How to Buy Your First Semi | Very Important Specs

[@DrivenTrucking]

Below are the time stamps for the video The transmission 1:35 Wheelbase 4:20 Gear ratio 8:08

[@ericshimer6669]

Good job! People who are looking into becoming LLC owner operators need to here this. Had to do my own research and learn some of it the hard way. No one would talk out here about any of it when i first started out driving company.

[@MegaGeorge1948]

What about engine spec's? How much engine do you need for your work load?

[@MrConstant1]

To spec the proper gear ratio you need to know three things. Terrain the truck will be spending most of its time in(as you stated) what engine,what transmission you like. After that it's a formula. Tf×dr×tc -------- Rpm Tf= trans final ratio Dr= diff ratio Tc= tire circumference The sum of this will give you your gradeability factor. That is over the specified rpm. Ok so, you need to determine the sweet spot for the desired engine and consider terrain then you will get what you want. The thing to keep in mind is that there is a balance. You can't have both, well you can, but it comes with a price. Pm me or give me way to contact you and I can explain in much better detail.

[@johncalvo1743]

​@@MrConstant1I need your advice because I am BURIED when it comes to trying to understand this. How can I reach you?

[@robbalinski1606]

Heavy haul guys want 3.90's or greater, 3.73/3.79's are getting to the lighter side of things for heavy haul. Playing around with tire size is a way to change your gear ratio with out actually changing your gears. Take the 4.10's in my truck, with my 24.5 rubber I essentially drop the ratio of the 4.10 to a 3.91. How it works is with the larger diameter tire you cover more distance per rotation over a smaller diameter tire. My pete's a heavy spec truck with 4.10's 46k eaton rear's pulling Canadian weights (140,000lbs) in the mountain's with 550hp/2150tq I was out pulling other b-trains up the mountains with ease. Now that I'm pulling flat deck my 4.10's have become a hindrance to me, costing me big time at the pump's. I pull 80,000lbs a lot and if I want any semblance of fuel economy I need to be going 63mph or slower. IMO the best all around ratio is a 3.73 for Canadian truckers, you can pair it with 24.5 rubber if you hauling light weights 80.000lb's or less to drop it to a 3.55 ratio or if you going heavy Canadian weights 140,000lb's you switch to 22.5 rubber to keep it 3.73 ratio. That's the best setup I've found for Canadian rig's that run states side as well, maximizes your fuel economy while giving you flexibility.

[@KoulbreezeThe1andONLY]

Right. It's amazing how so many people, old school and new school, don't understand how important your differential ratio is and how it pertains to what you're hauling and where you're hauling it.

[@dimab8753]

Transmission is not a problem, $3k-5k and you can swap your 10 speed transmission with 13speed.

[@brianburns7211]

I’m getting ready to buy a tractor. One thing I have to keep in mind is location. Here in New England, there are many very old cities. A short wheelbase helps get into some of these places. Another thing to consider is with lots of hills, a lower ratio, like 3:70 might be a good choice. The speed limits here tend to be lower here too. Of course if I got a more powerful engine, I might be able to compensate for ordering taller gears like 3:55. Still, at lower speeds, the low ratio wouldn’t be bothersome fuel wise, since I’m not able to run fast anyway. One other thing which can compensate for low gearing is a transmission with overdrive. That way If I was outside the region, I could run fast, yet not break the bank on fuel. Things might be different if I was running in the midwest, where it is flat, wide open, with higher speed limits. Here long wheelbase and tall gears wouldn’t be a problem. It boils down to where you run, and what you haul.

[@bunnyman6321]

You buy it?

[@georgefolgers8731]

As a complete newbie, your videos are like graduate school for trucking. Your videos, teach where the driving schools and manual leave off. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@DrivenTrucking]

That’s very much appreciated, thank you

[@craigjames6504]

Thanks Boss, never heard any of that before as a new driver looking to purchase down the road

[@homertownship3441]

There are other factors at work too. The more gears in the transmission the heavier it is. A lot of shippers want to max out the weight per load and if your truck can't handle it you do yourself out of possible work just by that. Long wheelbase trucks are heavier too as well as more difficult to maneuver in tight places. I used to try to stay out of mountains cuz I considered them a pay cut- they slow you down thus reducing the miles you can run per hour. So for me 230" wheelbase and a ten speed are the way to go. Pulling a freight box. And a taller gear ratio reduces the rpms the motor turns- fuel economy.

