I'm considering a MDT conversion to an RV, and I'm trying to understand the trade-offs of some choices, and maybe figure out what I can do and what I should hand off to a fabricator.
Who: me. I'm middle-age, grew up on a farm, live in the city now, have degrees in Electrical Engineering and in Physics. I know my way around SolidWorks and some other CAD programs, if needed. I used to work on cars, but my project car is on hold until after the pandemic. I can weld a functional bead without setting myself on fire.
Where: I'm in PHX
When: I figure it will take at least 2 years to be 'finished', probably 18 months to be rolling down the road and camping.
Why: no one makes what I want - a double/crew cab SuperC on an MDT frame, <30' OAL, no slide-outs. I have 3 little kids, and I don't feel comfortable with them riding in the house of my Tioga 26Q. That vehicle just isn't set up to roll down the road with children. No slides for safety, reliability, weight reasons. Short length because my wife might need to drive it, and we just don't think we'll outgrow a ~26' house in the next 10 years.
What: a conversion of an double/crew cab MDT. Source vehicle and configuration is where I'm hoping someone can help.
Is there a 'best source truck?
I'm trying to get 2009 or older, or newer than 2015. I understand the new diesel engines weren't the best when they first rolled out. I think the newer ones are quieter, but I also have some experience with soundproofing.
Where should the rear-axle be located? centered under the load? or as far back as the suspension will allow? what are the trade-offs in axle location? I don't think it's a big deal to move the rear axle (measure, drill, weld), but correct me if I'm wrong.
Right now I'm looking at older moving trucks, or but my ideal would be (I think) an ambulance. I think it would have the lower ride height and better handling/cruising.
Anyway, I have lots of other questions - and I've read the first few pages of posts in this and the "general" forum, so hopefully I'm not asking something that's been asked a thousand times before...but probably.
