Coach in the Making Two - Truck Spec's

[Warpath]

I want to thank Nathan at Becks Custom Coach for getting me the Freightliner M2-106 specifications.

About the only thing we will change on this list are the seats. We will want to match the rest of the interior which will be dark grey ultra leather and go with a upgraded seat. The only adders will be a windshield visor & air dam under the front chrome bumper. All the other little accessories I will do myself over time.
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MODEL: BUSINESS CLASS M2 106MD CONVENTIONAL CHASSIS

ENGINE
MBE900-300 7.2L 300 HP@2300 RPM;2500GOV 860 LB/FT @ 1250 RPM
ENGINE EQUIPMENT
2004 EPA/CARB EMISSION CERTIFICATION
ENGINE MOUNTED OIL CHECK & FILL
ONE PIECE VALVE COVER
SIDE OF HOOD AIR INTAKE WITH FIREWALL MOUNTED DONALDSON AIR CLEANER
DR 12V 130 AMP 22-SI QUADRAMOUNT PAD ALTERNATOR
(3) ALLIANCE 1031 GRP31 12V MF 2280 CCA THREADED STUD BATTERIES
BATTERY BOX FRAME MTD
SINGLE BATTERY BOX FRAME MOUNTED LH SIDE BACK OF CAB
FRAME GROUND RETURN FOR BATTERY CABLES
NON-POLISHED BATTERY BOX COVER
NO CLUTCH
WABCO 15.5 CFM AIR COMPRESSOR
TEFLON COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE LINE
ELEC ENG INTEGRAL SHUTDOWN PROTECTION SYSTEM
MERCEDES BENZ ON/OFF COMPRESSION BRAKE
SINGLE HORIZONTAL MUFFLER, W/HORIZONTAL TAIL PIPE EXHAUST, RIGHT HAND MOUNTED
HORIZONTAL TAILPIPE, EXIT FWD OF REAR TIRES, LH
HORTON HT650 FRONTAL AIR ON/OFF ENGINE FAN CLUTCH
AUTOMATIC CONTROL W/O DASH SWITCH
MBE FUEL FILTER
FULL FLOW OIL FILTER
1000 SQ-IN RADIATOR - ALUMINUM
ANTIFREEZE TO -34F, ETHYLENE GLYCOL PRE-CHARGED SCA HEAVY DUTY COOLANT
RUBBER COOLANT HOSES
CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS FOR COOLANT HOSES
PHILLIPS-TEMRO 1000 WATT/115 VOLT BLOCK HEATER
BLACK PLASTIC ENGINE HEATER RECEPTACLE MOUNTED UNDER LEFT HAND DOOR
ALUMINUM FLYWHEEL HOUSING
AIR INTAKE WARMER
DELCO 12V 38MT STARTER
TRANSMISSION AND EQUIPMENT
ALLISON 3000 TRV AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH PTO PROVISION FOR RECREATION
VEHICLE INTERFACE WIRING AND PDM WITH BODY BUILDER CONNECTOR, BACK OF CAB
MAGNETIC PLUGS, ENGINE DRAIN TRANSMISSION DRAIN,AXLE(S) FILL & DRAIN
PUSH BUTTON, ELECTRONIC SHIFT CONTROL, DASH MOUNTED
TRANSMISSION OIL CHECK AND FILL WITH ELECTRONIC OIL LEVEL CHECK
WATER TO OIL TRANSMISSION COOLER - FRAME MOUNTED
FRONT AXLE AND SUSPENSION
MERITOR MFS-14-143A FRONT AXLE @ 14,700#
MERITOR 16.5 X 5 "Q+" CAST SPDR CAM FRT BRKS, DBLE ANCHOR, FAB SHOES
NON-ASBESTOS FRONT BRAKE LINING
CONMET CAST IRON FRONT BRAKE DRUMS
CHICAGO RAWHIDE SCOTSEAL FRONT OIL SEALS
STANDARD SPINDLE NUTS FOR ALL AXLES
MERITOR AUTOMATIC FRONT SLACK ADJUSTRS
TRW TAS-85 POWER STEERING
POWER STEERING PUMP
2 QUART SEE THROUGH POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
14,600# TAPERLEAF FRONT SUSPENSION
MAINTENANCE FREE RUBBER BUSHINGS - FRONT SUSPENSION
FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS
REAR AXLE AND SUSPENSION
ARS-21-4 21,000# R-SERIES SINGLE REAR AXLE
4.78 AXLE RATIO
IRON REAR AXLE CARRIER HOUSING
176N MERITOR MAIN DRIVELINE W/FULL ROUND YOKES
MERITOR 16.5X7 Q+ CAST SPIDER CAM REAR BRKS, DBLE ANCHOR, FAB'D SHOES
NON-ASBESTOS REAR BRAKE LINING
