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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: digesterman on September 28, 2014, 03:13:56 PM

Title: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: digesterman on September 28, 2014, 03:13:56 PM
Ace is this what you are looking for? ;D

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/rvs/4677772427.html (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/rvs/4677772427.html)

Thought it was sort of interesting.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on September 28, 2014, 04:54:34 PM
You'd be surprised but that looks a LOT Better than some buses I see in the yards of wannabes and even some on the roads!
Don't knock it! There's a LOT of bus nuts looking to switch to the other side!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: digesterman on September 28, 2014, 06:17:09 PM
Yeah kind of thought it was interesting and neat
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Dave5Cs on September 28, 2014, 06:33:14 PM
I didn't know sidewall shakes were good to 60MPH,  ;D
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: robertglines1 on September 28, 2014, 06:39:10 PM
Got to have one of each. Andy(son) has a Freight-liner  toter w/5th wheel. runs well over speed limit just quiet. I have the bus. His box was built by NRC.  Bob
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: TomC on September 28, 2014, 10:10:45 PM
That's one nice rig. The interior is first class and with the updated, modern drive train, shouldn't be afraid to drive it anywhere. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Newbob on September 29, 2014, 07:59:16 AM
Yeah - that's pretty sweet - can't imagine the man hours in that thing..... lot of sweat in that rig.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: belfert on September 29, 2014, 10:41:52 AM
My problem with a truck conversion is losing the interior space.  I also don't like that the living space isn't as well built as a bus.

I was at an event two weekends ago with the bus.  Someone else at the event with a motorhome left for home after dark Saturday evening and ended up going off the two lane road and rolling the motorhome.  I was told the motorhome was completely pancaked flat and the occupants hospitalized.  I never heard how bad they got hurt.  My bus would probably survive a rollover reasonably intact although we would almost certainly be hospitalized.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Jeremy on September 29, 2014, 01:09:19 PM
I think that truck conversion is immensely cool as well, although if it was me I'd have restricted the old-timer look to the outside only - wood-burning stoves and wall-to-ceiling knotty pine interiors definitely don't do anything for me. I imagine the wind-noise whilst traveling is a bit of an issue too. But it'll rightly attract a hell of a lot more interest and respect than any swirly-paint job Class A.

On the truck vs bus debate - I've said before that truck-based motorhomes are comparatively common here, but bus conversions are few and far between. I looked at trucks myself but, as Belfert says, it seems to me that a coach is naturally just a better base to start on because they are - literally - coachbuilt - ie., designed to carry people in safety and comfort, not just to move goods cheaply. Sure you can build a box on top of a truck chassis and ultimately end-up in the same place, but to me it just wasn't a logical approach.

It's a different thing if you are building brand-new vehicles for sale though - a new conversion bus shell must be vastly more expensive to buy than a chassis-cab, so with the chassis-cab there's an awful lot more value added (ie, money to be made) by the motorhome builder. And more ways they can differentiate themselves from the competition and tailor the product to the customer. But for the budget or amateur converter a bus just makes more sense

Jeremy
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: TomC on September 29, 2014, 01:26:36 PM
Highway buses don't survive very well on roll over's. Actually, school buses and transits are the strongest made.

My truck conversion 32ft box is made with 1.5" square tubing with 1/8" walls welded on 16" center. The box alone weighed 10,000lbs. The only thing I'll miss are the big windshields looking forward. To compensate for this, I'll install a 46" LED T.V. with an exterior VDO camera to create a virtual window. Good luck, TomC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on September 29, 2014, 02:37:26 PM
I've run out of fingers and toes counting the times each mechanic cursed  when it came to wrenching on any if the 3 buses I've owned so to me, the easability of working on the mechanics of a truck out weighs everything else on working on a bus! More mechanics are willing to do their job asked rather than become disgruntled for HAVING to work on a bus because they know it's a pia!
As for construction comparison? Every time I see a bus crash, not fender bender, it's usually totalled, inside AND out! I like the idea of motor protection on impact in a crash! I have a friend who lost both legs in a bus crash!
The boxes on newer trucks are being built piece by piece more like a bus chassis. They used to just strap on a shipping container and convert it. I will agree that some of the factory built truck conversions are cheaply made but when you can find a company that builds maybe 1 or 2 a year, that's a little different! They seem to take more pride in the finished product!
As for the MH that rolled? You have to consider some of the retirees that jump in these things and drive them like they drive the family sedan! That doesn't work!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on September 29, 2014, 04:34:09 PM
My dogs better than your dog... ::)
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Geoff on September 29, 2014, 05:09:31 PM

That bus is ultra converson for the Northern Califonia hypsters 30 years ago--or, now-- 'if' you are in to the remnant lifesle that died with the Greatfull Dead.