[@DrivenTrucking]

All good points 👌🏻

[@trilogy3x]

@@highball7347 me either I’m flatbed plan on pulling heavy loads and oversized stuff I want a 13 or 18 speed truck with 3.55 rears

[@nelly112nels]

@@trilogy3x if you are going to pull heavy don't you think you'll want to go at least 3.73? If not can you explain it to me? I'm thinking of buying a 3.55 but I will be pulling reefer at around 76-80 thousand pounds most of the time and I was thinking 3.55 but I thought that wouldn't be enough for heavy hauling

[@trilogy3x]

@@nelly112nels you should be fine with that I’m trying to pull heavy around 80-100k pounds so 3.55 are ok from what I’ve heard you want better then 3.20 I don’t see a lot of 3.73 trucks so 3.55 or 3.42 is what I’ve been seeing and may end up with.

[@nelly112nels]

@@trilogy3x thank you for the info. I'm trying to get as much input as possible so I can make a smart purchase

[@bradbradman6050]

Been driving for 12 years I have always thought about this. Like your videos thank you!

[@seandruery1149]

I was a company driver for a small company out of Stockton, Ca. Our trucks were 260 minimum, some were 280 which was nice because we did a lot of oversized and pilot car loads. Gave us plenty of room for loads that were longer than the deck. We had 10 and 13 speed trucks, I preferred the 13 because it made hills so much easier.

[@johnarmstrong9634]

Most important thing in your whole video.....your Fallout shirt......

[@camc8879]

Thanks for the advice on gear ratio. I never even thought about it .... On the wheelbase I like shorter wheelbases because they have better turn radiuses, easier to navigate around tight corners and easier to backup.

[@larrycarpenter7719]

Tire diameter effects final drive ratio. A bigger diameter tire will give you a higher final drive (less engine speed @ a giving speed) and a smaller diameter tire will give you a lower final drive. (Higer engine speed @ a given speed)

[@kentr2424]

Rear end gearing is something the O/O has to consider when spec'ing the engine and transmission. The rule of thumb that I've been told is the lower the horsepower/smaller the engine the more gears needed to keep the engine in the most fuel efficient range. Given the choice I wouldn't go with a 10-spd (or an automatic) but an 18 speed. If your max gross only is 80,000 lbs, the lower the gear ratio number and an 18 Spd is the way to go for fuel mileage (an O/O's biggest demon), even in the mountains because you'll have enough gears to choose to keep that engine in the sweet spot for power and fuel mileage.

[@onlineredneck]

Now days, with modern engines, the best set-up would be: -Detroit DD15 with the DT12 transmission and 2.43 rears. This is the best set up for fuel economy and performance as it is a direct drive set up -Cummins X-15 565 Performance with a 13/18 speed with a .78 final and 2.78 rears. It is set up to run in direct in 11th gear with a double overdrive. It will have fantastic performance and still get great fuel economy. -Paccar MX-13 with a 13 speed and .78 final ratio or the Paccar powertrain. The paccar powertrain is a direct drive set up also. These transmissions pair best with a 3.08 rear end ratio. -Volvo D13 with the IShift is the same set up as the Detroit.

[@jaykoehn4106]

👍 thanks

[@Kevin-id5hx]

u gota put ur four ways on when ur pulling lmao

[@vicmultani7582]

You made it sound so simple---thank you.

[@Jackas87]

Those gear ratios you list for Detroit or a Volvo are for flatlands. Speaking from experience, I own a Volvo with 2.43 ratio and AT transmission without overdrive. There’s no pulling hills with that. 4-way flashers and a right lane even if pulling 20k lbs or less. And yes, I have the 500hp 1850 lb torque engine, so it’s not that.

[@onlineredneck]

@@Jackas87 it sounds like something may be off somewhere. I had a volvo and freightliner with the same specs I listed and they pulled just fine. It definitely wasnt a 6NZ Cat by any means but they hold their own.

