a wild and crazy idea

[LDB]

Ok, sitting here the whole weekend I'm wondering about a truck spec idea. What if one took a Freightliner Argosy 110" high roof unit and had it built with the rear axle as a load bearing axle placed about 40" from the back of the frame and the drive axle 104" in front of that? That would put the drive axle far enough from the load bearing axle to allow both to be rated 20k rather than the 34k of a joined tandem pair. That would give you a truck with a 30' cargo box and 52k rated capacity. The drive axle might need to go a little closer to the center of the box but that could be figured out by FL engineers. I know there would be some tire scuffing with the rears farther apart but that might be an acceptable tradeoff for the capacity and maneuverability.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
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[Tennesseahawk]

With the axles right where they usually are, you still have a 52k capacity.

I can see the Colonel stepping up to the plate on this one.

 

[LDB]

I should have said 52k bridge capability I guess. Not sure how to phrase it but can't carry over 34k on joined tandems even though the axles are 20k each.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
Expediters Online.com - The Best is Getting Better!
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[RichM]

Would be a lot of fun coming down I 17 from Flagstaff to Phoenix with 52k on a 10 wheeler.x(

 

[Tennesseahawk]

Exactly! I have a 48k gross on my truck, even tho I could go to 52k or more. I never intend to use the full 48 either, as 28k on my 19,000# truck would be an interesting experience, to say the least. Depending on the situation, I'd probably go 23-25k. But the most I've carried was 18, and it went fine.

I don't see too much that can fit in a 30' box and weigh 30,000#.

 

[x06col]

We built one exactly as described. We split the tandems 8'1" which allows us to "bridge" (the operative word) 12,000, 20,000, 20,000 for
52,000 gross. Our particular machine can carry a 29,000lb load, although it is difficult to take any truck to the edge of it's capacity envelope. The most I believe we have loaded is 26,500. Does scuff a little, and decreases your turn some, but, by no means a show stopper. (Imperfect world we live in) Just goes back to what I tell our folks "you gotta drive that truck, not just aim it" Concerning comming off the hill with it loaded, I guess i'd just as soon come off that hill with mine and 29,000lbs on it as one that hinges in the middle, and has 44,000 on it. It is all relative. BTW Leo a very good idea. If you want any more, give me a call.

 

[X1_SRH]

I just had to get my 2 cents in here on this one....

It sounds to me like it would not just scuff tires, it would EAT them. I agree entirely with the Argosy ideas though. I am really surprised that more Argosy stretches are not on the road. If I were to be back on the road again, I'd be in one.

Scott

 

[davekc]

I quess the porti-potti is out of the question on these.
Something to consider if traveling with a spouse.
Forgetting that during a service could be a problem.




Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[x06col]

Dave: I'm not sure what age you are typing from, but, I don't believe you should blame the porta potty on the spouse.

 

[LDB]

I know some of the lift axles are steerable. I wonder if you could get a 20k axle steerable? If the rear non-driven axle could be steerable that would take care of the scuffing/eating problem I presume.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[x06col]

actually, there is well over 150K miles on our split, I have not measured remaining tread, however, looks to be half used up. Regardless, even if they were used up right now i'd cheerfully replace them knowing the extra revenue they have produced.