--Geoff
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: bronson on September 29, 2014, 06:55:22 PM
Went to the East Coast Timing Assoc land speed races in Wilmington Ohio last weekend and saw this truck converion. Looks like it was built on an old wrecker chassis. Was owned by Hornish Brothers Trucking from Defiance Ohio (hometown of Sam Hornish Jr). Did not see what they were racing. Did see retired NASCAR driver Dave Marcis racing a stock car. Also talked with a motorcycle driver who threw a rod at 200 mph and 15000 rpm. Pretty cool event if your ever in south west Ohio.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: luvrbus on September 29, 2014, 07:03:51 PM
That one is a little tacky IMO I don't think a slide in camper on a truck is what Ace has in mind  ::)but the old Mack would look good with a nice conversion
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on September 29, 2014, 07:08:07 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on September 29, 2014, 07:03:51 PM
That one is a little tacky IMO

What you don't see is the concealed King Ranch pick-up that the camper is really on....case they need a beer or ice run the wrecker can stay behind if  it doesn't want to go...
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Van on September 30, 2014, 04:53:03 AM
Well Cliff you asked so here ya go
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi457.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq292%2Fcwvanhagen%2F858936_217265368419318_227200433_o_zps4a414225.jpg&hash=2883b4fb5f8a450f1dd8868fda4d0fe0f29c6412)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi457.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq292%2Fcwvanhagen%2F859431_217264641752724_2049374955_o_zpsa78b5597.jpg&hash=ea6c1d1445a12efe478948c9d4c4181e53e7d069)
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: luvrbus on September 30, 2014, 06:02:00 AM
LOL I knew you would come thru Van that one I saw in person nice built from a fire truck
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on September 30, 2014, 07:00:21 AM
Cool looking truck! Some truck conversions look good. But it is hard to beat the smoothness and quietness of a bus while going down the highway.

JC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: belfert on September 30, 2014, 07:20:30 AM
I have every reason to believe my bus would be totaled in a rollover.  I doubt it would be flat as a pancake as I was told happened to the motorhome that rolled over.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: luvrbus on September 30, 2014, 07:39:57 AM
 ;D one thing you never see are the truck conversion owners looking for parts,tires or a mechanic
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: TomC on September 30, 2014, 08:03:54 AM
The ride quality is the one thing I'll miss about my truck conversion. I won't miss crawling around underneath with the bus on blocks to service it (the truck is high enough to get under). I won't miss trying to find someone capable of working on the 8V-71, or even the Allison V730. I won't miss worrying about a rock hitting my windshield since the truck has flat pane glass that any glass shop can cut. I won't miss having to go through an interior hatch to get to the starter. I won't miss having to wrestle with a 100lb alternator. I won't miss having to use misters since the radiator isn't big enough.
I will enjoy the ease at which I can service the engine (3406B-of which the 3406C mechanical is still being made) and transmission when I tilt the cab. Oil change, checking the radiator coolant, checking the oil and trans fluid, changing all filters except the air filter can be done without tilting the cab. I will enjoy having tandem drive-I imagine many of you have gotton stuck in soft mud or sand. I will enjoy having my towed inside rather then pulling it behind. I will enjoy having access to my basement storage from inside-and on and on. The only real big pane will probably be the attention it gets no matter where we go. My lowly Transit bus gets a lot of attention as it is. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on September 30, 2014, 01:11:58 PM
I couldn't have said it any better guys!
I'm really looking forward to the new challenge!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on September 30, 2014, 03:31:55 PM
well until it's parked in your driveway...your a wannabe... ;D
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on September 30, 2014, 05:05:06 PM
I'm far from a wannabe! I've been where guys like you only dream about! I'm on my 3rd coach and you?
Where's those pics of your dream machine? 🚌👈


