How to Measure a Truck Wheelbase – Proper Ways to Measure

Since they can be built in a variety of configurations, sizes, and shapes, tractor trailers are among the most versatile and modular vehicles available. Because of this, there are a plethora of different truck models that can be found, with wheelbase being perhaps the most crucial of these specifications. But it differs according to who you speak to.

What Is Wheelbase?

Manufacturers specify wheelbase as the measurement between the center of the steer axle’s hub and the center of the two rear wheels on a three-axle truck. Therefore, place a ruler vertically on the ground directly between the two rear tires and measure the steer axle from there. Officials at the DOT, on the other hand, appear to take the overly technical definition of “wheelbase,” which is “the distance between the front steering hub and the rear wheel hub,” literally.” Therefore, the wheelbase is measured from the center of the last wheel when paying fines for violations of bridge length permits. Otherwise, the wheelbase is measured from the hub of the center axle on a four-axle truck or from the center of the two wheels.

How To Measure A Truck’s Wheelbase?

It’s more challenging to gauge a truck’s wheelbase than a car’s. It also takes more work because of the enormous gap between the two axes. To help you measure the wheelbase before you begin, it is advised that you carry someone.

Calculating a vehicle’s wheelbase is a simple process. Use a long pole to measure the distance between the front and rear axles; after that, multiply that distance by two using a measuring tape.

The distance between the front hub and the area between the two back axles should be measured on twin-drive trailers or vehicles with two wheels up front and four in the back. The issue originates at the intersection of the two rear axles, not at the trailer’s back axle.

The wheelbase is calculated from the steer axle’s center to the empty space BETWEEN the tandems.

Step 1: Straighten The Wheels

The front wheels of your car should be straightened first. You can accurately measure the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels of your car by doing this. The wheelbase of your car will actually change depending on how slightly the front wheels are turned.

Step 2: Locate The Points

Your front and rear wheels should be centered. You can carry out this action on either the left or the right side of your car. To see your accurate reading, make sure to measure your car’s wheelbase in a well-lit area.

Step 3: Use A Tape Measure

The final step is to find their locations and measure the distance between them using a tape measure. To accurately measure your car’s wheelbase, it is advised that you complete this step with a partner. You can check to see if the measurement is still the same by comparing your reading to the manufacturer’s recommended wheelbase for your car. It will essentially stay the same.

When the vehicle is loaded, a new wheelbase known as the trailer wheelbase must be chosen. Measure the distance between the loaded truck and the loaded tandem drive shafts’ center first.

It is more important to know a truck’s wheelbase and dimensions than it is to know a passenger car’s dimensions. For the truck to reach its destination safely and with the right weight distribution, load planning is essential.

How To Measure Wheelbase On A Semi-truck

It takes more effort to determine a semi-truck’s wheelbase than it does for a car. Additionally, because the two axles are separated from one another by a great distance, it requires more effort. We advise you to have assistance when measuring the wheelbase, so please bring someone with you.

The procedure is easy to follow when determining a truck’s wheelbase that only has four wheels. The same procedures as for measuring passenger cars can be used. Using a long stick, measure the separation between the front and rear axles. Then, use a tape measure to see the measurements.

You should measure the distance between the front axle and the area between the two rear axles for those semi-trucks that have tandem drive axles, or trucks with two wheels up front and four wheels at the rear. I’ll say it again: measure from the center of the two rear axles, not the semi-truck’s rearmost axle.

There is another wheelbase that needs to be determined if a semi-truck is loaded with cargo and it is called the trailer wheelbase. Start measuring from the cargo’s kingpin to the intersection of its tandem drive axles in order to determine this measurement.

How Would You Measure A Large Truck’s Wheelbase?

The distance between the wheelbase’s center and the axle’s center can be roughly calculated using the wheelbase measurement. For an accurate measurement, convert the wheelbase from inches to meters at the center of the steering axle hub by using a wheelbase calculator. This is frequently referred to as the axle shape.

Make sure you are aware of how far the wheelbase extends from its center to the steering axle hub. You can convert your measurement to inches using the wheelbase calculator by using the same pivot as your measurement. You can measure the distance with a measuring tape between the wheelbase’s corner and the steering axle’s center.

Conclusion

The truck’s weight is significantly influenced by the wheelbase. For driving and balancing the vehicle, the wheelbase value is crucial. By looking at the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb, you can compare your measurements to those specified by the manufacturer. You ought to be able to find the OEM’s wheelbase numbers there in addition to the suggested tire pressures and the country of manufacture of your vehicle.