What Truckers Need to Know About Long Wheelbase Trucks

[@DMSparky]

I’m not a trucker, I’m just a curious mind. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and stories with us!

[@SmartTrucking]

Daniel, my pleasure!

[@rtz7420]

I feel the same way

[@erik365365365]

Yep this was great. KZbin recommendations also got me here so good on it for finally working!!

[@songofthepassaic1521]

Same here 👍

[@ananddumee3340]

🙋

[@timothycook2917]

My favorite Schneider joke when I was with Schneider (stop me if you've heard this one before!): Man sitting in his truck at the truck stop watches a Schneider come in and attempt to back into a parking space. After about 4 or 5 minutes trying, the Schneider driver sets the brakes and jumps out and comes over to this other driver and asks if he could back his truck for him. The guy says sure, and jumps in the Schneider truck and backs it in in one shot. As he's climbing out, the Schneider driver comes up to him and offers a $20 bill. The guy says 'What's this for?' Schneider drivers says its a thank you for backing my truck. The guy says 'I can't take your money.' Schneider drivers says 'why not?' The guys says 'it just wouldn't be right. I mean, it'd be a whole different story if you were hooked to a trailer'

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, funny! I had not heard that one! Made my day, thank you!

[@chrisagnew5727]

As a city driver with about 5 years experience hauling a variety of trailer sizes including trains I feel embarrassed for how little I know about trucking. It's nice to have an old timer whos not afraid to share such great tips. Its a great industry to forever learn in. Thank you

[@SmartTrucking]

Appreciate you saying so! I've always been fascinated with trucks and this industry and there's old timers out there that still know lots more than me!

[@asapslide3036]

@@SmartTrucking yes but going with Chris' comment, not many of them will open up to the world. I understand the concept of passing knowledge to ''those who will use it'' properly but it is also nice to share to everybody that has interest in trucking. I dont own a truck and dont drive them because stupid drug tests but I do enjoy them and i like to learn about them too!!

[@BleepBloopDragons]

Right. Same here, on my first year i had to report a break down to penske, the guy on the line asked me if it was a single or double axle? I said i didn't know. Stunned he asked HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW? I yelled back to him" HEY MAN, IM A DRIVER NOT A MECHANIC"......... PAUSE..... DOES IT HAVE 4 OR 8 WHEELS ON THE BACK? I WILL FOREVER LAUGH AT THIS.

[@lorenrasmussen338]

I was a yard jockey for a while....stuffing 30-40 trailers into docks or parking places every night. It really spoils you....short WB and lots of windows. Was tough to get into long WB Pete and drive into Chicago again.

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet!!

[@deathscythehell7937]

I've drove for 32 years, I've retired at 50. I'm 53 now I run my own small company six trucks. When I started the wheelbase was 255 inches. Then I went to 280" when I started my company I was rolling 300" with a big sleeper. For the last 18 yrs of my career I was running 325" wheelbase with a 155" sleeper. Since I ran electronics all my career weight wasn't an issue. Truck stops wasn't a big issue either, running the northeast was. Tiny streets, a...hole drivers and small warehouse lots were, so I haven't ran the northeast since the late 90s. All of my trucks are spect out the same 325wb 155 sleepers, 08 Westernstars, I mainly run the southeast to California that's it.(no automatics either, 18 double over manuals) My drivers are very skilled, picked them myself, they haven't had any issues, plus it saves them money and time. They buy and make their own food and don't have to pay for showers. That's the benefits of having long wheelbases and sleepers.

[@tiny-hj3xo]

'Curb sniffer' Lol I love that statement

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! Wish I could say I coined that phrase but I didn't and I can't even remember now where I first heard it.

[@jaredkennedy6576]

Whenever I hear that term, the first thing that pops into my mind is the late 80s T600/T800 tractors. Long, low, down turned snout on those.

[@colinwallace5286]

Extremely long trucks are simply an illustration of “You CAN, but that doesn’t mean you SHOULD.”🤣

[@shogunofsorrow787]

I'm not a trucker but this was suggested to me. It was like hearing my grandpa tell me a story. I'm glad I clicked it

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@zide8679]

I been driving 17 years. I still look at your videos from time to time to get knowledge on stuff and great stories.

[@harriettedaisy2233]

Gimme 40 acres and I'll turn this thing around.

