Well after conversing with the seller of the original truck I looked at since February, I was able to work out a deal with Gumpy who happens to live about 2 hours from the trucks location and do an inspection for me since I couldn't make that trip this soon after just making one.
He did the inspection and let me say, a VERY thorough one too! Inside, outside, over and under! He made notes, both good and bad, (I think mostly good) and took lots of pictures. He compiled everything into an outlined email and sent it to me and we discussed everything via phone, which I think was about 2 hours!
Now I have a better idea as to what and who I'm dealing with regarding the truck and what it will take money wise to make s safe trip south from Mn to Fl.
The truck will need at least 4 tires but probably put 8 on the rear to be safe!
One puzzling oil leak the owner was surprised to see when Gumpy showed him. He thinks it's a simple power steering line or maybe the power steering pump itself. Other stuff is relatively minor and should make the trip smoothly.
Gumpy was taken for a ride and said the 60 series DD had mucho power! It shifted good and had little to no play in the wheel. Most everything else is cosmetic but the custom build from the frame stretch to the actual conversion was top notch according to Gumpy!
For the prices they want to build one similar, and what I can get this truck for, even in partial construction, it's really a no brainer and If, a big IF, I had to put a motor in it, is still be big money ahead of what they're going for. In other words, I can get the whole truck for what the box and stretch would cost!
I'm gonna roll the dice and make arrangements for a buy and yes there is a slight possibility Gumpy will be coming South IF the timing works out!
Wish us both luck!
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Quote from: Ace on November 25, 2014, 07:46:48 PM... I'm gonna roll the dice and make arrangements for a buy and yes there is a slight possibility Gumpy will be coming South IF the timing works out!
Wish us both luck!
Best of luck on all the aspects. It's time something worked out OK for ya!
Ace, that truck and motor is notorious for power steering leaks! The top seal is usually the culprit. Worse case you have to replace the steering box, I think they are in the $700 to $800 range plus labor.
I lost your number in a phone change, please text me at 828-three one zero-8111.
Jack
Thanks for the info Jack.
There's been a turn of events that surprisingly happened today of all days!
It looks like there is a strong possibility that the truck may be in my possession as early as next week! Seems the owner/seller has purchased a race car in Brandon Fl about 20-30 min from me and has offered to deliver the truck to me for the cost of fuel. He plans to trailer his truck down behind the hauler that I'm buying and then trailering the race car back home with his truck! It's a win win for me, I think!
Will know definitely Monday how this plays out!
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Congratulations, Ace. I am glad for you and particularly glad since you have been looking since February.
I hope it all comes together just as you want it.
Ros
Quote from: Ace on November 27, 2014, 06:44:14 PM
Thanks for the info Jack.
There's been a turn of events that surprisingly happened today of all days!
It looks like there is a strong possibility that the truck may be in my possession as early as next week! Seems the owner/seller has purchased a race car in Brandon Fl about 20-30 min from me and has offered to deliver the truck to me for the cost of fuel. He plans to trailer his truck down behind the hauler that I'm buying and then trailering the race car back home with his truck! It's a win win for me, I think!
Will know definitely Monday how this plays out!
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Quote from: ros on November 27, 2014, 07:21:42 PM... Congratulations, Ace.
Yep, for me too. And I'm looking forward to seeing the next stages rollout as they happen.
The plan now is it will be at my house on Monday Dec 8th, with new rubber! Let's hope this all works out!
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Getting close! 8 new tires going on Friday for the trip to Fl.
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Quote from: Ace on December 02, 2014, 04:25:17 PM
Getting close! 8 new tires going on Friday for the trip to Fl.
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You're like a kid at Christmas! I'm glad for you. I hope it turns out well.
TOM
My congrats and best wishes to you Ace, but my condolences to Gumpy. A chance to get the he.. out of Mn in the middle of winter to a place like Florida on someone elses dime... Yep, definitely my condolences to Gumpy,
Will
Yea I feel bad for Gumpy too, but every penny or in this case dollars saved, goes a long way on a project. It's about half of what Gumpy and me agreed on so I had to go the cheapest route!
I do want to say that Gumpy did an outstanding job on the inspection and if highly recommend him to anyone!
BTW, Craig, the check is in the mail!
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Ace congrats on the deal! And too bad Craig ain't delivering it. I would have tried to meet up with him as he passed through my area and bought him a cup of coffee for a "sneak peek"!
