DOT restrictions on straight truck length

[woobergoober]

Hello,

Was hoping to get some insight from somebody in the know. I have a 2004 Ford F 650 with a 28 foot box. I am currently working for a company in Michigan doing local runs, but was doing a little searching for other freight companies in my area who are recruiting. One thing I noticed, was that almost all the companies recruiting, require a sleeper. Can anybody tell me what the regulations are, as far as maximum length of a truck. Could I squish in a narrow sleeper between the cab and box and be legal, or am I smoking dope? Please excuse my ignorance and thank you in advance to anybody who could enlighten me.

Scott

 

[D Green]

If memory serves, most all states are at least 40' (many are 45'). Florida & N/S Carolina used to be 35' on two axles, 40' on three axles. But it's been a few years since I checked.

Dennis

 

[davekc]

you can go to 40 ft in all states now. You can go to 45 ft in some states with three axles. Our truck is 39' and 3/4". Only been measured once and passed and that was in SC

 

[tazman]

Check the CA ( cab-to-axle) length before you add anything to the length of the body...
I might be you are max'ed out on frame length...

I'll check the Ford order guides in the office tomorrow....
And will post the recommended lengths for various body types...

P.S. - What model F-650...Cat or Cummins or Powerstroke ????
Just curious...

Thanks,

Tazman

 

[Sterling_owner]

If you want to add a sleeper you might have to lose the 28ft box and go for a 24ft box, that would leave you with 4 feet of frame to put a sleeper in. How do you like your F-650? I love mine so far

2. 1999 Sterling Semis
2000 Ford F650 24ft box truck
7.3 Powerstroke, 6spd manual