[@joesosa123]

I am a truck driver and just happened to randomly come across this video. At one point he is mentioning his friend basically blind side backings his Peterbilt at a pilot in Michigan off exit 104. I just happened to be parked here at the pilot off exit 104 in my Pete. Wow crazy

[@drink15]

I work in IT. I have no reason to be here, but I watched the whole thing. I might be hooked to this channel.

[@Miniaturehorseexpress]

Done everything, and been everywhere I've ever done with a 300" and 325" wheelbase trucks. Looks beautiful n rides like a dream just takes a little common sense planning

[@SmartTrucking]

Good day, Big Strappers. Many of you have been asking a lot of questions about wheelbase, so we created this video to address as many of those questions as we could What are your feelings about a long wheelbase truck? Love to hear from you as always. (FYI, that beautiful long hood green + gray hood in the vid and on the thumbnail is the LETTUCE KING'S latest creation!)

[@TheRoadhammer379]

You are the only person who I have ever seen measure wb like this. Is this Canadian procedure, I have bought several trucks in the last 10 years and Fitzgerald always measures from center of steer axle to center of first drive axle, and the same goes for Peterbilt when I bought a new truck from them. Not saying that you are wrong, just curious.

[@RodeoJoe1981]

@@TheRoadhammer379 that's how canada anyways rules and regs measure it

[@RodeoJoe1981]

We spec long wheelbase tractors to length with our livebottoms to get maximum payload. You need to get overall base length to get 63,500kg on 5 axle wagon or 55,000kg on 3 loggers. 72" spreads and 16-20,000lbs front ends

[@michaelmarburger1003]

Smart Trucking when I first saw thumbnail for this video, my first thought was of going from my first ride (cab over Pete) to my second truck 1984 extended hood Pete 285 inch wheel base. Really like going from driving a Pinto to driving a Cadillac. So much of a better ride and Cat power to boot

[@kstevenson186]

What 4 mfs dissliked this video????why?

[@ministryinsong]

Really cool story. Enjoyed your whole video. I left school at 16 in the UK on the Friday and started with a local steel hauler as a steersman on the Monday. We took loads up to 100 feet (old money) all over the UK. My job was to steer the back of the trailer around corners we couldn’t fit. It was a big steel workers strike that closed the company three years later but it will always be the best job of my life.

[@gipper3985]

Im a new driver at the age of 48 but i remember the cabover i loveed em. First truck i remember i was fascinated by em. I loved the movie convoy. And finally at age 48 i got the nerve the give it a go. And I love what im doing. All thanks to God above

[@tm3fan]

You loved watching them...or driving them ?...you like the way they ride ?...just curious...

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I spec'd my Classic XL back in 2005 (2006 model) with an 84" condo on a 280 wb. To this day, it's still the perfect balance for what I want and what I need. I also remember riding with my dad in a Pete 352 cabover (later, a GMC General conventional), in the 70s/early 80s. Back then, if you had a 45' or 48' trailer, you were big time! Dad always loved his Petes but he was stylin and profilin in that Jimmy-8v92ta Detroit power, 15 speed and 40k Rockwell 3.73 rears. It was the first tractor he ever owned with air ride and air conditioning. However, his favorite thing about it was the ELECTRIC windshield wipers! All things that we take for granted today. His last tractor was a fully loaded Pete 379 and by God he deserved that fancy girl after all his years and miles on the road! R.I.P. dad! Dandy Dancer was his handle.

[@sonboogie]

I always enjoy your vids and stories. Been nicking gears since '01. Pulled beef, hauled steel, yanked tanks, O/O, LTL. You're the only real hand putting out real material. I always feel like I'm taking shop with you when watching, so your content is a treat. Certainly keep it coming driver. We appreciate ya. 10-10.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Don! I didn't think I'd enjoy doing videos but I was wrong, I do enjoy it. Something my wife talked me into. It helps keep me connected to truckers of my generation who are scattered all over North America and if I can help the new drivers I will, just as the old guys helped us. You're right, it's almost like chewing the fat or talking shop with your friends! Thanks for watching and for your comment! Appreciate it!

[@sonboogie]

@@SmartTrucking Certainly, you're doing the industry a great service in providing guidance for the new blood. We all know how ill prepared many are unfortunately. So once again, many thanks.