[@anthonytaylor2237]

I couldn’t agree more about the wheelbase and everything else. I can’t wait to become a owner operator

[@elchipleysuflatbed]

Thanks for taking the time to do this kind of videos. This is going to help me a lot on making the decision when buying a new truck!Keep up the good videos.

[@markmungiole6932]

I watch your videos faithfully and wish I found them a little earlier in my decision to become a owner operator. I still get a lot of info for now and the future. The best thing I like about them and this is a compliment is you sort of dumb it down for us so we can understand it. I would compare it to the Fisher Price version of trucking which is what a lot of us need. Great information with simple explanation from a real person. Keep up the good work 👌

[@michaelknox3504]

3.42 rears are a great choice as well. I'm gonna guess you have a 36 inch kingpin on your trailer. With your wheelbase I'd strongly consider a 24 inch kingpin. As far as transmissions go 90% of the people that have an 18 speed would be better off with a 13 or 15 speed. The extra weight just isn't worth it. I'm well north of 700hp at the flywheel and around 2500 ft lbs of torque and my 13 has handled it just fine. On the wheelbase the difference between a setback axel and long hood truck is important to understand as well. Iwouldn't recommend anything less than 265 inch with a hood if it has a small sleeper and 280 to 295 for a sleeper like a 78 inch ultra or 72 /86 inch studio for open deck work. I didn't notice much of a difference when I switched from 22.5 to 24.5 with my 3.55s I think with less motor it might have been more noticeable. It dropped my 73 mph cruising rpms maybe by 150ish.... my biggest gain was it moved around half a ton to my trailer axels pulling a bottle with low pro 22.5s

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Which Diesel motor has that power? I'm guessing it's been modified. Has it been reliable? That's my only concern. Can't run fast if you can't run. But I bet you don't have that problem ;) Can you explain the significance of the kingpin sizes? I've been driving 3 years but still have a lot to learn.

[@michaelknox3504]

@@thisismagacountry1318 yes its been modified. It's been super reliable It's a 6nz cat. It's a great feeling to just slide it into the big hole and let her eat. The fuel milage is great as well.

[@gdf5487]

Outstanding honest review of all type configurations without bias. Well done

[@mariaphillips9487]

Great video 👍🏻. Stay driven 😊

[@hoodlife8044]

Another great video. My 2 cents: 13 speed trucks are not student trucks and probably had experienced drivers driving them. 9&10 speed trucks may have been used to teach a student driver how to drive/shift (abused drivetrain). 18 speeds are great but it also may mean the truck was used for a heavy application (more stress and strain on drivetrain).

[@domingofernandez4359]

Awesome information. You’re the only one who ever spoke about gears

[@troyvorse6895]

Also having a longer wheelbase for open deck allows more room for forward over hang with longer products like pipe and rebar especially if your trailer is only a 48 footer

[@DrivenTrucking]

Yes sir 👍🏻

[@captainflatbed.7927]

Coulda used an extra 3-4’ on last steel ld I was extremely close to being a little too long lol

[@captainflatbed.7927]

Depending on who’s tape measure measured it hahaha

[@troyvorse6895]

In addition, your final transmission gear ratio ( 1:1 or 0.75:1) should influence your decision regarding axle gear ratios (2.53:1 or 3.36:1 or 3.55:1 or 3.70:1-my preferred). If you have an overdrive transmission (0.75:1) the 3.55:1 axle ratio would require less energy (boost) from the engine to maintain 60mph than the 3.36:1 or 2.53 :1axle ratios. However, the 3.55:1 would have the engine turning an additional 75-150 rpm at 60 mph. But again, with less boost. Less boost equals less fuel👍😁👍

[@michaelpope539]

I pull a 53 flat, I use forward overhang every time I get an over length load. Overhang on rear requires permits and sometimes escorts

[@dustinwillis1514]

Hey man I like the 500 cat with an 13 speed and 355 gears it pulls good plus get you. On down the road

[@kenzeitner4704]

Being from Canada...3.90's are the best all around gear on 11 24.5's...the ratio in your different works as follows...my truck has 3.90's on 24.5 rubber...which means, my drive has to 3.9 times to make the crown gear in the diff do one full revolution. That's the best way I can explain it. Good video btw...keep up the good work

