What’s Up With Extended Frames?

Frame rail doesn’t weigh much at all. The spec sheet for my truck had the weight per foot, I want to say it was 14 or 15 pounds. But at a certain point there will need to be another crossmember and carrier bearing, that’s where the weight comes in, but even then it’s only going to be a few hundred pounds different from a short truck with the exact same specs.

 

I had some 12 foot rails built for a project and I moved them around by hand. Definitely not much weight there.

 

Like this one I saw the other day….

 

I know I got to be a minority here. I prefer a smaller bunk area. I ended up with a flattop cause I like the look and the smaller space. Was it the time at sea? I dunno. They seem to stay cooler or warmer easier. Less places to look for your lost wallet and faster to keep clean.

 

Purdy!

 

When I had my FLD with the small flattop I pulled the HVAC out from under the bed so I could have more storage, the vents in the cab kept up with everything just fine. I could sleep comfortably down into the 20’s in that truck, and cracking the door windows when it was hot would cool it off fast.

It’s a whole different story with this big bunk Pete. Lol

 

Day cab corn haulers that LOOK srretched have 2 functional things going for them by the way

Theyre usually sleeper trucks with a deleted sleeper, theyre home daily and they get paid by the weight.

Frequently the truck was paid off, or they got a deal on a truck with a wrecked sleeper/cab.


Further, I did work with a guy that deleted his sleeper AND added 5 foot of frame, he kept her garaged and showtruck ready, but also used it to run a steerable and stretch with crane beams, he could toss 17 foot in front of his kingpin before he had to start worrying.

Bear in mind that his sleeper delete and truck stretching were paid for in ONE load. he had a second (and 3rd) truck, but enjoyed his daycab, so he drove it even when pulling his conestoga hauling coils, which he did for vacation and beer money because EVERYTHING was paid for.

 

That cab over is sweet looking. Those were before my time (I’ve been driving 11 hrs), but I have to think they drive like a shopping cart, or a hard tail scoot.

That said, I’d love to take one for a short spin. I think it’d be a hoot.

 

Nothing fake about these stacks... I know. Cause I just redid all the flex pipe last year... PITA! Hope it lasts several years before I have to do it again.

 

Hey, fleet trucks are practical. Are you telling me this truck wouldn't be a head turner with its custom paint job and sensible wheelbase? Really????