G
guest
Guest
What size box could you put on a typical class 8 tractor with integrated sleeper without having to stretch the frame? A 14 ft box maybe? 16 ft box?
rode2rouen
Expert Expediter
I've seen a few in my travels that looked to be in the 16' to 18'range. They looked semi-scary as they had a lot of box hanging out behind the drive axles.
Rex
Rex
I'd think the split between the axles should be approximately at the center of the cargo box so measure from the back of the cab to the split and subtract about 3" for the gap to the box and then double it to get a rough idea of cargo box size.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
For a new truck I agree ordering is the only way to go. I think the question was directed more at buying a used tractor and adding a box without stretching the frame. It's not going to work.
After more thought I believe the limitation would be overhang on the back. I don't think it would be safe to have more than a foot of cargo box without frame rails underneath. I suspect an unmodified tractor is going to be limited to around 10' max cargo box and maybe not that much. It isn't the way to go.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
After more thought I believe the limitation would be overhang on the back. I don't think it would be safe to have more than a foot of cargo box without frame rails underneath. I suspect an unmodified tractor is going to be limited to around 10' max cargo box and maybe not that much. It isn't the way to go.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Oddly enough I was wondering the same thing. I am putting an '04 T800 up for sale and thought it might make a good expeditor. It has an 86" sleeper and a 260" wheel base . It measures over 14' from the sleeper to the end of the frame.
http://jroddick.home.comcast.net/P9220003.jpg
It currently has a drom cabinet and deck behind the sleeper where we keep our motor scooter. http://home.comcast.net/~jroddick/0.jpg The back of the sleeper is completely clean, no grab bars, lights, fairings, etc.
The truck has approximately 220,000 miles and looks like new. No smoking, no pets. 475 Cummins ISX, ZF Meritor Freedomline 12 spd , 260" wheel base, wide based X One drive tires on Alcoa wheels, 86" Studio Sleeper with sofa and upper bunk, 3.36 rear ends on AG380 suspension, opening sunroof, Webasto Thermo 90 coolant heater w/thermostat and sleeper interlock, aluminum Drom Cabinet and deck w/ stainless doors, stainless half fenders, stainless roof wing, Jost 24" sliding 5th wheel w/ teflon top, and more....
Recent maintenance includes 3 axle alignment, new coolant/filter, new power steering fluid/filter, AC service, top end adjustment.
Asking $89,000
Presently in Connecticut heading West by way of Washington D.C. Reading, PA and Ellsworth, KS will be in Seattle on 9/16 and home in Bellingham after that. Call (360)961-5030 before 9/16 or (360)671-3711 after.
http://home.comcast.net/~jroddick/T-800.jpg
http://jroddick.home.comcast.net/P9220003.jpg
It currently has a drom cabinet and deck behind the sleeper where we keep our motor scooter. http://home.comcast.net/~jroddick/0.jpg The back of the sleeper is completely clean, no grab bars, lights, fairings, etc.
The truck has approximately 220,000 miles and looks like new. No smoking, no pets. 475 Cummins ISX, ZF Meritor Freedomline 12 spd , 260" wheel base, wide based X One drive tires on Alcoa wheels, 86" Studio Sleeper with sofa and upper bunk, 3.36 rear ends on AG380 suspension, opening sunroof, Webasto Thermo 90 coolant heater w/thermostat and sleeper interlock, aluminum Drom Cabinet and deck w/ stainless doors, stainless half fenders, stainless roof wing, Jost 24" sliding 5th wheel w/ teflon top, and more....
Recent maintenance includes 3 axle alignment, new coolant/filter, new power steering fluid/filter, AC service, top end adjustment.
Asking $89,000
Presently in Connecticut heading West by way of Washington D.C. Reading, PA and Ellsworth, KS will be in Seattle on 9/16 and home in Bellingham after that. Call (360)961-5030 before 9/16 or (360)671-3711 after.
http://home.comcast.net/~jroddick/T-800.jpg
Don't have a box hang over the frame rails without support. Bad things will happen if you do. In some cases, the frame rails can be extended depending on how the frame was originally built. This is a place you need a experienced frame man.
Don't cut corners.
Davekc
owner
21 years
Don't cut corners.
Davekc
owner
21 years
That's a beautiful truck. I'm not sure a class 8 for a 14' box would be ideal because you really don't need a class 8 for a 5000 pound payload but this would be one of the finest C units around even if somewhat overkill.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.