CONMET CAST IRON REAR BRAKE DRUMS
CHICAGO RAWHIDE SCOTSEAL REAR OIL SEALS
HALDEX LONGSTROKE 1-DRV AXLE SPRING PARKING CHAMBERS
MERITOR AUTOMATIC REAR SLACK ADJUSTERS
AIRLINER 23,000# REAR SUSPENSION
AIRLINER RIDE HEIGHT - HIGH
MANUAL DUMP VALVE FOR AIR SUSPENSION W/O INDICATOR LIGHT, W/O GAUGE
REAR AIR SUSPENSION DUMP VALVE AUTOFILL WITH IGNITION OFF OR >5 MPH
SINGLE AIR REAR SUSPENSION LEVELING VALVE
TRANSVERSE CONTROL RODS
REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS-ONE AXLE (AIR RIDE SUSP)
BRAKE SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
AIR BRAKE PACKAGE
WABCO 4S/4M ABS W/O TRACTION CONTROL ENHANCEMENT
REINFORCED NYLON, FABRIC BRAID & WIREBRAID CHASSIS AIR LINES
BW AD-9 BRAKE LINE AIR DRYER W/HEATER
STEEL AIR BRAKE RESERVOIRS
PULL CABLE ON WET TANK, PETCOCK DRAIN VALVES ON ALL OTHER AIR TANKS
TRAILER CONNECTION
NO TRAILER AIR HOSE
UPGRADED CHASSIS MULTIPLEXING UNIT
UPGRADED CAB MULTIPLEXING UNIT
WHEELBASE
315 inch WHEELBASE
FRAME
11/32" X 3-1/2" X 10-15/16" STEEL FRAME (8.73MM X 277.8/.344" X 10.94") 120KSI
1/4"(6MM) C-CHANNEL INNER FRAME REINFORCEMENT
2800MM (110") REAR FRAME OVERHANG
SQUARE END OF FRAME
STANDARD WEIGHT ENGINE CROSSMEMBER
STANDARD REARMOST CROSSMEMBER
STANDARD SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
CHASSIS EQUIPMENT
THREE-PIECE 14" CHROMED STEEL BUMPER WITH COLLAPSIBLE ENDS
FRONT TOW HOOKS - FRAME MOUNTED
BUMPER MTG FOR SINGLE LICENSE PLATE
HUCK-SPIN ROUND COLLAR CHASSIS FASTENERS
FUEL TANKS AND EQUIPMENT
50 GALLON/189 LITER RECTANGULAR ALUMINUM FUEL TANK - RH
50 GALLON/189 LITER RECTANGULAR ALUMINUM FUEL TANK - LH
RECTANGULAR FUEL TANK(S)
PLAIN ALUMINUM/PAINTED STEEL FUEL/ HYDRAULIC TANK(S) WITH PAINTED BANDS
FUEL TANK(S) FORWARD
FUEL TANK CAP(S)
EQUIFLO INBOARD FUEL SYSTEM
REINFORCED NYLON FUEL HOSE
FRONT TIRES, HUBS, WHEELS
MICHELIN XZA2.......275/80R 22.5 16 PLY
CONMET IRON FRONT HUBS
F/L DOMED TURBO 22.5X8.25 10-HUB PILOT ALUMINUM #29114/16 DISC FRONT WHEELS
POLISHED FRONT WHEELS (OUTSIDE ONLY)
REAR DRIVE TIRES, HUBS, WHEELS
MICHELIN XDA H/T....275/80R 22.5 14 PLY
GUNITE IRON REAR AXLE HUBS
F/L DOMED TURBO 22.5X8.25 10-HUB PILOT ALUMINUM #29114/16 DISC REAR WHEELS
POLISHED REAR WHEELS - OUTSIDE OF OUTER WHEELS ONLY
CAB EXTERIOR
106" BBC FLAT ROOF ALUMINUM CONVENTIONAL CAB
AIR CAB MOUNTS
NONREMOVABLE BUGSCREEN MTD BEHIND GRILLE
GRABHANDLES LH/RH
HOOD MOUNTED CHROMED PLASTIC GRILLE
FIBERGLASS HOOD
HOOD LINER INSULATION WITH SINGLE FIREWALL INSULATION
SINGLE 11" ROUND AIR HORN UNDER DECK
SINGLE ELECTRIC HORN
SINGLE HORN SHIELD
ALL LOCKS KEYED THE SAME
REAR LICENSE PLATE MOUNT END OF FRAME
INTEGRAL HEADLIGHT/MARKER ASSEMBLY WITH CHROME BEZEL
Omit Marker lights
INTEGRAL STOP/TAIL/BACKUP LIGHTS
STANDARD FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMPS
DUAL BRIGHT HEATED WEST COAST MIRRORS WITH LH/RH REMOTE
DOOR MOUNTED MIRRORS
102" EQUIPMENT WIDTH
LH/RH 8" CONVEX MIRRORS, BRIGHT FINISH, MTD UNDER PRIMARY MIRRORS
STANDARD SIDE/REAR REFLECTORS
63"X14" TINTED REAR WINDOW
TINTED DOOR GLASS LH & RH WITH TINTED OPERATING WING WINDOWS
RH & LH ELECTRIC POWERED WINDOWS
TINTED WINDSHIELD
