Loggers: Cost to convert truck?

It's costly. But I'm only familiar with Michigan log trucks.

 

5th wheel comes off, tailframe gets extended. Log bunk gets bolted on in place of 5th wheel. Bolt on a logging headache rack and buy a pole trailer. Then you gotta add in the digital scale system to the truck.

Don't cheap out on the specs. I'd be running 46k rears and full lockups.

 

I can't really give an accurate cost on that unfortunately. My father converted a highway truck to a long logger 25 years ago but it wasn't too expensive. You'd need a logging headache rack and you'd have to extend the frame behind the drive axles. Then a log bunk for the truck. Then just whatever extras you'd need like chain hangers and deck plates on the frame behind the cab.

 

Start of with an old truck. If your lucky it may be double framed.

 

After you get a cost of a conversation check Idaho, Oregon, Washington. We've got a ton of them cheap and they're built for off road hauling. Just an idea.

 

Why not just buy a used log truck? They’re on Truckpaper every day.

 

You're smart to wait five years. By then you'll have a better idea of what log hauling really is and whether you really want your own rig.
What mill are you based at?
Talk to some of the gypos. They can tell you what they have to do to stay in business. You might be surprised at how little money there is in hauling logs.
Good luck to you.

 

This says it better than I ever could......