;D BK ;D
Not a problem here. My time was getting kind of tight here, anyway. My wife would not have been able to come with me and I would not have been
able to spend any time down there. I told him it's the best thing for the PO to bring it down to him and save the money to finish it off. Would have enjoyed
seeing Bryce on the way and was planning to pick up the trailer we left in AL this past summer when we delivered my friend's MC9.
I tried to convince Ace that he didn't need it till June or July when I could have loaded our bikes in the back and made a long adventure of the return
trip home, but he was like a kid at Christmas and just couldn't wait that long! :D
It'll be an interesting project. I'll be watching what he does to finish it.
BTW, still looking for someone to pull a small flatbed trailer from AL to MN if anyone is coming that way and has an open 2" ball. Or, if anyone needs a small utility
trailer, I have a nice one available near Ft. Payne.
I'm anxious to see if the truck will make it from Minnesota to Florida. With the miles on it I have doubts sometimes.
Cosmetically it's no creampuff but I feel it has potential. Others may have a different opinion but I look below the roughness and according to what they cost to build hey Shell I feel I'm getting a pretty good deal even if it needs major work.
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Can you post pictures again.
JC
Quote from: Ace on December 03, 2014, 05:19:01 AM
I'm anxious to see if the truck will make it from Minnesota to Florida. With the miles on it I have doubts sometimes.
Cosmetically it's no creampuff but I feel it has potential. Others may have a different opinion but I look below the roughness and according to what they cost to build hey Shell I feel I'm getting a pretty good deal even if it needs major work.
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I'm not concerned about it making it at all.
Did he get that oil leak checked?
Haven't heard yet. He ordered tires and they go on Friday. He's been two days trying to accept a call from my bank regarding HIS title and they just talked today finally! Gonna ask about the leak.
Thanka
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This MIGHT happen and it MIGHT not!
SMH at people that want to sell something but make it so hard for you to buy at the same time.
This truck situation is getting very old very quick!
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Now hes bringing it as is, after I sign some sort of agreement that we both agree to! Sheesh
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Quote from: Ace on December 03, 2014, 02:55:12 PM
Now hes bringing it as is, after I sign some sort of agreement that we both agree to! Sheesh
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Something like, "I agree to buy your truck and you agree to quit jerking me around." ::)
Ace,
Sounds like you need to keep looking.
Here's a couple that just popped up on Craigslist Atlanta:
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/rvd/4783821816.html (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/rvd/4783821816.html)
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/rvs/4786087774.html (http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/rvs/4786087774.html)
The white doesn't indicate it's a garage unit, but at that price, it could be modified.
The black one is only a single axle, but it looks nice.
Bob
Thanks Bob! The white one is a killer deal for sure but I was wanting a garage unit, the black is cool but a bit small for me!
I'm gonna roll the dice on the one I'm dealing on even though I feel I'm paying way to much for it in the condition it's in but I like projects and that's what this is! One day it might be worth what I'm paying for it, not what I'm putting into it! LOL
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I think that white one is a scam. It's currently listed all over the US on Craigslist, and not one of them say where it's located. There's also an ad from over a year ago.
Looking around there are tons of those models available, and not one legitimate one has a price even remotely close to that one.
Yea Gumpy some things are really too good to be true!
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Also, the white one is listed as a CL120 (Columbia) which is Freightliner's economy model. The one pictured is a Coronado, which is the top of the line for Freightliner-why wouldn't they make a big deal over that? Someone should eyeball it. Good Luck, TomC
Latest update...
After going to the bank, my banker now known as Grace, an employee of Susan's BIL, informed me that she talked to the sellers bank and guess what? The title want lost at all. His bank was holding it due to a lien. She assured Grace the lien would be cleared for him to leave and sell the truck. I had a few choice words for him so to speak via text and he's bending over backwards for me now. It's about time! Been since Feb in this run around.
Supposed to be here with truck Monday morning! We will see!
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Thinking good thoughts for you Ace. Hope all works out for the best,
Will
Seller said he was around Nashville about 12:30 est heading south with no issues yet! Craig ???
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Rollin', rollin', rollin'...
Though the streams are swollen
Keep thet toterhome rollin'
RAWHIDE!
:o
Seller just contacted me and says....
He's just north of Atlanta
And going to be in Lakeland tonight late late and truck is running like a click with NO issues!
