More goof ball questions

[Cleeglog]

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?

[Doug]

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.

[RICHARD PHELPS]

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

[Cleeglog]

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.

[vapoppa]

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

[madbrit]

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.