What Do I need?

MitchF150 wrote:
I like the purple 360 Duster on the left.. :)

Mitch

Thanks Mitch,

We bought it as a 34K mile rust free survivor (incredibly rare in Canada) /6 , bench seat auto...my kids and I put just over 3 years into it.it was a budget build..no bodywork but a lot of custom things...we did just about everything (except paint which is another story) ...it has a warmed up 360/727/8 3/4 rear etc and it is now theirs. Gave them an understand of mechanics, pride in workmanship and an understanding of worth.

I will pass your words on to them..

grassy

That is as close as I have ever seen to "don't even know the trailer is back there!" Get a trailer to match the truck!

Yes it is :) And was less expensive than any 3/4 ton I could purchase, gets better mileage than my RAM 1500 pulling a 6K trailer and parts are generally cheaper than my pick up as well. If I need it repaired, labour hour cost is the same. I should also mention that it is low mileage, has rear air suspension, air brakes, air ride cab and incredible comfortable air ride seats ( I have a damaged spine in 2 areas). It also turns quicker than a pick up. It is also small enough to park in parking spaces. My 5th hitch is not only air for both ride and for / aft movement but also has shocks. You see far more out of the cab and I can go on..did I mention it has a air shift trans ?

The trailer is a bit deceiving ..it is 12K.

When we bought the trailer, my DW said that once we go long term, she will probably want to go larger..this means I won't have to buy another TV and in the mean time, we have effortless towing..and the dogs love it :) Everybody is happy.

And I still have my RAM when I need a p/u truck..

I like the purple 360 Duster on the left.. :)

Mitch

YZ wrote:
Being a long term p/u truck owner, I did the math and bought a MDT...most comfortable rig I have driven..and I can park it in the same place as a one ton dually. It isn't as fast as the new trucks but I don't need to rocket down the roads at 80 but as far as ergonomics go, the pick ups just cannot compete.. and mine is pre '08 so I don't have to deal with emissions and such.. This will be my last truck...and after a recent 4500 mile trip, I am a happy camper so to speak with this purchase..

We fold down the rear seat and put the dog beds there...

The only downside I can find is that there really isn't an active MDT forum out there..

That is as close as I have ever seen to "don't even know the trailer is back there!" Get a trailer to match the truck!

Being a long term p/u truck owner, I did the math and bought a MDT...most comfortable rig I have driven..and I can park it in the same place as a one ton dually. It isn't as fast as the new trucks but I don't need to rocket down the roads at 80 but as far as ergonomics go, the pick ups just cannot compete.. and mine is pre '08 so I don't have to deal with emissions and such.. This will be my last truck...and after a recent 4500 mile trip, I am a happy camper so to speak with this purchase..

We fold down the rear seat and put the dog beds there...

The only downside I can find is that there really isn't an active MDT forum out there..

The Texan wrote:
..NICE low mileage Class 8 trucks already modified and updated for less than ½ a new MDT.

I paid roughly 1/2 new price for my 5 yo MDT.

BurbMan wrote:
Made me wonder if this thing was beyond dually territory and into MDT land.

The newer duallies should handle it, but the MDTs and above are just such a pleasure to drive with all the headroom and air everything. It's often a question of your pocketbook.

Not sure what would fit my needs. But something like this....

trailer gvw max is 20K lbs / 2 = 10K minimum RA size. Not sure if any true 35 series rigs have a 10K grawr. Puts me in a class 4 rig.

Enough HP to moter up a 5-6% freeway grade in the 40 mph range minimum

Enough torque, gearing in trans, axels with a tire diam factor to go up a min 30% grade in RWD, and prefer up to 40%! 60-70% in 4wd if I went that route.

Payload for the hw, passengers, other asstd goodies. Probably around 6K minimum.....again, not sure a 35 has this unless it is a reg cab dually.....

Tow ratings?!?!?! what the heck are those......the SAE specs only have a minimum 12% grade, barely enough payload for a driver and max HW one might use in the truck.....so will NOT follow those goofball POJS recommendations......

Just my 02, not that they are worth anything more than maybe a half of a penny candy!

Marty

2oldman wrote:
Now that all the chest-beating is done, maybe the OP should come back.

Nah, you guys are having too much fun. I get the periodic emails from RV Wholesalers, and each features a "special deal". I always look at the floorplans to see what's new, etc., but couldn't believe the sheer size and weight of this unit! Made me wonder if this thing was beyond dually territory and into MDT land. You certainly wouldn't want to travel with tanks empty, this thing is designed to go out into the wilderness with your toys.

2oldman wrote:

ACZL wrote:
Yowza!! With those prices, one could buy a good used class 8 tractor I'd think for far less moochodenerio.

Oh for sure. It depends on how much work you need to have done, how much time you have, and what it eventually looks like.

I've seen some real nice 8s, and some pretty crummy looking ones. For my money, looks are important.

there is a fellow on the Escapees forum that sells 8-10 year old, NICE low mileage Class 8 trucks already modified and updated for less than ½ a new MDT. I have seen some of his equipment and it is a super buy.

Now that all the chest-beating is done, maybe the OP should come back.