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on September 30, 2014, 08:05:08 PM
lighten up....your a truckhome wannabe...
read your own post, can't take it don't dish it out.  ::)
kinda like the pot calling the kettle black   and since when does quantity make you better than anyone  :-*
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on September 30, 2014, 08:08:45 PM
Quote from: Ace on September 28, 2014, 04:54:34 PM
You'd be surprised but that looks a LOT Better than some buses I see in the yards of wannabes and even some on the roads!
Don't knock it! There's a LOT of bus nuts looking to switch to the other side!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

you remember this one... besides that your truck will be the banks...them wannabe's you refer to are just as proud of their accomplishments as you are...tell me about the one you built. ??? ::) ???
PS. How big is your bus ?
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Van on October 01, 2014, 04:38:02 AM
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi457.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fqq292%2Fcwvanhagen%2Fgdpit_com_96762788_75.gif&hash=0d49fc328aa7859c37138d06fcdffcce3b018f6b)
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Boomer on October 01, 2014, 08:11:32 AM
Although that Mack is really cool looking I can attest that driving it a few hundred miles a day would be VERY uncomfortable.  I have more than a few miles in the cab of a B model; hot, noisy, and cramped, can't get the seat back far enough.  And without a tilt hood working on the engine ain't easy.  Give me a bus any day, FWIW.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: luvrbus on October 01, 2014, 08:36:52 AM
He has air rides on that old B model Mack it should be smooth the engine was set back east for a rebuild so I doubt it will ever need work in his life time 

LOL we are showing our age Mark dad had  1 B-61 under a  2 axle Martin low boy and AutoCars under the rest I always headed for the B-61 that little sucker with the tri plex tranny would work with the A Cars with the 250 Cummins and the 5 X4 tranny any day of the week 
Title: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 01, 2014, 11:01:55 AM
I have plenty of bus and conversion experience.  Myself and lots of other people even from this board can back my accomplishments up with, can you?
As far as the bank owning it? Uh only partly right there! My BIL is the CEO and only reason the bank is involved is for tax and business reasons. Other than that, it WOULD be mine!
Ps IMHO anyone that hides their signature such as yourself And their accomplishments such as yourself not to mention asking about MY bus that most everyone  knows about or had seen in person is nothing more than a true wannabe! Until you know what your talking about and can prove your words of wisdom, i truly advise sticking to topics that don't make yourself look like an @$#! This is not one of them!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: dukegrad98 on October 01, 2014, 11:36:30 AM
Who doesn't love a good forum pissing match?   ::)

Cheers, John
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on October 01, 2014, 12:23:59 PM
So let me see if I got this right....it's ok for you to call others wannabe's cuz you have had 3 buses...and because you have more friends...have I got that right.
Your cooler than me cuz your wife's brother "fixes" you up.
How is my signature anymore hidden than anyone else's, I see hundreds here who don't have the signature you require to validate their worthiness of your stature here.
@$#!....i know you are but what am I.
The words elitist and pompous come to mind in regards to your thoughts.
Proud to be a wannabe.
PS I had a schoolie, upgraded to an Eagle, I guess I have one more bus to go and I'll be your pal.
PSS i added a sig..are we getting close to a hug ?


Quote from: Ace on October 01, 2014, 11:01:55 AM
I have plenty of bus and conversion experience.  Myself and lots of other people even from this board can back my accomplishments up with, can you?
As far as the bank owning it? Uh only partly right there! My BIL is the CEO and only reason the bank is involved is for tax and business reasons. Other than that, it WOULD be mine!
Ps IMHO anyone that hides their signature such as yourself And their accomplishments such as yourself not to mention asking about MY bus that most everyone  knows about or had seen in person is nothing more than a true wannabe! Until you know what your talking about and can prove your words of wisdom, i truly advise sticking to topics that don't make yourself look like an @$#! This is not one of them!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 01, 2014, 12:48:51 PM
No you just proves your a bigger idiot than you already showed!
Your a work of art but coming from a schooler to an eagle probably made your head swell so now I understand you more!
Just go ahead and admit it... Simply put, your jealous! 🍭
I never said I was better than anyone or had more pals, as you put it, than anyone! Please get your facts together before you bring your clown act to this show! We've all seen your type here before!
Oh wait wait wait! I get it now! The eagle board shut down and you migrated here! Ahhh it all makes sense now!
Please accept my humble apology for trying to converse with a know it all, done it all, btdt type of person!
I bow to you sir!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on October 01, 2014, 01:07:06 PM
Ace, do you see any of my posts degrading or diminishing  anyone else's dream ?
You just proved elitism by saying anyone who had a schoolie and upgraded has a swell head.
Your thoughts regarding jealous....of what ? A Prevost or a BIL who fixes me up ?
Get your facts straight, I've been here longer than "since the Eagle board shut down" which it hasn't.
The only thing I claim to know (for sure) is that it appears that calling people wannabe's is something your comfortable doing regardless of their stature in your mind.
tell me again why I'm an idiot....
Here's the deal...what I said was you are a truck wannabe untill you get one. You need to get a grip.
The reality is if you have a bus...your a bus owner, not a wannabe. Have a bus in your yard your a busnut.
Don't have a truck...your a truck wannabe.


