Newbie, and into HDT

[DaveDsl]

Aged HD wrench retiree, have a older/Paid For Kenworth I am rebuilding and CONSIDERING towing a Toy Hauler with.
Spent many years either working on or driving Semi's so is not a issue with size as have placed full Scale Dump Trucks where many could not insert a VW. Machine I have is CONSIDERABLE Overkill, I have just refreshed the Engine a 6NZ C15 Cat at 500hp, out of frame stripped OH. Has tandem Suspension, and drive axles, eight bag air ride, all new bags brakes and axle seals. OA Length is just at 29 feet where my old F250 Ford was just at 21 feet so not much change. It is a Road tractor where I am trying and failing to come up with Dimensions of Fifth Wheel Hitch Pin neck to closest Body panel on most trailers. I have 58" Center of Pin in Fifth Wheel to tail of Frame, am installing Full Fenders so no good dimension of the Diagonal to Outer Fender Edge from Fifth Wheel Center.

Any Assistance on Dimensions would be a POSITIVE Plus.

As to a store runner when parked we will be hauling a Street rated/Licensed Motorcycle so may only be Unhooked when need to level up.


Dave

[MrMark52]

I’ve seen big haulers like that where a small car like a Fiat or Smart car is ramped up from the side of the tractor to sit against the cab. And they pull a 5th wheel just as your describing.

[DaveDsl]

Trying to retain commercial value of the monster. Should be able to tweak 7-9mpg out of the old Cat just drive it gentler.
Will still have farm duties when not traveling.

Dave

[Fotoryder]

What sort of destinations do you intend to visit? Commercial shows and parking lots, RV parks, boondocking, state/national park campground? Some will have restrictions on size and possibly commercial vehicles.


Good luck with your project!

[rollondown]

There are several HDT groups on Facebook that will share info.... requested and otherwise.

[Nwcid]

I can not answer you hitch position question.

HDT is an awesome way to go. As you have already mentioned, it is not that much bigger than a 1 ton dually. Fuel milage will be within 10% of what you get with a pick up when loaded.

I am running a 2014 VNL 630, tandem axle with a 265" WB so I am right at 30'. I use mine to run to town all the time if we are doing more than we can handle on the UTV.

Other cool things you can do with the HDT, if you boondock a lot is add waste tanks and fresh water bladders/tanks. Lots of room for storage.

[DaveDsl]

Decided I had better show what I am reconstructing. Engine Full Out Chassis Rebuild and New Head 500hp C15 Cat. Just finished Cab paint, working at restoring all the hardware stripped away, polishing rims and readying for Rear Fender installation.