[@TATEXPRESSINC]

Shoutout from TAT Express out of Hutchins, TX

[@badgerpa9]

The gear ratio tells you the amount of turns between the pinion gear and the ring gear in your diff. You can count the teeth and divide it if you do not know what it is. You can see ratios of 2.21:1 even for downsped direct drive. Like you said you need to know what you are going to do to get the right ratio, highway, logging off road, etc. but that can pretty much lock the truck into that task. If you get a truck set up for best fuel economy with a direct drive transmission then it will not work for heavy haul. Some guys prefer not having over drive or like most 10 speeds it will be direct in 9th but 10 will be 0.73. If your 10 speed is direct drive in 10th gear it is a rare Eaton but will give good fuel economy and torque. I do not remember a lot but when downsped "technology" started coming out I did try to learn about it, direct drive is considered better than running double overdrive 18 speed by some.

[@johnhoward7298]

Long as You're talking wheel base don't forget turning radius ! ( not to mention getting into & out tight docks & parking spots

[@janemary8795]

Thanks for the great information. The information you provided was easy to follow.

[@kennyshaw2769]

Getting ready to buy my 1st. Truck. Do I ng massive research. Your videos are super helpful. Thanks. I just learned a lot.

[@ronjordan2831]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. Very much needed knowledge.

[@TheTyee6969]

First. God bless your sharing out of good will toward others. I'm 50 in Michigan and only been drivjng 6 1\2 yrs. I was fortunate in that I got right into flatbed almost immediately. I had some Veteran steel haulers (30+yrs) take me under their wing and with my humble appreciative demeanor taught me a lot to handle complexity of loads which led me to heavy haul. Last 5 yrs--pulling 4,6,8 axle trailers and even Michigan B train for a few months. I'm generally home daily (coils east n west ,Gary,jn--detroit area) I worked in paper mills 14 yrs prior. Never thought I'd be doing this but here I am. I pull a 8 axle sled for a established Michigan company. I want to become a owner operator because working on percentage feels like I'll never get ahead financially. I'm currently in a 18speed. Along with buying my first tractor, what advice could you share about where best to shop for a trailer for my specific needs ?

[@DrivenTrucking]

Thank you very much, my apologies but I really don’t know much about where to buy trailers, especially heavy haul

[@Drkeoshelljumppers]

I know I didn't do a lot of the hard thinking, that your suggesting in the video..... It kinda bit me in the butt. But that was also 5-6 years back now I'm doing the hard look as I move to upgrade. And your videos help me ask different questions and look at different aspects that I know for a fact I didn't first starting

[@3.11seattle3]

Thanks man !... So appreciate

[@James48535]

I know I ain't from the U.S Brian but I still like good informative videos like yours,I used to watch another truck driver on KZbin a few years ago and he explained all about sliding your axles to get your axle weights right,he ain't a trucker no more and he don't do trucking related videos but you do and you explain every thing very clearly and open

[@DrivenTrucking]

Thank you very much James, I appreciate it

[@James48535]

Brian there maybe times in the future where you may say something I don't agree with but it won't ever put me off watching your videos,I don't know if I've ever told you but I used to be a truck driver here in the UK,I drove semi's as you call them for 23yrs and pulled what you call rear end dump trailers,if you don't know our weights in the UK are a lot heavier than your in the U.S,we are allowed to gross at 44metric tons or 98,560 UK pounds ,I put UK pounds cause we in the UK have 2,240 pounds to a ton where as the U.S has 2,000 pounds to the ton,to be allowed to run at 44tons in the UK you have to have 6 axles and run on air suspension on the trailer,if your truck doesn't have disc brakes then if you ever decide to change it give disc brakes a go you won't regret it for stopping or maintainence,everything is so quick and simple to change,my dad had trucks since I was 2yrs old and I used to go with him every chance I got from the age of two so it was in my blood from a very young age,when I got my truck licence at the age of 21 I started driving for my dad,he was a tiny company with 3 trucks but then some one left and dad decided to go to just 2 trucks his nd mine,everything I've learnt about trucks and trucking and truck maintainence I learned from my dad or picked up from watching things and mechanics working as well as dad,I'd tell you what transmission I learnt on but I don't know if you'd know what I mean,I know I sound old but I'm only 51

[@davelevesque9077]

Rear end gear ratio : number of turns of the drive shaft for 1 turn of the wheels

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank you for the information 😎💯

[@peterbilt6911]

Best of the Best Information..

