Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Join Truck Conversion Today
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-01-2004, 04:25 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Lenexa, Kansas
Posts: 7
Default

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?
__________________

Cleeglog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2004, 04:41 PM   #2
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Cheney, WA, US
Posts: 61
Default

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.
__________________

Doug is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2004, 05:49 PM   #3
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LYNCHBURG,VA.24503
Posts: 40
Default

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
RICHARD PHELPS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2004, 06:32 PM   #4
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Lenexa, Kansas
Posts: 7
Default

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 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2004, 06:58 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: ellijay, ga. usa
Posts: 235
Default

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
vapoppa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2004, 07:50 PM   #6
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Kingman AZ.
Posts: 59
Default

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.
__________________

madbrit is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:16 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×