rv Ed Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 Hi Guys. I drive a 2016 F350 dually with a 6.7 diesel pulling a 20000 lb fifth Wheel. average 7.5 mpg. Going up a steep hill slows me down to 40 mph. Looking at buying a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia with a dd15 automatic 2.47 differential tandem axles. Will remove the rear axle and build a bed. What do you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 1 hour ago, rv Ed said: What do you think. I think you're on the right track. Quote I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 Freightshakers has this name for a reason. Plastic breaks. Good solid drivetrain but cheap dash. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D&J Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 2 hours ago, rv Ed said: Hi Guys. I drive a 2016 F350 dually with a 6.7 diesel pulling a 20000 lb fifth Wheel. average 7.5 mpg. Going up a steep hill slows me down to 40 mph. Looking at buying a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia with a dd15 automatic 2.47 differential tandem axles. Will remove the rear axle and build a bed. What do you think. Sounds like you have the wrong rear gears in your truck for the load. Denny Quote Denny & Jami SKP#90175 Most Timing with Mac our Scottie, RIP Jasper our Westie 2013 F350 SC DRW 6.2 V8 4.30 Gears 2003 HH Premier 35FKTG Home Base Nebraska Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Any class 8 truck will pull better, stop better and, in general provide a better ride than a pickup. Our KW got 8.1 mpg today at 50,000 gross running 68mph. Quote 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky242 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 I bought a HDT and sold my F-350, never looked back. Better Ride, better power and better stopping, and can drive much longer comfortably (when necessary). I pull about 16,000lbs and get 9mpg at about 65mph. I just love driving it. See if you can get an inspection before you buy it. I bought mine in an online auction so no inspection and got lucky it's been a great truck. Quote 2000 Volvo VNL 610 2011 Cedar Creek 36RE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deezl Smoke Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 22 hours ago, rv Ed said: Hi Guys. I drive a 2016 F350 dually with a 6.7 diesel pulling a 20000 lb fifth Wheel. average 7.5 mpg. Going up a steep hill slows me down to 40 mph. Looking at buying a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia with a dd15 automatic 2.47 differential tandem axles. Will remove the rear axle and build a bed. What do you think. I think it is a great idea. That combo likely has a DT-12 trans. It is a great system for what you wish to do. What brake system are you going to install? Do you have a hitch brand and model in mind? Quote I'm a work'n on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemsteadc Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Find out what kind of exhaust system it has. If it has a DPF, don't plan on using it as a grocery getter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Sounds like a good plan, in general. If you are set on having a single rear axle, rather than removing one, remove both and swap it for a heavier axle built to handle the input loads supplied by that engine. Removing an axle just leaves one, now undersized, unit and eventually it will cause the input bearings or ring and pinion to fail. That said, if you don't plan to full time, why single it? Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanZemke Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 (edited) Quote Removing an axle just leaves one, now undersized, unit and eventually it will cause the input bearings or ring and pinion to fail. My Volvo 770 is a tandem Class 8 rated for a combined weight of 80K. I intend to remove the mid-axle and have the the rear axle moved forward. My trailer weighs about 25K pounds and I expect my singled Volvo to weight about 15K pounds. It doesn't appear to me that my drive line will be stressed more than a common 80K road tractor and trailer. Edited February 15, 2023 by DanZemke clarity of thought Quote Volvo 770, New Horizons Majestic and an upcoming Smart car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rv Ed Posted February 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 On 2/15/2023 at 9:08 AM, hemsteadc said: Find out what kind of exhaust system it has. If it has a DPF, don't plan on using it as a grocery getter. Why would a factory DPF not make a good daily driver / grocery getter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rv Ed Posted February 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 On 2/15/2023 at 8:48 AM, Deezl Smoke said: I think it is a great idea. That combo likely has a DT-12 trans. It is a great system for what you wish to do. What brake system are you going to install? Do you have a hitch brand and model in mind Factory brakes on the truck and fifth Wheel. I will remove the commercial hitch and install my B and W 25000 lb hitch with a Trail Air pi box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemsteadc Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, rv Ed said: Why would a factory DPF not make a good daily driver / grocery getter. Maybe some do, my Cummins 8.3 does not. If these engines aren't worked hard enough, and don't get up to temperature for long enough, or the regeneration process is not working as it should, they will soot up. "Oftentimes, blocked diesel particulate filters are caused by short journeys at low speeds. Vehicles operating at low speeds on short journeys are unable to meet the requirements for the filter to clean itself." Edited February 16, 2023 by hemsteadc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rv Ed Posted February 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 On 2/15/2023 at 9:44 AM, rickeieio said: Sounds like a good plan, in general. If you are set on having a single rear axle, rather than removing one, remove both and swap it for a heavier axle built to handle the input loads supplied by that engine. Removing an axle just leaves one, now undersized, unit and eventually it will cause the input bearings or ring and pinion to fail. That said, if you don't plan to full time, why single it? I am looking to buy a tandom and single it. Remove rear axle. This will create a 202 inch wheel base for easier turning in rv parks and easier / shorter parking when using it as grocery getter/ daily driver. Or would it be better to remove the front axle and install the rear axle in it's place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Front axle not designed for continuous use. If you go this route remove front and replace with rear. What you stated was done when the first few were converted. They fail. Lesson learned. