Questions I keep asking Myself re Truck Shopping

The position of the steering axle affects turning radius more than does wheelbase. Wheelbase is measured from the center of the forward-most axle to the center of the rear axle - basically steer axle hub to furthest rear axle hub.Two trucks of the same length, one being set forward steer axle, the other being set back, the one with the set back steer axle will have a shorter turning radius, even though the frame is actually longer.

tireman said:

The position of the steering axle affects turning radius more than does wheelbase. Wheelbase is measured from the center of the forward-most axle to the center of the rear axle - basically steer axle hub to furthest rear axle hub.Two trucks of the same length, one being set forward steer axle, the other being set back, the one with the set back steer axle will have a shorter turning radius, even though the frame is actually longer.

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Ya, on a single axle centre of steer axle to centre of drive axle... on multi axle trucks, centre of steer axle to the centreline between the drive axles

just to add my two cents here on airbrakes, If you dont need the air brake endorsment in your state for non cdl trucks then stay in your state. Id reccomend getting everything your need to operate your truck anywhere to be safe or else you might get stuck out of state calling for a ride or tow home. dont ask how I know.

The turning radius is most affected by the wheel base. I get your point about over all length, tireman, but the set back axle only turns sharper because you have shortened the wheel base by moving the axle back.
You may not find the correct GVWR truck that is as short as you want it to be. The GVWR is affected by the wheel base because of something known as the "bridge gap". Each state has their own specifications for this gap. This is because each state engineers it's roads and bridges to allow for ceratin amount of weight over a given span. If you increase the wheel base you will reduce the forces applied, to the driving surface, in a given span. The max GVWR single axle trucks will be longer than the lower GVWR single axle trucks. This is because you have a longer span to distribute the load. T/A trucks can carry more weight with the same wheel base than an S/A truck. The T/A trucks still must follow the bridge gap rules but they are afforded more weight because they carry it over more axles/tires and this applies less force to the road.

CM1995 is correct about the DOT rules but I think many are over looking one thing. I was under the impression that a driver had to have a CDL if he was driving any vehicle with a GVWR > 10,000# for a commercial entity. It does not apply if driving for personal use but it does apply to any commercial purpose. Maybe someone could clarify that point.
To the O/P's original question:
I think you would be better served to find an older truck with low miles. Newer trucks are generaly nicer to drive but probably not worth the extra money. As with any used truck a fine tooth comb must be employed when inspecting for purchase. IMO the DT 466 is still a good engine. why not buy another similar truck to what you have. Maybe just a few years newer or at least something nice enough to give your image a boost. Good looking,, and well maintained trucks are good for business and employee morale. Cummins also makes a good medium duty truck engine that is about 210-270 HP.
I personally prefer the air brakes over hydraulics on medium duty and HD trucks. Much better braking power and they are not that hard to maintaine.

DGODGR said:

CM1995 is correct about the DOT rules but I think many are over looking one thing. I was under the impression that a driver had to have a CDL if he was driving any vehicle with a GVWR > 10,000# for a commercial entity. It does not apply if driving for personal use but it does apply to any commercial purpose. Maybe someone could clarify that point.

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I believe that the Feds only require a medical card for the > 10K lb commercial vehicle up to the CDL limit, although we all know state rules vary.

CM1995 said:

In Alabama that is a myth.:cool2 I am not familiar with other states laws but Alabama follows the Fed's minimum CDL rules which governs by weight, other States may be more restrictive but all States have to follow the min Fed rules. 26,001 GVW and above you need a Class B. 26,0001 GVW pulling a trailer more than 10,000 GVW you need a Class A CDL. The air brake "endorsement" is required when you have a Class A or B CDL and the truck has air brakes.

You can have a 25,999 GVW truck with air brakes and all you need is a valid DL and a medical card. You can also have a hyd braked 29K GVW truck pulling a 12K GVW trailer and you would need a Class A CDL but no air brake endorsement. You would also need a Class A CDL with a 19K GVW F550 pulling a 14K GVW trailer but would not need a CDL if the trailer was only 10K GVW. Clear as mud...

Basically it's this in Alabama:

Truck with less than 26,001 GVW pulling a trailer less than 10,001 GVW - No CDL required
Truck with GVW of 26,001 and over, pulling a trailer less than 10,001 GVW - Class B CDL required
Truck with GVW of 25,001 and over, pulling a trailer with GVW of 10,001 or greater - Class A CDL required
Air brake endorsement required if the trucks requires a CDL and it has air brakes.

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Why must we in alabama carry a medical card to do intrastate when the fed. reg.says if you are in interstate commerce?

shopguy said:

Why must we in alabama carry a medical card to do intrastate when the fed. reg.says if you are in interstate commerce?

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I am not sure exactly what the Fed regs say about it but AL requires a medical card to drive a CDL licensed vehicle. Which reminds me that mine has expired....

Hey CM, just curious, did you get a "no fithwheel" restriction on your license? you would have in SC.

mitch504 said:

Hey CM, just curious, did you get a "no fithwheel" restriction on your liscence? you would have in SC.

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Mitch I don't think AL has that restriction. I got a regular class A when I took the test with a pintle hitched truck and trailer.

buckfever said:

I know you atleast need a endorsment on your licenes. I just assumed you would need a cdl for the endorsment.

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Therre is no such thing as an air brake endorsement in the states.

Therefore no CDl is required solely because of air brakes.

I would recommend a truck that is 2006 or older. 2007 was a big year as far as emissions goes. For what you plan on hauling, it doesnt seem to be to hard on the truck, I would recommend an engine in the 12/13 litre range. For the hauling we do here a C12 cat will pull a tandem and pup fine yet is still good on fuel and lighter than a C15.

johndeere123 said:

I would recommend a truck that is 2006 or older. 2007 was a big year as far as emissions goes. For what you plan on hauling, it doesnt seem to be to hard on the truck, I would recommend an engine in the 12/13 litre range. For the hauling we do here a C12 cat will pull a tandem and pup fine yet is still good on fuel and lighter than a C15.

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Good advice. You can find some 2007's that were pre-emission as well. We had an '07 Mack that was pre-emission.

A friend of mine that I use to move my equipment has a KW with a C12 in a tandem with a tag trailer. The heaviest piece of iron I move is a 953C and I am impressed with the C12 as well. I have owned a C15 in the past and it was a powerhouse but for the cheaper cost and lighter weight, a C12 does the same job, something to consider.