Been there, done that sort of. Went from single axle to tag axle to twin screw to single axle semi to twin screw 18 wheeler. It seems decent tandems are premium priced. I'd suggest learning from others experience and looking around at small semi's and skip the 10 wheeler phase.

edit:  I know, there is a reluctance to go from a good ol' farm truck to a small semi. I fought it for years and was WRONG.  Especially if you get an automatic, it is much easier to get around than a straight truck.  The only real trick is learning to back.

I'll see if I can add a few photos of my journey through trucks.

(IMGP0105 (Small).JPG)

(DSCF0097 (Small).JPG)

(100_9801 (Small).JPG)

(76 right view 2_Small.JPG)

(DSCF1422 (Small).JPG)

(95 right cab (Small).JPG)

(100_2215 (Small).JPG)

(DSCF0077 (Small).JPG)

(100_2406 (Small).JPG)

(Image1873 (Small).jpg)

(Picking up 38 ft Mauer.jpg)

(IMG11889 (Small).jpg)

IMGP0105 (Small).JPG (99KB - 1040 downloads)

DSCF0097 (Small).JPG (52KB - 1164 downloads)

100_9801 (Small).JPG (57KB - 1098 downloads)

76 right view 2_Small.JPG (79KB - 1331 downloads)

DSCF1422 (Small).JPG (59KB - 1256 downloads)

95 right cab (Small).JPG (74KB - 1290 downloads)

100_2215 (Small).JPG (60KB - 1169 downloads)

DSCF0077 (Small).JPG (51KB - 1081 downloads)

100_2406 (Small).JPG (65KB - 1165 downloads)

Image1873 (Small).jpg (59KB - 1266 downloads)

Picking up 38 ft Mauer.jpg (74KB - 1294 downloads)

IMG11889 (Small).jpg (47KB - 1362 downloads)