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  1. Bob E

    Aluminum Trim

    You might check with Trina at RV Surplus & Salvage in Elkhart (they have a web site, sorry I don't have it handy) - suggest google it. She may even have it.
  2. Bob E

    Inverters

    As Dr Fun mentioned, "Different strokes for different folks," I kinda liked the idea of being as versatile as possible. We occasionally go to Northern Minnesquito in the summer and Yuma in the winter, with a lot of dry camping in route & when we get there. Good insulation is a must (in keeping...
  3. Bob E

    Diesel Generator Wanted

    I have an Isuzu 3 cyl diesel/Stamford 4 pole 1800 rpm generator that I would sell. It's rated for 24/7 duty (not intermittent) @ 58.3 amps. The Isuzu diesel is rated @ 20BHP continuous and comes with it's own 12v alternator, radiator, etc and is mounted via rubber isolators on a steel platform...
  4. Bob E

    Converting shipping container to trailer

    I don't like to rain on anyone's parade but,...IMHO using a shipping container might end up being more work than building a shell from the usual sq tubing. Conventional builds are either on 16" or 24" centers and everything depends on this when adding components. I don't know if containers are...
  5. Bob E

    Best Construction Method

    Also check out Sikaflex 252. Source: austinhardware.com just type 252 in the search box. This product is used in the manufacture of commercial truck & trailer bodies. I set up a scrap piece of steel sq tubing & bonded another scrap of .050 aluminum to it aprox a foot long. After it cured, I...
  6. Bob E

    Volvo VNL64T780 Price - New!

    A lot of the chassis mods would depend on the length of the conversion, rear axle placement & GVW. If you build a 40+ foot conversion with rear axles placed towards the rear, you should consider a double frame. You may also need to increase the ft axle weigh capacity to 15 or 16K lbs as the load...
  7. Bob E

    Volvo VNL64T780 Price - New!

    Don't forget: stretch the driveline, air lines, exhaust, wiring harness, beef up the frame, add extra x-members, increase the ft axle & suspension weight capacity, & change the rear end ratios.
  8. Bob E

    Box truck conversion to RV. Cab to box connection?

    Suggest use something like PL3000 urthane sealer instead of weather strip cement. It has more body & will fill small gaps much better than w-strip stuff (IMHO)
  9. Bob E

    Suggestions wanted on "How much to pay for a used truck conversion."

    Dog,...I visited with all of the truck conversion manufacturers in Elkhart (and Optima in Ga) and toured their facilities. I didn't like FRP construction (Renegade & others) use. There isn't any structure other than the plywood. Also, repairability would appear to be a nightmare if any major...
  10. Bob E

    Best Construction Method

    Hawk Engineering built my shell using 1.5" steel sq tubing on 16" centers, .050" aluminum skins bonded with VHB. Just for safety's sake, I went inside before insulating and reinforced the VHB with Sikaflex 252 by squeezing a bead down each side of every sq tube. Sikaflex 252 is used in the...
  11. Bob E

    Suggestions wanted on "How much to pay for a used truck conversion."

    I would also give Hawk Engineering a thumbs up. He built the shell for my conversion, which is by far, a better design & better workmanship than I saw around Elkhart.
  12. Bob E

    Rear Axle placement questions. What determines their location?

    There are advantages (& disadvantages) to both (forward & rear axle) placement. Forward: better turning radius, Rear: less chance of dragging the pavement on a steep incline, better trailer handling (IMO)
  13. Bob E

    Is there a "best" layout for a bathroom, ie shower, sink, toilet...?

    Layout of a bathroom is partially dependent on waste water tank configuration. Mine run side-to-side with the deep end of the sump on the driver's side. I therefore put the toilet on the driver's side (over the deep end of the sump), with the shower adjacent to the toilet. The vanity & a linen...
  14. Bob E

    Suggestions wanted on "How much to pay for a used truck conversion."

    Suggest check www.racingjunk.com lots of truck conversions listed. Since these things are a "somewhat" limited production RV, and also {mostly} custom built, they are difficult to evaluate. Perhaps the best way to establish a value would be to compare to the house appraisal valuation method...
  15. Bob E

    What is the hourly rate that a manufacturer charges to build a conversion?

    A new Freightliner Columbia with 40' double frame, 450 Mercedes, Auto shift, twin screw, air ride, the usual creature features, - spec'd out for motorhome conversion - is going to be in the mid to high $90's
  16. Bob E

    Slideout awning device. What's going to replace that idea?

    As the awning fabric is attached to a rail (which is screwed to the wall of the RV, it would be impractical to disconnect. Also, the roller is fastened to the slide under spring tension. Some manufacturers offer the slide awning as an option, some as standard equipment.
  17. Bob E

    Slideout awning device. What's going to replace that idea?

    Hi Dog, I don't know of, or can't think of, anything other than a slide awning that would serve the purpose. Obviously, a side benefit of the awning - it also provides some shade. They are virtually maintenance free however, it does make it difficult to dust off the top of the slide. If you park...
  18. Bob E

    Freightliner FL70 Conversion

    Hi, We also converted a 1960 4104 in the mid 80's. Drove it throughout a good bit of the states before selling it in 2000. Looked at your 04 photos,...I would say it's one of the best bus conversions I've see (and I've see quite a few). We are still in the middle of finishing an 06 Freightliner...
  19. Bob E

    Rear Overhang

    The total amount of rear overhang is dependant on a number of factors. How much ground clearance do you anticipate you will need (height of your storage bays), desired turning radius, gross weight capacity (& ft to rear distribution) of the conversion, towing capacity, more room for storage...
  20. Bob E

    Stretching/Glueing aluminum continuous roof

    Depending on the thickness of the aluminum you're using, and what all you're going to have on the roof (air-conditioners, tv antenna, roof vents, etc,... you may not need to worry about glue. I used .030", have 2 roof airs' 3 vents, amp tv antenna, 4 solar panels, etc,...so it's pretty well...
  21. Bob E

    Using Jet Fuel in Freighliner with MB450

    Hey,...sounds like a deal,...can you get us some??
  22. Bob E

    Need MDT help for conversion

    Just my opinion,...stay with a truck built on this side of the ocean, they're easier to keep running (parts are much more easily obtained around the country than off shore rigs). I know you're into MTD's however,...you get alot more bang for your buck with an HDT.
  23. Bob E

    Trailer Conversion

    I would suggest you make a trip to Elkhart & visit a couple of the truck conversion companies and also regular RV manufacturers. I would think the process to be the same as a truck conversion &/or building a travel trailer. You might also visit some of the RV Surplus & Salvage stores in the...
  24. Bob E

    Interesting Conversion on ebay. 2004, 39', 2 axle conversion on a 95 Pete. Comments?

    Looks nice,... wonder what it'll sell for? At 230hp, it might be a little under powered.
  25. Bob E

    Salvage Title, 2007 Newell 45' Bus, 23k miles, $1.3 mil new, $335k on ebay.

    I wouldn't touch something like this with a 40 foot wrench! I've rebuilt cars & trucks over the years & been bit several times. There is always hidden damage and other (small?) stuff that sneaks up on you. A Newell or anything else as large & complicated has the potential to bite you in the...

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