[@cheapfreighthauler]

Driveshaft turns 2.53 times for every turn of the tires

[@DrivenTrucking]

Ah, learn something everyday lol 👍🏻

[@kevinbarry71]

Driven Trucking larger diameter wheels effectively gives you a taller rear end ratio. The circumference of the tire is basically the last gear in the drivetrain

[@DrivenTrucking]

Kevin Barry good to learn 👍🏻 thank you

[@specialk9412]

Scott Jones incorrect, it deals with the pinion gear verses the rung gear. 2.53 revolutions of the pinion gear drive The ring gear one rotation

[@specialk9412]

The ratio of 2.53 to 1 is the Pinion gear rotating 2.53 revolutions for-every 1 rotation of the ring gear.

[@RollinShultz]

Steeper gears if you want more power and lower highway speeds. Lower ratio for good cruising speeds and lighter loads and less hilly.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

Manual transmissions are easily swapped. You could swap that 10 speed for a 13 speed.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Can you go 10 to 18? I'm not planning to run the Rockies, but I feel like my 13 speed manual could handle it. I'm going up at 6th or 7th and coming down in 6th or 5th anyway.

[@johncalvo1743]

​@thisismagacountry1318 How fast are you climbing in 6th or 7th?

[@DealerBTC]

Thanks for the info about the gear ratio!

[@leejones9737]

You’ve done well…. Good informative Video. Thanks

[@Chardwick9]

Thank for this vid! Every informative!

[@bennaylor3658]

tire size changes the final ratio mph to engine rpm tire size will fine-tune your ratio

[@sandasturner9529]

Well said

[@krubel682]

Fantastic, I appreciate it for all the info!

[@josephbrauch1361]

Great video bro!! You always offer valuable insight

[@aren8443]

thanks for the video buddy, and i like the fallout shirt 👍

[@williamhayden5136]

Edge glasses are awesome iv been using them for years

[@brendan3315]

Here’s a tip I like old school stuff so go out and buy yourself an a A model/ w900A Kenworth or Peterbilt 359 with a KTA600 or 3408 CAT and 6+4 transmission most of y’all probably don’t know what it is but look up spicer 6+4 tranys that’s how it should be these days old stuff with cool as motors with shitty fuel mileage but it’s the price you gotta pay for cool because price of cool ain’t cheap

[@ronnieb5270]

Drove a 3406e cat with 3.08 s and a 10 speed. It would get 7mpg where the lower geared trucks would only get 5.5 maybe 6. The new motors get so much better mileage but those old school cats are almost bulletproof compared to now. Just my 2 cents. Good content on here btw

[@ytate7227]

Great vid not a lot of ppl talk about that and it’s good too know.

[@VengefulNerd]

Great video! Also love the fallout vault boy shirt lol

[@mr.butterworth]

Let’s talk about that tag axle.

[@jeffsutton950]

Always great videos thanks for sharing

[@DrivenTrucking]

Thanks Jeff

[@brianburns7211]

One point about 13 or 18 speed, vs a 9-10. The highest and lowest may be the same for a 10 and an 18. The point is that there are more ratios in between. At work I drive a 10 speed. In the city there are speeds where you are lugging one gear, but winding out the next. If there were more in between gears, like an 18, then you can pick a gear where the engine can run at its optional speed. This will help fuel consumption.

[@69adrummer]

Hey man, first up, thanks for your video and more importantly, your clean, concise and professional delivery of your information. Do you have any videos for us new(er) drivers regarding snow/winter/icy road conditions?! It's still stressful daunting thing so any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

[@justindavine3940]

A guy who used to drive in the mountains and snow in Germany told me the best thing you can do in snow is keep your R’s low! The higher your engine is reved up the more easy to slip and slide. Keep those R’s down my friend!

[@Wicked_RotF30]

Thanks. Im looking at buying an old Volvo with a D12 or Cummins.

