4X4 MH Truck Conversion

Rick A · 01-12-2006, 09:32 AM

I have been toying with the idea of a truck conversion. Looking at Showhauler for the conversion. Would like to stay with a 26 - 28' box max to minimize overall length. Because we do a lot of winter camping, have been tossing around the idea of 4X4. I know International makes medium duty 4X4 trucks, does anyone know of any other options out there. We also would be towing about 13K - 15K lbs of trailer behind the MH, so HP and torque become an issue as well. Thanks for any input!

Rick A · 01-12-2006, 09:32 AM

I have been toying with the idea of a truck conversion. Looking at Showhauler for the conversion. Would like to stay with a 26 - 28' box max to minimize overall length. Because we do a lot of winter camping, have been tossing around the idea of 4X4. I know International makes medium duty 4X4 trucks, does anyone know of any other options out there. We also would be towing about 13K - 15K lbs of trailer behind the MH, so HP and torque become an issue as well. Thanks for any input!

rjdhomes · 01-21-2006, 06:42 AM

try ponyxp.net , they could do a C-5500 4x4

Bob

ravencr · 02-08-2006, 07:13 PM

A C5500 would be over capacity, because the 4x4 is only rated at 19K lb GVW. I'm wanting to do the same thing, and from what I can see on the internationals, they all seem to have really low horsepower.

Chris

Rick A · 02-09-2006, 04:32 AM

The best option I found was the International 7500 4X4. It is available in GVWR of 33 to 39K lbs with a HT530 engine upto 300 HP and 1050 ft/lb of tourque. This would probably be fine if you were not towing a big trailer, but I would probably be towing over 15K lbs.

ravencr · 02-09-2006, 04:43 AM

So, you'd have to have a CDL license to drive it, right? How long of a body could you put on one of these?

Chris

Rick A · 02-10-2006, 06:14 AM

Since it would be registered as an RV, a CDL would not be required. I have been looking at floorplans from Showhauler, and they range anywhere from 26' t0 40'. I have been toying around with floorplans in the 26 - 28' box length to keep the overall lenth in the 36-37' range. I am a little intimidated by the overall size of these monsters and being restricted as to where I could travel with it.

ravencr · 02-10-2006, 08:30 AM

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. I would ideally like to have a 4x4 with enough room for 2 very comfortably with the option of 4. Queen size beds, and enough room in the back for an enclosed garage to fit a 4-wheeler, dirtbike, and two mountain bikes. I want queen size beds, on permanent over the cab, and one couch pull-out. I'd like as many slidouts as possible to maximize width and room. I'm also 6'2" tall, so probably 6'6" headroom would be nice both in the living quarters and the shower especially. I want a nearly fullsize shower/bath combo, decent sized toilet, and overall bathroom size to fit a 250lb man comfortably. Other than that, basic stuff like a full kitchen, HVAC, and enough room for supplies, water, etc for a week long excursion without hookups.

That's not asking much is it?

Chris

BronzeOwl · 07-29-2007, 08:20 AM

Another option is the EarthRoamer. Check out http://www.earthroamer.com/tab_xpedi.../vehicles.html
They are pricey, but seem very well done. One is on a Ford F-550 chassis and the other is done on a Jeep chassis. Even if they aren't for you, the web site is fun to browse. You can see how someone else thinks a 4X4 motorhome should look.

**Route 66** · 07-29-2007, 08:32 AM

For some pics of the most rugged off road/expedition RVs available, CLICK HERE.

RedneckExpress · 07-31-2007, 01:20 PM

Pfft... you just need a good F-450 or F-550 with 4x4 and a Okanagan OK 117DBL truck camper

http://www.okanaganrv.com/Camper%20F...age/camper.htm

Then you have a good medium duty truck to double as a 5er puller as well.

Lorne Muth · 08-15-2007, 10:22 AM

I am not sure that the Fuso 4x4 truck would meet all of your requirements but check out this site if you want http://michsulhkrzyzanowski.blogspot.com/ for a look at one that has been done.
Lorne
00, 2430 Safari Trek

08-25-2007, 08:53 PM

Several of the class 8 makers have AWD units available; Freightliner can do it easily as they make them for the military (likewise Western Star, which if they are not made on the same line as the Freightliners would be my choice). There was a discussion of this on the TC forum some time back. Not cheap, but if you need it, you need it.

You will be better off and safer if you have more capacity than you need - a class 7 or smaller is likely to frustrate you no end, especially with a trailer or other weighty stuff. Given what you want to do, I would go class 8 so you have a real powertrain - the C13 is a bit small, but adequate, but we will go with the C15 probably - the big bore motor loafing along is an aid to longevity. Likewise, there is no such thing as too many gears - an 18 autoshift is a good choice as long you don't have problems with a driver not having the muscle for the clutch; due to my wife's back, we will probably have an Eaton LHP 14 speed.