[Graymist]

Originally Posted by gladman

I was told I also need a double framed heavy spec truck. Does this sound right?

I drive for a dry bulk company, where we routinely pull super-b trains. Our trucks have to negotiate some really steep and treacherous mountains ( not little hills ), brutally cold temperatures of -35 celsius, and also have the versatility to do some serious bush-work in the oilpatch of northern and north-central Alberta. When we pull the super-b's, we gross out at around 62,000 kg ( max is 63,500 ), or around 139,000 lbs. For what it's worth, here's how all our trucks are spec'd, to give you some idea :

Transmission : 18 double-over
HP & Torque : 475 & 1850 ft/lbs ( both CAT & ISX )
Front & rear ends : 13.6 & 46
Gear ratio : 4.11
Suspension : Hendrickson
Wheel-base : 219 & 190 ( for the daycabs )
Frame : 11mm
Type of cab : flat-tops & daycabs
Truck make : Kenworth & Volvo

The trucks also have a higher than normal ride-height, to facilitate bush work, and have ProHeat.

[allan5oh]

Originally Posted by dieselmanic

with all due respect to allan5oh, i don't believe that gearing combo would work, much less volvo's recommending it. all the heavy haul trucks i've been around always use 18's and 3.90's and up for gearing. it has to do with start-up from standing stop. it takes alot to get things going when you're that heavy, not to mention hills and etc.

Actually that was considered, the I-shift works very well with heavy loads. The overdrive version that is, direct is only rated for 80,000 lbs.

Yes 3.90's...... but what tire size and final drive gear ratio? Those make a difference too.

[allan5oh]

Maybe 3.70's would be a better choice, but...

at 60 mph, with 22.5LP's and the .78 final gear ratio of the ishift, you'd be at 1440 rpms.

[gladman]

Originally Posted by Graymist

Transmission : 18 double-over
HP & Torque : 475 & 1850 ft/lbs ( both CAT & ISX )
Front & rear ends : 13.6 & 46
Gear ratio : 4.11
Suspension : Hendrickson
Wheel-base : 219 & 190 ( for the daycabs )
Frame : 11mm
Type of cab : flat-tops & daycabs
Truck make : Kenworth & Volvo

The trucks also have a higher than normal ride-height, to facilitate bush work, and have ProHeat.

I was told I didn't need the heavy axles if on pavement...it is only necessary for garbage/dirt/gravel pits...

[Orangetxguy]

Originally Posted by gladman

I was told I didn't need the heavy axles if on pavement...it is only necessary for garbage/dirt/gravel pits...

How heavy you plan on pulling?

[hamboner]

As far as the axles go... I would probably go with a 12 up front and 40 outback if you dont plan on driving severe terrain.Engine wise I would probably go with a CAT 500hp or higher 1850 and nothing less than an 18 spd putting it to the ground. Rear ends I am not that sure about. I would look at getting a wheel base of atleast 265" depending on the make considering you are going to be hanging some length off the front. I would definately go with a midroof or smaller sleeper since you are gonna be regional.

[gladman]

Originally Posted by Graymist

How heavy you plan on pulling?

100-140k

[allan5oh]

140k gross? yikes!

Super B's?

That calls for an 18 speed, no less. Maybe an autoshift 18 speed, to make your life easier.

[Orangetxguy]

I'm giving serious thought to ordering a truck.

I'm thinking a ITH Lonestar, midroof with the 74" sleeper and a 53" bunk, 550 ISX Cummins and the 6 speed Allison auto trans, with 390 rears.

Or a 830 Volvo midroof, with a 77" sleepr and the 53" bunk, same engine and drive train specs.

[gladman]

Originally Posted by Orangetxguy

I'm giving serious thought to ordering a truck.

I'm thinking a ITH Lonestar, midroof with the 74" sleeper and a 53" bunk, 550 ISX Cummins and the 6 speed Allison auto trans, with 390 rears.

Or a 830 Volvo midroof, with a 77" sleepr and the 53" bunk, same engine and drive train specs.

I like the look of them both!