Streatching class 8 trucks

[blucolr]

We have pretty much decided when we get started it will be in a "D" unit on a 2-3 year-old streatched class 8 truck. We intend to leave the truck as a tandem. While talking to a Kenworth dealer we were told that in his experience the model we were leaning toward, the T-2000, tended to be too heavy on the front axle. Would really like some input from those of you who have streatched a class 8 on what model of truck you used, any problems you ran into, the best way to figure optimum axle placement, etc. Also, any info on streatching or replacing the existing factory bunk for more space would be very much welcomed. Thanks!
Mike

 

[Doggie Daddy]

hi blucolr,i don't have any experience with having a class 8 truck stretched but i have talked to a couple of drivers that have stretched the T2000. and front axle wieght is a concern on that model. the one driver was with FECC white glove division and he was not able to scale the 13,000# payload that FECC requires to be a D unit. but from his experiences he was very rarely offered loads that aproached that wieght so it wasn't a problem for him.this truck did not have an auxillary axle on it.the other driver was not with white glove (lighter box, no reefer unit) and he had a pusher axle,and was able to scale enough payload wieght to be considered a D unit (as long as he loaded it with the majority of the wieght towards the rear of the truck)keep in mind that this is just what FECC requires, other companies will probably have different requirements. hope this helps. DD.

 

[Glen Rice]

With the setback axle on the T-2000 you will probably be putting the tandems about center of the freight box. Your dealer can run a weight analysis. You may end up moving the fuel tanks back a bit to help get the weight off that front axle, especially if you are running twin 150 gallon tanks. Hope this helps. You will love the stability of the twin screw and the ride is pretty good also. Good luck and keep us posted how it works out.

 

[blucolr]

Thank's for the input guy's! The T-2000 was our (the wife's) first choice but we're still doing a lot of compairing and learning. She also want's a larger bunk. We may have to look at a day-cab tractor and add a bunk. We have an appointment next week with FedEx C.C. south of Akron to get some of the preliminaries out of the way and ask lot's more questions, like how much more does it cost to set up correctly for "White Glove"? We will start a day early to stop at Ft. Wayne Truck Center and Bentz Transportation Products @ Ft. Wayne and Fyda @ Columbus. After our meeting with FedEx we'll probably make another stop or two on the way back home (Western Illinois). Really looking forward to next week!
Mike