Volvo Frame Stretching/Staight Truck Thread

[zorry]

Any frame shop can do a stretch. Contact any truck body retailer, large truck dealer.
Price will depend on amount of frame added,number of items moved. It's really a simple process.
Monroe truck body used to pay a mechanic 6 hrs for a simple job.
I'd figure $3,000 to $5,000 to do the stretch.
Much cheaper if you find a long wb tractor and only have to add frame behind the rear wheels.
WB is measured differently for a single axle and a tandem..
If you want to do a 40 long tandem about 280" wb will do. People do them shorter w/o much issue. They look funny and have more tail swing.
The closer to gross, usually around 46,000 ibs the more critical axle placement will be.

 

[T270_Dreamin]

Looks like pure luxury from this photo inside.

Photos of Volvo VN780 - photo galleries on FlipaCars

 

[zorry]

There is a 780 reefer, 09, for sale in the classifieds now.

 

[T270_Dreamin]

This is all I found, can you send a link.

Expediters Online.com - The Expedited Freight Information Center

 

[zorry]

Look under straight trucks for sale. No pictures .

 

[T270_Dreamin]

What are the axle options for the volvo 780? Are you stuck with a 14000 with most 780's. I read on a old thread today it's best to have a 12k axle and move fuel tanks back. Also head that it is also about wheels placement and that some individuals have had problems with that. Can you brief on this again zorry. Thanks in advance!

 

[zorry]

I'm not a Volvo expert.
I would go with a heavy axle.
Watch the classifieds and call each Volvo Straight you see for sale.
They are becoming common enough that you sometimes see a couple here and there.
Volvo generally puts the tanks further back now as a general rule.
As you shorten the wb you can put more weight behind the center of rear wheels. This has a fulcrum affect.
Loaded you only weigh X lbs.
Put more weight on rear wheel(s) and you'll have less weight on steer tires.

You have to set it up right. A Volvo dealer , or any dealer for that matter, has a computer program that can predict proper weight distribution.

Anyone driving a similar Volvo that you are considering should say my wb is right or I wish it was so many inches longer or shorter.

With my heavy components, I'm under 14,000 on my steers.

Low 14,000's seems pretty common on DR units that I talk too. (DR is usually a 22'-24' refrigerated unit.)

 

[T270_Dreamin]

That being said is it best to get a 780 that has the OEM 14k axle and with the ishift? What is the oldest year you could/would go with. The 2010 and higher seem to command insane prices. You would think that 700k would help bring the price down but it doesn't!

The 780 and 730 is the only one I'm considering, I would want it to be a once and for all kind of purchase. I see these trucks going down the road a lot. I just did a run last week from LA to NY. 2850 miles. Longest run so far

 

[zorry]

They are expensive new. A friend is looking at an 08 730 tractor with under 400,000 miles.
It has a 13spd which is what he wants.

I like buying used with 350-400,000 miles. Sometimes the bugs are worked out. Easy to check warranty history, and plenty of good factory drivetrain warranty left.

I bought two very good used, low mileage Werner trucks.

The worst truck I ever bought was a New 91 FLD. The Freightliner part was good. The 3176 cat killed me.
Also wasn't too thrilled with a new 377 Pete, 3406 Cat @425. 1988.
Never even considered a Cat after those two.

 

[ATeam]

So what is the solution to the front axle weight in simple terms? What has to be done to make this possible and can you run single axle on rear or do you recommending keeping the tandems for heavy hauls?

In simple terms, place the rear axle forward more than you otherwise might.

In this pre-Landstar photo, notice that our rear axles are under the front half of the box. Empty, with tanks full, the front axle came in slightly above 12,000 lbs. That is no problem because the axle is rated at 14,600. The heavier the freight, the lighter the front end got.

This shorter wheelbase made for a nicely maneuverable truck. The downside is that the driver must be always aware of the truck's tail swing. That too is not problem if you take the trouble to learn how your truck moves when you corner.

 

[Daffyduck528]

In simple terms, place the rear axle forward more than you otherwise might.

In this pre-Landstar photo, notice that our rear axles are under the front half of the box. Empty, with tanks full, the front axle came in slightly above 12,000 lbs. That is no problem because the axle is rated at 14,600. The heavier the freight, the lighter the front end got.

This shorter wheelbase made for a nicely maneuverable truck. The downside is that the driver must be always aware of the truck's tail swing. That too is not problem if you take the trouble to learn how your truck moves when you corner.

How long was the rear swing? We are 11' from rear center of axle to rear of truck. We don't have a lift axle or tandems.

 

[ATeam]

How long was the rear swing? We are 11' from rear center of axle to rear of truck. We don't have a lift axle or tandems.

I'm not sure I understand your question. The box is 16 feet and the lift-gate extension is one foot. The distance from the bogy (center point of the tandem drive axles) to the end of the truck would be about 9-10 feet.