[@phillipburroughs146]

I’m ashamed to say this. Whereas you were the first show I started watching when I got back into driving, I’ve kind of gone to other shows and missed so many of yours. Every now and then something will pop up from you and I will watch it. Not as regimented on this as I should be. This show in particular is the meat and potatoes of what we truckers need to know. I thank you for taking the time to explain these things that a truck driver so need know.

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad you enjoyed it Phillip! These are the type of trucks I like to talk about but we try to do something for everybody.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I love this channel. I am not even a trucker, but I find any history fascinating and this is no different. And learning about other areas in life make you a well rounded person. At parties I can talk about trucking, women’s fashion or the space shuttle.

[@mackdog3270]

When I first started driving, I drove a forty foot container pulled by a Freightliner. I was at southern wine and spirits in Denver delivering wine from Napa. The place was tight and I was having trouble. I think it took me about a half hour to get in the space. Along comes this guy with a California king chassis and a fifty three foot trailer and did it in two minutes. Nowadays, I'd have no trouble with it, but I was new. After I yelled at him and he finished laughing he told me what to do and I learned something. Hell of a nice guy. I saw pretty much the same thing at Ralph's in Compton. The most miserable place to deliver I've ever been. The line of paint on the wall says everything you need to know. Classy drivers those two.

[@jessesager9460]

Gotta love when you take advantage of that back window with no one noticing!

[@stevewilson2745]

not a professional driver by any sense, but i did work at a junkyard where we had a 312" wheelbase rig that was converted to a day cab flatbed, for hauling crushed cars and stuff around the lot. really makes you pay attention to what you are doing, and i now have a newfound respect for any truck driver on the highway. give at least a few car lengths infront and behind, never stay beside a truck on the highway (avoiding blindspots) and so on. i even honk once or twice as i pass a truck, just to make sure they are aware of my intentions, to avoid any confusion, as they have enough to concentrate on. Got yourself a new subscriber here! Cheers from Southeast Texas!

[@Cp-jv6mf]

I have a long Peterbilt 379 and when this guy was telling the story about using the back side window I knew what he was talking about I’ve done that move many times and surprised a lot of drivers when u blind side like that lol

[@stevejurado8069]

Good for you.

[@John_R_Jackson_III]

I really enjoy listening to the older guys give us a brief history lesson on the industry we are working in. Thank you sir

[@duanemondragonjr3845]

Thanks for sharing some knowledge and a great story. 12 years under my belt and still learning new things from my elders. Thanks again sir and God Bless.

[@SmartTrucking]

Appreciate it Duane!

[@greyjay9202]

Great story about your friend Richard. He sounds like a real pro. I've never driven a big rig, but after years of driving pickups, vans, and small dump trucks, I rarely look back through the rear window, when driving my cars. I just use the mirrors, because I'm so used to it. Anyone who can reliably maneuver a big rig -- what our Brit cousins call an articulated lorry -- has my respect. It really is a combination of art and science.

[@russianoleg]

not a trucker but enjoyed watching this video, thank you.

[@toddwhitley1545]

I use the window in my sleeper all the time in a “blindside” situation.. I keep the curtain rolled up all the time for this reason. Good video

[@higherfordkid1625]

Interesting and informative talk from a guy who knows his stuff. I remember taking my truck test here in England many years ago and I was driving a unit and flat bed trailer. I was quite confident when it came to the reversing part because the tractor had a rear view window, no sleeper cabs then. Then the examiner said " no rear window, use your mirrors". I got a sweat on but succeeded. Wouldn't like to be driving today with our congested roads here in England. But I would love to get my hands on the wheel of one of your American beauties.

[@mpccenturion]

kraft pulp was heavy as heck. I never had a CDL, but I spent a few days running with a 30yr driver. He was a wealth of info. We were beside Maine. Ivan told me, that if I was driving and had lights up behind us, to hit the trailer brakes - reverse and ease it back, when I got stopped. The truck was 2 inches shorter than legal. The trailer pin made enough for a ticket. Thank you. Cheers

[@Lejmej]

This is correct as long as the truck has tandem drive axles... If there’s a single drive axle on a boggie truck, the wheel base is measured from Center front axle to center drive axle!

