looking for advice on wheel base of a straight truck

[tentoes]

Hello: I am inquiring about information on the wheel base of a straight truck. After looking at some used straight trucks and seeing most with a wheel base ranging from 290 to 320", with most averaging in the 300" range, I have come across one with a wheel base of 254 " with a 20 foot box and it has a lift axle. Does anyone think this wheel base is 2 short for expediting loads? I see a lot of trucks with a 96" sleeper and 22' boxes. With a 22' box I could haul 10 pallets, with a 20' box I could haul up to or only 10 pallets as well. So, is the extra 2' box going to make that big of a difference in loads available to haul? If anyone has any thoughts or information please advise. I would like to hear from you. thanks

 

[zorry]

If the lift axle is in back that'd be a 306" wb if the axles were flipped.

A tandem is measured center of steer to center of tandem.( space between wheels.)

With lift axle you measure center of steer to center of powered axle.

52 , 54, or 56 in spacing is typical in us.

A Canadian spread is about 60 inches but rare down here.

 

[tentoes]

Zorry: I understand what you are saying. I don't know if the salesmen that measured the wheel base is accurate or not? I would assume he knows what he is doing. What do you think about the 20' box opposed to the 22' box for expediting loads? I know I have to stay under 40'. Do you think the 254" wheel base is 2 short for loads being hauled? I don't know how expensive it would be to stretch a frame for a longer box. the lift axle is in the front. thanks

 

[Daffyduck528]

What carrier will you run for? Some like fedex will call that a 'c' unit and limit your loads because of that, others won't. A 22' box is a "d" unit at fedex and is why a lot of trucks are outfitted that way. Also gives you 2' of room upfront to keep your freight securement, pallet jack, hand truck, etc and 10 pallets.