8 LITER WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR W/O FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR
CAB INTERIOR
OPAL GRAY VINYL INTERIOR
M2 INTERIOR CONVENIENCE PACKAGE
MOLDED DOOR PANEL WITH UPPER VINYL INSERTS
MOLDED DOOR PANEL WITH UPPER VINYL INSERTS
GRAY VINYL MATS WITH INSULATION
DASH MOUNTED ASH TRAYS & LIGHTER
FWD ROOF MTD CONSOLE W/UPPER STORAGE CMPRTS &ADDTIONAL CTR CMPRT W/O NETTING
BETWEEN SEAT CONSOLE W/COIN TRAY,CB BIN STORAGE BIN, & CUP & THERMOS HOLDER
PLASTIC MANIFEST BOX - LH DOOR
(2) CUP HOLDERS, LH & RH DASH
HEATER, DEFROSTER AND AIR CONDITIONER
MAIN HVAC CONTROLS WITH RECIRCULATION SWITCH
STANDARD HEATER PLUMBING
SANDEN COMPACT AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR
BINARY CONTROL, R-134A
SILENCER PACKAGE FOR CAB
SOLID-STATE CIRCUIT PROTECTION AND FUSES
DOME DOOR ACTIVATED LH & RH, DUAL READING LIGHT, FWD CAB ROOF
ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS - LH & RH
(1) 12V POWER SUPPLY, IN DASH
BOSTROM TALLADEGA 910 HIGH-BACK AIR-SUSPENSION DRIVER SEAT
BOSTROM TALLADEGA 910 HIGH-BACK AIR-SUSPENSION PASSENGER SEAT
DUAL ARMREST DRIVER SEAT - INBOARD ARMREST PASSENGER SEAT
LH/RH INTEGRAL DOOR PANEL ARM RESTS
VINYL W/CLOTH INSERT, DRIVER'S SEAT
VINYL W/CLOTH INSERT, PASSENGER SEAT
3 POINT FIXED D-RING RETRACTOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBELTS
ADJUSTABLE TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
450MM (18") LK FOUR-SPOKE CHARCOAL STEERING WHEEL
DRVR/PASS INTER SUN VISORS
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONTROLS
BLACK GAUGE BEZELS
WOODGRAIN INSTRUMENT PANEL-DRIVER
LOW AIR PRESSURE LIGHT AND BUZZER
(1) SINGLE BRAKE APPLICATION AIR GAUGE
PRIMARY & SECONDARY AIR PRESSURE GAUGES
INTAKE MOUNTED AIR RESTRICTION INDICATOR WITHOUT GRADUATIONS
CRUISE CONTROL - ELEC ENG, W/SWITCHES IN LH SWITCH PANEL
KEY OPERATED IGN SWITCH &INTEGRAL START POSITION; 4 POSITION OFF/RUN/START/ACC
ODO/TRIP/HOUR/DIAGNOSTIC/VOLTAGEDISPLAY 1X7 CHAR,26 WRNG LAMPS,DATA LINKED ICU3
DIAGNOSTIC INTERFACE CONNECTOR, 9 PIN, SAE J1587/1708/1939, LOCATED BELOW DASH
ELECTRIC FUEL GAUGE
PROGRAMMABLE RPM CONTROL-ELECT ENGINE
ELECTRICAL ENGINE COOLANT TEMP GAUGE
TRANSMISSION OIL TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LIGHT
ENGINE AND TRIP HOUR METERS INTEGRAL WITHIN DRIVER DISPLAY
ELECTRIC ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
F/L XTA-2300 AM/FM/WB CD RADIO BY DELCO
(2) RADIO SPEAKERS (CAB ONLY)
MULTI-BAND AM/FM/WB/CB LH MIRROR MOUNTED ANTENNA SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC MPH SPEEDOMETER W/ SECONDARY KPH SCALE, W/O ODOMETER
ELECTRONIC TACHOMETER 3000 RPM
IGNITION SWITCH CONTROLLED ENGINE STOP
ONE ILLUMINATED ROCKER SWITCH WITH WIRE TO CHASSIS AT BACK OF CAB
DIGITAL VOLTAGE DISPLAY INTEGRAL WITH DRIVER DISPLAY ICU3
SINGLE ELECTRIC WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR W/DELAY AND ARCTIC TYPE BLADES
MARKER LIGHT SWITCH INTEGRAL W/HEADLIGHT SWITCH
SELF CANCEL TURN SIGNAL SWITCH W/ DIMMER, WASHER/WIPER & HAZARD IN HANDLE
INTEGRAL ELECTRONIC TURN SIGNAL FLASHER
PAINT DESIGNS
PAINT: ONE SOLID COLOR
Cab Color A: IMRON N0225HN WHITE
Chassis: BLACK HIGH SOLIDS POLYURETHANE
DEALER OPTIONS
Raw materials
Michelin tires

