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Home > Forum > Wheelbase Length?

Wheelbase length?

Apr 02, 2021 at 10:46 AM CST
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Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Ok, before I get massacred by the keyboard warriors. I want to point out that I’m not currently a driver, i’m close to retirement from my job and I’m currently in CDL school. I’m trying to decide what to pull (freight/flat/bulk). Researching hauling bulk is tough. There’s very little out there as far as the how to part of it all. So starting with the truck, What’s the best tractor wheelbase for pulling a bottom hopper? Thanks for any constructive help. Heath
Replied on Sat, Apr 03, 2021 at 10:25 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

Depends which model of truck you buy

how big of bunk you want on the truck

For example sakes if you buy a international hx a 244" is long enough

gives you deck space behind the bunk for things

now if it's a 389 Pete with the long hood you lose that space behind the sleeper

244 is fine for hopper reefer dry box etc but if you want a wetline on it for end dump than I wouldn't go any less than 265 my next one will be 275 so I have enough room to put the tank behind the bunk

244 in a Pete 389 and you are splitting your passenger side fuel tank

Replied on Sat, Apr 03, 2021 at 10:25 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Wheelbase is also dependent on what part of the country you are gonna run
Replied on Mon, Apr 05, 2021 at 07:01 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Dont go longer then 250 or you wont fit 60ft scale. Almost every bulk load needs to scale 4 times for each load and it gets messy if you cant fit some places. I know its not our fault that they dont have 80ft scale but it will give you less greyhair to have a rig to fit a 60 ft just my 2 cents
Replied on Mon, Apr 05, 2021 at 07:42 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Quote: "Wheelbase is also dependent on what part of the country you are gonna run"

Mostly central US, hopefully.
Replied on Mon, Apr 05, 2021 at 07:42 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Quote: "Dont go longer then 250 or you wont fit 60ft scale. Almost every bulk load needs to scale 4 times for each load and it gets messy if you cant fit some places. I know its not our fault that they dont have 80ft scale but it will give you less greyhair to have a rig to fit a 60 ft just my 2 cents"

Good advice! Thank you.
Replied on Mon, Apr 05, 2021 at 08:38 PM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.

With a little modification and a want to, you can make a 280" fit on a 60' with a 42'6" timpte. It's just the right combination of fifth wheel mount and the right slider position on the frame before you fasten it down. Then slide up to pull on and slide up when you pull off. But most places that only have 60 are good to split nowadays on most loads. If you're not into that much work though, lift axle trailer with a manual lift lift valve should do it,or buy a 40' trailer if grain is all that you want to haul. Only difference is the dead spot at the top of slope.
Replied on Tue, Apr 06, 2021 at 07:38 AM CST
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
Posted by a private FlatLoads.com member.
My wheelbase is 290 with w900l studio with a 48 ft floor. Can get real tight fast, wouldn't trade it for anything less. Kinda gets to be what you're used to. Art Pfluger