Rv truck conversions - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

**genecarp** · 10-28-2009, 04:52 PM

Any truck conversion RV owners in the forum? OR knowledgable people who once owned one, thanks, GMOD

Cdat · 10-29-2009, 05:59 AM

What, exactly are you looking into?

**genecarp** · 10-29-2009, 07:10 AM

A unit very much like this

http://

**genecarp** · 10-29-2009, 07:12 AM

Made by Pony Xpress, freightliner chassis, 550hp det diesel.

IHI · 10-29-2009, 07:31 AM

Personally i dont have one, but at all the races we run all summer the pits are choked full of toter homes like that, but the ones everybody really wants are diesel pushers since you gain alot more interior space vs a toterhome set up like that above. Power wise you'll be fine, many of the guys we race with that run these units all pull 28-36' stacker trailers so they can bring multiple cars for bigger paying races and they love them.

For the past year we've been looking at smaller class A's and medium sized class C's and the only thing i do not like about the typical RV platforms is the HUGE depreciation the second you drive off the lot, so IF we chose to go the class A or C route i've mentally commited myself to buying a used unit, roughly 5-6 yrs older than current year...so next year i would be looking for a 2004-2006 model as the big depreciation step has already been taken and i can get into a unit for a large price reduction and from that point forward, i have another 8 years the price wont drop by a whole heck of alot if we go to sell it.

BUT, the one i REALLY REALLY want is on a chasis like you pictured above OR a pusher. It's a higher inital cost but they retain their value AND as far as maintenance goes overall they last alot longer drivetrain wise for the simple fact they're designed/based on the OTR chasis. So tires last 2-3 times longer, engines/trannies last 3-4 times as long, if you opt for air brakes overall the big trucks are 10x's easier to work on/service than out typical small trucks...the design of systems/components are so simple it's almost barbaric...but dont let the simplicity fool ya, these systems work and are proven so they tend not to fix what is'nt broken...you wont go wrong with a unit like you pictured, it's a much safer investment vs a standard RV platform...at a higher buy in rate however!! it's similar to comparing a gas pick up to a diesel pick up..inital buy in is higher, but the long term/big picture of the purchase makes alot more sense..you get more bang for you buck.

woodchuck2 · 10-29-2009, 07:32 AM

Are you looking into purchasing one of these? I guess you go big or go home huh? Very nice looking rig but that is nothing you see around here. Dont think i would like them street lamps sticking out the roof though

. Does that rig have the drop down door in the rear for a vehicle too, i am sure it can be spec'd for it.

**genecarp** · 10-29-2009, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the replies, yea i am thinking about buying one, i have been camping my whole life, and while this is the kind of rig i always laughed at, it seems in my older age i think it would be pretty cool and comfortable, i have BIG a concern about the 45ft length, access to rv parks and state parks----road access etc.....what do you guys think? GMOD

Kgmz · 10-29-2009, 11:18 AM

We also have been looking at buying a larger motorhome with the power to pull our 25' trailer. I pull the trailer with our class C as long as it is not loaded too heavy. Also there are great prices out there right now.

Advantages to a truck conversion with big power are that they can pull a heavier trailer, some of those truck conversions on the M2, Kodiak, International chassis are worthless to me. They don't have enough power or aren't rated to pull much. The big power truck conversions can easily pull 30,000 lbs plus. Disadvantage is the lost space taken by the cab and nose of truck, usually around 10 feet or more.

Advantage with a Class A diesel pusher is more interior room and less space lost up front. Disadvantage is most are only rated to tow up to 10,000 lbs, there are a very few with tandem axles that are rated for more.

To me the truck conversions drive and handle better on average. There are some diesel pushers that just don't handle as well.

We are still undecided. I really like the truck conversions, but that 10 feet of extra length makes the rigs too long for me if you want a lot of space inside. We originally were going to stick to a 36 foot diesel pusher because we tow the trailer and go into some tight spaces like snoparks, etc. But the better handling, better transmission, and generally better running gear is swaying me to a truck conversion. Hard to decide if we can live with the extra length, and in thinking about it we are also thinking about a 40 foot diesel pusher, its only 4 more feet.

But like I said now is the time to buy, we looked at a Haulmark truck conversion the other day, 40 foot, 500 hp, 12 speed tranny. They were willing to let it go for about $100,000 below MSRP, about $189,000.

Whatever we get, we are keeping our present motorhome. And will be doing a 4 wheel drive conversion to it. It will be nice for the tight spots we go to in the snow.

A pic of our motorhome, trailer, and 2 of the 7 snowmobiles we own.

Cdat · 10-29-2009, 01:03 PM

Why would a 45 footer worry you? Ever seen some of those Class A's hauling a toy trailer and a truck hooked to that? Shop around, as the 'Greatest Generation' keeps dieing off in droves, you should be able to find a nice truck for a great price.

I need to get my neighbor's pictures. He cut and lifting the top eight inches 'cause he's tall and like the added headroom.

I can think of better things to spend my money on.

