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  1. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    Most of those that have done the conversions have also replaced the commercial fifth wheel with a more "camper friendly" air-ride hitch. Some have retained the commercial hitch, but added a different pin box (such as "Fifth air-borne") that will absorb the shocks that can cause damage in time...
  2. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    Where you live determines how difficult it can be; in Indiana I had my Volvo "converted" to meet the requirements in less than a day. An inspection by LEA took about 20 minutes, mostly spent on the computer in the squad car. Another half hour or so at the license branch, and the legal conversion...
  3. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    I have a custom plate on the front that says "Private RV", but nothing at all on the sides. The only time I've pulled in is if the signs state "All vehicles over 10,000 lbs", or something similar. There are some states, I understand, that want any heavy vehicles to pull in, including campers...
  4. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    Jim, Having gained a little more experience and knowledge on the subject of toters since that last posting, I can offer a little better opinion now. I bought a 2001 Volvo 610 about a year ago, and made just a few changes to accommodate pulling my 5'th wheel camper with it. First, let me point...
  5. HD

    VED-12; opinions?

    You guys on this forum have been a great asset in understanding the various aspects of this project that I will be getting involved in; I have a pretty good idea what to look for, what to avoid, and why. Now it's just a matter of being patient until I can afford to make the purchase. I'll be...
  6. HD

    VED-12; opinions?

    I talked to a truck lot salesman that had a few Volvos on the lot, and he explained that the VED-12 is Volvo's own engine, used overseas for several years but only available here for the last few. He knows of fleet owners that are quite happy with them, the biggest downside being that you have...
  7. HD

    VED-12; opinions?

    I've seen some '98 Volvos listed with a "VED-12" engine. Is this a carry over from the White/GMC days; something to be avoided when shopping for a potential conversion? Detroit, Cat, and Cummins all have good track records, but what about this one? Still trying to narrow down prospects, still...
  8. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    All good points to be considered... Add a flatbed trailer and I could transport multiple camper units, as well. I'm still not sure that I want all the details involved in O/O, but I'll have to pay for the project somehow. Thanks for the input, all opinions are much appreciated.
  9. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    Before I started asking questions, I had just assumed that a commercial fifth wheel wasn't compatible with the pin on a camper. Having learned different, I now wonder about any long-term damage that might occur to the camper as a result of doing this. Lacking the air-ride and side-to-side...
  10. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    John, thank you as well for the input. As I mentioned earlier (or in a previous post), I kept my CDL & Physicals current, even though I haven't driven "professionally" for about 5 years. I was a company driver then, and only had to be concerned about the stuff that kept me legal as a driver. All...
  11. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    I tell people we're from "around" Ft. Wayne, because everyone's heard of that; actually, we're a little west, in Columbia City. I used to go through LaPorte pretty regularly when I drove for US Foodservice.
  12. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    Thank for the quick response. I recently joined the SKP forum as well, and have been poking around both sites gathering information. It's easy to get sidetracked on both sites, such great information is presented & so many links that are worthy of following. When I inquired earlier at the local...
  13. HD

    "Not For Hire" vs "RV" question

    My initial desire for minimal a conversion HDT is reflected in the photos provided by member "ghillie", until I read about, and considered the benefits of a conversion that could be registered as a motor home or RV. Still, I'm not positive which way would be best for my situation, and am still...
  14. HD

    Hoosier state regulations...???

    Reading some of the earlier posts by Pete & Carla would indicate that a police officer that is cooperative, and understands your goals, would be a great asset in accomplishing this. I'm still gathering information to base my decisions on, and fighting the urge to rush out and grab the first rig...
  15. HD

    Hoosier state regulations...???

    Thank you for the swift reply; it was getting pretty aggravating trying to get even a good opinion from an "official". Initially, my only desire was to use a day cab and do the minimum changes to accommodate my 5er, but my wife has successfully argued the merits of a sleeper, even if all the...
  16. HD

    Hoosier state regulations...???

    Has anyone here had experience with registering a conversion unit in Indiana? An e-mail inquiry to Indiana DOT went unanswered, as did one to the BMV web site. I was at a local branch today for another matter and tried to get some answers while I was there, but no one there seemed to know much...
  17. HD

    Looking for some advice

    Makes sense, I guess that's why most conversions start with a twin; lighter axles individually, than the axle on a stock single. They end up with a single that rides softer than the stock single, but with added expense of the removal, etc. I recall the "double whammy" when hitting a chuckhole or...
  18. HD

    Looking for some advice

    Thanks, Gary; with ongoing back trouble (the price of being a food service delivery driver)the ride quality should be at the top of my list. Am I alone in my eariler observation that a twin screw is rougher riding than a single axle, or was I basing that opinion on the sub-standard equipment...
  19. HD

    Looking for some advice

    As a newbie to this site, I'll try to keep my questions limited to things that I couldn't find answered through previous questions that I have read. I should give a little history up front: I've held a CDL since they came into existence, as I'm sure many of you have, and agree to the superior...

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