Hello all'y'all!
So I've hitting it pretty hard for six months getting back into the trucking "groove".
So I want to start a thread talking about tips and trick on how to get the best (smoothest) ride. There are an endless number of variables so lets get that understood right off the bat. I don't want this to turn into an arguefest.
I'll start with what I am currently driving which is a 2021 Cascadia.
Locked 5th wheel
53' dry van, spring ride, most of the time.
...scenarios
1) 20,000lbs +/- , equal weight on trailer/tractor ride = not to bad
2) 43,000lbs +/- , equal weight on trailer/tractor ride = not to bad, although noticeably rougher with the added weight. If I move more weight to the tractor, ride is bad, if I move more weight to the trailer, ride seems better. if I equalize the weight trailer/tractor ride seems less bouncy
Anyway, I would like to hear any tips on how best to ensure the smoothest ride.
PS: do air bags on the steers help?
smoothest ride trucks
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by bilbil1960, Mar 6, 2023.
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Since this is the internet I will ignore your question and post something else.
I had a sliding 5th wheel and noticed if the kingpin of the trailer was over the mid-point between front & rear drive axle, or behind it the tractor rode more smoothly. If the kingpin of the trailer was in front of that mid-point between the drive axles each pothole resulted in not just the up and down or left to right motion from running over the pothole but also a forward/rearward motion. I called it the dope slap like someone slapped the back of your head.
Peterbilt had an air-ride front tractor suspension. My dad drove one in the 1990s. It rode smooth but it didn't stay in alignment. I can't remember the last air-ride trailer I ever pulled. I know they rode like a cement mixer with square wheels.Another Canadian driver, Rideandrepair and Redtwin Thank this. -
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Longer wheel base is good, heavier the payload, stretch it on the trailer. Lighter loads, OK to load it frontward. You want weight on the drive axle for better control. This answer is not scientific, just my highway experience !
25(2)+2, Another Canadian driver, Rideandrepair and 1 other person Thank this. -
Try a spring trailer with a liftgate hanging off the back like I do every day.
Another Canadian driver, Last Call, Rideandrepair and 4 others Thank this.
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