Stretch it or Trade it?
 

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!