Quote from: Ace on October 01, 2014, 12:48:51 PM
No you just proves your a bigger idiot than you already showed!
Your a work of art but coming from a schooler to an eagle probably made your head swell so now I understand you more!
Just go ahead and admit it... Simply put, your jealous! 🍭
I never said I was better than anyone or had more pals, as you put it, than anyone! Please get your facts together before you bring your clown act to this show! We've all seen your type here before!
Oh wait wait wait! I get it now! The eagle board shut down and you migrated here! Ahhh it all makes sense now!
Please accept my humble apology for trying to converse with a know it all, done it all, btdt type of person!
I bow to you sir!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Eagle Andy on October 01, 2014, 01:23:32 PM
Wow the things i miss  ;D
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Lin on October 01, 2014, 01:48:07 PM
I guess I can see the pros and cons of each platform.  I like what Tom is doing with his cabover, which seems to be a good way of using a truck without adding that beautiful but huge engine space out in front.

I like keeping down to 35 feet, so losing 10 feet out front would be a real concern.  I could see, however, recapturing some of that lost space with a couple of slide outs.  There are some truck-base "Super C's" that would seem to be doing that.  Anyway, regardless of which you have, most of the conversion issues are similar.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 03:34:58 PM
file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/AppData/Roaming/Apple%20Computer/MediaStream/Thumbnails/My_Photofile:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/AppData/Roaming/Apple%20Computer/MediaStream/Thumbnails/My_Photo_Stream/718916df-4f79-4213-8d0d-96939227a985.png_Stream/2file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/AppData/Roaming/Apple%20Computer/MediaStream/Thumbnails/My_Photo_Stream/955c0c5e-4694-470d-85bd-4fefd08af8db.png4645ab4-868e-410f-a66e-c1e3c6972e9d.png
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 03:36:52 PM
Sorry. Trying to post a pic of a truck camper. It is not working.

JC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 03:43:59 PM
file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/Pictures/iCloud%20Photos/My%20Photo%20Stream/IMG_0484.JPG

file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/Pictures/iCloud%20Photos/My%20Photo%20Stream/IMG_0485.JPG

file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/Pictures/iCloud%20Photos/My%20Photo%20Stream/IMG_0485.JPG
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on October 01, 2014, 03:45:52 PM
Quote from: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 03:36:52 PM
Sorry. Trying to post a pic of a truck camper. It is not working.

JC
they will not post from your hard drive, here you must upload to a online host and then paste the url from it to here... hope that helps
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 03:46:43 PM
Sorry again, I'll quit now in frustration...

JC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Jeremy on October 01, 2014, 05:09:24 PM
Quote from: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 03:43:59 PM
file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/Pictures/iCloud%20Photos/My%20Photo%20Stream/IMG_0484.JPG

file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/Pictures/iCloud%20Photos/My%20Photo%20Stream/IMG_0485.JPG

file:///C:/Users/jc%20alacoque/Pictures/iCloud%20Photos/My%20Photo%20Stream/IMG_0485.JPG

But since your bus pictures are on iCloud we'll be able to see them all on 4Chan soon anyway  ;)


Jeremy
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Van on October 01, 2014, 05:24:59 PM
JC, I guess this makes you a wanna be photo poster lol  :P  ;)
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 01, 2014, 07:06:42 PM
LOL Van! I really have pictures, but I can't prove it... :P I must be jealous of real picture posters ;)

Seriously, it is about a Peterbilt 379 with a really nicely done camper box that we see once in a while at dirt bike races in Alberta. He pulls a bigger trailer than a bus could. He can go up some pretty rough dirt roads to some of those races that I won't take my bus on. His wife doesn't care for the noise in the cab, or the rough ride. But otherwise it is a really cool rig.