[DrFun]

Thanks for sharing the specs and for starting a new journal to document the build process of your new rig.

Regarding the M2 chassis...
1. Was this an in-stock vehicle that either Beck's or Showhauler had already procured?
2. Do you know if the engine can be "field upgraded" to 330 HP and 1000 lb-ft of torque? (for more info on this engine, see: MBE-926 Specs

[Warpath]

Alan -

No this is not a in stock truck. Just a FYI; Show Hauler does not handle truck chassis at all so you would need to procure your truck yourself or through a dealer.

This truck was configured by Beck's Custom Coach. Nathan used his experience in conversions to put together a chassis spec that would have a reasonable cost, but would have all of the little things most buyers would want. Turn around for a chassis is about 30 days.

As for the motor, as mentioned before with the M2-106 chassis, the limiting factor is the radiator. I am sure that the motor manufactures are putting in a margin of error, but they are saying the max motor size for the 1,000 sq/in radiator is 300 hp, 860 ft/lbs of torque. Could modifications be made to the cooling system & the motor to get more ponies, I am sure, but from what I have read & heard this motor hp & torque will be just fine for 90% of my travel. I tell you how it goes in March, which is when we will probably get the RV and put our first trip in to Florida.

[KAYE RIVERCITY]

....I'd suggest aluminum fuel and Air tanks....and the best fuel seperator money can buy-with at least 3 spin on filters.....did you call "Freightliner Frank" at FYDA Freightliner on I-275 just off I-75?.....bet you a dinner at your favorite restraunt he can beat the others best deal....1-513-772-7171......geof-[and NO I don't get a kicker or any other cheese.....]

[vapoppa]

bill-- if you're changing the seats why pay for optioned ones-- also are the hoses silicone ? is 21,000 rear axle going to be heavy enough? --oh- with the automatic tranny-- i'd try to get the road rpms as low as possible, mie is a 3.08-- i know that you probbaly can't get that low-- but i'd really try to work out a good cruise rpm/speed combo--- otherwise good job--- mase

[Gary Atsma]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KAYE RIVERCITY:
....I'd suggest aluminum fuel and Air tanks.. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The fuel tanks on M2's ARE aluminum, but I'm not sure if aluminum air tanks are even available.

[KAYE RIVERCITY]

....they are available as an aftermarket option to the trucking industry.....it is going to be one of my first replacement upgrades in January after an overall paint job on the cab......geof

[Warpath]

Can I ask why you would want to add expense for a aluminum air tanks on a truck? These tanks are pretty small and they are not going to save you that much weight. Also my FLD120 had 567,000 miles and almost 10 years old with the same steel tanks. This conversion will be long gone before I even get close to that kind of miles or time.

Mase - We are going with the upgraded seats in cloth and then having them covered to match. So we are not paying for something we won't use. As for the rear end gear this is what Detroit recommends for this motor, application and transmission.

I don't run down the road at 90 miles an hour so a lower gear is not going to help me. I pretty much run the speed limit plus 5.

Bill

[DrFun]

Bill:
Just curious... did you consider any other trucks for your conversion -- the International 4400 and Peterbilt 335 look to be competitors for the Freightliner M2.

I wonder if the M2 is the only "logical" choice for an RV conversion or if other trucks should be considered.

