Learning trucks! Single axle vs tandem or double axle truck?

IF I was in your shoes, AND I was spec'ing new tractors, look into the 6x2 units, basically they look just like a tandem tractor but only ONE drive axle, other axle is dummy, just there for carrying weight.

Also you COULD look at having a "drop" axle on a S/A truck, when you need it you could pick up another 12,000 of capacity, when you don't need it, raise it up, saving fuel, tires, and tolls, just a thought.



For my money Volvo has about the nicest 6x2 setup that I have looked at.

 

Salesman seldom know anything. He came to the right place for advice, professionals who know what their talking about.

Glad to see KT jumped in here, he's got some sound advice and experience.

 

Truth is, I usually know what is new before my salesman does, Lol

 

So why cant you run 80K on a 4 axle? Now I have run trucks for years with 20K on the front. The federal bridge calculator only needs 57' of bridge to make 80K on 4 axles. Or I think 78K in 54' is even better. On a setback front axle with sliding fifth wheel, I am sure you could get 18K on the front. It requires a 10'1" spread on the trailer, but thats normal and easy to find. Thoughts?

 

If this was my deal, I'd go with the 6x2 setup like KT describes. I called it a "tag" axle, and when you need it , it's there, and can be raised when you don't. I drove a single axle truck, and it was a PITA. Many times, on backhauls, they'd load the wagon, and I was overweight and had to dodge the scales, plus it was hard on the truck. Years ago, there was a device called a "Jo-Dog". I think CF used them. It was an extra set of wheels that connected to the back of the tractor, and could be removed. Not sure those are still around.

 

O.K. I'm going to reverse course here now knowing exactly what you are doing and where you are.


I think 2012/13 Cascadias would be a good choice, not sure about the Penske deal, I have always found most Penske trucks to be sparsely equipped and a bit high on price.

One other thing to think about, if you are in Cali. (I take that to mean, lots of traffic, lots of stops, 55 mph speeds) I would NOT limit myself to search for 6x2. Because if you are using this truck for local or even regional, I really don't think you will see a huge saving in MPG's between a 6x2 and a 6x4, IN THIS APPLICATION, that is my bad, as when I first answered your question I didn't realize exactly where you where or what you were doing.

The 6x2 is at it's best on long highway runs with little stop and go driving, that is where you will see the largest difference. Just go for the best conventional tractor you can find that fits your budget, with up to 40,000 in the box, and buying a used truck it will open up your choices quite a bit.

Sorry for misleading you, thought you were more over the road 70 mph deal. The money you save on buying more conventional tractors/trailers will help offset any fuel savings at the speeds you are running.

JMHO