Specs for a B-Train Hauler?

i run an A-train in the pacific NW running 105,500 usually around 64,000 worth of freight... im running a 500 detroit with 3.70 gears and an 18 speed with an after market turbo and manifold.. and it does alright not the best but i can pull the hills faster then some of the mega 80,000 carriers...

if i was some where that didn't have the mountains to play with all the time i would run 3.55 or 3.42 gears..

 

Big HP and a big driveline...

 

The deciding factor for tranny is the torque output of the engine. If I remember right the "big" 600's have 2050 ft lbs and require a trans with dual countershafts. Unless they've changed things lately this rules out the 10 and 13 spd but I have seen 18 OD.

Torque is what pulls you up the hills, etc do judge your driveline accordingly. Years ago we hauled 110,000 with 38,000 lb rears but broke stuff. Then we upgraded to 40,000 and broke less. The real "heavy haulers" (log trucks,etc) used 44 and 46's.

Remember, "light duty" is cheaper but breaks alot more often.

 

Learning how to take off with that kind of weight will be the big factor in all of this. Once you get it rolling you good.

 

The RTL0-20913A 13spd is a 2050 transmission, and even the 10 can be ordered for 1850tq. You can get an 18 at 2250tq but even with that the driver makes all the difference. We all know guys that can break an anvil with a rubber mallet, thankfully most of those guys drive company trucks with automatic transmissions and pull dry vans.

 

Thanks for the updated info.

 

In an area like that you can check with the gas haulers because they put every gallon they can on. They spec their trucks to save money and to haul the most they can. Don't go to some cheap outfit but a good sound company and they will tell you. Check with their mechanics.

 

The heaviest you will get on your drives legally is 32,000 in Michigan when you are pulling a sled or a set of joints. If you really want a fully functional drive train spec the truck with a set of 2 speed rear ends. I had a KW with 2 speed rears, the low side was 4:88 and the high side was 3:55. You could shift up or down on the fly. It gave you the low speed and pulling ability plus the ability to run interstate speeds # low rpms.

 

I saw a Pete with 2 speed rears. I always wondered if you could shift on the fly like the medium duties.

 

32K, that's it? Surprised me. Dang, in Canada we ran 38K with a 115,000 Tri-axle. Learned something new here today, thanks.

Soooo...how come yer roads are in such crappy condition????