, its true.

Its pretty easy to get 7-8 mpg with a flat bed, once you get the hang of it.

 

You've got a point there, but ever since the advent of the JB Hunt-style-aero-trucks there's alot of flatbeds runnin around lookin silly with a high-rise condo sleeper, WTF??

 

I have no idea why the do that...its a waste.

 

They're buyin these mega-fleet trucks at wholesale thinkin it's a good deal until they have to put a "load" on it, because excludin husband-wife teams I've rarely seen any team-drivers runnin flatbed, and I'm pretty sure the ones do are gay or lesbian....

 

I would nbot run a team flatbeddin. Reefer would be best for team. I have never really understood why somebody buys a condo sleeper freightshaker to run a flat or step trailer either. Why not run a mid roof???

 

Maybe they want to put their pants on standing up??

 

Why not? Team flatbed freight (government, aircraft engines, etc) pays very well. Flatbedders run condos for the same reason everybody else does, they want the room.