Tinstaafl · 10-29-2009, 05:38 PM

Even 30' long is pushing it for a lot of the nooks & crannies I like to get into. But one of my primary uses is as a mobile hunting camp. If you're talking about visiting tourist traps and formal campgrounds, I don't think a big boy would limit you all that much.

Now filling the fuel tank, that's another matter.

**genecarp** · 10-29-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinstaafl

Even 30' long is pushing it for a lot of the nooks & crannies I like to get into. But one of my primary uses is as a mobile hunting camp. If you're talking about visiting tourist traps and formal campgrounds, I don't think a big boy would limit you all that much.

Now filling the fuel tank, that's another matter.

Private campgrounds can probably handle the 45fters, my concern is alot of the older state parks, and certain roadways, i am also interested in boondocking. GMOD

angus242 · 10-29-2009, 05:50 PM

I have been considering the RV deal. To me the decision was made strictly off mobility once you get to your destination. Unless you want to tow around a small car behind the pusher, you're kind of stuck once you get where you're going. Because of that reason, I decided on getting a tow-worthy pickup. That way, I could detach a trailer and be more mobile. Also, I can use the pickup for my business. It can also be my personal vehicle. If I want, I can get a work trailer and use the pickup for that too.

I know this isn't for anyone, but having a truck payment for a vehicle I can always use was a better option to me than putting my budget all into a vehicle that can only go to certain places at certain times. I can now tow multiple different trailers based off what I want to do...when I want to do it....or not.

Tinstaafl · 10-29-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genecarp

Private campgrounds can probably handle the 45fters, my concern is alot of the older state parks, and certain roadways, i am also interested in boondocking. GMOD

Well, I know that would be way too big for me. And depending on just what sort of boondocking you're talking about, sometimes you don't want to be too conspicuous. That's pretty hard to accomplish with one of those babies.

neolitic · 10-29-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genecarp

Thanks for the replies, yea i am thinking about buying one, i have been camping my whole life, and while this is the kind of rig i always laughed at, it seems in my older age i think it would be pretty cool and comfortable, i have BIG a concern about the 45ft length, access to rv parks and state parks----road access etc.....what do you guys think? GMOD

Just don't park it next to a guy
with a two man tent and then
run your generator all night.

IHI · 10-29-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angus242

I have been considering the RV deal. To me the decision was made strictly off mobility once you get to your destination. Unless you want to tow around a small car behind the pusher, you're kind of stuck once you get where you're going. Because of that reason, I decided on getting a tow-worthy pickup. That way, I could detach a trailer and be more mobile. Also, I can use the pickup for my business. It can also be my personal vehicle. If I want, I can get a work trailer and use the pickup for that too.

I know this isn't for anyone, but having a truck payment for a vehicle I can always use was a better option to me than putting my budget all into a vehicle that can only go to certain places at certain times. I can now tow multiple different trailers based off what I want to do...when I want to do it....or not.

Yep, we all have our reasons...I dont wanna tag since i need a home when we're racing...and i can write it off on taxes as a second home so that is another venture to burn money twice.

**genecarp** · 10-29-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angus242

I have been considering the RV deal. To me the decision was made strictly off mobility once you get to your destination. Unless you want to tow around a small car behind the pusher, you're kind of stuck once you get where you're going. Because of that reason, I decided on getting a tow-worthy pickup. That way, I could detach a trailer and be more mobile. Also, I can use the pickup for my business. It can also be my personal vehicle. If I want, I can get a work trailer and use the pickup for that too.

I know this isn't for anyone, but having a truck payment for a vehicle I can always use was a better option to me than putting my budget all into a vehicle that can only go to certain places at certain times. I can now tow multiple different trailers based off what I want to do...when I want to do it....or not.

This unit has a garage that will fit a smart car in the back, the bedroom is a loft that sits over the garage, pull up, drop the rear door, back the car out, go to town get supplies----nice and easy, GMOD

**genecarp** · 10-29-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neolitic

Just don't park it next to a guy
with a two man tent and then
run your generator all night.

I was the guy in the tent for to long to let that happen, GMOD

angus242 · 10-29-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHI

Yep, we all have our reasons...I dont wanna tag since i need a home when we're racing...and i can write it off on taxes as a second home so that is another venture to burn money twice.

Yes, racing is a different beast. During the 80's me and a few guys would rent a 30' pusher and hang out at the US Nationals from Fri-Mon

. We didn't care about going anywhere else!

Quote:

Originally Posted by genecarp

This unit has a garage that will fit a smart car in the back, the bedroom is a loft that sits over the garage, pull up, drop the rear door, back the car out, go to town get supplies----nice and easy, GMOD

Well that's works! Have mobile home w/garage....will travel!!!!!!

WarnerConstInc. · 10-29-2009, 06:52 PM

Gene, you looking to adopt a 30 year old man? Tools are included in the adoption.

neolitic · 10-29-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarnerConstInc.

Gene, you looking to adopt a 30 year old man? Tools are included in the adoption.

But you can never trust a junkie.