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Wheelbase

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by dieselpowerrules, May 10, 2011.

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  1. May 10, 2011 #1
    dieselpowerrules

    dieselpowerrules Light Load Member

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    Feb 24, 2011
    Wisconsin
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    I have a question regarding how different length wheelbases affect the handling of a truck. Generally speaking, will a longer wheelbase allow you to go faster or slower around curves? Does length help with stability/tippiness?

    What is the effect of sleeper size/height on handling? Im assuming those really tall skyrise sleepers make for a top heavy/tippy truck that will like to lean hard in curves?

    Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me with this. :biggrin_25514:
     
    dieselpowerrules, May 10, 2011
    dieselpowerrules, May 10, 2011
    #1
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  3. May 10, 2011 #2
    WitchingHour

    WitchingHour Road Train Member

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    There is some increased stability, but don't think it means you can whip around curves. If a short wheelbase truck has to slow down for them, so do you. They also turn slower, and require more space to execute a turn in. And don't forget that the stability and handling of the vehicle is also going to be affected by the load.
    As for the tall sleepers, they don't make the truck top heavy. The sleeper berth is pretty much fiberglass, or very thin and lightweight metal (depending on the manufacturer, model, etc).. the bulk of the truck's weight is still low centered. They are, however, good at catching wind if you're getting it from the side.
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2011
    WitchingHour, May 10, 2011
    WitchingHour, May 10, 2011
    #2
    dieselpowerrules Thanks this.
  4. May 11, 2011 #3
    dieselpowerrules

    dieselpowerrules Light Load Member

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    Wisconsin
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    I understand the speed limit in curves and would never push my luck, I was just curious as to what would handle better. It seems with four wheeled vehicles, the shorter they are in length the better they handle/take corners etc, so I was just wondering if this applies to tractor trailers as well.

    Obviously the height of vehicles affects the handling, but wasn't exactly sure as to the affect of length...
     
    dieselpowerrules, May 11, 2011
    dieselpowerrules, May 11, 2011
    #3
  5. May 13, 2011 #4
    Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    Wisconsin
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    A longer wheelbase is more stable in poor weather conditions...

    Condos blow around in a crosswind a lot more than a flat top...

    The suspension style makes a big difference in how a truck handles... I believe Peterbilt offers around 13 different configurations depending on the truck and type of operation...
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2011
    Krooser, May 13, 2011
    Krooser, May 13, 2011
    #4
  7. May 13, 2011 #5
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    I always found a longer wheelbase made for a smoother ride too.
    They are more stable in bad weather for sure.
     
    EZ Money, May 13, 2011
    EZ Money, May 13, 2011
    #5
  8. May 13, 2011 #6
    dieselpowerrules

    dieselpowerrules Light Load Member

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    Feb 24, 2011
    Wisconsin
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    I can only imagine a fullsize Volvo, I drove a daycab 2006 something or other (not clear on their models) and even without the front air ride that sucker caught wind real bad compared to the Mack CH I last drove. Them high rise Volvos must really scare the crap outta people that aren't used to them!
     
    dieselpowerrules, May 13, 2011
    dieselpowerrules, May 13, 2011
    #6
  9. May 14, 2011 #7
    Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    I test drove one in West Memphis when the 780 was new... can't understand how anyone can drive one with air ride steer... it was like riding on a pogo stick in a bowl of Jello.

    What ticked me off was Volvo gave me a free hat, took my photo and posted it on their website and said I like their POS much better than the Pete I owned... should have sued 'em.
     
    Krooser, May 14, 2011
    Krooser, May 14, 2011
    #7
    hup Thanks this.
  10. May 14, 2011 #8
    EZ Money

    EZ Money Road Train Member

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    The East Side Gang,Charlotte,NC.
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    I would have at least demanded they remove your photo or pay you big bucks.....a Volvo better than a Pete!....Ah! They are on some good dope!
    I have turned down jobs because they had only Volvos in the fleet.

    My International is ok but i would even take an older Freightliner Classic XL over it any day.
     
    EZ Money, May 14, 2011
    EZ Money, May 14, 2011
    #8
  11. May 14, 2011 #9
    Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    May 7, 2011
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    Short wheelbase trucks are more maneuverable in tight places, but every time you drive on a rough section of road you feel like you ought to get another buckle....:biggrin_25523:

    [​IMG]
     
    Pedigreed Bulldog, May 14, 2011
    Pedigreed Bulldog, May 14, 2011
    #9
  12. May 14, 2011 #10
    RoyBean

    RoyBean Bobtail Member

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    Apr 29, 2011
    sedalia,ky
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    Long wheelbase = Ride and Glide!
     
    RoyBean, May 14, 2011
    RoyBean, May 14, 2011
    #10
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