should i move my fifth wheel?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Josh_B, Jul 25, 2015.
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I never met your granny but I got the image of granny clampett in my head when I read that. -
But the difference you're asking about is not enough to be noticeable. You'd have to have more like 7-10k more on the trailer tandem than the drive to experience the issue I think you're referring to.
What I would suggest is next time you get empty, slide your fifth wheel as far forward as you can and still be able to turn 45 degrees without the corner of your trailer hitting the back of your tractor. The ideal scenario there is for your steer and drive to approach their limits at about the same rate. But the longer your wheelbase is, the less pronounced the effect of sliding your fifth wheel will be.
Another benefit of moving your fifth wheel up is closing the gap between your tractor and trailer will reduce drag, thus improving your fuel economy.darthanubis and Ken Worth Thank this. -
to the OP, at most I would move the tandems back 1 hole and call it good, you'll probably move more than 200 lbs though, which then you'll have to adjust with fuel burn. Personally, as much as I prefer more weight on my drives, I'd leave it as is.
Josh_B Thanks this. -
I would slide my fifth wheel forward 2 holes if this was my truck. With the weight as it is with full tanks you could be gaining 2/10 mpg by cutting down that gap between the truck and trailer.
That being said, this is not the time I'd do it. This load is legal and the effort required to slide the fifth wheel under that weight, you might not get it where you want it. -
Balakov100 Thanks this.
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its a kenworth t2000. i just call it the terminator from T2: Judgment Day. T2 is actually a T1000, but im sure im not the first person to mix that up.
Balakov100 Thanks this. -
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thanks for sharing the bridge law formula. i am actually sitting at about 40 ft extreme to extreme, drive to tandem on this 52' trailer.
and i am rolling with it.
thanks for the fuel tips. it really makes it seem preferable for me to move the fifth wheel forward slightly for long term advantages. (just not at this exact moment). -
Josh -- 53' ?
/ Safe trip
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