221"wheelbase

The longer the WB, the cooler the truck apparently.

I personally think between 244-288 is ideal for most operations. 288 is better for flat deck because it gives you more room for tool boxes, storage and equipment on the frame and more room for overhang over the front of the trailer.

For van work, you don't really have to worry about space between the sleeper and the trailer, since there is never any overhang.

 

Longer the wheel base the smoother the ride. You can put a long wheel base truck into a curve at higher rate of speed as well.

Does it effect your weight? Not really. We'd pack a reefer with 40K in it on a twin screw day cab. That's probably 160" WB.

 

Well duh!

 

Until you have to deliver to one of those produce docks in the Bronx.

 

There won't be room for much of a headache rack. Front overhang will be a problem too

 

I had the same issue - buying a short wheelbase truck and trying to set it up for flatbed.

I turned the upright exhaust into a weedburner, to make room for a headache rack.

And did the calculation @not4hire kindly explained, and then moved my fixed fifth wheel back a bit too.

All these things I'd never considered when I was a company driver!

 

Another thing. With the fifth wheel way back you lose weight on the steers and you'll push through corners on snow and ice

 

That is why I like a shallow kingpin so I can slide the fth wheel further forward. Never been to a state that really cares and don't plan on it either.