[@arminius3808]

Love hearing the stories, I've driven horse transport around Australia, didn't spend much time at truck stops, usually sleep at motels or on farms, I'd talk on the radio and the stories all truckers have is amazing. I'm now driving a k108 with drop deck and have started spending up to 15 days OTR. It's so rewarding meeting the different ppl, the communities. Love your vids, I'm wanting to buy my own truck one day and have gotten some great ideas from them Love your

[@yeahok115sure]

Pretty cool! Just learned some neat stuff! I’m the lead driver of a big heavy haul trucking company. All our trucks are 300inch. We spec our truck this long for spreading the weight out evenly. We run 46k drives, 20k pusher, 20k steers. Our tractors weight 24k. But we run on non-reducible permits everywhere. Even empty

[@clydeacor1911]

Who do you haul for? I'm in Idaho as well.

[@robertalbach1698]

I Started as an Owner Operator in 1978 (18yrs old), One Cabover and 6 Long Hoods later, retired in 2015. I mostly ran Produce to the markets and retailers, that said, my trucks where 275" W/B, my last W-900 was 305" pulling a 53' spread Reefer, you do learn how to put a long truck in a small dock. Getting out to look, patience and sometimes a spotter you can get her in, always got parked and never hit anyone or thing. PATIENCE. You do a great job, thanks/

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for writing in Robert! To this day I still enjoy watching an old hand back in a big ride and make it look easy! I've got a couple of friends that still run huge wheelbases and work them every day and yes, patience is a virtue!

[@onebadapple83]

Glad to see the first thing mentioned was HOW TO MEASURE the wheelbase! The biggest deal killer when trying to buy a used truck is when the poster claims something other than what it actually is! This includes the “TRUCK PAPER”

[@jds6206]

Great video. Not a trucker, but I appreciate the professionalism of truckers today. Your's is not an easy job.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for watching!

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I love your stories about the "old days".

[@rodneypattonsr3179]

LOL way to go Richard!!!!! It was a Richard who taught me to drive as well. From the mid-70's. Richard Patton Sr. My Dad. RIP Midnight Cowboy. Who was a real Cowboy. Who could ride and rope as well as split, shift (5X4) and go-get! Thank you for that story.

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure Rodney and thanks for watching!

[@StandngOnBusiness]

Love your videos man I been driving 3-4 years now and learn something new every video I watch keep sharing that OG knowledge!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir!

[@wisco-lad]

Man what I wouldn't give to take a trip across country with this guy. Just once. Im thinking about becoming a o/o and I know I could learn so much more from this guy... I can read and watch videos all day and won't learn shit.... hand on is the only way

[@MurphyTheBandChild]

WHAT?!?! The federal government making a logical decision in regards to regulation? Surely you jest, sir!

[@grejsancoprative]

All the while they could've gone full Europe...

[@wheelman1235]

@@grejsancoprative European regulations too strick. Short wheelbases and doghouse cabs. The digital tachograph highly advanced. The cabs for cavemen.

[@tunapuna7890]

Surely you jest, Sire!

[@wheelman1235]

@@tunapuna7890 I drive in them mate. I should know.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

The LAST time that the government made a rational/logical decision!

[@vegasfordguy]

You are my favorite trucking channel. EXCELLENT information and great stories! I live in Fernley, NV and remember your story about staying the night in Fernley and rolling into California with your 53 foot trailer and bluffing the guy at the truck inspection.

[@misconceptionindustries2968]

Even the wooden truck is a Longhood Pete!!! Perfect!

[@AmanBenyamin]

One of the most respected truck drivers on the web...my opinion! Loved the video..very informative. Thanks!

[@popsoldboats3406]

In the 90s drove a 70 kw that looked alot like the one around 4:30 for a cattle breeder hauling one to 5 breeder bills for about a year. No truck ever made me happy after he sold out and left. Loved that job and that rig.

[@TheNefastor]

"Curb sniffer"... I like that image; it's so apt :-D

[@Caje-zf8md]

Although truck-driving is not my livelihood, I've always been fascinated by big trucks, even drawing them when I was small. I also have several hardcover books on big trucks from the 50's. Some of the photos showed trucks from California with long wheelbases and I've always wondered what the advantage was. Your patient explanation made it clear. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@ianhumphry1]

Great channel brother, I'm a retired trucker working as an instructor at a CDL school, times have changed my friend.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you and yes they sure have!

[@maniac2425]

My old Pete has 280" wheel base. I to find it to be just right pulling a flatbed. Makes scaling out lumber and steel much easier. Especially with a 53' spread axle. Some of these little loves truck stops can get a little tight backing in sometimes.

