Tandem?

[Jayman]

Thinking of getting a used T-600 or T-2000 KW and stretching the frame to add a 24' box. Not sure if I should keep the extra set of axles or not. Will pay more to have the other axle, but I know I can carry more weight with it. Just not sure if it will pay off. What do you all think?

 

[darkunicorn]

Its that old catch 22 first off personally you won’t listen I didn’t first truck, don’t buy a used anything seams you just buy some one else’s headaches! Ok back to the catch 22 ok because of bridge law you instead of 20k on rear can carry 34k on the tandems. That’s great an extra 14k right? Well you have what 3k in extra weight, so now its only extra 11k and now you have to buy 10 tires not 6, and when in southern states like Carolina’s, Tennessee, Georgia., and I believe Kentucky you can’t run in the hammer lane in any thing over 6 wheels Plus there’s the toll ways each axel costs more money.
I mentioned 10 tires but here’s the kicker too with the wheelbase of the expedite unit also the front rear tandems ware fast and uneven especially if you do a lot of tight turns. After weighting all that I personally decided it wasn’t worth an extra 11k in weight or the extra ware on the engine to hall the weight. And how often do you need an extra 11k in expedite? Most the time even if you have 20 totes its under 6k.

Hope this helps!
Alvin

 

[Paul56]

Keep the tandems.

Better stability, tracking, ride and ability to carry weight.

 

[Jayman]

Actually...I would like to buy new. However, I am scared to commit to that much money right off the bat. Figure it would be about $2000/month for new. Although, I know if its down for a few days it will cost in parts and labor. If its down for a few days I will have lost revenue. If its down for a few days my carrier will not be as happy as I would like. Maybe new is better as long as the miles are there.

 

[LDB]

Don't consider a T2000, it will be too front axle heavy. You will constantly be juggling your load to keep the front axle legal. With a tandem you will always pay 3 axle toll and always wear 8 rears. If you go with a lift axle you pay 2 axle tolls unless you need the extra carrying capacity and you also only wear 4 rears most of the time.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 5507, 5508, 5509
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[rode2rouen]

When I started driving 2 years ago, the Co. had M2 Freightliners with tag axles. When I bought my own truck a year ago I went with a tandem axle rig. The ride is much better than a single axle whether the tag is up or down. Traction is better under any conditions and the extra axle does not really hurt fuel mileage much. (I average over 9.5mpg)

My rig weighs 24K with all of my personal junk and full tanks, this leaves 22K for freight. It is plated for 46,000GVW.

As to the old saw "buying used is buying someone else's problems", that is a load of HORSE PUCKEY!!!!!!!! I knew a guy who traded a car off after owning it for less than a month because he didn't like the seats! If you shop carefully, it is relatively easy to come up with a solid rig with HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of miles left to run. Consider that today's Class 8 rigs are designed to have a useful service life of well over ONE MILLION miles!!!


Rex

 

[Jayman]

I am sure your right about buying a used truck. I have always used that logic when buying a car or pickup and have always come out a winner. Although, I may buy a newer one than I planned. Just want what everybody wants. Something nice to ride in, look at, depend on, keep for a while, and with as small of a payment as possible. Would like to keep the payment under $1300/month.