Why do so many Americans hate European trucks?

January 1st 2015. VW has 100% of all shares.

 

yep, trucks connections are so complicated and only real expert can understand it

 

Ok, so I didn't read the whole thread....

I do have a question though, and it's the reason I signed up.

Does anyone know what the empty/unladen weight of the steer axle on a Scania Longline is?

I know it's a long shot, but we are thinking of bringing one to the states as a promotional vehicle. If it is over loaded before we even start then we might have to rethink our plans.

 

That truck is no longer in production. It's a cab over. So I go to 12,000 pounds for American Weight. If you can put 80,000 pounds on that rig here in America, that front axle must carry 12,000 if not more.

The unladen weight? Hum, CAT the thing and find out. Generally if it equals American Cabovers in generaly overall terms there should be no problems loading that thing to 80,000 with whatever tare weight you come up with. That will decide what you can put on the trailer ultimately. Minus fuel and driver and his stuff.

 

Just to compare:
An unladen DAF XF tractor can have 11,500lbs on the steer axle, fully loaded up to 17,600 lbs.

It would not surprise me if an unladen Scania Longline has more then 11,500 lbs on the steer axle. If 12,000lbs is your absolute maximum, that could be a problem.

I suppose you would need a 6x2 of a 6x4 tractor, those could normally be used for a GVW of 110,000 lbs or more.

You would have an electrical problem though, EU trucks use 24volts, not 12volts as US trucks and trailers do.

And of course since these longlines are quite old, they will have Euro 3 engines, not Euro 6 engines.

New longlines however can be ordered from specialized companies, and in that case you're not limited to Scania.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

We're only going to be hauling a toy box fifth wheel RV for trade shows, so it will be registered as Private/Not For Hire. But that doesn't change the fact that if the front axle is over 12,000lbs we could have a problem.

Of course I realize they have been out of production for quite a while now, but there are a few for sale out there and it would definitely be unique in North America. It all hinges on that steer axle weight...

 

Why can't you stick a heavier axle/springs and tires under the front end? We run 18k lb steers on most of our logging rigs and vocational trucks up here. Don't know if the US has similar rules?

 

I'm sure the axle is already heavy enough. I just don't need the hassle from a Care Bear telling me my tractor is overloaded on the steer, and getting permits for it since it's an RV, could be a problem...

 

I could be wrong, but I believe if it is for non-commercial use (RV) and appropriately marked that you will not be subject to weigh stations and DOT regulations. I cannot imagine that it will be over on the steer pulling an RV.