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you hope.... ::)
Quote from: Ace on December 07, 2014, 02:59:47 PM
Seller just contacted me and says....
He's just north of Atlanta
And going to be in Lakeland tonight late late and truck is running like a click with NO issues!
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Quote from: Ace on December 07, 2014, 02:59:47 PM
Seller just contacted me and says....
He's just north of Atlanta
And going to be in Lakeland tonight late late and truck is running like a click with NO issues!
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Wonder if he got the title from the bank? ::)
Better check and see if he has a printer in the truck... ???
Quote from: gumpy on December 07, 2014, 03:20:11 PM
Wonder if he got the title from the bank? ::)
Gumpy no he doesn't have the title, but he knows he's not getting paid until he produces it!
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My guess is he's probably around Gainesville or Ocala
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Quote from: Ace on December 07, 2014, 07:49:50 PM
My guess is he's probably around Gainesville or Ocala
Have you seen it "in the flesh" before, Ace, or are you working off photos? I'm really pulling for this working for yah!
Pics only and from the personal inspection that Gumpy did for me and what he told me!
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Quote from: Ace on December 08, 2014, 05:05:59 AM
Pics only and from the personal inspection that Gumpy did for me and what he told me!
Best wishes. (And having seen the quality of your work before, I'm glad that it's in a "needs finishing" condition -- really looking forward to seeing what you're going to do with it.)
Thanks! Kind of nervous about seeing it for the first time. I know it needs a bunch more than the last one I looked at but Susan and I are willing to devote our time to making it a nice unit. I'm looking at the bright side... He didn't hesitate to drive it 1600 miles to bring it to me, and that a good thing so far.
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Just got to the truck and so far so good! Looks just like the pics! Haven't seen anything but the outside because there's no movement. He must be sleeping!
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It's home finally and it's really better than I expected!
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2F2014-12%2F2D999492-0BE5-4DE4-8C7E-B9A4A7F284E2.jpg&hash=36b3b5fee59f1289e2d5bcc2fa851185ad8c733f) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/2014-12/2D999492-0BE5-4DE4-8C7E-B9A4A7F284E2.jpg.html)
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Congratulations Ace
8)
Can't wait to see more
Mark
Congratulations !! Just out of curiousity (as you have been checking a lot of these out, what is the average wheelbase and overhang?)
Woop Woop!! Really happy for you Ace. Now the work really begins LOL
Will
Looks great Ace!
Lots of luck with it!
Man that thing is tall... 13 6" already?
It is cool. Looks like some kind of rapid response vehicle or mobile HQ vehicle. You should get it wrapped with something cool like a Zombie Response Unit or something like that. You have a very cool blank canvas there.
Good looking truck. Nice to see it work out. Now I have to see the karts or bikes or whatever caused you to buy this damn thing. I met you once, at one of Kyle's non-rally Palmetto things, I was down from Ontario and parked across the street from you, and I thought your bus was the best looking thing I had seen in a long while. I seem to recall some bikes too, you had a big stacker trailer. I got two new bikes this year, a really nice 1959 BMW R26 that is almost perfect, and a road warrior 2005 Honda ST1300 that I plan to tour the local sights on next year.
Brian
Brian yes I remember you at Palmetto Cove.
Here is my latest kart purchase!
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2F2014-11%2FAC2A3239-89A9-45BC-8D1B-4B1AD57B67C5_1.jpg&hash=2abc10f9a317df9ff2a0b79f113814d374fdf546) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/2014-11/AC2A3239-89A9-45BC-8D1B-4B1AD57B67C5_1.jpg.html)
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Nick it's 13'2" at its highest point. This is the one I was asking you your opinion on a house A/C unit.
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Oh I forgot that you were using this for carting. So how much is the cheapest sponsorship for those things? I mean just a sticker on them?
Sponsorship? What's that? I'm a pay as I go type racer! LOL
Going to use it for my Harley too!
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That's a nice looking rig, Ace. Is this your first truck rv? Been thinking about one myself. Probably be easier to work on for sure.
Well Ace, I will make sure I have some of my band stickers at Arcadia and if one happens to make it on the cart that would be cool.
Yes Muldoon it's my first truck Rv. I think it will be easier to work on. But as much room as our bus but I've been in smaller rv's and they seem to work. We will see!
Mung absolutely! Always room for a sticker! LOL
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Ace, exiting! Are you trading the bus against the truck? I forget now. Or is the bus for sale?
