18ft chip box

[TheArborMan]

Has anyone ever done an 18ft chip box on a single rear axle 33k GVW truck? It seems like everyone sticks to 16ft, but I found a really good cab chassis and I'm wondering if I'm going to need to shorten it. Any input from you guys would be appreciated.

 

[flyingsquirrel25]

Mini Platform

 

[Gorman]

Big tool box/plywood rack?

 

[tomthetreeman]

Put a Kboom in the extra space behind the cab.

 

[tomthetreeman]

And a removable top!

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I'm sure that you've already done the weight calculations for the box/hydraulics and a full load of chips @ 550#/cubic yard.

Long wheelbase trucks can be a chore to move around. Chip trucks routinely need to be backed and jockeyed around.

With your current setup are you feeling pinched for capacity?
How much drive time would you save by having the truck reconfigured?
How much will that cost?

 

[AxeTree]

To much frame is easy! easier to shorten wheel base and shorten frame than stretch it do your calculations and make sure weight won't be an issue one In doubt just shorten it and do it right

 

[TheArborMan]

Thanks for the input guys... After much thought Axe is right the best thing to do is to move the axle and shorten the frame.

 

[AxeTree]

Where at in Michigan do you live?

 

[tomthetreeman]

The cost of shortening the chassis could be close to the cost of a used Kboom, you know.

 

[climbhightree]

If I'd have the extra lenght like that...I would say kboom, or this.

 

[Gorman]

The cost of shortening the chassis could be close to the cost of a used Kboom, you know.

Wouldn't a k boom add a heck of a lot of weight to that chassis empty?

 

[tomthetreeman]

Depends on the size of the boom, but yes it would add weight.

 

[AxeTree]

I'm all for kbooms and mini platforms but sounds like he wants a 16' box and personaly I'm guessing he will be heavy on front axle lets assume 16' chip box weighs roughly 19-20k clear full
Of green chips your chassis is going to weigh 10-13k I'm assuming so there's 29-33k worst case you You probley won't get that full or that much weight but im willing to guess that since you needed to shorten the wheel base to go from a 18' to 16' that the rear axle is clear at the back of the frame so your going to be transferring a lot of weight to the steer axle a kboom is going to add more weight to chassis and then chip box will need a removable top which adds more weight but is one thing I would want on an chip box. Could more likley get away with 12-14' box and mini platform or small Kboom with out an issue really depends on how you run your show

 

[climbhightree]

My dump box is 11x6x8. Fully loaded with the mini I weigh in at 24,700

 

[AmericanArborist]

My dump box is 11x6x8. Fully loaded with the mini I weigh in at 27,400

Curious, is your truck 26, 29, or 33k gross? Since your truck is under cdl don't you inherently risk overweight tickets? No criticism as I run all under cdl trucks that when loaded are also over 26k.

 

[climbhightree]

Curious, is your truck 26, 29, or 33k gross? Since your truck is under cdl don't you inherently risk overweight tickets? No criticism as I run all under cdl trucks that when loaded are also over 26k.

Sorry I messed up my post. My truck is only rated at 23,500. And I was around 1,300 over fully loaded.

I think the scale said 24,700 lbs.

 

[AmericanArborist]

Sorry I messed up my post. My truck is only rated at 23,500. And I was around 1,300 over fully loaded.

I think the scale said 24,700 lbs.

Was it an old box truck or something? Thats an odd GVW. Sorry to derail this thread.

 

[climbhightree]

Was it an old box truck or something? Thats an odd GVW. Sorry to derail this thread.

Correct it was an old box...I wanted the higher weight class, but to good of a price for this one