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanZemke Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 I agree with Glenn - remove the center axle and move the rear forward. Also, tandem axle Class 8's usually have a single ABS controller for both axles. A straight forward solution is to buy a new controller for a single axle. But that can be costly. Another approach is to relocate the sensors that were on the mid axle to to the rear axle. Yes, they will have two sets of sensors when only one is needed. But since the relocated sensors are accurately sense any wheel spinning, they work fine and the controller is happy too, because it thinks it is getting signals from both axles. About Glenn's reference to very early conversions. In at least one case, there was another problem. The ABS warning light was always on. The converter's solution was to use a piece of black tape to hide the ABS light! Still, the guy (I think his name was Larry) almost single handedly, jump-started enabling used HDTs as RV haulers. Thanks Larry. Quote Volvo 770, New Horizons Majestic and an upcoming Smart car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Don't think anyone mentioned - visit the *HDT forum* (here) for more of the xln't info you already received - as well as friendly advice and questions answered. ie: talk to the folks who own & drive HDTs and (usually) tow long & heavy 5ths. 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 4 hours ago, GlennWest said: Front axle not designed for continuous use. If you go this route remove front and replace with rear. What you stated was done when the first few were converted. They fail. Lesson learned. 41 minutes ago, DanZemke said: I agree with Glenn - remove the center axle and move the rear forward. Also, tandem axle Class 8's usually have a single ABS controller for both axles. A straight forward solution is to buy a new controller for a single axle. But that can be costly. Another approach is to relocate the sensors that were on the mid axle to to the rear axle. Yes, they will have two sets of sensors when only one is needed. But since the relocated sensors are accurately sense any wheel spinning, they work fine and the controller is happy too, because it thinks it is getting signals from both axles. About Glenn's reference to very early conversions. In at least one case, there was another problem. The ABS warning light was always on. The converter's solution was to use a piece of black tape to hide the ABS light! Still, the guy (I think his name was Larry) almost single handedly, jump-started enabling used HDTs as RV haulers. Thanks Larry. If the truck is a 6x2 with a tag axle (becoming more popular with companies) you can just pull the rear tag axle as the front tandem axle is the only drive axle of the pair. Quote 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanZemke Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, GeorgiaHybrid said: If the truck is a 6x2 with a tag axle (becoming more popular with companies) you can just pull the rear tag axle as the front tandem axle is the only drive axle of the pair. Interesting info. But he said he's looking at a specific truck that does not appear to have a tag axle. Edited February 16, 2023 by DanZemke clarity Quote Volvo 770, New Horizons Majestic and an upcoming Smart car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 1 hour ago, GeorgiaHybrid said: If the truck is a 6x2 with a tag axle (becoming more popular with companies) you can just pull the rear tag axle as the front tandem axle is the only drive axle of the pair. Totally agree. That configuration was very common years ago, not so much these days. This would give you the short wheelbase AND the heavier input/gear set needed to be reliable with the torque loads these motors generate. Look at any single axle road tractor. It will always have a heavy (23k rated) axle v. the two 19k axles commonly found as a tandem. BTW, the 23/19 numbers have nothing to do with weight capacities. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted February 22, 2023 Report Share Posted February 22, 2023 On 2/16/2023 at 1:38 PM, DanZemke said: Still, the guy (I think his name was Larry) almost single handedly, jump-started enabling used HDTs as RV haulers. Thanks Larry. Larry Ziegler (sp=?) - commonly referred to as "Larry Z". NO Thanks, Larry! "Thanks" evaporated after one (or more) of Larry's conversions were a bit "fly by night" - and discovered after the fact by the owner/s. (front brakes in-op!). Some of the folks (Jack Mayer) on the HDT form can elaborate if desired - as it was all posted (which may have been lost when the forum was re-designed)...😕 BTW: Larry even had a "How To" conversion guide available for sale. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Believer45 Posted February 22, 2023 Report Share Posted February 22, 2023 (edited) What about buying a single axle road tractor? Rental companies sell single axle day cab and sleeper equipped tractors, no conversion needed. Ryder Truck Rental shows single axle sleeper trucks for sale on their web site. https://ryder.com/used-trucks/vehicles/semi-trucks/single-axle-sleeper-tractors Dave / Believer45 Edited February 22, 2023 by Believer45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted February 23, 2023 Report Share Posted February 23, 2023 Mine has been singled I kind of wish I had a tandem. It is what it is. I would never go back to using a pickup truck again. Quote Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 23, 2023 Report Share Posted February 23, 2023 23 hours ago, Believer45 said: What about buying a single axle road tractor? Rental companies sell single axle day cab and sleeper equipped tractors, no conversion needed. Ryder Truck Rental shows single axle sleeper trucks for sale on their web site. https://ryder.com/used-trucks/vehicles/semi-trucks/single-axle-sleeper-tractors Dave / Believer45 I had a used Ryder truck on the farm (Mack with 800k miles). I would buy from them again. And yes, a factory single is ideal, if you can find one that suits you. As to removing a tandem set and replacing with a single v. just removing one axle, has anyone priced it both ways? I doubt there's much difference, and having that heavier axle would give peace of mind. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Dreamer Posted March 1, 2023 Report Share Posted March 1, 2023 We have a Freightliner Century that we have had for over 10 years now. It was singled short, with the rear axle being moved to the location of the front axle. If I were to do a new truck, I would single mid and put the rear axle between the two axle locations, of course this depends on what wheelbase we are starting with. Quote 2005 Freightliner Century S/T, Singled, Air ride ET Jr. hitch 2019 46'+ Dune Sport Man Cave custom 5th wheel toy hauler Owner of the 1978 Custom Van "Star Dreamer" which might be seen at a local car show near you! Check out http://www.hhrvresource.com/ for much more info on HDT's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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