[@turksir74]

Thanks for the explanation. I’m planning to lease a truck and pulling a tanker. all our trucks are automatic transmission. 10 speed peterbilt 579 what I noticed is for pulling a tanker best transmission should be 13 speed or higher because of the liquid surge. in the near future when I purchase my truck I’ll definitely keep in my mind what you suggested.

[@jerrysantos6484]

Informative! Good job!👍

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Speed = Engine RPM .. gear ration transmission ratio and tire diameter.. You can find tire diampter on tire charts times Pie ect.. Here is a Calcualtor alread desinged for this .. 11R225 tires are 42" in Diamter 11R 24.5 tires are 45" in Diamater normally but there are many low profile tire sizes and metric tire sizes..out there .. the most popular tire sizes like 11 R x 22.5 can cost a lot less than odd tire sizes..

[@DieselTrucker2018]

3:36's are the most popular today. 11R22.5 tires

[@jefflyon2020]

good video,i learned alot from this.if my driving record wasnt so full of violations i would drive truck.all day log trucks go by my place,straight pipes and compression brakes all day until 4pm...then at 330am they begin slowly and with every hour more and more roar by.mostly kenworth and peterbilts.even an old rusty autocar beast i keep seeing and it is loud!

[@PlemonsLawnCare]

When I hauled flatbed I always had 280 and for awhile a 300wb it helped a lot that I could over hang the front of the trailer quite a bit. Helped when I hauled a cell tower into nyc once. But you know even a car in nyc is tight lol

[@kingmike40]

I learned a couple of things from your videos. Don't buy a truck with super singles and get a truck with two drive axles.

[@ladiesman860]

TAKING NOTES.....ADDED TO MY RESEARCH LIST.

[@samo8204]

I might have missed this...... on the wheelbase spec, 280 allows for some front over hang for flat bedding.

[@jamesharmon5963]

I have 3:55 gears in my truck with a 13 speed. And 22.5 tires. I get 8s and 9s loaded. You don’t want 24.5 tires because that would make your final gearing too high and the truck will not pull hills and it will get bad fuel mileage. 24.5 tires are a thing of the past they are for hot rods the rolling resistance is too high. if you don’t care about fuel and If you want a triple digit truck yes get 24.5 tires and 3:36 gears. Nearly all Pacar trucks have 3:36 gears from the factory and 13 or 18 speed transmissions but they also have big horsepower motors to pull those tall gears. And they get 6s and 7s on a good day.

[@keyboard101101]

james harmon if i were to spec a truck today i would make sure it had 24s. Better weight capacity, longer life from tires( less revolutions over life of tire), taller wheel-end ratio will offset the slightly higher RR.

[@CBTrucker1]

Great vid Thank you

[@shameek419]

As always helpful info

[@CRUISR-ib4nj]

I got a 97 w900. 3406e 525hp. 15 spd. Came in 260 wheelbase. But damn I should have got one with 280. Tool boxes between tanks and drives would have been so much more useful. Having said that. You’re tarping videos have saved me a few time as a refresher course running ND and west as well as Canada.

[@adrenalinowner7992]

Wheel base is only a small part of it, 244 is good, the Pin setting has a lot to do with behind the truck gap, generally 30-36” is the norm, on a 53’ trailer, a 13 DO or a 18DO with 3.55 is good for 65-70 mph or 105-110 kph

[@mrb5367]

A w900 sounds perfect for you.

[@danieldehay5198]

Thanks man.....great help

[@deantait8326]

In a few years it'll be primarily 12 speed autos or smart 12 speeds, especially if you are buying a used fleet truck at around 450K to 550K milrles. Look at used TMC used trucks for open deck used trucks. BTW no overdrive on 1 to 1 .3.36 to one with over drive trans and low pro 22.79 with or to 3.70 must have normal 24.5 tires. Gear ratio also depends on how fast you plan on driving.. as an O/O there's a sweet spot speed for maximum fuel savings. This needs to be included in decision on hear ratio and tire size. Or if you have what you have, tire size, final gear ratio including overdrive, you can figure best rpm/speed for fuel Millage. I'm sure there's apps to figure this out. Oh what rpm the engine likes is of course important. In racing we had calculator to figure best tire size (how big around) 1 to 1 trans and optimum or max speed at finish line. This will give you best rear end ratio. Same thing in trucking. Just different goals.

