Freightliner Bus Alternative

[lvmci]

Hi Scott, Wallys truck RV is a peterbuilt, theres a thread here called,  Name that "bus"Answer: Genesis, by rv_safetyman, TomC identifyed it, very striking look. Pictures under Walley & Darcy blog from a while ago, saw it for sale on search tempest some time ago,  http://www.flickr.com/photos/7939135@N05/3476401219/    lvmci...

[Scott & Heather]

Hi Scott, Wallys truck RV is a peterbuilt, theres a thread here called,  Name that "bus"Answer: Genesis, by rv_safetyman, TomC identifyed it, very striking look. Pictures under Walley & Darcy blog from a while ago, saw it for sale on search tempest some time ago,  http://www.flickr.com/photos/7939135@N05/3476401219/    lvmci...

Oh yeah...I did see that...very cool build...but it's had some issues. The tilt cab was my dream...but just too many issues to deal with in terms of sealing the cab to chassis...

[B_K]

Scott I have to agree with TomC back when I was trucking I owned Kenworths, Peterbilts and Freightliners and to tell ya truth they ALL rode smooth compared to the OLD trucks that gained the Freightliner the nick-name "Freightshaker" which truckers still call them that today!

I've heard the Volvo is supposed to be the smoothest ride on the market.

But back when I was trucking I wouldn't be caught dead in one of those ugly trucks. (I had an image to maintain, and an ugly truck wasn't in it!  LOL!)
  BK 

[luvrbus]

I read where the Pete's and KW are number 1 truck for owner operators when I bought my last heavy haul truck Freightliner was by far the best in price over KW and Pete 

I went with the Pete it looked better under a 4 axle low boy and jeep to me and the driver, they still do very seldom will you see a FreightLiner on heavy hauls load I am sure one would be ok

good luck

[tjtheman007]

I have been considering a truck conversion my self with a plethora of different ideas. Nothing that will come into reality (if ever) for many years to come.

However, I recommend this forum for getting ideas and knowledge on the truck conversion front. http://www.truckconversion.net/forums/
- Check out the HDT section for what your after.


Hope that helps.
Enjoy!!



TJ
Scenicruiser PD4501-858

[tjtheman007]

I know someone posted the flikr link to this ealier, but here it is on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-Peterbilt-Genesis-Bus-Conversion-/221201592387?_trksid=p3984.m1435.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&forcev4exp=true#v4-40&afsrc=1

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Wally and Darcy know a guy from their area,(Maine) that does/has done truck conversions. He has been in Yuma the last few years with his, i met him this winter, i think it is a Peterbilt and the back looks like a Prevost. Can't remember his name.

[luvrbus]

Kingsley did that type conversion for years Ed a truck with a Prevost body

[Ed Hackenbruch]

 This isn't Kingsley, he built the body himself to look just like a Prevost. I think he still may be doing them.

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Sent an email to Wally, he said that the guy's name is Dick Lamb and has Custom Land Yachts in Windham Maine.  I see that in the archives several people have mentioned his name before.

[TomC]

To combat the possibility of leaks, on my truck conversion I only used a 48" x 20" step through. I'm converting the old cab sleeper into an office.

Just a comment or two about trucks. I used to drive nothing but Kenworths. Everytime I went into a Kenworth dealer, I would see a truck having it's left, right or both frame rails being replaced because of cracking, bending, or such. Since I've been working at Freightliner for almost 13 years, the only time I see a frame rail replacement is when the truck has been in an accident. Freightliners are VERY conservative with their frame rails. When looking for a used truck, keep that in mind. Keep away from an aluminum frame. Good luck, TomC

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Scott, i sent you a message.

[Scott & Heather]

Thanks for the message Ed. I'll be making some calls for sure at this point. You guys have no idea how much I've read and re-read every one of your comments and I'm taking notes. Just love hearing that the FL is the way to go in terms of trucks. One of you mentioned that the better years are the years prior to EGR...I think I'll start looking into those model years for the columbia. Also good to hear that we should stay away from aluminum frames...this is excellent info...I can't thank you enough... 

[luvrbus]

Better find us a Pete,Kw and Volvo salesman for the board now we have FL covered lol just kidding TomC, 

My friend Jerry Moyles that owns Swift Transportation the largest in the world runs all brand of trucks he has a few Pete's not many as they don't get in the price war between Volvo and Freightliner as which most of his are he buys the cheapest that will run 62 MPH he doesn't care what's on the hood 

He told me the IH with natural gas/ diesel engines have been good trucks , now a question for TomC is it true that the FL natural gas trucks he has at the port there cost 165,000 less the 35,000 CA gives back for buying one 

A quick figure off the top of my head he bought 10 trucks he said that is 350,000 smackers CA paid him no reason that state has money problems that is a lot of money for buying 10 trucks to please the port and CARB, how long did it take you to spend that commission if you sold the trucks, it's a rainy night in Texas

[TomC]

Yes the natural gas trucks cost $165,000 out the door. And yes the government is giving $35,000 rebates. It started a couple of years ago with $100,000 rebates on the natural gas trucks-we sold hundreds of them. California only allows dedicated natural gas trucks-meaning spark plug engines that are problematic. If California allowed dual fueled engines, the natural gas engines would be quite reliable. But California is afraid you'd run out the natural gas and run the truck down the road on straight Diesel-Oh My! Good Luck, TomC