Truck Conversion & Toterhome Community - View Single Post

Jimm · 08-12-2005, 02:29 AM

If you don't do slideouts, you can get a nice new rig in the $100-$125k range built on a good condition used cab/frame/drivetrain.

My opinion is that slideouts stink. They reduce overall reliability (weaker frame) and introduce their own multiple "points of failure".

Another point: some makers are getting away from the original riveted aluminum skin on welded steel square tube frame. They shouldn't. I have an '88 built that way, a very early truck conversion and it's aged VERY well. GMC buses going back to the 1940s and prior were riveted aluminum on aluminum frames and are still going strong; Crown schoolbuses were riveted aluminum on steel frames...the company has been out of business for what, over a decade, school districts still run models from the '70s and prior.

Rivets don't look "modern". They don't look "Prevostoid/Marathonish". They look "commercial", like a semi tractor.

YUP.

They will also be firmly on there long after glued on "smooth sides" have gone to crap.

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The absolute best deals on used truck conversions is on http://www.racingjunk.com under "towing". Definately check that out.

08-12-2005, 02:29 AM	#3
Jimm Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 48	If you don't do slideouts, you can get a nice new rig in the $100-$125k range built on a good condition used cab/frame/drivetrain. My opinion is that slideouts stink. They reduce overall reliability (weaker frame) and introduce their own multiple "points of failure". Another point: some makers are getting away from the original riveted aluminum skin on welded steel square tube frame. They shouldn't. I have an '88 built that way, a very early truck conversion and it's aged VERY well. GMC buses going back to the 1940s and prior were riveted aluminum on aluminum frames and are still going strong; Crown schoolbuses were riveted aluminum on steel frames...the company has been out of business for what, over a decade, school districts still run models from the '70s and prior. Rivets don't look "modern". They don't look "Prevostoid/Marathonish". They look "commercial", like a semi tractor. YUP. They will also be firmly on there long after glued on "smooth sides" have gone to crap. -------- The absolute best deals on used truck conversions is on http://www.racingjunk.com under "towing". Definately check that out.