Vehicle Turning Radius

That depends on the trailer type. The rear axle on a trailer that long usually will slide forward and back. The farther forward that you can move them the smaller the turning radius. You will have to look at the trailer manufactures specs on minimum distance from the king pin to the rear axle.

It also depends on the tractor. Cab over, conventional, fifth wheel location, steering box and geometry. There is no single answer to cover all scenarios

Try to approach the trailer driver. As he is the operator of the vehicle, he can provide you this information accurately.

Try this link - http://www.thetruckersreport.com/turning_radius_info_for_eighteen_wheelers.shtml

Very helpful website. Thanks so much!

Ask the manufacturer, or try to make a truck drill (life maneuvering).

For a right turn radius:

Try measuring from the right turn lane, through the intersection, over the curb, against the light post, through the oncoming left turn lane, and then the right hand lane of any intesection in small town USA.

Took your advice, had three of our company rigs run that course through 3 nearby small towns and averaged the distances. Thanks!

FHWA has some information available on the turning radius of various commercial vehicles.

It is not that I disagree with anything said in this thread, but I do sort of. A 244" wb tractor is 244" regardless of cab over, conventional. I agree a city tractor is shorter than a highway tractor, hence has a shorter turning radius. But sliding the wheels doesn't shorten the turn radius. The reason being is the shorter you make the wheel base the longer you make the tail swing. A 53' trailer is 53' regardless of how quick you can turn it. The easiest way to judge the turning radius of any unit is: Overall length - 10 feet. You need a square of atleast that dimension to turn that particular rig around in. I spent 30 years on the highway in almost every tractor / trailer combination in existence. This rule always served me well. A number of trainees forgot it or failed to use it and caused a great deal of damage. Just my opinion...interesting thread