[@rayburnett3253]

I am a retired truck driver myself. But , I sure do miss it.

[@justotorres8970]

Man I admire these heavy equipment hauler guys here in Dallas Fort worth area . They drive those long ass lowboy rigs like sports cars through big city traffic .

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

I've pulled 135' long heavy haul loads. Except for learning how much room it takes to turn, it is pretty much like pulling 5 axle traffic, and you have your Pilot car( escort) to cover blind spots and block for you when changing lanes.

[@9ZERO6]

I have no idea how I ended up at your channel, but I love it. I am not a trucker, but dang I am interested in the profession because I respect the fact that truckers and thier support staff keep this world going.

[@davejohnson5479]

Great video Dave. Some of your viewers may remember when on the New York Thruway pulling tandem 48' trailers, it was required that we had cabovers. Good times!

[@billarroo1]

About 30 years ago there used to be a yearly truck show at the Pomona Fairgrounds, near Los Angeles, called "The Worlds Greatest Working Truck Show", tow trucks, land dolls, low boys, mixers, double trailers, other specialty trucks would attend for competition, I was parked waiting for them to call for tow truck competition, when this day cab Pete with doubles flatbed hay haulers, pulled up across the front of my truck, then pulled about 40 feet away rolled that rear trailer in almost 70* degrees right next to me, then corrected forward then backed in the front trailer corrected then backed the whole thing in straight as an arrow, when the driver got out it was about a 20 years old young girl !!! She was there for the doubles backing competition !!! I didn't see her in competition but when she backed in next to me around 70 degrees turn in 3 moves I bet she took that trophy!!! 😆😆😆

[@powerhouse_customs_ar4889]

I've been driving for 30 years now and I've heard so many ways to measure wheelbase...but this is the way I always measured it

[@teddyrivas1082]

In all my driving yrs, didn't really put much attention to that, except that if your going to drive a long wheel base truck, you'd better have enough room for manuabilty for it! But it's good to hear from a professional driver with experience, show you and teach you the difference when wanting to ordering or buying a truck. Depending for what you are hauling! Will keep on watching for your knowledge of trucking situations, was most helpful!

[@matrix6241]

My regular truck is a 277" I pull grain b's. I love it. Boss bought it blind and then had serious concerns about getting in to to yards. I had zero issues, after a couple weeks he stopped asking if I could make it happen or not. lol

[@thelast929]

I’m not a commercial driver. An F350 with a 30’ toy hauler is the most I’ve maneuvered down a roadway. But I love these videos on how the professional drivers do it!

[@ChiBluez]

Thank you! Trudging through snow for your viewers! That’s true dedication. Love your channel and all the wisdom you share!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!!

[@adammiller8415]

Although im not a trucker i know that pilot on exit 104 very well. i live in that town which is battle creek michigan. im always in an out of the pilot with a 1 ton dually and a 40 ft gooseneck trailer hauling my mini excavators and skid steers. for work. always fun watching you guy back in those spaces.

[@SmartTrucking]

Probably more fun for you than us! I park across the street myself.

[@adammiller8415]

@@SmartTrucking Thats the smart thing to do. The pilot is annoying enough with just a dually and the gooseneck. There is rumor there going to redo the on and off ramps at that exit but nobody knows for sure yet.

[@pattyjay9999]

Get that long wheel base put the seat on the floor get that smooth ride just glad on down the highway🤙🏾

[@phillipdavis1174]

Glad to hear someone talk about trucking that knows of what he talks! Bought my first truck in 69, my father was a trucker so I learned by doing! It kills me to see some of these newbies get these 300In+ trucks an try an go make a living with them .. better know what your doing an gonna do with a truck to make a living befour you try to be a cowboy!!

[@kevinlesch9656]

It's been a number of years but when I hauled grain, most feed mills I went to had 50' scales. Most guys had to split weight. I don't remember my wheelbase but I know with 36' hopper, I could fit in 50' scales with less than inches to spare. 36' hopper I could gross 80,000. It was perfect set up

[@davidsucher6531]

This man is very knowledgeable. I’ve learned a lot about trucks and trucking from him and I went to truck driving school.

