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01-13-2025, 05:14 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 89
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Why I chose a Class 8
75% of the problems I have witnessed or repaired in RV tow units has been overloaded or under cared some to outright knew better but didn't and ended up with the shop I used to work having them towed in or worse towed away.
All I ever hear is that it was the truck could afford, or did not have a need for anything bigger, or cannot handle a Larger truck, all were the owners lying to no one but themself.
A trailer is a load, will push fuel consumption, will require added maintenance, tires become another issue where the general visualized consensus is cheaper is better or can get by on the cheap. I have friends that also refused to hear the comments I make but a few did listen up.
IF must be on the cheap and figuring to save a lot of money against Hotels or Motels rooms costs, this is not a choice, if figuring to spend a great deal of time alone with family again may not be the right choice as need to discuss with them. Hiking, Biking, exploring a new region is a great ideology, been doing that since was 18, is not always what its expected to be. Have lived out of Hotels and yes Expensive, rented houses as bad or worse expense wise, enjoy being on two wheels more than in a tow vehicle myself where age has driven me into a towing machine to haul the motorcycle out and back riding where is convenient and comfortable as well have good friends trailer their rides and stay in Motel or Hotel or Rentals so can be comfortable on trips of distance and saving some time for the rides at the other end of the trip.
Yet I digress. Was a HD Machinery and Truck Mechanic as moved into a open do any and every mechanical equipment shop mechanic setting, saw the horrors faced by RVrs and wondered if was another way, so sought to buy a Class 7(2-5Ton truck) and ready that as a toter where a Class A, B or C was not the right choice for me as did not want a sitting machine for 10 or more months a year or expenses to insure and not be able to use save for that. My expectation was what many see as a Horse Hauler Rodeo type Farm Truck. Crew Cab or Sleeper, single dual wheel axle, mid range HP possibly even a Allison Automatic where could set up as a Fifth wheel, Goose ball, or at limit a larger tongue type. These trucks can be licensed as a Weight Tagged machine so can be used for any other function including general grocery getters, just Big.
Having owned 3/4 and one ton trucks for local hauls, at most ever driving loaded 250-300 miles one way and only once in a great while as are somewhat Uncomfortable due to wind, road conditions, weight dispersal being poor or just actually over loaded. Engines running hot, transmissions as well, wearing out tires, brakes, suspension parts at alarming rates, just could not see buying a tonner to do what I needed even as are rated for what intended, Do NOT Care for elevated exaggerated Manufacturer specs, yes they sound excellent but in practice half to two thirds of rating is about valid. Gas and Diesel engines can be seriously strong but the longevity as to punishment is the detractor there. Differentials meant to be used for Loaded less than half the miles intended, axle bearings meant for intermittent loads not continual. Duallys', my wife calls Trucks with Hips are visually Ginormous most with bumps and snag marks on those hips as not really kept in mind while driving close quarters, as well most of these in Crew Cab sizes are at least 22-25 feet in length.
Looked until eyes were bloodshot, prices all across the board to maintained levels I found horrid for the uses these received. Some owners just do not warrant having a nice truck, they do not care or have concern until a hard failure occurs. Then a mysterious set of occurrences, new contact associate, found we had a mutual contact even as not ever met, both wrench benders and not far apart at 330 miles distant. He saw a welder near me, asked if could see if worthy, I bought it and held it so he could attain it no questions asked, where he had the Class 8 as a derelict from a defunct hauling company he once owned. That truck became a conversation item where I eventually traded old farm Gas trucks for it and rehabilitated it.
Class 7 Single Axle trucks will garner 7-12mpg dependent of the engine and drive train components, gearing, and whether spring or air bag suspension can mean comfort or beating, Juice brakes are really expensive on these but last a Long Time and air brakes a grand benefit if licensed to operate and know how to adjust/inspect. Most late model Gas Dually Pickups will arrive at similar fuel economy, just not powertrain longevity nor versatility. Class 7 will weigh in the 9500-12,000lb range so sit fairly road tight. Speed will not be there as most are low RPM engines and top end will top out at around 75mph if not governed to 67/70. Tow Capacities are roughly Double that of a Pickup Dually, amenities can be comparable to better than pickups.