[@craigj.651]

What's best gear an tire size for 55-60mph, heavy?

[@RodeoJoe1981]

Kevin Rutherford is a great place to get info from. He'd say your rears(2.53?) are good and that's why your up to almost 8mpg. 13/18 speed trans with a single overdrive and run most of the time in your direct gear.

[@johnhoffman8203]

I seriously doubt wheel base has much effect on fuel mileage but for flatbed hauling 270 at least because headache rack, hauling overlength load, potential drop axle and more junk room for tool boxes, apu, chains etc. etc. etc.

[@drec.134]

Rears gear ratio depends on what you r going to transport 3.55 or 3.73

[@Mr_Clean]

Actually the speed you spend most of your time running is way more important

[@badgerpa9]

So many comments about gear ratio and what it is and so many are wrong. Example of gear ratio: 4.11:1 so 4.11 to 1 ratio often will have 37 teeth on your ring gear and 9 teeth on your pinon gear, 37/9=4.11 it is rounded to the hundredth. Another example 3.55:1 so a 3.55 to 1 ratio, have 39 teeth on the ring gear and 11 teeth on the pinion gear 39/11=3.55, a 3.08:1 so a 3.08 to 1 would have 37 teeth on the ring gear and 12 teeth on the pinion gear 37/12=3.08. No I do not have the teeth number memorized I just googled meritor axles for the teeth count. A taller or shorter tire does change the final ratio to the ground but does not change the actual gear ratio in the axle. Running a taller tire can help you get better economy unless you are under powered for the final ratio to the ground and then in a lower gear all the time can actually loose fuel economy. The axle gear ratio is not revolutions of the drive shaft or engine RPM, it does not change because of different tires or it feels like it is a different ratio, the final ratio can be effected by tires but the axle ratio does not change unless you replace it with a different ring and pinion gear and that is expensive.

[@BringBackMasculinity1987]

What would be a good wheel base to pull tankers? Would it be the same as pulling a flatbed?

[@keithdarling7924]

Nice video...but respectfully disagree with your assessment of tire size...I have a 605 cummins when I bought this truck the specs I wanted were 3:55 gears and 22.5 tires ...for torque you lose torque going with big rubber

[@s1k2y3e4]

How heavy and what kind of mpg do you get with that setup?

[@GhostFleetServices]

You've got the gear ratio thing wrong. I'd add this as a reply to the other comment about it, but there's wrong information there as well so i thought i'd clear it up. A 2:53 gear ratio means that the rear driveshaft (well technically the pinion gear in the rear axle but simply saying the driveshaft makes it easier to think about) needs to spin 2.53 times in order for the ring gear (also inside the rear axle) to make one (1) complete revolution. In simpler terms the driveshaft needs to spin 2.53 times for the tires to make a complete revolution. This is assuming that you DO NOT have a split rear end. (if you're unsure if you have one you more than likely don't have one) On some older school buses, and some heavy haul trucks, and some other trucks you'll have whats known as a two speed rear end. This will change the gear ratio in the rear end itself. Also keep in mind that when you shift the transmission you're changing gears quite literally. If the transmission has a first gear (or low, or deep reduction, or whatever your truck considers first) with a 5:1 ratio this means that your engine will turn the input shaft of the transmission 5 complete turns and the output shaft of the transmission will only make one full revolution (hence 5:1). Then combine that with your rear end ratio. So if that's a 2.53 ratio your driveshaft now needs to make 2.53 complete revolutions for your tires to make one complete revolution. This means that in first gear, with a 5:1 transmission first gear ratio and a rear end ratio of 2.53 that your motor will make about 12 and a half revolutions to make the wheels turn one full revolution.

[@DrivenTrucking]

Thank you for explaining this, I don’t understand why it was so difficult to find the correct information. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@GhostFleetServices]

@@DrivenTrucking Of course. Keep on keeping on dude. Love the videos!

[@doityourself2save]

So to save on gas I need to consider the transmission and gear ratio plus the tire size?

