From the rear you will notice...
From the rear you will notice that the truck is as narrow as a single rear-wheeled Super Duty. Chuck chose the 11 1/2-inch AAM axles because they were the right width and are pretty stout units. In order to have enough clearance when the bed was tilted, the bumper had to be dropped 4 inches. The lights spanning across the rear make good use of the extra space between the tailgate and bumper.
Incorporating the bed onto the truck required a lot of work. Chuck redesigned the bed in 1999 by fabricating the wheelwells and fenders from thick 12-gauge steel instead of fiberglass. The bed hinges in the rear, and lifts via a 12-volt electric over-hydraulic ram system. Separating the frame from the bed required an innovative subframe that he welded under the bed. In order to get the proper clearance between the bed and rear bumper when articulated, Chuck had to lower the rear bumper 4 inches. Inside the bed is a 24,000-pound Super Glide fifth-wheel hitch that automatically moves back and forth when cornering to protect the front spoiler.
The addition of a Gear Vendors Overdrive to the factory 5R110 transmission has been very rewarding, as it increased Chuck's mileage from 8.1 mpg to 11.1 when empty. Chuck reports the 6.4L Power Stroke's mileage increased even more thanks to an OttoMind tuner from Banks. While even the 12.2 mpg he now gets doesn't sound very economical, you have to remember that Chuck's truck weighs a whopping 12,500 pounds when empty!
 Chuck's mileage increased...  Chuck's mileage increased from 8.1 mpg to 11.1 mpg and the 6.4L Power Stroke increased even more with a OttoMind tuner from Banks. |  The new compound-turbo Power...  The new compound-turbo Power Stroke sits in the packed engine compartment and benefits from a Banks air cleaner and OttoMind tuner that's good for up to 120 hp. |  A whole slew of gauges allow...  A whole slew of gauges allow Chuck to monitor his transmission, exhaust gas temperature, and air pressure temperatures. The monitor on the right gives him a clear view. |
 The first step in outfitting...  The first step in outfitting a new truck with the tandem-axle setup is the removal of the bed, driveline, emergency brake cables, hydraulic brake lines, fuel tank, and exhaust. |  From there, Chuck measures...  From there, Chuck measures out and clamps down the frame jig he designed to the frame. Believe it or not, the frame is cut with a sawzall. He stated that it takes one sawzall blade per side. |  Before mounting the bed and...  Before mounting the bed and tandem setup he adds a 3/16-inch steel liner to the factory frame for increased strength. |