That noted Class 8s, that I have been around since 1975 tend to be Work Machines, dependable, heavy, less amenity but decent and NOT roomy unless step into the Unibody later styles with Combined cab/Sleeper designs, those can be palaces. My end up reconstruct is the more functional less frills Class 8, Tandem 8 bag air ride that rides better than any pickup, stick shift NON-Synchronized gearbox but has Air Locker differentials, geared fairly long legged as has deeper lower gears and a great deal more torque than HP even being a relatively higher end engine. Trucks in Class 8 run from 15,000 to 22,000 weight by themselves as designed intentionally to tow loads.
Buying a KW or Peterbilt even an older Freightliner or Orphan lines as Ford or GMC will be modest and small inside, Volvos, Later Freightliner and a few other makes with integral sleepers can be ginormous inside as well out. My truck weighs 20,000#, is 29 feet overall length and does have some area for a second person yet the cab inside is very compact, can touch the right door from the driver seat. As constructed by KW the W900 is appropriately adorned with Function, has air ride seating and cab, noise IS a issue at times, mirrors are not some appendages of Stylistic uselessness as many pickups have, visibility at height is far better but is a climb to get inside. 9'6" cab roof height, Hood is 6' long yet engine Compartment is appropriately Accessible for maintenance. Is rated at 80-120,000# Towing where a empty flatbed trailer is equivalent to a full size fully dressed Fifth Wheel RV.
What has amazed myself is the engine a C15 Caterpillar attained 8.1 mpg towing on cruise at 70mph. It just did not care had a Towed Trailer behind it. A dear friend confided his Ram 3500 attains 4.5mpg on Gas and a Cummins version only 7.7 as he is aware when towing.
it will all be in the eyes and mind set of the individual as to what can afford or not, what need or do not, what will accept as end result of years towing as well.
I did all my own repair work, not many can do that, I am Licensed Class A CDL again not many are. Tagging as a RV in most states can ONLY be used as a RV, cannot even carry home building materials for small projects for self use, so Weight Tag for me was unavoidable. Have just over $63,000 dollars in a 2005 Class 8 in repair components where could not touch a less than four year old Dually pickup with 80-150,000miles for that, a Class 7 Ready to drive and Use was half again that price at 8 years old and 200,000+ miles.
I am comfortable with what we ended up with.
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01-13-2025, 05:43 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2024
Location: Bohemia NY
Posts: 1,976
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveDsl
75% of the problems I have witnessed or repaired in RV tow units has been overloaded or under cared some to outright knew better but didn't and ended up with the shop I used to work having them towed in or worse towed away.
All I ever hear is that it was the truck could afford, or did not have a need for anything bigger, or cannot handle a Larger truck, all were the owners lying to no one but themself.
A trailer is a load, will push fuel consumption, will require added maintenance, tires become another issue where the general visualized consensus is cheaper is better or can get by on the cheap. I have friends that also refused to hear the comments I make but a few did listen up.
IF must be on the cheap and figuring to save a lot of money against Hotels or Motels rooms costs, this is not a choice, if figuring to spend a great deal of time alone with family again may not be the right choice as need to discuss with them. Hiking, Biking, exploring a new region is a great ideology, been doing that since was 18, is not always what its expected to be. Have lived out of Hotels and yes Expensive, rented houses as bad or worse expense wise, enjoy being on two wheels more than in a tow vehicle myself where age has driven me into a towing machine to haul the motorcycle out and back riding where is convenient and comfortable as well have good friends trailer their rides and stay in Motel or Hotel or Rentals so can be comfortable on trips of distance and saving some time for the rides at the other end of the trip.
Yet I digress. Was a HD Machinery and Truck Mechanic as moved into a open do any and every mechanical equipment shop mechanic setting, saw the horrors faced by RVrs and wondered if was another way, so sought to buy a Class 7(2-5Ton truck) and ready that as a toter where a Class A, B or C was not the right choice for me as did not want a sitting machine for 10 or more months a year or expenses to insure and not be able to use save for that. My expectation was what many see as a Horse Hauler Rodeo type Farm Truck. Crew Cab or Sleeper, single dual wheel axle, mid range HP possibly even a Allison Automatic where could set up as a Fifth wheel, Goose ball, or at limit a larger tongue type. These trucks can be licensed as a Weight Tagged machine so can be used for any other function including general grocery getters, just Big.
