Is shortening a semi frame a big deal?

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by 24kHotshot, Jun 4, 2021.

  1. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    Thermo-king APU would be expensive to have installed. $10-12k I would imagine. Dubious value IMO. It's cheaper and easier to spec those on the factory build.

    Up to you but I'd be tempted to hook the trailer to it and put it to work right away rather than let it at Shipshe for half a year.
     
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  3. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Hoping already having an inverter and heater would maybe make it a lil cheaper. I think my comfort is worth it.

    286 wheelbase with my trailer would be way too long in the areas I work and the truck is not setup to haul an electric trailer. Also my I insurance goes up over 9k to run the freightliner as a semi, not worth it with a 3 car. I'm still running my ram till the freightliner is ready.
     
  4. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Can anyone help me find the model of this fifth wheel? Only marking I can find is the brand. Its a Holland.
    Trying to find out what its worth with the air slide bracket. Near mint condition.

    [​IMG]
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    [​IMG]
     
  5. Roberts450

    Roberts450 Road Train Member

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    Most likely an FW17 but you can call a freightliner dealer with your vin number and they should be able to email you the build sheet for the truck so you know everything that the truck came with off the assembly line.
     
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  6. WOT

    WOT Bobtail Member

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    She looks really nice! Congrats! I love finding a great deal on something, and then being able to configure it exactly the way I want it.

    You mentioned doing something with the paint. Are you changing the color of the truck, or just talking about having the bed painted to match the existing color scheme?
     
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  7. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Having the bed painted maroon to match the truck. Truck's paint looks really good. It was a California truck and probably parked in closed storage. The metallic maroon color still sparkles.
     
  8. Brandonpdx

    Brandonpdx Road Train Member

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    FW-35 I think but maybe because it's a no-lube plate the number is different. Not sure what these retail for. Probably a couple grand for the whole setup if I had to take a wild guess.
     
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  9. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Im thinking FW33

    Will be for sale very soon. Will put up fifth wheel with the whole air slide bracket + wheel covers + head rack with all chains and binders + wheel chain hangers and chassis steps + chassis covers up for sale soon.

    Dropped my truck at Shipshe on thursday. Paul told me the secretary put customers on the waiting list without taking deposits so I might get my truck built by November. Sooner if anyone cancels their build.
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2021
  10. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    Nice looking freightshaker

    most are super ugly . that wheelbase had to be a special order , never seen one that long .

    might have to take it to a dealer to get the trans unlocked.

    also be a good idea to have the dealer pull the trouble code history from the computer . mans print it out along with all the service that was done under warranty .
     
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  11. flatbedcarrier

    flatbedcarrier Medium Load Member

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    Nice truck. Having drilled a few frames in my time installing slid8ng fifth wheels. Yeah it use to be a real pain but today with magnetic drills it’s a lot easier, and safer than it use to be. Working on trucks for many years, I’d much rather shorten a truck up then to stretch one out. It’s basically as simple as sliding the axles and suspension forward and marking where you need to drill.

    Will you be removing an axle during the process? If you are, you’ll need it shimmed to just right for the driveshaft angle. If you’re having a shop do the job, just make sure it’s something they’ve done many times before.

    years ago you could have a truck stretched or shortened for as little as $1500.00. Some years back I heard it went up to $2500.00. I wouldn’t be suprised to hear it costs $5k/$6k now.
     
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