Stretch it or Trade it?

[Papa Rick]

This is what I am trying to decide: I have a 2003 W900L KW DayCab. I am trying to figure out which one would be the best for me. My Truck only has 3 more payments and then it is free and clear, no engine problems, everthing going good on it. Option one is getting the frame stretched adding a sleeper onto it. Option 2 would be to trade it in on one about the same year but with a sleeper and try to not go into debt. Option 3 would be to trade it in on much newer model and have payments again.

I have checked with some companies about doing some hauling for them, and so far all of them have told me we could hire you but not without a sleeper truck.

Reason for the change is the company I was hauling for is downsizing (use to haul wood in the form of sticks and logs, but now going to almost all chipping) and they do not use me as before, so looking at other ventures and wanted some advice on this.

Has anyone had a Truck stretched or know anyone that has and if so could you share about this as well.

[Mackman]

How is your truck spec. Is it spec. for OTR type stuff or move heavy haul??

[Papa Rick]

just regular otr, bought the Truck in 07 and have not had nothing other than normal stuff done to it, don't plan on going big time otr, but feel like a sleeper truck may be the best route for my future.

[Mackman]

just regular otr, bought the Truck in 07 and have not had nothing other than normal stuff done to it, don't plan on going big time otr, but feel like a sleeper truck may be the best route for my future.

I mean as far as your rear end grearing, tranny etc.

[classictruckman]

I'm with Mackman, if it's spec'ed for otr then stretch it, you know where it's been and whats happened to it. It should be relatively easy to get a short term loan and be out of debt before you know it.

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

For some reason daycab trucks seem to command a better trade value..... I would just stretch it, call ICT up here in Indiana and get a 63" sleeper added on for $18,000

[Walking Eagle]

Might want to consider a glider kit over stretching. My first heavy hauler I wanted to make a 4 axle and looked into extending a long nose Pete. Found it would be not much more expensive to get a glider. Took all I needed off the old truck then sold it as a glider and got to title a brand new truck when it was done. Did most of the work myself with the help of a few friends and didn't take that long.

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

As long as the truck is geared for OTR (nothing higher than a 3.90 rear) then check this out..... they have brand new custom sleepers for $13,700 then just add the cost of stretching the frame (you can go 24" w/o needing a carrier berring too)

http://www.indianacustomtrucks.com/B...%20OPENING.pdf

[Papa Rick]

gearing is 393, 13 sp tranny. At 70mph running 1550 rpms, and last year ran 3 loads on flat bed 160 miles one way, avg 6.2 mpg. Hauling Logs avg 5.4 mpg. In one way I would for sure like to stretch it and keep what I have, then another way I would rather swap it in, really undecided at this time.

I really do appreciate any info, advice, suggestions, etc... you have because it has really helped open my eyes to some things I have not considered.

Please keep posting what you know or think as this is a big decision for me to make. I have been an O/O since Spet 06, but it has all been hauling logs (except for 3 flatbed loads).

Hauling logs you do not have to have your authority, so this is something I am getting ready to do and start looking out the window and see what is available out there.

I have run Cross Country Dalton GA to Kent WA, hauling Carpet going, Produce coming back as a Company Driver, Did flatbeding for 5 years prior to starting 0/0 business, just to get some info out there for yall to consider and give me your advice on.

I really appreciate all the advice, please keep it coming.

[repete]

I thought for sure people would be bashing the idea of stretching it! My .02 keep what you have and stretch it out. (you know it well)Nothing wrong with that as long as the shop knows what their doing, ask for references. Nothing will pizz you off more than finding some one screwed up and one rail is 1/4'' longer than the other! What a PIA to fix too. Takes longer to fix the second time around I know , I redid one that a so called"frame man" straighted and stretched. Man am I glad I don't do that stuff any more, to much like work!

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

I agree with Repete..... I would keep the truck because you know what it can do, how it runs and whats been repaired. Shouldn't be any unwanted surprises as you may get with a used truck. I have come to that point as well with mine, I have fixed everything on it basically and can't see trading it in on a used truck that I don't know.

If you do go for an OTR truck, it all depends on what you want to do. I would suggest a smaller sleeper just because in the future you may want to go back to logging and the lighter weight would help, but being gone for 2 weeks in a 36" sleeper is tought too (I know, I've been doing it for a year now) but it's not bad. If you work like I do, the only time in the sleeper is using it for that SLEEPING. i have no TV and no fridge/microwave as I drive, sleep, drive then go home. If you are going to be OTr for some time, then a 63" pete or 72" KW would be fine, and a 86" is great but HEAVY!!!!

As far as gearing, I'd go for 3.55's that way you can do heavy work and OTR and still manage well on your MPG and not be running the engine on HIGH rpm's.

Being where you are, have you looked into running containers by chance? I know a few guys who run out of Nashville and Atlanta and go home everyday and they live in Birmingham. Just a thought.

[Maniac]

Call 4 state trucks they stretched a buddy of mines KW (just like yours) and it was around 6 grand, they used a take off 60" sleeper from another KW and painted it to match, you can't tell it was a day cab.


4 State Trucks- Home of the Chrome Shop Mafia Big Rig Accessories, Bumpers, Exhaust, Seats, Fenders, LED Lights and Stainless Tool Boxes for your Semi Truck

[tracer]

Anyone knows if it's possible to stretch a stepdeck trailer? I'd like to add 5 more feet at the lower deck, and I know they'd need to move the axles in the process - from the current 61" spread to 121".

[Maniac]

Anyone knows if it's possible to stretch a stepdeck trailer? I'd like to add 5 more feet at the lower deck, and I know they'd need to move the axles in the process - from the current 61" spread to 121".

It can be stretched, but it has to be added to the rear and then the axles moved back, you CANNOT stretch a flat in the middle safely.

Resale value to a stretched flat would be nonexistent, no one will want it.

Better off trading

[tracer]

Resale value to a stretched flat would be nonexistent, no one will want it.

Why do you think noone wil want it?

[Luzon]

You must have some reason for wanting to go OTR after working local but my first thought is why not lease on with a local fuel company. No stretching or anything needed for that. Hazmat and tanker endorcements are easy to get (assuming a clean background for the hazmat). Maybe check around for some local freight jobs? Just a thought as I said.

[Maniac]

Why do you think noone wil want it?

Because a lot of buyers would rather buy a 53 than buy a "patchwork" stretch, not that longer trailers are that hard to come by,now is it?

I'm originally a certified welder, I have all welding certs except underwater, I would have no problem doing the stretch,or living with it, not all buyers/truckers would agree with me.

Just a bad decision in my opinion, much like some of the others you've made lately

[freebrd]

You dont speak your mind do you maniac! Lol! It was good for a smile this morning.

[Maniac]

Call em like I see em......

[Red Clay Rambler]

Papa Rick,

There is a large shop in the Atlanta area called Forest Park Tractor Trailer Service. They are acquaintances of mine and have done truck paint/body work for me in the past. They do frame stretching, mount the sleeper, paint, etc. They have a website and also a page on Facebook I believe. You could call or email them with your idea, send them photos of your truck. They have always been open to discuss whatever I wanted to do, even unusual jobs. The owner's wife was a co-worker of mine in the past, very nice folks. That would be close enough to you to "drop by" and check on progress, etc. 404-361-8785 website-http://www.fptts.com/index.html

Look around on their website, you will see what I mean about the various types of work they do.