Tractor Hauler

[dairyfeeder]

Im looking to up date my tractor and cow hauling truck, I have a 20 ft bed that I want to put on a truck I bought, my dilema is that I have 20 ft of frame which is good but the axle is at 11 ft center behind cab. My old truck was fine since axle was farther back, so anybody have any advice? Its a ford 8000 truck with 3208 Cat. I will haul my old tractors and cows in it.

 

[D beatty]

You could put a tag axle on it and get one you can lift off pavement when not needed.

 

[JD Seller]

Well you can move the axle back but that is hard to do correctly. Meaning you move the cross members that go at the spring hangers too. You can install a rear tag axle like the other poster suggested.

The one thing I would check on is the size/rating of the front axle on the truck you bought. I am thinking it has had a dry box on it. They are not made for a real heavy unit/spot load. More of a balanced load. So this truck may have a light front axle on it. If it does you do not want to over load it by moving the drive axle or installing a tag axle.

 

[tiresntracks]

There are several things that you can do. You could shorten the bed, but then you couldn't haul as much. If your truck has a straight frame, you can move the axle back. You have to drill the rivets out of the mounts and move them back. You will also have to add another cross member, carrier bearing and another piece of drive shaft. If your frame tapers at the rear springs, you will have to cut the frame and add a section between the cab and the taper. That is a lot more work and you have to put sleeves in where you cut the frame.
Another thing to consider is how much longer you will be able to use the truck. That truck will be illegal in Calif. by the end of this year, and it seems that the stupid stuff that Calif. does eventually spreads to the rest of the country.

 

[Kris Peterson]

To tiresntracks:why will it become illegal in California,because of age?

 

[tiresntracks]

Because of the new diesel smog laws. Any diesel powered on road vehicle over 14,000 (I think) GVW has to be electronically injected and have a diesel particulate filter. There's more to it than that, but that's the short version.

 

[ss55]

What would it cost to trade for a truck better suited for your bed? If trucks are plentiful in your area that might cost less than modifying a truck.

 

[jon f mn]

Just move the axle back as long as the frame is uniform all the way back. Not hard to do if you have a good drill. The driveline will be the most expensive part of that project. I've done quite a few of this type project and would be happy to talk you through it. My e-mail is open or call me at 320-492-9077. Jon.

 

[notjustair]

My understanding is that this goes into full effect in 2023. At that point everything not exempt must have a model 2010 engine or newer in it. That 3208 will be a boat anchor before then!

There are also exemptions for entities owning less than four (or three I can't recall) of these such vehicles. I can't imagine that this would apply to all vehicles. What are farmers to do? You all may be able to move to Kansas at that point. They won't be able to get something like that through here. What about our tractors humming in the fields? I won't have anything that's compliant with that anytime soon. Or in my lifetime, probably.

 

[Kris Peterson]

Thanks;I,m Canadian,not right up on your smog rules.

 

[tiresntracks]

The trucks with electronic engines and DPFs will be good until 2021, I believe. After that everything has to be 2010 or newer. Everything with a mechanical engine has to be off the road by Jan 1 2015. Some trucks in small fleets, and some vocational trucks and log trucks will have longer to comply, but nobody will be exempt unless the truck is used less than 3000 miles a year.
I hope this doesn't spread to other states, but if the EPA gets on board, it will. Now would be a good time to be talking to your elected officials.

 

[notjustair]

Now if that's not enough to just push me over the edge. Of all of the things to regulate they choose this. I get the road tractor branch - there are lots of those on the road. They are just making sweeping rules without understanding where they reach. Course, it's very easy to make those rules and then drive to your home in the suburbs in your electric vehicle.