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I was browsing Truckpaper and looked through the HDT "Toter" section. These are the HDT's set up for hauling mobile homes. They have a shorter wheelbase than regular HDT's but appear to be the same in all other ways. How come no one uses these to convert to 5ver haulers? Are they geared...

Nice! Keep us updated with plenty of pics as you progress and your final total cost.

Thanks Blizz, good advice.

Blizz, Would you take on building a custom trailer using a commercial trailer body? Was wondering if you think it would be a little easier. I keep leaning towards this because I haven't seen a factory 5ver that meets my needs or fits me (or is durable enough for long term). I wanted to get...

Nice build Mekanic! How much did you pay for the Uhaul box? I wonder how one would fit/look on the back of an HDT (would have to be one without the overhang)?

When I was in the Navy stationed at the yards in Philly they had "cattle cars" they used to transport us across the base to school from the barracks. It was an enclosed trailer with side doors that you stood up in and had hand rails along the roof to hold on to. Definately not built for safety...

Thanks for the great feedback. You're right, this is a buyers market now so I'll have to do some in-depth searches and see what's available already built. I'd like to stay away from a factory RV because I want the full size comforts (full size shower, toilet, etc). I'm "big boned" and I don't...

I was thinking of starting with a straight van for my first build and for weekend camping until I can move up to a full time rig when I retire (years from now). I looked at UHaul and the 26ft vans, 1989 model year, all have approx 200,000 miles and are all priced at $3395. I looked at the...

Road Trains Would be like the semi trailer trains you see being pulled in the Australian outback :-)

Did you see the radical dropped F450 they designed that is converted to front wheel drive. Very different! Looking over the site it looks like Wabash has licensed their Drop suspension design for use in building some moving trailers. I'll have to keep a better watch on the road to see if I...

Anyone have or know where I can get drawings of commercial double drop moving trailers? I don't have anyplace readily available that I could go look at a trailer and take measurements, so I'm hoping someone has some out there. If I can get some drawings with dimensions it would give me a good...

Sikaflex - is pressure needed during curing period? A question regarding installation using SikaFlex: ater the panel is glued and placed should some type of pressure (clamps, strongbacks, etc) be put against each joint until the sealent cures for a better bond?

Great info Blizz!!! I love the low floor trailers, they would make great RV conversions! The report clearly shows much greater stability and control with the independent suspension. Thanks for the research, perfect!

What brand oven? Bob, Nice work, the oven looks great. In order to get my wife to tolerate the camping experience I'm going to have to install amenities like this in my build. What brand/model is the stove for future reference? Thanks.

Re:Independent suspension I don't think a torsion axle would be strong enough for a commercial sized trailer, but I could be wrong. I was thinking more like a true independent a-arm type suspension (or something like that) where each wheel floats independently of the others. I don't know if...

All of the commercial trailers I've seen have solid axle suspensions. Has anyone seen any that are independent suspension or has anyone modified any to be independent suspension? I'm asking because on the regular RV sites people mention the high end trailers with independent suspension ride...

Lowering roof Correct, in theory it should work,but several critical factors are how tight is the roof rail holding the side wall panels, and is it glued/sealed as well as riveted? If a sealant is used then it might be next to impossible to pull it free of the walls and reuse it.

RV and Boat show March 11-13 at the Hampton Convention Center in Hampton, Va.

I was looking at the construction of a commercial trailer yesterday. Looks like the roof is attached to the side walls with continuous aluminum bracket/channel that is riveted every 2" or so all the way around. I was thinking of 2 ways to reduce the height from 13'6" to something more manageable...

Build Shop I was thinking of a similar concept. Rent a large warehouse and divide the unneeded portion into stalls that I could rent to others needing a place for storage or projects. The idea would be to make enough from the subletting to pay the monthly rent. There's allot to consider though...

Workshop space? There are plenty of empty warehouses and workshops around this area, so it would just be a matter of finding one at the right price and with the size to fit the rigs. Would also want it wired already to run welders and other equipment. I'm still waiting for that bag of money...

Questions for everyone who is/has built a custom: where do/did you do your build (home garage, barn, driveway, etc)? I live in a condo type community so I have no place to build on site. My best thought so far is to find a warehouse in one of the industrial parks around here and rent it so the...

F250 is gone I got rid of the F250 because it ended up being a money pit, constantly breaking down and getting about 7mpg. I'm not positive but I strongly believe it was flooded at some point in it's prior life in North Carolina's outer banks, which would explain why one part after another was...

Awesome build! Questions and supply info 377PETE, Awesome build! You're doing exactly what i want to do (convert a semi trailer to a durable, comfortable RV). I am considering using a moving trailer (i.e drop deck). The side and rear door openings can be easily closed in for windows/normal...

The coaches from Twins look awesome! They have to be pushing max height limits though due to the 2 story configuration. Still, they are cool as heck. I like the engine configuraton idea and the design for ease of maintenance and access.