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  1. Bob E

    Need to put stairs In, Any companies that sell units?

    Try these guys for stairs & other RV components http://www.rvsurplussalvage.com/ Last I knew they had some electric deployed/retract stairs at a very reasonable price.
  2. Bob E

    Your comments on this sold conversion. 2002 Renegade 34' Motorgarage, Freightliner.

    Looks like a very reasonable price considering the equipment & condition. I would agree, the overhang is a bit (whole lot) excessive, also the slide is smallish compared those on to later yaer models. The news tonight noted the Detroit automakers can't move SUV's & other gas hogs,... fuel prices...
  3. Bob E

    Wheel balancers and shocks

    One of my bus conversion buddies is running Centramatic's & swears by them. Can't tell you much about upgrade shocks. The vib you're describing sounds more like tire carcass problems & unlikely from weak shocks.
  4. Bob E

    2008 Gulf Stream Conversion with huge glass roof in cabover bunk.

    Yup, skylight makes for a nice roomy feel,...& yup, it would probably be a sauna on a hot day. Don't like the horse shoe booth either,...too hard to get into & out of (imo).
  5. Bob E

    Freightliner Columbia

    Dan, I don't know the exact rpm, but would guess something around 1350 @ 75
  6. Bob E

    Freightliner Columbia

    Try running 68-70,...of course a headwind, hills, & running on interstate hwy's (vs 2-lane roads) are all going to have an effect. You might also check & see what rearend gear ratio you have. Most truck conversions were spec'd out to haul "monster" stacker trailers full of iron, therefore came...
  7. Bob E

    Extending factory cab (FLD 120)

    I wouldn't think extending the cab would be a problem. Suggest you use structure similiar to original & tie into the cab structure using ample cross (diagonal) bracing to compensate for a longer shell. Always insulate any of the steel structure from aluminum (outer panels) to prevent...
  8. Bob E

    Exterior skin bonding 3M VHB vs Sikaflex 252

    For those of you contemplating building your own shell,...you mignt want to read this. I had a lap seam come loose! The outer (.050") skins were originally attached to the sq tube structure with 3M VHB tape and installed according to recommended procedure. All of the sq tube was double or...
  9. Bob E

    Haulmark, Optima...are the others?

    I toured the Optima Factory a couple of years ago and was also impressed with their product. The aluminum structure is definately a plus esp in consideration of fuel mi. Their cabinet work is also above average. I didn't like the cab roof cut-out design. Even though it provides excellent access...
  10. Bob E

    Seal between Cab and Box

    The seal you're refering to is the same the that trucks with add-on sleepers have been using for years. I think the sites listed above will get you what you want. As for the air ride,...I bolted mine up solid. With the frame stretched, I found the ride to be just fine,...no need for air ride...
  11. Bob E

    CONVERTIBLE SOFA

    Check with RV Salvage & Surplus in Elkhart,...I've bought a bunch of stuff from them for my conversion including RV furniture. Ask for Trina,... she owns the place & is quite knowledgable. www.rvsurplussalvage.com
  12. Bob E

    Freightliner Columbia

    I'm running a 43' stretched Columbia chassis with 450 MB and 10 spd Eaton autoshift. Driving 70 with no trailer it will do 10mpg (running aprox 70mph). Have logged less than 5k miles so expect the milage to go up when it loosens up a bit. The Eaton auto shift is great but without a trailer the...
  13. Bob E

    Columbia Sun Shades

    I went to Home Depot, bought a roll of bubble rap (that silverized insulation material) and cut it to fit the inside of the ft windshield. Just roll it up when not in use. It keeps the heat (or cold) out & no one can look in either.
  14. Bob E

    Introduction and questions

    Nick, IMO, if you can afford to go with a new truck, do it. I'm building a 33ft rig (overall 43') on a Freightliner Columbia. There were 14 pages of spec sheets on the cab and chassis. Many of the spec's are specific to building it into a motorhome. Just to highlight a few: The frame (already...
  15. Bob E

    Insurance

    I've got my Freightshaker Columbia conversion with St Farm,...didn't have any problem,...however, they require that all of your vehicles are also insured with them. Under their RV policy, they charge a 6 month premium for one year's coverage,...figure you are only going to drive it for an...
  16. Bob E

    Aluminum or RVFibreglass siding

    I would have to vote for aluminum. The factory built FRP units have very little innerstructure (mostly a few 2"X 2" wood sticks) glued to the back side of the FRP. This ain't much to hang cabinets from, nor much when (if) you would happen to be involved in an accident. Then there is the problem...
  17. Bob E

    Paint ideas for conversions. Black window line like the busses.

    Getting vinyl graphic material off isn't as bad as it used to be. 3M makes a rubber wheel that you use in a drill. It will peel off the vinal and not damage the paint or aluminum. It takes a little practice to use it, but once you get the hang of it, you can "peel" the stuff fairly efficiently.
  18. Bob E

    Paint ideas for conversions. Black window line like the busses.

    Gee, you don't think driving a vehicle that looks like a 20 ton snowball is cool? Well, me neither. I've done a little research on vinal graphics and have been quoted aprox $13.00/sq ft for custom cut UV resistant vinal (in one color). The graphics guy says they would expect their stuff to last...
  19. Bob E

    Frieghtliner Dash Problems

    The problem you're describing may also be a corroded connection. Before spending $ to have Freightliner check it, you might look at the ground side as well as the positive connections. Generally a voltage drop can be attributed to resistance, and corrosion is usually the prime culprit.
  20. Bob E

    Purchase Advice

    Dave, I must admit, I too have endorsed a truck conversion builder (see "starting conversion" dated Aug 5, 2006) under the "announcements" heading. As I had noted, I visited several of the conversion manufacturers in & around Elkhart, along with Optima in Eastman, Ga. before deciding to go...
  21. Bob E

    Just starting conversion, 07 Columbia

    Hawk Engineering is located in SE Mo on I-55 S. of St Louis aprox 95 miles. Their web site is http://www.hawkengineering.com/index.htm As I had noted, the build on my shell came out absolutely top quality and at the price quoted.
  22. Bob E

    Just starting conversion, 07 Columbia

    Well,...the shell build is complete! From the exterior it looks like it's ready to live in,...from the inside it looks like a racketball court. Jason at Hawk Engineering did a class A+ job, everything that was specified in the contract was completed in a very professional manor. Now the fun...
  23. Bob E

    Exterior wall sheeting for RV build

    From what I know of this type of wall construction,... most RV manufacurers make their own or, outsource based on their spec's. The foam core wall construction is set up in a model specific fixture & laminated under controlled temp & pressure conditions. I would doubt that you could get a...
  24. Bob E

    Looking for Toter

    I understand your thoughts in not dealing with holding tanks etc, however, you might want to consider resale somewhere in the future. A toter will sell a whole lot better if equipped with the necessities. To avoid the hassels, just don't use em!
  25. Bob E

    Just starting conversion, 07 Columbia

    I've "farmed out" the construction of the sq tubing structure as I don't have the space nor enough arms, legs, a-holes & elbows to do it myself. Besides, I figured it would take me 6 months to complete if I did attempt it. I would suggest you draw a very comprehensive & detailed plan of the...

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