Covert a class 8 tractor to straight truck

**guido4475** · 02-15-2010, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by greg334

So you had a L8000?

at one time, before the truck we are currently talking about, yes.

**greg334** · 02-15-2010, 03:10 PM

OK so let me get this straight, the sticker on the door said 20k GAWR?

**guido4475** · 02-15-2010, 03:45 PM

I don't remember if it said excactly that or not, but I do remmeber the Ford dealer telling me that.Why, is this something that is difficult for you to believe?

**jaminjim** · 02-15-2010, 07:07 PM

The W900 you are talking about was Leo's. (LBD) It was/is the finest looking expediter trucks to hit the highway ever. The main problem with that truck was the fact that it was about a foot and a half to long in the wheelbase.(To heavy on the steers) and the eighteen speed. other then that it was outstanding.

**greg334** · 02-15-2010, 08:19 PM

No not really Guido but the guy doing the level 1 may look at your sticker and wonder about it too. It's the sticker that seems to rule.

**usafk9** · 02-15-2010, 09:54 PM

Can you register for the next higher weight class? What I mean is this:

Andrew says he has a 24k truck empty. Can I register for higher to meet my carrier's 13k# requirement for my size truck?

**Andrew0580** · 02-15-2010, 10:50 PM

My freightliner is a twin screw and I have it registered at 52000. As long as you have a drop axle or second drive axle sure you can up your weight.

**usafk9** · 02-15-2010, 10:58 PM

Thanks for the reply, Andrew.

My only holdup is finding someone to stretch a sleeper. I want it all.

**x06col** · 02-16-2010, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by usafk9

Thanks for the reply, Andrew.

My only holdup is finding someone to stretch a sleeper. I want it all.

Go git yousef a 110" Argosy Condo, and you CAN have it all!!

**guido4475** · 02-17-2010, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by greg334

No not really Guido but the guy doing the level 1 may look at your sticker and wonder about it too. It's the sticker that seems to rule.

That situation did arise while getting dot'd for the first time at the scales on 70 in MO just east of Oak Grove.We were in the barn, and he was underneath the truck and he made the comment that with as much arch that was in my front springs, and the amount of weight I had on the front, he said he had to beleive me, as well as the receipts for the springs and the front end work as well.It looked kind of funny, the front end being a little higher than the rear, because we couldnt find the correct spacer block to go between the spring and axle at the time we were doing the work.But I was close to the limit of the tire carrying capacity as well.Ironically, it rode really nice, I was surprised.I kept my truck plated under 49,000 gvw to avoid having to pay the heavy vehicle use tax in Ohio.

**guido4475** · 02-17-2010, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by usafk9

Can you register for the next higher weight class? What I mean is this:

Andrew says he has a 24k truck empty. Can I register for higher to meet my carrier's 13k# requirement for my size truck?

I think each state is differnt on their rule sregarding that. It amy be a good idea to check with your license bureau and see what they say, or even the dot.

**moose** · 02-17-2010, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by usafk9

My only holdup is finding someone to stretch a sleeper. I want it all.

How long do you need it to be ?

Welcome to True Custom True Custom Inc. -Where Visions Become Reality

**greg334** · 02-17-2010, 12:10 PM

I have heard this before -

"I went and got my plates. I have it registered for 42K, now I can carry heavy cargo."

I asked "what's the truck rated for?"

"ah... I don't know I think 32k"

The thing about registration doesn't give anyone a pass on the actual ratings of the truck. You have to be careful if you register it at say 42k and your truck is rated for 32k, when you hit the scales with a single axle truck and it tops 34K total weight (21k empty weight plus 13k cargo weight), then there may be an issue with the people in the station regardless what the registration says.

Get a second axle or a drop axle to carry the weight.