Question for the Big Rig builders

[raisin27]

I am working on the AMT International Harvester Transtar cabover kit as my first semi truck build. I am no expert but I always thought the Cabover design was to shorten the length of the tractor so longer trailers could be used before deregulation when total length was limited. This kit seems to have a very long wheelbase. The distance between the fuel tanks and rear tires seems very long to me. I imagine they were offered in various wheelbases for different applications but why wouldnt they just use a conventional cab on a wheelbase this long? Is the kit correct?

Thanks

Edited December 28, 2021 by raisin27

[Jim B]

Yes, the general reason for a COE was to have a short tractor so you could haul the largest trailer allowed within the length laws of the day.  Length restrictions were very strict on the East Coast, while not so much out West.  Should the Transtar 4070A kit have a shorter wheelbase?  Probably for East Coast work.  Remember a longer wheelbase gives you a better ride.

I do not know the history of this particular kit, so there might have been a reason for the long wheelbase when the kit was originally designed.

[JerseeJerry55]

51 minutes ago, Jim B said:

Yes, the general reason for a COE was to have a short tractor so you could haul the largest trailer allowed within the length laws of the day.  Length restrictions were very strict on the East Coast, while not so much out West.  Should the Transtar 4070A kit have a shorter wheelbase?  Probably for East Coast work.  Remember a longer wheelbase gives you a better ride.

I do not know the history of this particular kit, so there might have been a reason for the long wheelbase when the kit was originally designed.

I agree with all that was said above. However remember the livery for the 4070A in the kit decals was Loadmasters Transportation Ames, Iowa. All the more reason to have a longer wheelbase as it probably did a lot of West Coast runs.

[DRIPTROIT 71]

Regardless of the purpose for creating the cabover, some drivers preferred the cabover. Sometimes for visibility reasons, sometimes other reasons. As has already been said, long wheelbases were popular out west. Of course the long wheel base had a better ride, but some drivers such as the famous Joe Mustang used the longer wheelbase to allow some of his flatbed loads to extend slightly over the front of his trailer. Today of course most of your custom trucks have long wheelbases.

[Rockford]

Your reasoning is sound. Yes the chassis could probably stand being shorter to make the most effective use of space, the whole reason for building cabovers in the first place, but some cabovers did indeed have longer chassis for various reasons. 

In other words, it's up to you. I suppose you could look at examples on here and see what floats your boat. Personally, that kit looks great built either way and no one would criticise your choice.