Different Axle Combonations:

[Lone Wolf]

As we all start off in ETS 2, we usually start with a 4x2 axle config. But what do the rest mean? Was wondering this myself and decided to do some research. Hopefully this can help people make a choice in axle config when buying there first truck. What I've found so far is:

4x2 refers to a tractor unit and signifies a single drive axle, which will have 4 wheels , hence the " 4 " in the term 4x2 ( 4 drive wheels on a single drive axle and 2 axles in total, hence 4x2 ). It gets confusing thereafter ! eg. a 6x2 refers to a 3 axle tractor unit, again, with a single drive axle, of 4 wheels, but with 2 steering axles ! A 6x4, indicates a 3 axled tractor unit but with 2 drive axles and only 1 steer axle. An 8x4 would refer to an 4 axled lorry, typically a rigid tipper truck, known as an 8-legger or 8 wheeler, this would have 2 drive axles, at the rear, and 2 steer axles, at the front.

A tractor unit can have many axles depending on axle load legislation. The most common varieties are those of 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 types. However, some manufacturers offer 6x6, 8x6, 8x8, 10x8, and 10x10 axle configurations. A 6x4 has three axles, with two of the axles driven. 6x4 units are more common in long distance haulage in larger countries such as the USA and Australia. In Europe, the 4x2 and 6x2 variants are more commonplace. Those with three axles or more can have more than one steering axle, which can also be driven. Most 6x2 units allow the undriven rear axle to be raised when lightly loaded, or running without a trailer, to save tyre wear, and increase traction. The 6x6 units have three axles, all driven, and 8x6 units have four axles, with the rear three usually driven and the front axle for steering. The 8x8 units also have four axles, but with all of them driven, and 10x8 units have five axles with the rear four usually driven and the front axle for steering. All five axles of 10x10 units are driven. The front two axles are usually both steer axles. The axle configurations are usually based on axle load legislation, and maximum gross vehicle weight ratings (BDM). Heavier versions of tractor units, such as those used in heavy haulage and road trains, tend to have four or more axles, with more than two axles driven. In certain countries (such as Switzerland), a certain amount of weight must be spread over driven axles, which lead to heavier varieties having six-wheel drive, otherwise another tractor unit would have to be used. The heavy haulage variants of tractor-units are often turned into a ballast tractor by fitting temporary ballast, because their chassis allows a high BDM which may go beyond the legal limit, hence requiring special permits.

These were the most helpful things I've found so far. If anyone can add some helpful info here. that would be great.

Happy & Safe Trucking!

[Stomper]

I run a 6x4x2 custom on my Man that is one stable configuration. Thanks for the info 442Guy.

[margalus]

here is a short vid comparing the turning radius of the 3 different Volvo chassis. There is no perceivable difference in the 4x2 and 6x4. I would have thought as others assumed that the 4x2 would turn much tighter than the 6x4, but it didn't turn out that way. I also assumed beforehand that the 6x4x2 would fall in the middle, instead it is the worst. I have a good external view of the 6x4x2 showing how the front set of rear wheels turn in relation to the front wheels.

http://youtu.be/5PGH86mI2tM

[Thrakazog]

You can never have enough axles =)

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=182739566

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=182739633

[margalus]

well, I finally took the time to read that wall of text, good info in there. Thanks for compiling it so nicely.

[margalus]

Originally posted by Thrakazog:

You can never have enough axles =)

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=182739566

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=182739633

very nice!

[paperclip]

Do the different axle configurations get you different jobs in the game?

[margalus]

Originally posted by paperclip:

Do the different axle configurations get you different jobs in the game?

no

[Stomper]

Originally posted by Thrakazog:

You can never have enough axles =)

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=182739566

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=182739633

Nice Chassis but I'd like it better on a Man... Anybody see a mod with that setup for a Man truck?

[Fury6]

442,

You've misunderstood the definitions.

4x2 refers to: "Total number of wheels on the tractor" x "Total number of drive wheels". Each axle is a pair of wheels, so two axles, one is a drive axle.

6x2 = Six wheels, two of them are driven, so 3 axles - one is a drive axle.

6x4 = Six wheels, 4 of them are driven, so 3 axles - two are drive axles.

6x2/4 = Six wheels, 2 of them are driven, 4 of them are steering, so 3 axles - two are steer axles and one is a drive axle.

There are only two wheels on an axle, a tandem rim/tyre counts as one wheel only.

[ArcticBliss]

Originally posted by Fury6:

442,

You've misunderstood the definitions.
... ...
There are only two wheels on an axle, a tandem rim/tyre counts as one wheel only.

But of course, all the sudden it makes sense. :)

[mark.shoulders]

i find with the 4x2 config i get 700 for fuel.if i get 6x2 6x4 wot ever then the fuel tanks are smaller so need to stop more to fill up.

[Fury6]

Depends on the make, but generally yeah the extra axle takes up room on the chassis that cuts into tankage. Some makes have extended chassis for the 3 axle configuration but even then the extension still isn't enough to allow for the same tankage as the 2 axle configuration.

Also note, the 6x2/4 configuration on some makes takes up more tankage space than the 6x4 configuration.

[Thrakazog]

Hey KoldNuttz,

I haven't tried this mod myself, but I think it's along the lines of what you wanted for MAN.

New 8×8 Chassis for MAN Truck[ets2.lt]

[Stomper]

Thanks Thrakazog... That does look like what i wanted.

[tyrswrath]

I was wondering if anyone had any input about the difference in stability with different kinds of loads and difference in acceleration and deceleration with/without heavy load?

Thing is, if it doesn't make much difference at all in game, I tend to agree with Mark.Shoulders idea and go for the bigger amount of fuel.
Though when more (driven) axles mean I can go around corners faster without tipping over the load and truck or if it actually increases the effectiveness of all the horses under the hood and my breaking action, I rather go for that.