Finished my new tow vehicle, it works very well.

Mr. Cob wrote:

FishOnOne wrote:
Interesting and nice rig. Is there a concern with the 5ver frame being fatigued while attached to a truck with a very stiff suspension?

That's a good question. I and most others who tow with an HDT, use some sort of air cushioned hitch to dampen the bumps incurred while traveling. On my Freightliner, I used a hitch that had an air bladder which was pressurized by its own air compressor, on the Pete, I am using a different type of hitch that is cushioned by what are called air cells there is no compressed air needed. Towing with an HDT without this type of hitch can be very destructive to the trailer frame. Here is the hitch I am using on the Pete.


Click this link to be taken to a photo gallery detailing the build of this truck that is now a motor home.

https://mr-cob.smugmug.com/My-2001-Peterbilt-379-RV-Hauler/

Dave

Interesting stuff... Looks like there's enough of a market for company's to make this type of hitch.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
I understand that this is a great setup for some. Personally I would not want to drive around in a "SmartCar", I like some metal around me. Also don't see why having two rigs with engines and only really drive one while camped. One rig should do everything you want. Any newer 350/3500 will work as a daily driver and tow your load within specs. Also most women would drive the pickups well before the Big Rig.

As far as holding up traffic that has not been an issue with my 33-35K combined load.

Nice to have options!

And you ride around on a motorcycle and you're concerned how much metal is around you.

SidecarFlip wrote:
Dave: I rowed gears for a living too, hauled steel for a private carrier leased to a large steel processor, always long nosed Petes or Western Stars and I disagree with the one post about a day cab in Michigan. If a day cab is pulling an RV trailer (5th wheel or pull behind), it's classified as a combination motorhome. I've checked with the DMV. In my case I would need DOT numbers because the tractor would be pulling my farm goose neck hauling ag products as well.

I agree 100%. Why have a pickup truck to pull a large RV when a Class 8 that is built so much stronger component wise is actually cheaper to buy (used) than a new pickup truck and would never be taxed at all with toting around a big trailer or fifth wheel.

Having 'rowed' gears for 30 years (13's or 18's), don't bother me at all and in my case, my wife can drive as well. She has he 'A' too.

I may at some point in the future do just like you did. A distinct possibility. Lot of plusses in going that route.

It depends on what State you live in if you can and what it takes to make a commercial truck some sort of non commercial vehicle. In Washington, for example I couldn't use a day cab as it has no permanent sleeping facilities. But if you do the simple math, there is no better tow vehicle to be had then a used HDT.

Dave

I understand that this is a great setup for some. Personally I would not want to drive around in a "SmartCar", I like some metal around me. Also don't see why having two rigs with engines and only really drive one while camped. One rig should do everything you want. Any newer 350/3500 will work as a daily driver and tow your load within specs. Also most women would drive the pickups well before the Big Rig.

As far as holding up traffic that has not been an issue with my 33-35K combined load.

Nice to have options!

To OP, what is the overall length of this setup? You have to be pushing the 65' limit in many states.

All I can say is wow!

SidecarFlip wrote:
Dave: I rowed gears for a living too, hauled steel for a private carrier leased to a large steel processor, always long nosed Petes or Western Stars and I disagree with the one post about a day cab in Michigan. If a day cab is pulling an RV trailer (5th wheel or pull behind), it's classified as a combination motorhome. I've checked with the DMV. In my case I would need DOT numbers because the tractor would be pulling my farm goose neck hauling ag products as well.

I agree 100%. Why have a pickup truck to pull a large RV when a Class 8 that is built so much stronger component wise is actually cheaper to buy (used) than a new pickup truck and would never be taxed at all with toting around a big trailer or fifth wheel.

Having 'rowed' gears for 30 years (13's or 18's), don't bother me at all and in my case, my wife can drive as well. She has he 'A' too.

I may at some point in the future do just like you did. A distinct possibility. Lot of plusses in going that route.

I see your are in MI ,we are in Frankenmuth every may 24 (canadian holiday) for the beerfest ,stop bye can talk trucks and cars on deck .

Dave: I rowed gears for a living too, hauled steel for a private carrier leased to a large steel processor, always long nosed Petes or Western Stars and I disagree with the one post about a day cab in Michigan. If a day cab is pulling an RV trailer (5th wheel or pull behind), it's classified as a combination motorhome. I've checked with the DMV. In my case I would need DOT numbers because the tractor would be pulling my farm goose neck hauling ag products as well.

I agree 100%. Why have a pickup truck to pull a large RV when a Class 8 that is built so much stronger component wise is actually cheaper to buy (used) than a new pickup truck and would never be taxed at all with toting around a big trailer or fifth wheel.

Having 'rowed' gears for 30 years (13's or 18's), don't bother me at all and in my case, my wife can drive as well. She has he 'A' too.

I may at some point in the future do just like you did. A distinct possibility. Lot of plusses in going that route.

hone eagle wrote:
In michigan a day cab would be impossible to call motorhome. afaik
Nice rig Dave talk of the campground I'll bet,Volvo's are old hat now

I think the Volvo, will always be the truck of choice among most who do the HDT thing, they are a good truck but I have always liked the look of old style iron. My Freightliner, did a darn good job of towing my trailer but when my needs out grew its abilities I decided to build the truck I always wanted.

Dave

Hammerboy wrote:

Mr. Cob wrote:
Howdy All,

I got tired of the Smart Car, taking up half the garage in my toy hauler, so I built a new truck that could haul the Smart Car, behind the sleeper. I thought my Freightliner was a good tow rig, this Pete, is wonderful.



Dave

Funny, I seen a rig just like that last year with a smart car behind the cab of a big rig at Aune Osborne in Michigan last year.

Dan

There are more and more folks towing large RV trailers with HDT's, quite a few of them are setup to carry Smart Car's behind the sleeper.

Dave