Having owned 3/4 and one ton trucks for local hauls, at most ever driving loaded 250-300 miles one way and only once in a great while as are somewhat Uncomfortable due to wind, road conditions, weight dispersal being poor or just actually over loaded. Engines running hot, transmissions as well, wearing out tires, brakes, suspension parts at alarming rates, just could not see buying a tonner to do what I needed even as are rated for what intended, Do NOT Care for elevated exaggerated Manufacturer specs, yes they sound excellent but in practice half to two thirds of rating is about valid. Gas and Diesel engines can be seriously strong but the longevity as to punishment is the detractor there. Differentials meant to be used for Loaded less than half the miles intended, axle bearings meant for intermittent loads not continual. Duallys', my wife calls Trucks with Hips are visually Ginormous most with bumps and snag marks on those hips as not really kept in mind while driving close quarters, as well most of these in Crew Cab sizes are at least 22-25 feet in length.
Looked until eyes were bloodshot, prices all across the board to maintained levels I found horrid for the uses these received. Some owners just do not warrant having a nice truck, they do not care or have concern until a hard failure occurs. Then a mysterious set of occurrences, new contact associate, found we had a mutual contact even as not ever met, both wrench benders and not far apart at 330 miles distant. He saw a welder near me, asked if could see if worthy, I bought it and held it so he could attain it no questions asked, where he had the Class 8 as a derelict from a defunct hauling company he once owned. That truck became a conversation item where I eventually traded old farm Gas trucks for it and rehabilitated it.
Class 7 Single Axle trucks will garner 7-12mpg dependent of the engine and drive train components, gearing, and whether spring or air bag suspension can mean comfort or beating, Juice brakes are really expensive on these but last a Long Time and air brakes a grand benefit if licensed to operate and know how to adjust/inspect. Most late model Gas Dually Pickups will arrive at similar fuel economy, just not powertrain longevity nor versatility. Class 7 will weigh in the 9500-12,000lb range so sit fairly road tight. Speed will not be there as most are low RPM engines and top end will top out at around 75mph if not governed to 67/70. Tow Capacities are roughly Double that of a Pickup Dually, amenities can be comparable to better than pickups.
That noted Class 8s, that I have been around since 1975 tend to be Work Machines, dependable, heavy, less amenity but decent and NOT roomy unless step into the Unibody later styles with Combined cab/Sleeper designs, those can be palaces. My end up reconstruct is the more functional less frills Class 8, Tandem 8 bag air ride that rides better than any pickup, stick shift NON-Synchronized gearbox but has Air Locker differentials, geared fairly long legged as has deeper lower gears and a great deal more torque than HP even being a relatively higher end engine. Trucks in Class 8 run from 15,000 to 22,000 weight by themselves as designed intentionally to tow loads.
Buying a KW or Peterbilt even an older Freightliner or Orphan lines as Ford or GMC will be modest and small inside, Volvos, Later Freightliner and a few other makes with integral sleepers can be ginormous inside as well out. My truck weighs 20,000#, is 29 feet overall length and does have some area for a second person yet the cab inside is very compact, can touch the right door from the driver seat. As constructed by KW the W900 is appropriately adorned with Function, has air ride seating and cab, noise IS a issue at times, mirrors are not some appendages of Stylistic uselessness as many pickups have, visibility at height is far better but is a climb to get inside. 9'6" cab roof height, Hood is 6' long yet engine Compartment is appropriately Accessible for maintenance. Is rated at 80-120,000# Towing where a empty flatbed trailer is equivalent to a full size fully dressed Fifth Wheel RV.
What has amazed myself is the engine a C15 Caterpillar attained 8.1 mpg towing on cruise at 70mph. It just did not care had a Towed Trailer behind it. A dear friend confided his Ram 3500 attains 4.5mpg on Gas and a Cummins version only 7.7 as he is aware when towing.
it will all be in the eyes and mind set of the individual as to what can afford or not, what need or do not, what will accept as end result of years towing as well.
I did all my own repair work, not many can do that, I am Licensed Class A CDL again not many are. Tagging as a RV in most states can ONLY be used as a RV, cannot even carry home building materials for small projects for self use, so Weight Tag for me was unavoidable. Have just over $63,000 dollars in a 2005 Class 8 in repair components where could not touch a less than four year old Dually pickup with 80-150,000miles for that, a Class 7 Ready to drive and Use was half again that price at 8 years old and 200,000+ miles.
I am comfortable with what we ended up with.
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Your points are well taken by those that know it is best to have to right equipment for the job. I am really not a trailer fan. To me that is work. Along those lines when I began looking for coach with tag axle to get another set of brakes, I quickly determined that I wanted something at least with the 4000 series Allison and the larger rear axles and usually larger engines that went with it.
