How about stretching?

The Gibster · Aug 28, 2004

With all the talk about going Class 8 and stretching to accomadate the 20' box for expediting, does anyone have any input on who stretches?

Do we find a frame shop, a dealership, the box maufacturers? All I've heard is "it's easy, and about a grand to 1500 dollars".

Any input welcome! Thanks everyone!

Gib & Donna

twodogsdaddy · Aug 28, 2004

Some of the truck dealerships do it..and of course some of the big sleeper companies. If you know where you're ordering your box from you might want to talk to them. There are a few different ways of stretching a frame ( some good some bad). I have no expertise in this area but you might try searching the archives or I'm sure some of the people here will be giving you some input soon. Just be careful about going to some shop that you don't know who can do it on the cheap. I just remembered at the Expo at the truck maintenance seminar the person was from Middle Georgia Freightliner and he had some recomendations and experience in stretching frames. He and his family own the dealership and he started out as a mechanic considered an "A" mechanic which is the top of the heap. Give them a call they should be listed on this sight. If you have the time come to the seminar at Woodhaven, Mi. this Monday I'm sure you can get some info. there. Good Luck

Tennesseahawk · Aug 28, 2004

If you want a KW, then Fort Wayne Truck Center (Palmer KW) will stretch one for ya. Though I'm a little miffed bout them not returning my calls x(

davekc · Aug 29, 2004

I think it will cost more than 1500. That may be just the frame work but the drive train needs to be stretched as well. Don't forget about landing gear as well. Even with a 2 rear axle setup, most places require the use of landing gear. Depending on the tractor, you are going to be somewhere between 4 and 6 thousand not counting the freight box cost.
Davekc

blucolr · Aug 29, 2004

Dave is right on the money. I talked to Heath Wood from Middle Georgia Freightliner at the Expo about stretching and he said it would run about $5200. It could be done cheaper but I would want it done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Mike

mikecop · Aug 29, 2004

I had my used JB Hunt cabover stretched at the dealer where I bought the unit. Northwest Arkansas Truck & Equipment, 2675 W. Sunset, Springdale, AR 501-751-4551. The cost was about $3,500. I was quoted between $5,000 and $6,000 at home in Detroit. I have a 28' box (used Fruehauf pup trailer). The only problem I have is trying to use the 28' box capacity without getting too much weight on the front axle. Mike

davekc · Aug 29, 2004

$3500 is a real good price. I paid close to that several years ago. As labor rate keeps going up I was figuring on those 4 to 6,000 numbers.
Davekc

cliffn · Aug 31, 2004

I was planning to have one done at Fyda Freightliner in Columbus. Actually, there is a frame shop right next door to Fyda and they were going to do the stretch and Fyda was taking care of the details (having the box put on, etc) but they had a class eight come in as a trade and I bought it instead. Evidently, Fyda has this shop stretch units for them on a regular basis and keep them on their lot. The last time I was there, there were three Century Class units with 22 ft. boxes which were ready to go. Might be worth a look. ... By the way, we are really happy with our class eight. It is a Century Class with Cat C10 and ten speed auto-shift. Great road truck. Good Luck...