JC
Not trading which is good! I bought the truck straight out!
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You get to have both for a while. And compare. Trucks are great, but I bet it is hard to beat the quiet, smooth ride of a bus, especially your Prevost.
JC
Quote from: lostagain on December 09, 2014, 09:03:41 AM
You get to have both for a while. And compare. Trucks are great, but I bet it is hard to beat the quiet, smooth ride of a bus, especially your Prevost.
JC
Pros and cons about both platforms, as Ace will soon see, and no doubt be reporting back to us. I'm looking forward to his insight, as I often think a truck like this might
be a better platform for us with the changes that have taken place in our lives over the last decade.
Good going! My truck is right at 13'6". You'll be fine. Great that you have it now. Good Luck, TomC
Thanks Tom! Been following what little I can of your build! Although this one is partially done I feel what I spent in the condition it's in, I'm still money ahead!
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Timkar the truck I bought was planned out and designed by a class of college students using it as a project.
I received a very large binder of class notes, hand drawn plans, ideas, and professional blueprints along with build pics during the process and according to the blueprints, it says the wheelbase is 293.125" front center of steer wheel to center of front drive wheel. From the center of front drive to the center of rear drive it says it's 51.25"
The information and build pics they provided is very interesting to say the least. I know I can look at the plans before drilling! LOL
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To measure wheelbase on a three axle-it is done from the center of the front axle to the center of the tandems. So your true wheelbase is 318.875"-fairly long, but not unmanageable.
Mine is 283"-but my steering only has 36 degrees of wheel cut compared to yours at 45-50 degrees. Good Luck, TomC
Yea Tom I was just reading off the plans I happen to find
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Thanks Ace...I was looking at a 310 wheelbase truck and was wondering what length yours was (in comparison)
Thanks again...Tim
If mine is 318 as Tom pointed out then the 310 is not that much different obviously. I guess it depends on what type truck it is.
Has it been converted? I say go for it and join the ranks! LOL
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Hi Ace
Check out these basement units. They come in 1 ton and 2 ton models and HP options.
http://www.rvpartsnation.com/product/11356/park-model-a-c (http://www.rvpartsnation.com/product/11356/park-model-a-c)
Thanks Nick! Not a bad price but will that size do the job in the truck or what size do I need?
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Ace,
The age old question.. How much a/c do I need? ???
Answer- As much as you can fit.. :o. Lol
Why? Because everybody is different... >:(
Reason- You can never have too much! ;D
For your rig, I would at least try to fit the duel HP system.
Is there air ducting built into the truck body? I really like the idea of the 2 ton unit with heat pump, but retrofitting ducts into a built space with no basement to snake them through would be hard. Where would you locate the main unit? I note that two of the smaller units may cost the same, give redundancy, and let you locate them in different areas making ducting easier, maybe. In my bus, I would put one in the front (spare tire bay maybe) and one in the rear.
Neat ideas, proper basement AC units like that designed for RV use.
Brian
Yes there's ducting already in place from rear to front and this space under the bathroom was designed for tanks and A/C with serviceable access via removing a panel in the garage area.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2F616AE8AE-3296-4D02-BAAD-108B280F5BF5.jpg&hash=b725e169fb58832c7e2f278087dad2be9bfb4269) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/616AE8AE-3296-4D02-BAAD-108B280F5BF5.jpg.html)
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Got pretty chilly last night working in the truck so I turned on the central heat. To my surprise, it was very very quiet and it warmed the entire truck up quickly! I was impressed! Now if the a/c (when I buy it) works as well...
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Just remember you can't use old aluminum tanks for black tanks! :o
(jest won't work I tell ya! ;) )
;D BK ;D
You can't use aluminum tanks for black waste for the same reason you can't use aluminum tanks for Diesel Exhaust Fluid-Ammonia reacts with aluminum. Good Luck, TomC
Quote from: TomC on December 15, 2014, 09:54:19 PM
You can't use aluminum tanks for black waste for the same reason you can't use aluminum tanks for Diesel Exhaust Fluid-Ammonia reacts with aluminum. Good Luck, TomC
Tom -
BK's joke went completely over your head!
Guess it's an "old-timer's" thing, for those of us who have been around since the old crashin' MAK BBS days!
FWIW. . .
