New Brakes Rule Could Spell End of Short Wheelbases

OSEMONT, Ill. — A new government rule shortening the required stopping distance for heavy trucks, expected by the end of the year, could lead truck manufacturers to drop short-wheelbase models and might increase the popularity of air-ride front suspensions, officials said here last week.

The rule, which an official from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said was in the final stages of approval, would require “substantial reductions” of stopping distances.

The official did not say how much less distance big trucks would have to stop in, but truck and suspension manufacturers said the stronger braking forces could cause handling problems for short-wheelbase models, which are common on tractors that pull double and triple trailers.