It's far more complex than that. A forward 5th wheel does reduce overall wheelbase, but it also steers the nose of the trailer into the corner sooner, which increases off-track. My guess is it's close to a wash, but I've never tried sliding the 5th wheel to adjust maneuvering.
But I can tell you that it makes a huge difference with the 5th wheel significantly behind the drives. I run an 80' stinger carhauler, which has a longer Stinger than the 75' carhaulers. Because of the greater countersteer of the trailer nose, the 80' units handle no differently than the 75 footers (with 2' more KPRA,) and have less off-track than a trailer of equivalent wheelbase pulled from a standard 5th wheel. My 5th wheel is about 9' behind the drive's centerline.
As far as the turns approaching 90°, including U-turns? My personal take is that you're doing it wrong if that's a consistent issue. I'm not sure if I'd have to use all of my fingers and toes to count the times I've had worry about bending a cab extender, and that's in better than 37 years of trucking. Despite what most of you have been taught, tight U-turns should be a last resort. Quit being lazy, and T-turn (or loop around the lot.) it's far easier on your trailer, too.
Tandem placement and turning radius
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Jan 22, 2022.
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Have you looked at the 5th wheel on a car hauler? That’s why he said it’s more complex.
Funny how you ignore the part where he said I-turns should be a last resort, echoing what many of us said about finding a spot to turn around instead of doing what you did.InTooDeep and God prefers Diesels Thank this. -
How do you think this would handle compared to your truck based on where the 5th wheel is?
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But that's okay, it's been a great thread. Everybody is keeping their cool and exchanging a lot of information.
As long as the troll doesn't rile anybody up or play dumb for his own amusement we'll let it ride.InTooDeep, Wasted Thyme, Last Call and 4 others Thank this. -
I’m replying just in case someone finds this thread and actually wants some information. Lol
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We had a couple that liked to do that but they're gone. For now, anyway.Wasted Thyme and God prefers Diesels Thank this. -
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