__________________
Dennis
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
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01-13-2025, 06:02 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2024
Posts: 178
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveDsl
75% of the problems I have witnessed or repaired in RV tow units has been overloaded or under cared some to outright knew better but didn't and ended up with the shop I used to work having them towed in or worse towed away.
All I ever hear is that it was the truck could afford, or did not have a need for anything bigger, or cannot handle a Larger truck, all were the owners lying to no one but themself.
A trailer is a load, will push fuel consumption, will require added maintenance, tires become another issue where the general visualized consensus is cheaper is better or can get by on the cheap. I have friends that also refused to hear the comments I make but a few did listen up.
IF must be on the cheap and figuring to save a lot of money against Hotels or Motels rooms costs, this is not a choice, if figuring to spend a great deal of time alone with family again may not be the right choice as need to discuss with them. Hiking, Biking, exploring a new region is a great ideology, been doing that since was 18, is not always what its expected to be. Have lived out of Hotels and yes Expensive, rented houses as bad or worse expense wise, enjoy being on two wheels more than in a tow vehicle myself where age has driven me into a towing machine to haul the motorcycle out and back riding where is convenient and comfortable as well have good friends trailer their rides and stay in Motel or Hotel or Rentals so can be comfortable on trips of distance and saving some time for the rides at the other end of the trip.
Yet I digress. Was a HD Machinery and Truck Mechanic as moved into a open do any and every mechanical equipment shop mechanic setting, saw the horrors faced by RVrs and wondered if was another way, so sought to buy a Class 7(2-5Ton truck) and ready that as a toter where a Class A, B or C was not the right choice for me as did not want a sitting machine for 10 or more months a year or expenses to insure and not be able to use save for that. My expectation was what many see as a Horse Hauler Rodeo type Farm Truck. Crew Cab or Sleeper, single dual wheel axle, mid range HP possibly even a Allison Automatic where could set up as a Fifth wheel, Goose ball, or at limit a larger tongue type. These trucks can be licensed as a Weight Tagged machine so can be used for any other function including general grocery getters, just Big.
Having owned 3/4 and one ton trucks for local hauls, at most ever driving loaded 250-300 miles one way and only once in a great while as are somewhat Uncomfortable due to wind, road conditions, weight dispersal being poor or just actually over loaded. Engines running hot, transmissions as well, wearing out tires, brakes, suspension parts at alarming rates, just could not see buying a tonner to do what I needed even as are rated for what intended, Do NOT Care for elevated exaggerated Manufacturer specs, yes they sound excellent but in practice half to two thirds of rating is about valid. Gas and Diesel engines can be seriously strong but the longevity as to punishment is the detractor there. Differentials meant to be used for Loaded less than half the miles intended, axle bearings meant for intermittent loads not continual. Duallys', my wife calls Trucks with Hips are visually Ginormous most with bumps and snag marks on those hips as not really kept in mind while driving close quarters, as well most of these in Crew Cab sizes are at least 22-25 feet in length.
Looked until eyes were bloodshot, prices all across the board to maintained levels I found horrid for the uses these received. Some owners just do not warrant having a nice truck, they do not care or have concern until a hard failure occurs. Then a mysterious set of occurrences, new contact associate, found we had a mutual contact even as not ever met, both wrench benders and not far apart at 330 miles distant. He saw a welder near me, asked if could see if worthy, I bought it and held it so he could attain it no questions asked, where he had the Class 8 as a derelict from a defunct hauling company he once owned. That truck became a conversation item where I eventually traded old farm Gas trucks for it and rehabilitated it.
Class 7 Single Axle trucks will garner 7-12mpg dependent of the engine and drive train components, gearing, and whether spring or air bag suspension can mean comfort or beating, Juice brakes are really expensive on these but last a Long Time and air brakes a grand benefit if licensed to operate and know how to adjust/inspect. Most late model Gas Dually Pickups will arrive at similar fuel economy, just not powertrain longevity nor versatility. Class 7 will weigh in the 9500-12,000lb range so sit fairly road tight. Speed will not be there as most are low RPM engines and top end will top out at around 75mph if not governed to 67/70. Tow Capacities are roughly Double that of a Pickup Dually, amenities can be comparable to better than pickups.