;)
We're not going to dispute this again are we? 😁
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LMAO - everyone knows the $%^* won't hit the fan till he sells his bus to FF ;D
I keep telling Huggy that his tanks will not work.
uncle ned
Quote from: RJ on December 15, 2014, 10:57:13 PM
Tom -
Guess it's an "old-timer's" thing, for those of us who have been around since the old crashin' MAK BBS days!
FWIW. . .
;)
Ah I remember wasn't two dogs in on that one ;D
Quote from: Ace on December 16, 2014, 03:19:26 AM
We're not going to dispute this again are we? 😁
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Sorry ACE I just couldn't resist with you being so excited about the truck an all!
;D BK ;D
I believe two dogs was cooling a detroit with electric fans.
miss his wit. never let anything said on this board run any one off.
Us old people need all the wit and help we can get.
uncle ned
BK better keep your eyes open,someone might just show up some night. if I can get in the parking lot.
Quote from: uncle ned
BK better keep your eyes open,someone might just show up some night. if I can get in the parking lot.
uncle ned
Ned shouldn't be any problem! There seems to be less junk on the lot than ever and even less going on around here most of the time. (well at least when I'm here)
;D BK ;D
Shower has been re-plumbed and moved the TV from just below the 8' ceiling to just above the entrance door. Now it's not so hard on the neck!
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1203.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fbb394%2FGoldbus%2F2014-12%2FC011C3A0-D09B-4F14-96D8-B2807E3CC304.jpg&hash=7d8c9a608b15510ca18e5032d3fc2763fcbea4dc) (http://s1203.photobucket.com/user/Goldbus/media/2014-12/C011C3A0-D09B-4F14-96D8-B2807E3CC304.jpg.html)
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Man, I would love to have an 8 foot ceiling! I had looked at truck conversions before I got the bus, but I can't get enough interior space with a truck to do everything I need. I suppose if I could do three bunks high with 8 foot ceilings I might make it work, but my friends don't like the top bunks as it is now. Not going to change things up now.
The strangest thing I seriously looked at was a moving van trailer converted to an RV towed behind a semi tractor. I traveled 1,000 miles round trip to look at it. The semi tractor was really old so I would have needed to get a newer one. I was having issues with insurance and such so I abandoned the idea. The trailer would have had enough room to be an RV and also would have had room for all of our gear we put in a trailer now. It was probably a blessing I didn't get that one as five guys in a semi tractor would not be fun. A bus works much better as everyone can move around and use the restroom if need be.
Truck conversion has MUCH more room then a bus. Granted is doesn't have pass through baggage bays, but with the ability to go a full 13'6" tall-I have 7ft ceiling AND 2ft basement. My conversion is the only motorhome I've ever seen that has basement access from inside-plus a 13ft garage for a small car-like a Mini or Toyota Yaris. The ability to have anyone work on a truck is second to none. I've just about completed the interior and electrical on the conversion and have yet to have to crawl under the truck. Good Luck, TomC
Quote from: TomC on December 21, 2014, 09:32:18 AM
Truck conversion has MUCH more room then a bus. Granted is doesn't have pass through baggage bays, but with the ability to go a full 13'6" tall-I have 7ft ceiling AND 2ft basement. My conversion is the only motorhome I've ever seen that has basement access from inside-plus a 13ft garage for a small car-like a Mini or Toyota Yaris. The ability to have anyone work on a truck is second to none. I've just about completed the interior and electrical on the conversion and have yet to have to crawl under the truck. Good Luck, TomC
It may have more cubic feet of interior, but square footage is less. I need space for eight bunks, bathroom, small kitchen, and seating for up to eight people including a dinette, couch, and other seats. I believe I have 35 feet of clear floor space from behind the driver to the rear in my bus. Does a truck with the engine out front and the driver's area have 35 feet remaining in back considering the legal length is 45 feet?
There are a number of advantages of a truck including easier to work on engine and standard parts any truck garage can work on. Having a passenger seat would be advantage so the driver has someone to keep them company.
It is a moot point because unless I come upon a big pot of money I would never be able to build a truck. My thing right now is trying to come up with the money to build a garage for my bus, but the best price I got is $52,000.
Belfert-with using the Kenworth 90" cabover, I am 40ft overall, and have a 32ft box, plus the additional 32" in the cab I've converted into an office.
I've also seen those that didn't want to have a garage to carry a car or motorcycles. Instead, the rear overhang was converted into two stories making two private bedrooms-with standing space. Good Luck, TomC