Truck Conversion


Last Changed 6/3/2007
	The basic conversion is done. The work was done at the Custom Conversion Facility at Central Carolina Trucks

	The first step was to remove the original semi hitch plate and the slider mechanism.

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The next step was to remove one axle and the relocate the other
	The original wheelbase was 229". This is measured from the center of the front axle to the center between the two rear axles. When the center axle is removed and the rear axle moved forward, the resultant wheelbase will be 203", measured from axle to axle.
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	The rear axle removed and the attachment hardware being removed.
	Most of the rear axle hardware removed
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Then the frame was shortened and the new Advanced Air Hitch installed.

	The new Advanced Air Hitch arrived.

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	Checking hitch mounting point.

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	Some trial fits of the hitch.

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	The old hitch mounting rails.

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	The frame rails have been cut. The angle brackets were used to mount the old hitch.

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	A plate is mounted between the frame rails. The hitch will be mounted to it.

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	We made the decision to mount the hitch behind the crossmember located behind the axle. We traded some length and having the pin center behind the axle for having the extra strength of the full crossmember.

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	Here is the Advanced Air Hitch sitting on the mounting plate.

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		Note how the Advanced Air Hitch was mounted right up to the retained crossmember

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	The top of the hitch plate is 45 3/4" which should accommodate most trailers without modifications.
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	The frame will be 41 1/2" after the rear wheel. Here is Danny Everhart, the man that was in charge of the conversion. He was a great guy to work with.

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	Bolt holes for hitch mounting.

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	The hitch got bolted in.

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	Really good work was done here.


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The excess air lines were capped.
	Some fenders were put on, and the basic work was done. A note - we had the fenders mounted so that they cleared the wheels when the air suspension was dumped. When we added the bed, we kept these fenders under the bed with the same clearance. This allows us to move *Red Rover* from under the trailer with the suspension dumped and without scrapping the wheels on the fenders. Many forget this factor and have their tires rubbing on the beds if they dump the suspension.

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