That noted Class 8s, that I have been around since 1975 tend to be Work Machines, dependable, heavy, less amenity but decent and NOT roomy unless step into the Unibody later styles with Combined cab/Sleeper designs, those can be palaces. My end up reconstruct is the more functional less frills Class 8, Tandem 8 bag air ride that rides better than any pickup, stick shift NON-Synchronized gearbox but has Air Locker differentials, geared fairly long legged as has deeper lower gears and a great deal more torque than HP even being a relatively higher end engine. Trucks in Class 8 run from 15,000 to 22,000 weight by themselves as designed intentionally to tow loads.
Buying a KW or Peterbilt even an older Freightliner or Orphan lines as Ford or GMC will be modest and small inside, Volvos, Later Freightliner and a few other makes with integral sleepers can be ginormous inside as well out. My truck weighs 20,000#, is 29 feet overall length and does have some area for a second person yet the cab inside is very compact, can touch the right door from the driver seat. As constructed by KW the W900 is appropriately adorned with Function, has air ride seating and cab, noise IS a issue at times, mirrors are not some appendages of Stylistic uselessness as many pickups have, visibility at height is far better but is a climb to get inside. 9'6" cab roof height, Hood is 6' long yet engine Compartment is appropriately Accessible for maintenance. Is rated at 80-120,000# Towing where a empty flatbed trailer is equivalent to a full size fully dressed Fifth Wheel RV.
What has amazed myself is the engine a C15 Caterpillar attained 8.1 mpg towing on cruise at 70mph. It just did not care had a Towed Trailer behind it. A dear friend confided his Ram 3500 attains 4.5mpg on Gas and a Cummins version only 7.7 as he is aware when towing.
it will all be in the eyes and mind set of the individual as to what can afford or not, what need or do not, what will accept as end result of years towing as well.
I did all my own repair work, not many can do that, I am Licensed Class A CDL again not many are. Tagging as a RV in most states can ONLY be used as a RV, cannot even carry home building materials for small projects for self use, so Weight Tag for me was unavoidable. Have just over $63,000 dollars in a 2005 Class 8 in repair components where could not touch a less than four year old Dually pickup with 80-150,000miles for that, a Class 7 Ready to drive and Use was half again that price at 8 years old and 200,000+ miles.
I am comfortable with what we ended up with.
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Impressive!
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01-14-2025, 01:38 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 782
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I can understand you appreciating a class 8 truck to tow a large fiver. Post a pic of your rig.
I have multiple class 8’s. I really enjoy driving each of them for their intended purpose but when it comes to towing my little 16,000 lb RV …. I’m going to tow with my SRW F350 every time. I really can’t give a good argument for it though. One of my class 8s, in particular, is very quiet; has an amazing Jake brake; I could easily carry my bike on the back; I could sleep in the bunk while my wife drives (I suppose I really should be awake to have a “learner” at the wheel but quite honestly she is probably a better driver than I am when it comes to pointing a truck down the highway and staying alert); amazing range on a tank of fuel; less depreciation; more powerful; better view of the road; better mirrors; nicer ride; way better brakes; on board generator; inverter and microwave. It doesn’t make sense but no way am I going to allow a big truck to take away my little truck’s job.
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01-14-2025, 05:16 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2024
Posts: 143
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Yikes.. LOL
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01-14-2025, 09:10 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2023
Posts: 784
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4ord
I can understand you appreciating a class 8 truck to tow a large fiver. Post a pic of your rig.
I have multiple class 8’s. I really enjoy driving each of them for their intended purpose but when it comes to towing my little 16,000 lb RV …. I’m going to tow with my SRW F350 every time. I really can’t give a good argument for it though. One of my class 8s, in particular, is very quiet; has an amazing Jake brake; I could easily carry my bike on the back; I could sleep in the bunk while my wife drives (I suppose I really should be awake to have a “learner” at the wheel but quite honestly she is probably a better driver than I am when it comes to pointing a truck down the highway and staying alert); amazing range on a tank of fuel; less depreciation; more powerful; better view of the road; better mirrors; nicer ride; way better brakes; on board generator; inverter and microwave. It doesn’t make sense but no way am I going to allow a big truck to take away my little truck’s job.
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Like
I would change both your 16K FW, and F350 truck designation from little to at least mid sized! Little is a grocery getter, towing a PUP!
