At the moment the M2 106 (which is the dimension from the front bumper to the back of the cab) chassis is the front runner for my next conversion.
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Engine Options
MBE 900 4.3L engines with ratings from 170-190 horsepower (standard engine)
MBE 900 6.4L engines with ratings from 190-280 horsepower (300 for fire and emergency)
MBE 4000 engines with ratings from 350-450 horsepower
Caterpillar C9 engines with ratings from 335-400 horsepower
Caterpillar C11 engines with ratings from 305-370 horsepower
Caterpillar C13 engines with ratings from 380-430 horsepower
Caterpillar C7 engines with ratings from 175-300 horsepower (330 for fire and emergency)
Transmission
Mercedes MBT 6-speed synchronized transmissions
Eaton Fuller 5-,6-,7-,9-,10-,11-, or 13-speed transmissions
Eaton Fuller 10-speed AutoShift
Allison Transmissions:
1000/2000/2400
MD and HD series
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At minimum I would want to be at 330 hp with preferably the Meritor automatic, but I do not see that as a option, if it is unavailable I would go with the autoshift. One reason to shy away from the full Allision automatic is for resale reasons. Since the majority of current customers are racers pulling large trailers a manual automatic is the preferred transmission.
As far as suspension this is the same as my current setup 12,000 frt spring & 21,000 rear air with a GVW 33,000
As far as seating, I would go with something cheap from the factory and upgrade to a high end leather air chairs to match the conversion seating.
This truck is basically a class 8 with a small compact cab. All of the chassis components are the same found on their Class 8's, and with with engine and trannie options to get you into the 400 hp range, I am finding it hard to look at the larger Columbia & Volvo chassis's.
Bill
2003 28' Show Hauler Motorhome on a 1995 FL 120
www.showhauler.com