Tail swing was not a serious issue. As with any straight truck, when you are pulling out of a parking place where a car or truck is parked close beside you, you just have to make sure your tail is clear before you go deep into your turn. There were times also in New York City and other tight traffic that required us to be mindful of tail swing. Otherwise it was nothing special to worry about.

Far more than worrying about tail swing, we enjoyed the maneuverability this configuration provided. Of the six trucks we drove, this one was by far the most maneuverable. We could make U-turns with this truck that could not be made with others. It is still a truck, of course, that you don't move around like a car, but its maneuverability was appreciated in many a tight spot.

Also significant in the maneuverability equation is the distance to the front axle and the maximum angle the front wheels turn when turned all the way. There is a word for that angle spec but I do not recall what it is. I do remember that Volvo's angle was greater than some other brands.

 

[Daffyduck528]

I'm not sure I understand your question. The box is 16 feet and the lift-gate extension is one foot. The distance from the bogy (center point of the tandem drive axles) to the end of the truck would be about 9-10 feet.

Tail swing was not a serious issue. As with any straight truck, when you are pulling out of a parking place where a car or truck is parked close beside you, you just have to make sure your tail is clear before you go deep into your turn. There were times also in New York City and other tight traffic that required us to be mindful of tail swing. Otherwise it was nothing special to worry about.

Far more than worrying about tail swing, we enjoyed the maneuverability this configuration provided. Of the six trucks we drove, this one was by far the most maneuverable. We could make U-turns with this truck that could not be made with others. It is still a truck, of course, that you don't move around like a car, but its maneuverability was appreciated in many a tight spot.

Also significant in the maneuverability equation is the distance to the front axle and the maximum angle the front wheels turn when turned all the way. There is a word for that angle spec but I do not recall what it is. I do remember that Volvo's angle was greater than some other brands.

I didn't phrase that correctly but you answered my question anyways. Lol. Thank you. We're 11' from axle to back of truck. We are shopping for truck number 2 and leaning towards a volvo tandem axle setup. We are going to look at ari sleepers but also the factory sleeper to compare costs. I want the ari, but It needs to make good financial sense as well. I particularly like the idea of a steel cab and the volvo's seem to emphasize safety. I'm also tired of turning down loads that are very close or over the weight capacity of the truck.

 

[ATeam]

We are shopping for truck number 2 and leaning towards a volvo tandem axle setup. We are going to look at ari sleepers but also the factory sleeper to compare costs. I want the ari, but It needs to make good financial sense as well. I particularly like the idea of a steel cab and the volvo's seem to emphasize safety. I'm also tired of turning down loads that are very close or over the weight capacity of the truck.

About the financial sense, consider this. Our truck will be on the lot for sale soon in Indiana (VoMac Truck Sales, New Haven). You can buy the whole truck for less than a new ARI sleeper will cost. Our ARI sleeper has been the most trouble-free item on the truck. No smoking. No pets. When we bring it to ARI for service, people there sometimes say "This looks new." It is not new, of course, but it is in very good condition.

With 850,000 miles on it, the truck itself has a lot of life left in it. If you run smart, this used truck could pay for itself in less than a year. You could then scrap it but keep the sleeper to have it installed on a brand-new Volvo.

You would not need to scrap it, of course. There are probably lots of people who would pay something for the cab and chassis that can be converted to a tractor or dump truck for local use or some such thing.

As trucks go, this is a one-owner used truck that has been well maintained. But the 132" ARI sleeper is the real prize. It is not integrated like the Bentz/Stoops sleepers are. It can be moved from one truck to another.

 

[zorry]

Spent the last 24 hours with this owner. 09, D-13, I-Shift. Reefer,liftgate.

Just under 12,000 on steers. I may get the wb in the morning.

 

[zorry]

 

[Daffyduck528]

Spent the last 24 hours with this owner. 09, D-13, I-Shift. Reefer,liftgate.

Just under 12,000 on steers. I may get the wb in the morning. View attachment 8932View attachment 8932

Were you able to get the wb? Under 12,000 on steers with refer and that guard on his nose?

 

[zorry]

I forgot. Went to breakfast with the owner and the call about flat rate came in.
Totally forgot. I'll get it in a few days.

 

[zorry]

I was shocked by the weight and he reminded me he didn't have a big custom sleeper.
He has a pretty livable sleeper in my book.

 

[Daffyduck528]

I was shocked by the weight and he reminded me he didn't have a big custom sleeper.
He has a pretty livable sleeper in my book.

I agree about the sleeper being livable. We looked at one the other day and it is by no means an ari sleeper but the fridge is a lot bigger than a typical truck fridge and the storage was plentiful. I can even get a sink in it. It would also cost a good bit less than an ari. However, the sleeper is all steel which still surprises me that it's that light on the steers. The 78" all steel sleeper is pretty heavy from what I hear.