specs on rig for flatbed work

Low payment ...

 

One thing to watch is making sure its long enough ahead of the 5th wheel to mount a cab protector and still be able to turn with the wheel 2 or 3 notches ahead of center. Deep kingpin settings or load over the front of the trailer can create unpleasant surprises

 

Mid roof or flat top, 18 speed, 600+horse, 250+", 3.25/3.70 depending on tire size and engine sweet spot, >250 gallon total fuel capacity, toolboxes (big as you can get).

That's as basic as I'd go.

 

That's an unbiased opinion of course, right?

 

Trucks spec for vans usually have a shorter wheel base and or the 5th wheel up tight behind the sleeper to maximize aerodynamics.

Flatbed,.. forget about side skirts and air dams. Will want wheel base with enough room behind the sleeper to mount a headache rack with out worrying about the trailer hitting it. Will want extra room on the catwalk and space between head of trailer and headache rack in case of forward over hang.

The rest of the truck regarding axle ratio, engine hp, trans,.. is a matter of personal wants, needs, regional location etc.

My personal spec would be 244 - 250" wheel base. 65 - 72" Mid roof sleeper, 3.25 axle ratio on 22.5 rubber or 3.42 ratio on 24.5 rubber. 500 - 550hp Cummins or CAT power with 18 spd. The rest is just cosmetics. 90% of what I do is east of the Rockies so specing for hill climbing is not important to me.

Hurst

 

You have a top bunk in a flat top?