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Da#! geof, you have me sold on the idea now :-) Now its a matter of coming up with the $$$$ to buy the rig and do the work I want on it. A volvo is what I want, so its just a matter of the models and specs.

No garages to worry about. We can use the wife's car for any trips that require that. I'm still deciding if I would single the rear to make it shorter or just keep it stock. I'm planning on building a custom 5ver that will be much heavier than a stock unit so the main consideration will be the...

Wanted to get everyone's feedback on using a converted HDT as a daily driver. The idea is to buy an HDT and convert the bunk area to passenger seating, complete with windows on all 3 sides. Remove all unneeded fairings and convert the exhaust from stacks to a single weed burner style. Build a...

I thought about buying a party bus like this as a business. Problem is if it isn't rolling with customers you aren't making money and, like limo's, they are sitting more often than not waiting for business. It would be the ultimate mobile party pad though for someone with deep pockets :-)

Nice design and fab work blizzard! Did you design all of that yourself? I like how you used the continuouse lengths of prebent, prederilled plate to form the frame than extends from the front all the way to the rear. Are you boxing in the middle section for strength? Nice job, can't wait to see...

Yes, but I don't have the tools, facilities, or time right now to start a project. Wish I did because I'd be starting on my own rig :-) I'm in the planning stages right now.

I visited the Tidewater RV Show Friday evening. I looked at all the rigs but especially focused on the 5vers and Class A's. They had all of the major manufacturers from dealers around the region. The most expensive rig was a Class A at approx $275,000. I was paying close attention to the quality...

Has anyone converted a shipping container to an RV trailer and if so can you provide some info/pics of the build? I talking about the 20' and 40' intermodal containers that are used to ship cargo around the world. These would make an excellent platform for a custom trailer build since they are...

SRHD, Whats your friends business name and contact info (email, phone, etc)? Does he get rigs like this on a regular basis that sell for a good price (MDT's and HDT's)? When I'm ready to buy a rig I'd prefer to buy it from a dealer that specializes in trucks since most of them know the units...

Nice work blizzard! No turning back now :-) What year is your truck?

Not sure, first one I've been to since I became interested in building one. I'm sure they'll have some "high end" models. I'm going to check out the market and get ideas on how the manufacturers build them (and custom if any are present), pricing, and what options are available. I figure...

ustruckin, Looks like they do nice work and could also build an aluminum frame 5th wheel trailer if I decided to go that route instead. Thanks.

What are everyones thoughts on constructing the coach frame using aluminum (floor cross members, body framing, etc) and then covering the outside with aluminum plate that will be welded to the framing and have all the seams welded? I would use spray foam insulation for the walls/ceiling and...

Thanks Bob. I agree. I want to spend the time needed to research and plan this project to address all the things you mentioned plus a ton of other concerns/questions. Having everything planned and engineered correctly before starting will make the project go much smoother and quicker and result...

DieselJake, Do you have any pics of that 5 ton conversion you used to own? Off road I bet it was fine, but I assume over the road comfort/speed/mileage was marginal at best. Did you keep the stock engine and rear gears in it? Thanks.

I was surfing the net and found lots of used boxes available in the 15'-30' range,with most for no more than a few thousand $. What would be better to use when building a custom coach on a stretched HDT....a pre-made box or custom building one from scratch?

The Tidewater Recreational Vehicle Show will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center 1/16/09 (12p-8p), 1/17/09 (10a-8p) and 1/18/09 (11a-5p). Admission is $8.00.

Bob, All of the frame changes you mentioned would be included with stretching the frame. The rear end ratio from the stock truck shouldn't need to be changed as long as the truck doesn't have an off the wall setup.Same for the front end...it should be rated for 12,500 stock. The airlines and...

I looked over the info I found on a site while looking for truck blueprints and saw the spec sheet and price for a new 07 Volvo VNL64T780. Base of $129,944 and total of $161,128 with options (500HP Engine and misc other upgrades)! This is only with the standard 12mo/100,000 mile/3250hr warranty...

Try this site for drawings. Registration is free. I found factory dimensions/pics for Volvo VNL. I don't see a way to attach them so shoot me an email if you are interested in a copy. Thanks. http://www.smcars.net/

Does anyone have or know of a source for drawings/specifications for various model HDT's? The purpose would be to use them in AutoCad in the design of my custom rig. Its allot easier having all the correct measurements for the base vehicle and designing/building from that point. Thanks.

Thanks Geof. Good info. Explains why the dealers unload them at that certain mileage range. All roads keep leading me back to HDT's :-)

HDT's are designed to run over one million miles before a major drivetrain overhaul is needed. What is the drivetrain life expectancy of the MDT's available from Ryder, Hertz, etc? I notice they sell them with around 200,000 miles on them. If they are designed to last for 400,000 miles with...

Thanks Rad. All opinions are greatly appreciated :-) Thats why I am looking into this so much....to get as much info as possible from those that have already done it or have knowledge of the subject(s). Merry Christmas. I looked all around the tree but Santa didn't leave a toter there for me...

Thanks Doc. Would the DMV let you register it as an RV or did you have to keep the truck registration?