[@brucejones597]

I love the stories and the knowledge he shares

[@sorenkees1003]

I’ve been driving long wheelbase trucks the whole time I’ve been driving. I learned that little trick not long after I started. Definitely comes in handy

[@davidhindes7735]

I run Denver to Los Angeles every week with a 307” w9 and a 53’ sliding spread

[@SmartTrucking]

Nice!

[@duaneturner1015]

I got a 325 inch 4 axle 389 with a 4 axle refer. 105,500. This guy speaks the truth! it took me awhile to get use to my truck.

[@xd-oy5pr]

I absolutely love that little wooden truck!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks, it is kinda cool isn't it?

[@dancash5353]

Thanks dude..five years in ...not on bonehead truckers ...love to learn ...good stuff

[@Tubercollosal]

You, Sir, just gained a subscriber. Thanks for the excellent explanation and interesting stories. Love from Australia.

[@SmartTrucking]

Welcome aboard And thanks for joining us! Appreciate it!

[@lesflynn4455]

Another Aussie here. Likewise.

[@ExtrovertedCenobite]

I would say this man knows a bit about Trucks and Trucking. Thanks for the video, informative, educational and interesting!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for watching!

[@krisbryant7100]

I can listen to your good stories all day long!!!

[@kdoe5071]

Always loved the window trick. Used it many times. No window now. Brought back some memories. Thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching!

[@dechoppa]

Good story! I really miss learning something from other truckers, instead of hearing them complaining all the time.

[@Gonz.0]

Love stories like this from old timers. My father inlaws dad used to drive and i found out he actually won CATs first scale give away truck

[@Christerart]

Brings back a lot of memories - I started as an O/O in Spring of '84 so free up with cabovers. Still holding on to my commercial license although I am not driving anymore.

[@Christerart]

Damn auto correction - GREW UP with cabovers..:)

[@xXDannySilvaXx]

You are professional and knowledgeable in your career. Very informative.

[@stephenhammer7357]

The best thing about this site is learn something new, no matter how old you are, always room for more info ,thanks to all

[@swaghauler8334]

Long wheelbase trucks actually reduce the stress on infrastructure by stretching the weight out over a greater area, BUT most older cities do NOT accommodate longer trucks and the space needed to maneuver them. I think things will be ok up to 55 feet, but stretch that trailer to 60 feet and you will find more accidents in cities (lots of knocked over light poles).

[@willjones4630]

You’ve clearly been around in the trucking world. Appreciate the great info, it sure helps us greenhorns

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to help!

[@kittykingdom7308]

I love seeing them on the road! My wife makes fun if me when I look in awe as I see an orange reliable truck or a super cool tricked out truck... Someday I'll have my own!

[@SmartTrucking]

They are cool to look at!

[@amsoiladam]

I am not actually a trucker, however I enjoy watching your videos because I believe that your wisdom does make me a better driver. My rigs overall length is 82 1/2 feet. The truck is an RV conversion based on a 1987 GMC five star general. The trailer is a 28 foot box stacker. The turn radius on the general was terrible at it’s factory length . Now it has been stretched to 367 inches wheel base. So I cannot make a U-turn in Rhode Island without crossing into Massachusetts and Connecticut. But it really is so much fun to drive.

[@SmartTrucking]

Love your description of the turning radius!

[@the.porter.productions]

APPEAL: Some drivers love the looks of a stretched frame, no matter if it’s a cabover or conventional...Bigger is Better!? Maybe they just want to show off their frame! Hehehe. It sure changes how you back one in. I like what you said about matching the length to the application. I’m not sure many people do that anymore. I remember when many people would “Pre Order” their trucks. It was hard for me as a kid to grasp that concept, but I soon understood it. RIDE: I know that a longer truck can make a big difference in the way they ride, even in a cabover. I’m not sure about the double framed rigs...that, to me, adds a different element altogether. I’ve driven a little cabover C800 Ford and felt like I was bounced the entire time, but loved the maneuverability. I could get into a cabover Marmon and immediately feel the smoother ride. I mostly pulled pups or 45-48 foot trailers. You’re right...there is a balance in how long a rig should be. There are some trucks that when you stretch it out, that’s when it totally changes it to a new level...that AWE factor is there! I’m thinking of a CL9000 being stretched to 270 inches and connected to a stainless steel trailer. Does it lose its functionality then? Well, I think they both enhance the features of each other. But I’m not sure if I would work it then. Good subject! Thanks! Oh, as always, Cabovers rule! Hehehe

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching!

