Single vs tandem axle truck

Trucks can be like shops in a way, after you have it, it's not big enough.
Value of trucks by type very regionally by local demand at times. I went with a friend of mine that bought a nice little IHC M11 300,000 X-lease truck for $18.000. Drove 500 miles and saved $8,000. It requires shopping.
Single axle weight ratings vary. Blue's is 33,000 you may also find some others as low as 26,000 with air brakes.
Single axles can really be a problem in the mud when empty. Also check on your local bridge laws, insurance and such before you dive in.

 

What's the weight limit of the roads you will be on?

 

For as little miles as you are driving, there is no meaningful difference in operating costs. I'd go with the tandem axle, just for versatility.

If I had a dime for every time I said "this is the only kind of load we'll be hauling"............... It's amazing how convenient owning a class 8 tractor can be.

 

I would look at a different approach,if you buy a twinscrew.
I would just remove the first drive and install a new driveshaft.
If it has a sliding 5°wheel,you would even need to drill holes to move it back.
And if ever you wanted to go back to a twinscrew................just reinstall the old parts.

But there are single screw trucks out there,nice ones.
And if you don't go to Cali for your work.............look for one there.
They have very nice single screws out there that are no longer allowed.

 

Just be aware that you might need an additional steady bearing and a third driveshaft to maintain proper angles and to not exceed maximum driveshaft lengths.

 

I mentioned a W900 KW truck in another post that we had put a 1300 cfm compressor on, it was changed from tandem with reyco suspension to single Peterbilt airleaf. It worked out fine.

 

I just recently purchased a single axle class 7. 14k steer and 23k drive.
I pull a 10,000 pound trailer and load is regularly 20-25000 pounds. No issues at all pulling this.

2015 International 7600 extended cab with 4.30 rear end, 10speed automated manual and N13 engine. 430 horse, 1550 tq.

 

You can get a tandem and have a shop somewhere remove the 2nd axle for free. Offer them all the parts they take off.

 

It's really all on what you want. I've drove tandems and singles. When it comes to mud and snow it's 50/50 with both. If you know how to drive the equipment you have then you shouldn't have a problem other then weight which they now make a removable axle now and if you have lockers on your single axle for mud and such.