So we are specing out a new truck to pull our RGN the truck will be grossing up to 160,000lbs in NC, SC, and VA maybe some TN but not much. Here is what we are thinking.
2013 Peterbilt 388 or 389 with extended cab.
ISX15 Cummins 600HP 2,050lbs of torque.
18spd Eaton Fuller.
3.73 rears.
18,000lb Front Axle.
46,000lb Rear Axle.
20,000lb Steerable Pusher Axle.
Heavy single frame with double frame insert at rear for 46,000lb axles.
All aluminum wheels.
315/24.5 Tires on the front 24.5Tires on the rear with a 315/24.5 on the pusher.
Now here is the dilemma with the 389 if we go with one 100gal tank and a 50/50 tank for fuel and hydraulic oil we are looking at close to a 280" wheel base which is okay but, is kind of long for some places we go in. The 388 if I remember right is only going to shorten us up about six inches. One other option we are looking at is going with a single 100gal tank on the drivers side mounting the hydraulic tank behind the cab and moving the battery box to the passenger side which should shorten us up quite a bit. But you are only carrying 100gal of fuel which could put us in a bind sometimes. I guess the happy medium would be a truck like this(
http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsde...?OHID=3611945&) with a 100gal tank on one side and a 50gal on the other. This is one of the trucks that we had been considering but the length and rear end ratio have made us back off of it.
http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsde...?OHID=3797079&
So I guess what I'm really doing is seeing if anyone could recommend anything different with the specs so we could get this truck shorter. Or if you just see something that needs to be changed.