How much does wheelbase length affect maneuverability, really?

I've done LTL food service in nyc with a 240wb and a 48, about 7ft shorter than your setup. I never had any problems in all 5 boroughs just make sure to bring your A game

 

I don't run the northeast, but I can help a little here, I think. I work in the oilfield, hauling sand to frac jobs. Sometimes things get really tight on these small locations with all the frac equipment parked all over the wheres. I drove a company Volvo for 3 years. Midroof, 215" wheelbase. Easy to spin it around and back in. Very good visibility.

Then, a few months ago, I bought a '99 W900. 265" wheelbase.

Is it tougher to turn around and back in? Yep.
Can it still be done? Yes it can.

Sometimes I have to work at it more than the Volvos, see-saw the tractor back and forth to get it right, but I haven't been on a job yet that I couldn't get where I needed to be.

 

Just make sure your power steering fluid is topped off and you'll be fine. Just takes a few pull-ups. You'll get it.

 

If you run the steering stops in on a Pete it will surprise you how tight it will turn. W900 turn fine to the left,but not so good to the right even with the stops in.

 

I drive a long wheelbase tractor with a 45 or 48 foot spread axle. I don't have a big hood, but I have enough space between the sleeper and 5th wheel to run with 7-8 feet of front overhang so that we can more easily pull over length loads.

The fact is that there are places you simply can not go. The places that a good driver can get a shorter tractor into in one shot, I can do it with a bit of back and forth wiggling. But when you are talking about the really tight spaces, where a shorter tractor will not go without adding back and forth to get things properly positioned, my tractor simply will not get in there.

I once nearly got stuck in a tight truck stop, I parked in an easy spot with plenty of open space on both sides, woke up with longer trucks on both sides of me and across from me. A good bit of back and forth got me out, but I was literally within two inches of three different trucks at one point. I don't park there anymore, just in case.

I've also had construction sites that wanted me to back into an area that simply couldn't be done. Smaller trucks wouls have taken skill but could have been done.

Most places though, will be doable with a little skill, though. There are intersections, though, where I've had to wait through a light cycle while waiting for the lanes to clear so I can take the left hand turn lane to clear on the road in turning into. I've also had to make a turn that involves stopping and backing the truck up in the intersection a little bit to avoid hitting cars. Mostly in the San Francisco bay area. I don't drive NY so I can't speak to that.

 

As someone who uses both single- and dual- drive axle trucks doing local work with 45' trailers I can tell you there is a noticeable difference in maneuverability between the two, but like the others have said it usually just means taking it a bit easier and having to do an extra pull up or two.

There are some places I've been in my career where extra length has meant watching guys take an extra 30 minutes trying to get into a spot. Sygma in Harrisburg, PA was like that. Hard enough with a standard sleeper truck to get in there, but you'd see guys come in with the extended frame Pete's and a split axle reefer and take alot of time trying to avoid the fence in front of the docks. Then there's places like Northstar Foods in Pittston, PA that are so tight you HAVE to follow the order the receiving guy tells you when everyone goes in for their appointment time (all at 0500 btw.) Not sure I ever saw anything longer then 260ish inch WB in there.

 

they are bolt looking things on the axle that stops the wheels from hitting the frame. you can adjust these in and it allows the truck to turn much tighter. you have to be carefull when adjsuting. too much and you can hit frame rail

 

It makes a big difference, don't let anyone fool ya. I've got an exhd 359 that stays in the barn most of the time just because the little International is so much easier to maneuver and makes the same paycheck. Don't get me wrong, I love the hood, just depends on your application.