American Truck Simulator

American Truck Simulator

Caterpillar 785C Mining Truck for Lowboy Trailer
How to keep the trailer from damages?
I thought to create a thread on this so whoever has hauled this trailer. We can exchange tips or ideas on how to prevent damages to this trailer.

What I have learned, you must stay and i mean stay in the middle on the highways no matter what. Meaning you have to take both lanes regardless of traffic behind you.

The issue I am having when you come up on slower traffic infront of you. How do you go about this?

I have tried to pass, but with major consequences..I can't get by them because I come up with guard rail or a cement block which cause major accidents. Sometimes I can get away with it without any damages and sometimes not.

Single lanes are almost impossible without some kind of escort to haul this trailer and you also got to deal with the spikes on the sides of the roads. So I avoid going in the middle of Nevada and Stay on the highways exclusively.

So how do you go about handling the slower traffic with this trailer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by meistroracer88; 1 May, 2018 @ 11:28pm
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Showing 1-7 of 7 comments
TheGreatSimulator 7 May, 2018 @ 11:16am 
For this type of load, real word or not, you shouldn't be worried about passing slower traffic. Just simply slow down. I usually go no higher than 45mph sometimes 50mph with this trailer. Also I do hover a little into the fast lane of traffic. That not only gives me room on my passenger side, but also doesn't allow traffic to pass me on the left. I also turn trailer stability up so its not wobbling all over the place. Make your turns as wide as possible and be patient!
TW 15 May, 2018 @ 8:22am 
In r/l I do believe the speed limit for such a trailer is 45mph. Also they are not allowed to travel at night. They are required to park around sun down...But this is a game so do you own thing...
TheGreatSimulator 16 May, 2018 @ 9:01am 
You have it reversed TW they are usually allowed to drive between midnight and 6pm or something like that
kananesgi 28 May, 2018 @ 2:19pm 
Actually, I believe it depends on the state. I know I see a lot of these super wide loads (mostly wind turbine towers and generator houses) that stop just before sundown in Kansas and Nebraska. In Missouri, however, I often see very wide loads heading across I-70 at 2 or 3 in the morning. Speed is also state (and carrier) dependant I think, though most I've seen don't go much over 55 or 60. Another thing is these kinds of loads usually don't travel on the interstates. It's easier to get permits and generally fewer traffic issues on state and federal highways. For instance, my RL truck is permitted for 102,000 pounds gross, but if I'm over 80,000, I cannot get on the interstates and must use state and U.S. highways only.

The big problem I see with this mod currently is I don't think you would ever haul something like this in reality without pilot cars to help with the traffic issues.
countryboy1800 5 Jul, 2018 @ 3:26pm 
Originally posted by kananesgi:
Actually, I believe it depends on the state. I know I see a lot of these super wide loads (mostly wind turbine towers and generator houses) that stop just before sundown in Kansas and Nebraska. In Missouri, however, I often see very wide loads heading across I-70 at 2 or 3 in the morning. Speed is also state (and carrier) dependant I think, though most I've seen don't go much over 55 or 60. Another thing is these kinds of loads usually don't travel on the interstates. It's easier to get permits and generally fewer traffic issues on state and federal highways. For instance, my RL truck is permitted for 102,000 pounds gross, but if I'm over 80,000, I cannot get on the interstates and must use state and U.S. highways only.

The big problem I see with this mod currently is I don't think you would ever haul something like this in reality without pilot cars to help with the traffic issues.
no you would never haul this load without pilot cars, plus in the real world these trucks are delivered in many loads i believe its 4 or 5 different loads for one truck
Rebeltrooper09 13 May, 2020 @ 5:27pm 
Originally posted by kananesgi:
The big problem I see with this mod currently is I don't think you would ever haul something like this in reality without pilot cars to help with the traffic issues.

This is exactly the issue right now. With the release of the Special Deliveries DLC this mod should have been updated to fall under that instead of the Heavy Cargo DLC. Really need that pilot vehicle to have a chance, especially on the long hauls.
LarryA 10 Aug, 2020 @ 4:59am 
Based On RL. 14 Western States. Permits are issued By the State controlled by Federal DOD per FMCSA (Fedral Motor Carrier Safety Act). A state cannot lower the restrictions. How ever a State, county or city can apply stricter regulations. A Load must be broken down if possible. The 785C Tires and wheels must be removed, Radiator fluid, engine oil and hydraulic fluid drained. Tractor and trailer must pass the Bridge Laws per Federal and state regulations. Escorts are required. Typically on Interstate rear only. 2 Lane. May require two front and one rear. The State, County or City DOD officers will block interchanges when required. The one front escort will ck height clearances example Power Lines. 2nd for escort.
Typically the truck is restricted to 45 MPH if on Interstate. Interstate minimum speed is 45 MPH dependent on weather conditions. You have to run specific routes. Do to Bridge weight restrictions, Over Pass height and traffic. A State, County and or City can restrict hours of operation do to traffic. Example Denver, Colorado I 25 or I 70 you "Cannot" transport HH loads between the hours of 7:00 A.M. thru 9:00 A.M or Thru 4:00 PM thru 7:00 P.M. do to traffic congestion. Yes there is instances when you are restricted to Night operation only dependent per state, county and city. Load length, Width and GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) only a few of the determing fators for hours of operation and route.
Typicaly you cannot pull a Hazmat load, HH load thru a tunnel. Eisenhower Tunnel at I-70 Loveland Pass. Have pulled Bridge Gerders 220 ft long gerder. 1500 Lbs to the foot plus equipment. GVW 580,000 +. The tunnel was closed from 3:00 A.M. thru 5:00 A.M.. Could not stop and wait. 5% grade. 1693 TA Cat 6&4 Double Under could not pull the grade from a dead stop. We ran the loads on snow pack as well.

Why I mention this it is critical to pre plan the route. Not for bragging purposes. Aint my first rodeo.

1. In Game there is times will pull the load at 55 MPH. Interstate in specifc areas only dependent on traffic. Right Lane. Have to look ahead for objects.
2. Two Lane roads day light only. Run the right lane when possible. Need to see the right side of the load for clearances on bridges etc. Top speed in certain areas 50 MPH.
3. Port Of Entries and Scales. If requested stop at scales excluding two in New Mexico. Will not clear I-40. All other scales it is a tight fit will clear with out issues.
4. Maintenance and fueling under Load. Always drop the trailer on pavement in a truck stop. It takes some planning ahead. Calculating fuel prior to transporting.
5. Alternate routes. Yes I plan the route ahead of time try to run interstates as much as possible. Even if it is 200 miles out of route. This is not always possible dependent on point A to Point B.
6. Most important rule is the 10 Second Rule. In ATS or "Real Life car or semi truck doesnt matter. Follow behind the vehicle in front no closer than 10 seconds. Speed doesnt matter or number of ft. Will self adjust. When the front car pass a object count to 10 seconds. You "Should Not" reach that object B4 10 Seconds has lapsed.
Can be challenging in real life and or ATS. Cars always cut in front of you. You are the pro so be responsible in ATS or real life.


Hope this information helps some folks and please have a safe journey.

Thanks for producing this mod like the challenge brings a whole new challenge to ATS.

Have A Great Day.

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