why so few 7'6" (or less) coaches come on chevy & ford cabs

pnichols,

I agree with you.

I feel it would be ideal if after you and your family are riding down the road all loaded up with people, gear, food, water and fuels, that the rig would have 500-750 pounds of extra margin per axle. Less than that seems too close a call. More than that and you'll be getting a rougher ride. A rig loaded to the limit will have a much smoother ride than an empty rig. But being at the limit is concern for safety and long term durability of the chassis.