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01-14-2025, 09:35 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 320
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I thought about a class 8 when I bought my 5th wheel, and 9 years later I wish I did. maybe I still will. my f350 cost me 55K (Cdn) used and does a great job, but I already had a paid off f250 that I traded in on it so I could have bought a used high milage volvo 780 with a recent rebuild for dirt cheep say 15K that is no good anymore for a freight company but for the average rv guy it will last the rest of a life time. the companies will single axel them and usually the cost is them keeping the intermediate axel for themselves. up here if the configuration is right we can re register the class 8 as a rv which means you don't need a new licence just an air brake endorsement and you don't have to stop at weigh scales and such. the reason I was looking at the 780 is the sleeper setup. you have the two main seats up fron then the table with the wrap arond bench seat and the top bunk. as well as a fridge and sink. right there you have the three things you need to register it as a rv. actualy you need three things out of a list up here. but the sink, fridge, permanant bed, microwave are all items on that list.
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01-14-2025, 10:26 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
Posts: 3,765
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Certainly a viable alternative for some.....makes more sense the closer you get to the max rated capacity of the Class 3 pick ups. For me, my F350 DRW (with a max tow rating of 31,300 lbs) is already significantly overkill for my 9,995 lb GVWR trailer and a Class 8 tractor would have difficulties maneuvering in the forestry campgrounds where I like to camp. I also have 4wd and use my tow vehicle as my daily driver.
Cheers,
Dave
__________________
2022 Outdoors RV 25RDS, 2022 F350 dually, 6.7PSD, 10 spd, 3.55's
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01-15-2025, 03:13 AM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 89
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I do still own a SRW F250, rated at 18000# tow, just that it is now 25 years along and not as healthy as once was. I have upgraded that machine farther than I ever expected would have to just to keep driving it. Was a great small tow rig as pulled a 5000# Gooseneck for me for several years hauling a 8000# tractor and 2000# brush hog to my BILs farm, dependable and very functional, just pretty well strangling it to death slowly. Has since been retired to On Farm duties for ourselves.
Our is also not a FW but a LQ Horse style trailer, lower, easier to load a 900#HD in the back. Wife and I both are gaining in years where the ride to a site is less fun than being there so opted to get this rig to carry the bike and enjoy AC or Heat or just Dry without wind until arrive to motor around and sight see.
Our Big Blue and the Trailer, Eng is a Fresh 6NZ C15 as I rebuilt it, the trailer dry is 13,800, add some liquids, our gear and bike, a few assorted other goods as Genny I am adding for boondocking will be around 15,000.
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01-15-2025, 03:23 AM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 89
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I left it as a Full Road Tractor, at least for now as with MO once convert a RT to a RV the classification becomes Permanent. I added a B&W Goose turn over ball hitch in a 3/8" steel plate behind the Fifth wheel to be able to use for either hitch there as well as performed the reconstruct added a Class IV Receiver where once had been a four bolt pintle. Can and have towed any and all manner of trailers or mechanisms with it. Tail is equipped with a 6 pin small, and a 7 pin flat plug for alternative towing, I added a Electric Brake controller under the dash. I did make some step mods for the short legged wife at tool box.
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01-15-2025, 03:37 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 89
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At the least is 2 1/2 years of repairs, rebuilding out of frame, body work cleaning and paint. This is what I started with, engine with broken head open six years outside, we pulled the Heavy Haul lift axle prior to bringing it to the farm, Claremore OK to Hermann MO. I included one of the Trade Machines I gave for this project That I abused my old Ford with, Back to OK.
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01-15-2025, 06:23 AM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 89
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The 99 Ford I have which is coming on 26 years, was a mess as most are. 340,000miles, abused to a fault, rusting in mass quantity, I did recovery work on it as the old 7.3 is still doing fine with the second 4R100. frame was first consideration, was not rusted so severely could not repair the rest. Pretty well took all of six months completing.
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01-15-2025, 09:50 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
Posts: 3,765
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 Nice work!
Dave
__________________
2022 Outdoors RV 25RDS, 2022 F350 dually, 6.7PSD, 10 spd, 3.55's
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01-15-2025, 09:59 AM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 89
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Thanks Dave, Ford been dependable just needed a load of TLC, no true value for trade, minimal for open sale so opted this way, around $14-15,000 in it to get it here. Could not warrant a New/Newer pickup for the money asked today, lowest I found needing work, double the above.
Still have tooling and equipment gotten me by for close to fifty years, skills I learned over those fifty that had not lost value and just now arriving to physical capabilities decreasing as gain years.
Even had Cab off/up to replace turbo that was OEM. Rust Inhibitor painted as much frame as possible.
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