[Warpath]

Alan -

The reason why we are going with the M2-106 is because of the cab dimensions. We wanted something that was as compact as possible. Giving us a shorter wheel base, shorter overal length, and a big bunk over the cab.

The 4400 is very close in size & price, but we have a FL dealer near by to do service so we stuck with the FL. The Pete cab matches more with the Columbia and out of those 2 I would have gone with the Columbia. But your length with increase by about 2 ft and the overhead bunk is unusable for anyone other than kids.

I see you are in Colorado and mountain driving maybe a common occurrence for you. In that case you may want to look at more motor, and intern will be forced into a chassis that can handle it. The problem then becomes either less living space or a longer unit.

As the RV segment of this market evolves, people are going to really do some soul searching to determine what is most important. How much living space do you want, how much power, versus how much maneuverability. I have seen a number of these conversion running 45' long and a RV'er is going to have a tough time getting in & out of standard type campgrounds. RV'ers tow cars and with a car in tow you can't back up if you over shoot a corner in one of these monsters. Believe me I have had it happen a number of times and it sucks.

Bill

[KAYE RIVERCITY]

....aluminum air tanks are the newest thing for airbrake systems and are completely rustproof-quick cooling- light and very durable... and I just like the looks-the price being about $56.00 each...very modern appearance.....geof

[Doug]

Glad to see that Bill is aware of the power issues. I suspect that someone who has not given it much thought might follow his lead without considering how and why he came to that conclusion. In the midwest, running north and south, there are darned few real pulls. The only one I can think of is Monteagle, in Tn. In addition, Bill is going to a lighter and smaller configuration. He can get away with a motor I would not have in a yard spotter. :-)
In the farther reaches of the east and west, however, there are a lot more hills that require serious power. When I drove to FLETC (Brunswick GA, for those not in the know) this summer, I of course took I90, but dropped down I25 through Colorado, then across the south. On the way back, I took I70 all the way to Utah, then cut across to I15, as I had never been west of Denver on I70. Jeepers. Stout up and down grades.
I would not do that in a truck conversion without big power, and big braking; it makes the C15 with both the Jake and hydraulic retarder appealing. I also want lots of gears; the 10 AutoShift is the bare minimum. (I hate auto trannies, but the co-pilot issue precludes a real transmission, although I would not have a true auto due to the lack of a clutch.) In a set-up like Bill's, even if I was where he is, I would spec the 10 AutoShift, which I am pretty sure is an option, simply to have the ability to overcome the lack of power.
In addition, I would be looking at the conversion as my primary residence, or at least a heavily used 2nd residence, so I would want a lot more water and electrical capacity (solar panels and a lot of storage batteries, among other things); household appliances; a real shower; probably a king size bed (I'm big, and have 3 dogs of 85, 106, and 70 pounds each, all of whom are bed hogs, with future dogs to likely be of rare breed Mastiff type), etc.
It would of course be a tandem, and probably right at maximum legal length, but I'm used to big vehicles and unlikely to hit small campgrounds.

[Warpath]

I just wanted to post a update on this. A M2 has a current build time of 45 days. So with a few holidays thrown in, my truck will not be ready until January 31st.

Something to think about as you consider a new conversion.

[Gary Atsma]

Bill-
Don't feel bad- 45 days, or 6 weeks, seems to be the standard of the industry when it comes to building-to-order, whether its a Focus, pickup, or whatever. I'm actually surprised it's that low considering what a hot property the M2 is. The wait WILL be worth it!

[KAYE RIVERCITY]

.....and it gives you something to do 'cuz you can't go to Florida this Christmas until it is complete..hehehehe...geof

[Gary Atsma]

Geez, Geof, you REALLY know how to hit where it hurts the most.......(OK, quit that insane giggle).

[KAYE RIVERCITY]

.....stuck in NW Ohio in the winter months.....you must have pizzed someone off....hahahahaha....geof[OK I'll quit now] snicker

[Warpath]

Thanks guys that really hurts

Actually, we originally planned to head to Florida next week, that was until we decided to sell the last one. We did Florida the last year at Christmas and that was a major mistake. Going from blizzard conditions to sunny and 80 and then back makes again for that last 2 1/2 months of winter was hell!

I was really hoping to get this done by February and hit Florida the first week of March, but it looks like early April at best now.

Bill

[vapoppa]

bill, they'y just jealous-- you know how it really is-- sometimes you just can't please nobody-- besides fla. in april is bestest-- that way when you get back it'l be warm an' every one you see will be in shorts an t shirts but they will be snow white an youll be so tanned- besides most of the snow birds will leave round the first of april-- mase