JC
Title: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Scott & Heather on October 02, 2014, 07:55:28 PM
Heather and I are laying the groundwork for our own truck conversion at some point. $1900 radiator on our bus has something to do with it, not to mention no one wants to wrench on this thing. Freightliner Columbia based conversion would be worked on at any and every truck stop. Hood opens, easy to access stuff. We've fulltimed for almost 4 years now and I'm convinced a truck conversion (class 8 rv) is perfect for us. Here's what i envision:

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftapatalk.imageshack.com%2Fv2%2F14%2F10%2F02%2F5c3aed5f3019b1722fc3265af882daa4.jpg&hash=31748c95a60885bf9b2d5fe07a2b27e0738a48a3)

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftapatalk.imageshack.com%2Fv2%2F14%2F10%2F02%2Ffcfaeaf6289989ab9ad69e13835573d5.jpg&hash=a7fd62998231785fe23c1e7d2f790eaa3dfd8d2a)



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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 03, 2014, 04:10:00 AM
That's what I'm talking about! Easy, functional, and more serviceable not to mention very sharp looking!
These are becoming more and more popular because of all the above!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Oonrahnjay on October 03, 2014, 04:23:37 AM
Quote from: Ace on October 03, 2014, 04:10:00 AM
That's what I'm talking about! Easy, functional, and more serviceable not to mention very sharp looking!
These are becoming more and more popular because of all the above!

      And if you design and build your own box, you get to set your own dimensions.   For me, that would be a great plus. 
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 03, 2014, 07:21:34 AM
My only experience in trucking is driving a fuel delivery truck decades ago, and now gravel dump trucks for a friend (Western Star with Cat 3408/18 speed Road Ranger), and mine (Pete379 with Cat 3406B/13 speed Road Ranger). Fun to drive as long as it is part time. But noisy and ride like a wheel barrow. How much quieter and smooth riding is a nice highway tractor? It would have to be reasonably comfortable to make travelling long distance tolerable for the wife.  As much as I love my bus, I could enjoy a truck too. The ability to tow a big trailer is very appealing.

JC


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on October 03, 2014, 07:37:18 AM
Frame stretching, factory or one off's at a time, those concern me. And yes I have worked in a welding shop that did them.
The difference being it was in construction,primarily off road, but still they saw highway use.
I maintained numerous fleets, The nicest suspension setups where actually in cab overs,not conventionals, but the air ride seats got a work out. We had to put them on the passenger side...they weren't sold that way from the factory then.

I like the sound of a diesel, about 40 feet away is nicer all day long..
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: luvrbus on October 03, 2014, 07:45:05 AM
My neighbor who is a small trucker just bought a new T800 KW you can't get any quieter than that truck
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: wg4t50 on October 03, 2014, 07:56:54 AM
Quote from: eagle19952 on October 03, 2014, 07:37:18 AM
I like the sound of a diesel, about 40 feet away is nicer all day long..

Eagle, you sure named it, having driven both COE & conventional 18 wheel rigs, I do not need the noise of a front engine RV.  Also enjoyed the MC7 many yrs, now tbe Foretravel with rear engibe, only hear it when stick head out the window, otherwise very easy to talk, listen to radio etc. 
Some can call me a wannabee, fine with me, my banker respects me with no family ties.
Do not worry about the others who are searching for sonething.
Dave M
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: TomC on October 03, 2014, 08:14:46 AM
Granted my cabover is a bit noisy-but I'm going to add lead sheets to quiet it. New trucks are so quiet that you need to watch the tachometer to shift-course with an automatic that doesn't matter. Trucks are crude vehicles-the underneath build has not changed in many years. I bought a '93 Freightliner and the current Freightliners use the same rear air suspension. While you can get air bag suspension on the front, it is still a beam axle. Buses with independent front air ride, and the rear air bags out at the perimeter is the ultimate in both handling and ride.

When I was driving my cabover, 95% of the time I had my air ride seat all deflated so I rode low. The other 5% was when the roads were bad and had to put air in the seat. Now with my wheelbase increased from 235" to 283" and that it is one vehicle, it rides rather nicely. Bounces almost exactly like my bus. Noise wise, I always like the sound of a well running Diesel. With a front engine, you'll hear what's going on long time before hearing it on a rear engine. If you're using an older vehicle, like my '85 Kenworth, you're relying on warning lights only to stop-no auto shut downs. But then there are no electronics to go bad either. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: eagle19952 on October 03, 2014, 11:21:54 AM
Her5e's the deal, your new  T800 with Quiet Cab package registered only 74 decibels. at about a grand for the upgrade, granted you can put a resonator off the turbo to the mufflers etec etc etc...but you won't get that out of a 10-15 year  older conventional or a cab over.

Hell if I had a bag full of money I'd have two of each..

