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03-01-2011, 07:47 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tucson,AZ
Posts: 5
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Hello, future converter checking in
I am about to purchase a 1997 Freightliner Classic XL with a 265" wheelbase which I plan to use for my own recreational enjoyment. I have driven an air-braked equipped vehicle before and will be obtaining my certificate prior to purchasing.
This looks like a great forum and I can't wait to dig deeper into this new world.
Rob
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03-03-2011, 10:12 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1,819
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Nice looking truck, Rob. Are you planning on building living quarters on it? Or pulling a 5th wheel camper? What engine? Trans? If you build a box for living quarters you going to keep the sleeper and modify that for passengers? So much to do, so little time.
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'03 Freightliner FL112, 295" wheel base, with '03 United Specialties 26' living quarters, single screw, Cat C12 430 h/p 1650 torque, Eaton 10speed , 3.42 rear axle ratio
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03-03-2011, 07:56 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tucson,AZ
Posts: 5
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Thanks Bob. It's got a 12.7 Series 60 Detroit Diesel mated to an Eaton/Fuller Super 10. If I get it I plan to slowly evolve it into a short HDT with a bed/bath/kitchen. I will keep the sleeper and add a 16' box for quarters. It will be used to tow my cars to the track in a 24ft tag and my boat/SeaDoos to the lakes. First I need to sell my '00 F-250 diesel with 6-MT and convince my wife that this is a good plan.
Rob
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03-04-2011, 09:37 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Choctaw,Okla
Posts: 174
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Sounds like a good plan Rob. However, convincing the DW should be the number one priority! If the wife ain't happy,nobody's happy! MMM
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03-04-2011, 02:12 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 47
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Welcome!
There was talk on another forum about using a HDT for launching boats, and the general consensus from experience was that HDT's don't work so well for that... not enough weight over the driven wheels. Though once you have it RV-converted, that should help. One guy who had success using his HDT for this had a trailer made with an extend-able neck just for launching, to keep the HDT tires out of the slick stuff.
__________________
-Currently window-shopping for a class8 coach conversion...
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03-05-2011, 01:21 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tucson,AZ
Posts: 5
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Well (at least for the short term) this isn't happening. My wife is not a fan of the idea, she says maybe when we're older she'll need an RV but now she's happy with the raised shell on the back of my longed diesel. Also this particular truck is off the market, the seller's replacement rig broke down so he's re-enlisting the service of the old truck.
Oh well, time to turn my energy towards one of my other projects. I'll stick around though, this place looks like a wonderful community.
Rob
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03-05-2011, 08:59 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 1,819
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Oh no, Rob, that's not good news. Keep looking tho. I'm sure another will come along. They really are the cats meow for towing.
__________________
'03 Freightliner FL112, 295" wheel base, with '03 United Specialties 26' living quarters, single screw, Cat C12 430 h/p 1650 torque, Eaton 10speed , 3.42 rear axle ratio
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10-11-2012, 04:00 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 6
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Hey Rob,
If you ever decide to get back into the search a highly recommend the Series 60 engine. It has been very reliable for high volume cross country truckers for decades. Parts are readily available at very reasonable prices. Let me know if you are ever in need of any.
__________________
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