Get FinancingSet-Forward vs. Set-Back Axle Positions: Some Pros & Cons
When you’re looking to buy a new or used truck, there are a lot of factors that come into play. You have to decide if you need a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicle; you have to compare towing and storage capacities; and of course you need to make sure the truck is up to whatever task you plan to throw at it. One component that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle is the front axle configuration.
You’ll find trucks for sale on TruckPaper.com with set-back front axles as well as set-forward front axles, and there are pros and cons associated with each. In fact, the simple difference in axle placement can change everything from the wheelbase length to the overall turning radius, which makes some types of trucks a better fit for certain jobs than others.
Set-Forward Front Axles
Trucks with set-forward front axles are more common and more popular than those with set-back axles. In general, a major advantage for these trucks is that they can support longer wheelbases, which in turn makes it so they can often haul heavier loads than other alternatives. There’s also the argument that the set-forward position and longer wheelbase result in a smoother ride for the driver, which may be a factor if you plan to move the vehicle from one worksite to another over long distances. And because set-forward is the more common configuration of the two, that could give it a nudge over set-back alternatives in terms of resale value.
Set-Back Front Axles
Where set-back front axle trucks have an advantage is when it comes to turning radius and general aerodynamics. If a truck is operating on a construction site, for example, where there are smaller spaces for making turns, then you may want to go with a set-back front axle. It offers a tighter turning radius when compared to set-forward alternatives that gives the driver a bit more control. And on the aerodynamics front, set-back front axle trucks get the nod because they have longer, rounded hoods for better airflow while cruising down the highway.
Other Considerations
Something to keep in mind with set-forward vs. set-back axle trucks is that many industries, states, and other entities have regulations for what types of trucks can be used for what purposes. This is where the Federal Bridge Growth Weight Formula comes into play, as it uses axle spacing and other factors to calculate maximum gross weight capacity for a vehicle. If you operate within the same region at all times, it may not be as big of an issue, but you don’t want to have a truck run across state lines only to find out that it’s hauling more weight than it is rated to support.