Extended Frame Tractors

Robert B posted a photo of a tractor with an extended frame. I see these extended tractors on a regular basis but what is the purpose of the extra long frame?

They ride better in the cab. They look cool to some. And more of a challenge to back up in smaller lots and tight Flying J/Pilot truck stops.

It looks longer than it is because that's only a 48" sleeper on the back. The truck itself is only a 270" wb.

I actually like how they look. However, if I had the option to choose one, I would not. Sometimes I need all of the available space just to maneuver a normal sized truck.

The truck itself is only a 270" wb

Interesting. What's the wheel base on a common Freightliner Cascadia?

I asked a flatbedder who had one of these extended frame trucks if there was a purpose other than the cool factor.He told me he frequently hauls metal beams that are 65' long and they use the extra frame length to overhang the load on the front so they have less hanging off the rear to make them legal and not have as much swing out

Being the truck geek that I am…stretched frames are to me incredibly cool.

Now that's a stretched frame. The truck being Project 350 built by Ritchie Acosta. He ran the east coast for several years in that truck putting it in some crazy places along the way before dying from a drug overdose.

They do ride nice, but more difficult to back.

I was at a place two days ago and a new driver (two weeks solo) rolls in with a extended nose 379 Peterbilt, pulling a 20 foot shipping container. I watched her try and back it for at least 15 minutes all over the lot. Everywhere except the assigned dock beside me. Finally I got out to help with some guidance. Well, 15 minutes later, I end up backing it into the dock.

They really look cool, ride nice, and exemplify "Truckers".

Now that's a stretched frame. The truck being Project 350 built by Ritchie Acosta. He ran the east coast for several years in that truck putting it in some crazy places along the way before dying from a drug overdose.

Robert, that truck is amazing to look at. It actually seems that the trailer is so far back, it could be ticketed for “Not Following Closely Enough”

I’ve seen that truck twice in person. It’s called the project 350 truck as that is its wheelbase. Looks even longer in person. There is only one out there that is longer and that’s the project 351 truck. Some guy stretched a w900 an inch longer.

Now that's a stretched frame. The truck being Project 350 built by Ritchie Acosta. He ran the east coast for several years in that truck putting it in some crazy places along the way before dying from a drug overdose.

Robert, that truck is amazing to look at. It actually seems that the trailer is so far back, it could be ticketed for “Not Following Closely Enough”