Class 8 Streched Frame

[guest]

I am thinking of purchasing a Tractor and having the Frame Streched.
Anyone have an idea what the cost would be?

I would like to put an 84" or 96" sleeper on it, but dont know what the size limits would be for the box with a sleeper that size. Anyone Know?

I dont have any idea where to have this done, do you?

Thanks

 

[davekc]

The tractor and the box length will give you the demensions you can use for a sleeper. Total length can't exceed 40 feet
Cost on a frame stretch is 4,000 to 6,000 depending on who is doing it and what requirements have to met for the drive train.
Davekc

 

[cliffn]

There is a frame shop next door to Fyda Freightliner in Columbus that does a lot of stretches. Check out the article about Fyda currently shown here on EO. I am quite sure that any of the used class 8 units you see in the pictures were done at that shop. If you are anywhere near there, that would be a good way to take a look at their work. Good luck.

 

[plumcrazy8]

Just my 2 cents worth here with some concerns I went through while having my stretch planned out. #1: Type of truck - this is your largest concern as the distance from the bumper to the rear of the cab will play a crucial part in length of box. My preference here was the class 8 Macks, they have a stubbier nose yet will accomodate the big motors, or a freightliner FLD112 - large frame capable of holding 10 and 11 liter engines yet a pretty stubby front end. Either one of these units will allow you the 96" sleeper with a 22' box. Stay away from the FRTL Classic, Large Pete, etc. unless you just want to show off and run around with a small box on it! I ended up with a FRTL FLD120 with the standard 72" sleeper, twin screw (big truck = 2 rear axles or no loads over, say 8,000 pounds, and I personally would always opt for twin screw over a lift or tag axle), 308" wheelbase, 24 foot box and a liftgate. Total length 39' 10" with the dumb dock plate sticking out the rear (roll-up door). #2: REALLY shop around on the frame stretch. I got mine done for $1,600.00 at a large-truck frame/repair/towing shop in Rochester, MN and it was perfect. I did a 3-axle alignment on the truck after running it for over 100,000 miles and it was spot-on! The other estimates ranged up to $6,600.00 for the same work. #3: Let the Frame shop calculate placement of the axles!! Don't try to second guess them. That thing of mine was so easy to predict load placement on that it just made me grin. Don't ever place the rears way back or way forward, it just doesn't work and can actually be downright dangerous. Hope this helps, everything went well on mine - but remember to do LOTS of pencil pushing and planning, mistakes could put you out of business or hurt someone on the road.