Haulmark quality?

[Drop In]

Just started looking into T/C's - how does Haulmark rank? think they use FRP siding others may use aluminum? mercedes engines?

[Bob86ZZ4]

Truck conversions are the way to go if you want power, safety, strength, towing power, ease of work on the mechanicals, power, power, power. Did I mention power? They aren't the way to go if you want a cushy smooth quiet ride up front. They are first and foremost a truck. I love my t/c. I had a 32' Allegro gasser for 5 years and then bought my t/c. Mine is a United Specialties. They are a high quality builder as far as I'm concerned. Steel frame with aluminum skin on the outside. There's a guy on another truck conversion site that doesn't like frp construction. I don't know much about it. Renegade uses it and they're pretty well respected. Haulmark has a pretty good name too. I'd guess maybe it's like comparing Ford to Chevy. Just as many people on both sides of that argument. I'd start checking out some trucks and take some for a drive. See what they feel like and drive like.

If you're going to have one built then you can pick the truck to start with. My son is an over-the-road truck driver. His company owned truck is a Freightliner Columbia with the MB450 engine. He said he wouldn't probably buy one for his own truck. He thinks Kenworth and Pete are the best. Caterpillar or Cummins or Detroit engines. He doesn't know much about the Volvo engines tho. But he puts on TONS of miles. I can't imagine you're going to put anywhere near the miles on a truck conversion so it wouldn't be much of an issue.

[Eskimo]

Sorry to bump an OLD thread, but we've driven just a couple of T/C's so far.. The first was a smaller Haulmark - 26' coach section, FL M2 "business class" truck. The build quality / fit & finish didn't hold a candle to the 2 Kingsley's we checked out. The Haulmark was brand new and squeaked & creaked more than the Kingsley that was 5 years old. (Yeah, Kingsley's are HIGH end, but it's what I've seen in person to compare)

But just from looking at how well the used ones hold up, the Renegade & United coaches seem to stand the test of time better than the Haulmark's, as well as having higher quality amenities and more "creature features".

Just my $.02 as an unbiased window shopper.

[Bob86ZZ4]

I've done some mods to my United Specialties and gotten things taken apart in some spots that the normal owner would never get into. I'm very impressed with the construction seeing behind the scenes like that. Too bad they're out of business now. If you find a used one I for sure wouldn't hesitate to buy it if it's what you want.

[ugavet]

Bob, I have been looking at t/c as my first RV. I have spent alot if time via Internet looking at Showhauler , Renegade and have looked at several Uniteds at what seems to be good prices for used rigs. Have you ever seen or know anything about Optimas? I think they are built on aircraft alluminum frame and they are also out of business but a few really nice looking used rigs around. Thanks

[Bob86ZZ4]

I've heard of Optima but never seen one.

[Warpath]

ugavet -

Check in with Lonnie over at Showhauler and he can give you a lot of details on who, what & why with conversions. He is a super honest guy and he doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but what is reality.

I started analyzing the truck conversion market back on 2000 and in the beginning thought these companies would make a push at some point to attract RV customers. But the racing scene was blowing up and the RV'er took a back seat and that put a nail in the coffin for many of the TC companies.

Keep us posted as your search continues.