[@rivazza68]

Thank you sir, I'm a truck driver myself and I was always curious about the subject you just explained, very appreciated.

[@spartan0738]

Haha loved the story! I've even parked in exactly those handful of spots your mentioned at that x104 Pilot. Always love listening to someone thats been out here awhile, always learning. Thanks for sharing

[@georgetoma7139]

hello. been there. before the pilot is. when. tei kie. had the nice chrome and light s. garage. hello truck driver. lol

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Ryan!

[@gustavomendoza6028]

My 379 is currently sitting at 316 .. best ride ever .. have yet to have an issue when delivering

[@davevann2925]

LMAO, great story! I had the nick name " one shot willy " then I was moved from the short wheel base Volvo ( almost a "0" turn) to a long wheel base 18 speed Freightliner for heavy haul , was like starting over. By the end of the construction season I had gotten the hang of it.

[@Gump-tion]

I saw the movine Convoy as a young kid in the early 80's and love semi's ever since. To this day I get so excited when I see a stretch Pete on the highway. Such beautiful machines. Thanks for the insights in this video. I've learned a lot.

[@cliffp.8396]

I enjoy the education that comes from experience most of all, thanks for sharing this with us.

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure, thank you for saying so!

[@cliffp.8396]

@@SmartTrucking Your welcome sir

[@kirkjones9639]

My favorite truck was a 379 Pete, 450 Cummins, 4X6 Spicer, 260 in. wheelbase, pulling a 48' 110" Alloy flatbed, hauling wood out of the GPNW to the East Coast and hardwood flooring to the West Coast. Tractor was just the right length, for those little lumber yards, that you needed to get into, every now and then.

[@coolrunnings9506]

Your stories are always great to hear ! Love them! 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@wildbillanderson9100]

NICE JOB EXPLAINING THE LONG WHEEL BASE TRACTOR.....ONE OF MY FIRST TRACTORS WAS A 260 INCH PETERBUILT....I RAN REFER FROM CHICAGO TO CALIFORNIA AND PRODUCE BACK TO WATER MARKER PLACE IN CHICAGO....THAT PLACE WAS BUILT FOR HORSE AND BUGGY

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes it was!

[@chriswoodward5368]

LOL love the story. you may remember when COE were king. That is when I learned to drive there was no power steering then. I hade a Freightliner With a V12 for a will. Bobtail front axel weight of 11,600 LB You learn some tricks to back up with that truck. When backpacking in on the blindside I would open the driver side door stand on the floor of the truck and look over the roof to see where the trailer was going it worked great. Don't think Workmen's Compensation would be to impress wit that trick today. Keep up the good work

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Chris, I actually knew a guy that fell off the step one time doing that maneuver. Hit a pothole and bucked him off. You can be sure we didn't tease him at all about it!

[@Ian-xw1ge]

Thanks you sir. You taught me something new. I never knew that about old school trucking knowledge and terminology! I got eight years experience and I know that you have about 38 years. Good information

[@paulb7365]

Thanks Dave, you and Cat keep up the great work. Much appreciated!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Paul!

[@triptriplett4285]

I recently bought a International Lonestar with a 250 WB. LOVE IT

[@captainflatbed.7927]

High stepping in the ❄️ I do miss my stretched double framed 379!! it’s in a class of its own on ride comfort and shine pride !!

[@b34rdy]

I used to spend months away at a time with a euro cabover and 45ft trailer about 10 years ago, you guys have it lucky, imagine being in an 8x6 box for that long, thats how much space we have including the sleeping area and where you drive

[@acewings221]

Very informative! Thanks! I saw one yesterday at my receiver and i thought it looked cool, but it looked like a huge pain to bump a dock

[@SmartTrucking]

Takes some work, sometimes!

[@toddnash7194]

I love the statement. "Back then the government cared about truckers " yes boys and girls at one time this was a profession not a job. The general public also loved us. But I agree with you. Mine is 295 inch 99 379. I rarely pull a box. It works great with flat bed and my over size stuff. My brother has 311 inch pulling a refer. Not very practical. But it looks cool. Lol. 280 - 290. Is perfect. Plus it doesn't push the bridge laws. Ty for your post. 35 yrs. Still ridin and guidin. Happy trails

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy trails Todd!