Thanks in advance for your patience.

First question: When Showhauler or Haulmark etc. builds a MH with say a 24'-32' box do they order the tractor with that wheelbase or do they have to stretch brand new trucks to make those long wheelbases?

I am guessing that it depends on the truck manufacturer and the plans of SH at the time they order the truck. Some manufacturers are more responsive to unusual orders and specs. I would think it preferable to order it with the right wheelbase from the start, and plan to do that if I get to the point of doing this project.

Cleeglog:
Unless you are building on a used truck, there is no need to stretch a chassis. Most all of the truck manufacturers offer a chassis combination, (single axle, tandem etc.) that will fit your build. I think that Freightliner is a little more flexible when it comes to custom orders, but the others want to get in on the truck conversion market also.

I know Mack has supplied several units for conversion in the last two years, they make one boss looking motorhome.

Richard Phelps

PHELPS

Thanks Richard. I have seen a lot of new units with various wheelbases on FL Columbia's and I am happy to know NEW units can be built on chassis supplied by the mfg without mods. I was picturing a process like stretching a car to make a limo-I've seen a few sagging in the middle.

cleeglog, the thing to do is order the correct wheel base based on the length of your body. then spec the chassis length as close as you can. may be a bit short, mine was, not a p'bm tho, adding what you need on the end is no big deal. all of your chassis components will be correct . the way builders add on it's as strong as new. hope this helps. mase

When a Class 8 truck is stretched, unlesss it is a "backyard" job, the company is bound to a certain method by which it must be done or the vehicle will fail inspection.

It is quite a common thing to change the wheelbase of vehicles to fit different needs.

My F/L is stretched from a single axle day cab tractor which was only a year old when the company which owned it decided they needed two 24ft box trucks. The chassis joins were very well done and with 650K on the truck, I would say they are good for the life of the truck.

Peter.