COE class 8 truck conversion to expedite truck

Grasshopper · Nov 20, 2004

I would like to know if anyone has looked into the viability of converting an Argosy cab over engine class 8 truck with a 90" can into a 24' box straight truck. I can buy an Argosy with 500,000 miles for approx $25000. I have not seen anyone using a COE as an expediting truck, so it may not be worthwhile to look at this option.

Djcoak · Nov 20, 2004

Yes this has been discussed on here, if you do a search I am sure you will come up with what you are looking for. Good Luck!

davekc · Nov 20, 2004

Mike cop did this with an international. I think you could go to a 26 foot box and keep the overall length at 40 feet. It would be ok on a straight truck, but as mentioned on a earlier post, not recommended for pulling a small trailer.
Davekc

rode2rouen · Nov 20, 2004

Look under the "Straight Trucks For Sale" in the free classifieds and click back to #70......paint color makes me think it was a JB Hunt unit once upon a time.

Rex

LDB · Nov 20, 2004

If it's only 90" you could probably go to at least a 28' box or maybe even 30' and still not be over 40' overall. With tandems you could carry just about anything that would fit into the box. Depending on the company that could be substantially higher revenue per mile on heavy runs. It's definitely an interesting idea to consider. Just be sure you don't go too small on the sleeper area as you spend a lot of time there. I've thought about doing that with the 110" unit and a 28' box as well as with a pup as a super D unit. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

mikecop · Nov 20, 2004

I have a used JB Hunt cabover which I had stretched. I have a 28' box (former Fruehauf pup trailer), and I kept the two rear axles, so I can carry 22,000#. After '97 the International Cabovers have flat floors, so the sleeper unit is handy. I like the unit much better than the FL70 I had for the previous 5 years. Mike

Glen Rice · Nov 21, 2004

The Argosy is a pretty cool deal with the flat floor. It just never caught on/ should be a ble to pick it up really cheap. Good luck and bigger sleepers are cool!

Djcoak · Nov 21, 2004

If you stuck a bigger sleeper on it, how are you going to tilt it forward to get to the motor? I guess thats one reason I wouldn't want one as all your stuff inside would go flyin!

Dreamer · Nov 21, 2004

From the 'wudja baleeve'.. department...:+

There was one listed today in our classifieds....

http://www.expeditersonline.com/cgi...results_format=long&db_id=920&query=retrieval

Just tryin to help!

Dreamer

davekc · Nov 22, 2004

I looked at that. 30 foot box is pretty rare. Not a bad concept though.
Davekc

Djcoak · Nov 22, 2004

You could do alot with that extra room, maybe ever store a motorcycle for your down times.

LDB · Nov 22, 2004

That's one of the things I was thinking if I did a coe or pup unit. Set up w/ 24' for freight and have a solid wall built in with an access door through the freight box and another on the curb side. I'd have a ramp so I could ride a cycle up into the 'garage' at the front of the unit. I could also have a workbench etc. in there. Would be pretty easy to do with a unit like this one or a pup trailer.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

Djcoak · Nov 22, 2004

>That's one of the things I was thinking if I did a coe or
>pup unit. Set up w/ 24' for freight and have a solid wall
>built in with an access door through the freight box and
>another on the curb side. I'd have a ramp so I could ride a
>cycle up into the 'garage' at the front of the unit. I could
>also have a workbench etc. in there. Would be pretty easy to
>do with a unit like this one or a pup trailer.
>
>Leo
>truck 767
>
>Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you
>like.

Now you get the idea of what I am trying to do with that other unit we talked about!!!!

LDB · Nov 22, 2004

I have the idea however I don't believe there are any of that type unit that are built commercial grade tough. Anything less than a commercial box or a pup unit will be ruined way before it's time.

Leo
truck 767

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

x06col · Nov 23, 2004

Actually, It is an excellent concept. You cannot believe the "things" you can get in a 30 foot van at 103" high. With a 25'
wheelbase and tripple air ride it rides like a dream. The storage is secure and when you tip the cab for service, all remains the same.
(unless you're trashy) 10-13 MPG ain't bad either. Companys like it,shippers like it and I like it.

Dreamer · Nov 23, 2004

>Companys like it,shippers like it and I like it.

Duh!!! I'm feeling kind dumb now.. LOL.. I remember your name, but never made the connection...That's YOUR truck!

Oh well, it's been a long day!

Dreamer