Stretched Big Rig question

[iamsuperdan]

Why?

No seriously. Other than looking pretty B.A., is there any performance or practical reason why someone would stretch their truck?

 

Random pics. Because everyone likes pics.

 

 

[Jim B]

You might get a smoother ride, but I'm not totally sure.  Your turn radius will be about the size of Rhode Island, though.

This is a 350" wheelbase Peterbilt 379 that is driven around New York City & New Jersey.  I have no idea how he does it!

 

[cowboy rich]

Mostly looks, but like Jim said they ride better.

Gotta keep in mind if there is one pothole you cant dodge you're going thru it 5 times, spreading things out makes it smoother.

[cowboy rich]

Forgot to mention Jim ever heard the song "Give me 40 acres" that's what that truck will take!

[Force]

I think it's mostly because the streched look is in right now when people customizes their trucks.
Of course a longer wheel base gives you a smoother ride, but I'm more old school and personally I think most of the "over stretched" trucks looks ridiculous and impractical, because you don't need 10 feet of space between the sleeper and trailer...but on the other hand, when has practical and custom been mentioned in the same line. 

Edited February 15, 2019 by Force

[DrKerry]

Smoother ride with less of a buck when you hit bumps or coming onto a bridge etc. you get less shockwave through the truck. 

[Oldmopars]

If the suspension was left stock, the long wheelbase might help smooth things out. But most all of these trucks are lowered and have very little travel. In my mind, the long wheelbase can only be for looks, the ride I'm sure is not as good as a stock truck.

I am of the age when mini trucks were popular in the mid 80's. I had one and they rode like garbage, but it was all for looks, forget your back and kidneys, we were young.

Edited February 15, 2019 by Oldmopars

[Warren D]

If you are hauling pigs or chickens, it gets you farther away from the smell!

[clayton]

Old school here too,that Stretched and lower look is a over kill. But I suppose that may help with the ride some. 

not to sure,I think that started with some of the bridge laws then the hotrod generation went with it.

[iamsuperdan]

Thanks guys. I kind of figured it was pretty much just for looks.