One thing I did not like working on cab overs was when the quart thermos jugs would come flying out of the sleeper....like I was supposed to know you had your whole kitchen in there.
Sold a few windshields.... :o
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 08:01:49 AM
Getting close with every passing day! Can't wait!
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2F97E1C821-62AC-4108-871D-7E5AAC071C4C.jpg&hash=fe1d31939864f2a1cdd96319c3e4948c3e4d14b7) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/97E1C821-62AC-4108-871D-7E5AAC071C4C.jpg.html)


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 05, 2014, 08:20:42 AM
You're going to have to drive it all over to show it off and convert all us busnuts. I hope to meet you sometime so I can see it.

The RV dealer here in High River, AB has a few truck campers on Freightliners. They look really plain and boring to me. Freightliner might be a good truck, but the looks don't do anything for me like a Pete or KW.

I guess that makes me a truck wannabe, ha ha!

JC


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: TomC on October 05, 2014, 09:31:32 AM
One of the advantages to using a cabover is that with the flat front, you don't loose that 5ft to the hood. My cab is 90" (a normal conventional is around 120") and taking the 32" that was the sleeper that is an office now off, that means the driver's area is 58". Hence with a 40ft over all, I have a 32ft box with interior length of 31.5ft plus the 32" of the office gives me 34ft 2in of floor space. The only other 40ft bus that I know of that has more then that was the Neoplan Spaceliner that Sean and Louise has that has the driver's area below the floor giving nearly 40ft of floor space on a 40ft bus.

Both my wife and I are anxiously waiting for me to get the truck done-which I anticipate by next summer. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 09:41:53 AM
Tom this truck is 45' overall with a similar garage as yours under the BR! The garage is only 9' deep but full width. Big enough for my needs. The sleeper area in this truck has been gutted and finished off with solid oak cabinetry and couches that fold out for beds along with the original sleeper bed that folds up out of the way. See if I can find a pic.


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 09:42:50 AM
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F2014-09%2F65286F00-EAAF-4CF9-8699-938FA7230C33.jpg&hash=783b77a5e155a86c3fc1fe20c232be358fd06d42) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/65286F00-EAAF-4CF9-8699-938FA7230C33.jpg.html)


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 09:43:48 AM
Original sleeper

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F2014-09%2F05F3F426-1F88-486D-9B7B-8C1B7CAEB601.jpg&hash=cb1747c55b066c65a07eda4d0f2a22269b447e96) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/05F3F426-1F88-486D-9B7B-8C1B7CAEB601.jpg.html)


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 09:46:21 AM
Bedroom
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F2014-09%2F595CB979-E37E-4E03-9E0E-0EBE5B334640.jpg&hash=c03e22ebe1205830b91a2103f16745d3555cef7e) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/595CB979-E37E-4E03-9E0E-0EBE5B334640.jpg.html)


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 09:48:24 AM
Kitchen
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F0002-11%2FDCE538BC-56E1-414E-9232-AAFF489F0A64.jpg&hash=279e6564994acf5705252dbba30bdb7219ba62bb) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0002-11/DCE538BC-56E1-414E-9232-AAFF489F0A64.jpg.html)


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 10:04:32 AM
Garage area
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2F5CDC6A98-C761-4DF5-B5EA-94E1698F31FA.jpg&hash=d26396b6a92be8fc10b54aecaed1c3d103d3aa53) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/5CDC6A98-C761-4DF5-B5EA-94E1698F31FA.jpg.html)


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: lostagain on October 05, 2014, 11:21:41 AM
Can you get a small car in the garage?


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 12:11:04 PM
I doubt it since the BR is above the garage, there's only 5'10" head room but enough for my toys such as my race kart, golf cart or my Harley!


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Lin on October 05, 2014, 01:35:42 PM
Certainly a nice setup.  I think a Smart Car is less than 9ft.
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 02:11:31 PM
Smart car may be too tall


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Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: TomC on October 05, 2014, 04:07:00 PM
Looks like a good one. Is your bus 45ft now? At least in California, if the motorhome is over 40ft, you have to have a Class B non commercial license to drive it. This is one of the main reasons I stayed with 40ft. My garage is 13ft long. Some of the cars on the list would be a Toyota Yaris, Mini convertible, Chevy Spark, etc. If we can't get the car in the garage, we could take the tail gate off, put a fiberglass bubble "aerodynamic device" then just use pull out ramps. You'll like the Autoshift. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Truck RV,,,,,,Ace?
Post by: Ace on October 05, 2014, 04:37:28 PM
Tom our bus is 40'.
We're not looking to put a car in the truck but we will always have the option of pulling a car in a trailer or on a dolly or even in a trailer if need be but I don't see that in the future yet!
As long as the Harley or golf cart and my race kart fit, it will serve us our needs!


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