HDT problems after 200k and 500k miles?

[1960apache]

Hello all I am in the process of looking at some different trucks to use to pull an auto hauler with living quarters. I have looked at all the different brands, I have narrowed it down to the T680 or 579, there are a lot of good buys on units with 200k to 500k miles and wanted to get input on what breaks or become a problem after they get some miles on them? I am sure the engines, trans, diff's are not a problem. The stuff I think about are computer gremlins and possibly anti lock braking parts, A/C stuff.

Also is it worth changing the rear end gears to 2.75-3.00 or whatever and also what is the biggest advantage to singling, other than the extra cost of tires, brakes etc?

Thanks for your input.

[jasong]

You hit most things, here's my thoughts:

Originally Posted by 1960apache

Hello all I am in the process of looking at some different trucks to use to pull an auto hauler with living quarters. I have looked at all the different brands, I have narrowed it down to the T680 or 579, make sure it has a sleeper or you'll never get registered as a RV500k miles and wanted to get input on what breaks or become a problem after they get some miles on them? I am sure the engines, trans, diff's are not a problem. The stuff I think about are computer gremlins and possibly anti lock braking parts, A/C stuff air dryers mainly.

Also is it worth changing the rear end gears to 2.75-3.00 or whatever unless you find someone to swap,an axle will cost around $1K and also what is the biggest advantage to singling, other than the extra cost of tires, brakes etc? small mileage gain. Singling short gives a tighter turn radius. Smoother ride if lightly loaded/bobtailed

Thanks for your input.

[1960apache]

Originally Posted by jasong

You hit most things, here's my thoughts:

Thanks, yes the trucks I am looking at have sleepers, I like the Volvo 780 set up with the dinette type arrangement which I think I could convert into the ones I am looking at. I think I will leave the tandem arrangement since I will be hauling 30k to 35k and looks OK. It's going to be pretty hard to find an autoshift or ultrashift in anything other than a Volvo so it's kind of becoming a hard call to make. The search goes on.