[@sandasturner9529]

Well said

[@makincash3337]

@@doityourself2save most important is how hard you hit the pedal

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Keep the wheelbase under 240 inch if you'll run canada. Air slide 5thwheel a must. 10 speed great 13 speed better rear ends should be 390 to 355. My KW has 336 at 55 mph the ten speed is 1000 rpm and lugs but 9th is at 15 sweet spot is 1200 to 1300. 11r22.5 tires all around that's the standard. All the other sizes are harder to find. I run intermodal. 10x20 are impossible to find. If running flatbed. You need 4 ft clear from the front corner at a 45 degree. (For overhang) And will help with getting 12000 lbs on steers. Watch the rear frame horns. My KW has 18 inches to much after the airbag. My first truck I want an ex tanker small bunk .lite weight longer wheelbase. 48 tall fithwheel. 450 hp cummins 13 speed 390 rears 11r22.5 rubber stubble 36 inch flattop 230in wb headrack on back of cab. Disc brakes al around 15 ft steer to kingpin jaw. If you want a 51 ft 5 axle bridge pulling a 40 ft seacan. For 80000 lbs.

[@Feemhauler]

Bro you need to get rid of that shiftercover ASAP

[@makincash3337]

Why?

[@All-Miles-Matter]

@@makincash3337 read my comment

[@fuzznutz7182]

Its not just a smoother ride its also better stability.

[@VanishDumpsterRental]

Gear ratio was helpful, appreciated.

[@turbomustang8417]

Gear ratio changes with tire size. So depending on how the truck was spec from the beginning will have a direct effect. So you are correct in your assumption.

[@comeasyouare3558]

Great video!

[@AliAhmed-bx8vj]

Thank you for explaining

[@l0rdcroissant]

loving that white steering wheel there driver ;) excellent points and I'm researching used trucks now and completely had forgotten about gear ratio :O damn although I personal hate 10spds so not worried about that mistake, I actually thought 18's was the norm for flatbeds. long wheelbase... that is very interesting, I always that if you are delivering in tight crowded cities that shorter would help you do the corners better.

[@deantait8326]

Flatbed fleets, TMC etc usually use 10 speeds. Cost of purchase. I think Melton uses 10 speeds too. May be 13. The 18 speeds are for high torque rated engines and especially heavy loads.

[@l0rdcroissant]

@@deantait8326 really??... when I ran FB the company's trucks were all 18s and many others I had spoken to. I however, have heard that some companies will go with 10's because of weight and cost. Although not sure maintenance costs in the end justified the initial cost savings lol

[@cristianjimenez5299]

Hey man, I’m looking to buy my new semi soon! I’m actually looking at a t660 as my first, how do you like yours?

[@TheeJohnnyBravo]

The shifter is *practice safe driving* then, excellent knowledge

[@williamrobbins5773]

Love AZ parked at Danny's truck and RV nice place to get chrome polished.

[@Blackflag.actual]

"Chrome"

[@ramonotano5037]

C15 cat 13spd wb 265 gears 373

[@DrivenTrucking]

That’s a nice set up, personally I’d prefer a 280 but I’d be ok with 265 also

[@waynez1025]

How about an even easier way to determine what you need in a flat bed hauler; maybe get a VIN off a TMC Transport truck and see how they setup their trucks. They know they’re way around flat beds. Or maybe Stevens or FFE for refer or what ever you’re vertical you might be.

[@DrivenTrucking]

Excellent idea

[@farisalkaifee9855]

Lol

[@texaswhip7897]

370 rears are great for both 👍

[@SmittysSpareTimeProjects]

Looking at buying a truck in the years to come. Truck i found is a 450HP Cummins, 9 speed converted to a 13 speed on 22.5's with 3.42 rears, 242 wheel base. Will be used for pulling end dump loaded to 80K gross. After this video im beginning to wonder if thats actually going to be a good choice, fuel mileage related concerns. Feel like it may be working too hard to pull the weight on even the slightest hill.

[@RunningPonders]

I was trained in a manual but never had to drive one for company. Is it worth going back to it over autos?

[@lannyflannery9409]

WHEELBASE - 244" is the max in british Columbia & Alberta

[@danieldehay5198]

You’re correct. You don’t want that short wheelbase.....