MD trucks

[Brandon327]

Where is a good place to look for used mdt ? Is there a good place to find information such as blue book values and just general information? I am looking for a bigger truck to pull my toyhauler than the dually. I think it will give me a greater margin of safety and just and a better towing experience.

[blt2ski]

The insurance for my mdt has been less than $2000 a year since I bought it in 93. Closer to 1200-1500 a year. On par with pickups with similar insurance ratings.

Marty

[Huntindog]

A couple of things to consider:
Insurance. A fellow dog trialer bought one brand new. Had it less than a year. They wanted over 10K a year for commercial insurance.

This probably varies by state, but look before you leap, to see if it is an issue for you.

Lack of 4x4. I have never seen one with it. That is a deal breaker for me. YMMV

[trail-explorer]

www.racingjunk.com

[2oldman]

carringb wrote:
I like MDTs. They aren't any more powerful. In fact, they are typically less powerful.

If one's main goal is power, one should stick with a pickup or a converted class 8.

I get passed by pickups on hills, but hilly driving is such a tiny percentage of my travels, I don't care.

[ACZL]

carringb wrote:
RacingJunk.com is a good spot to find nice MDT trucks.

I like MDTs. They aren't any more powerful. In fact, they are typically less powerful. Sometimes by quite a bit. But they have the gearing for much higher GCWRs (when ordered for it), ride better if you get true rear air-ride, and turn much sharper. Plus most MDTs have much better visibility from the cabs, since the seating position is a little higher, and the hoods are much more sloped.

And you can feel like a "Billy Big Rigger"

[carringb]

RacingJunk.com is a good spot to find nice MDT trucks.

I like MDTs. They aren't any more powerful. In fact, they are typically less powerful. Sometimes by quite a bit. But they have the gearing for much higher GCWRs (when ordered for it), ride better if you get true rear air-ride, and turn much sharper. Plus most MDTs have much better visibility from the cabs, since the seating position is a little higher, and the hoods are much more sloped.

[2oldman]

Groover wrote:
The last time that I looked at medium duty trucks they had the same basic drive trains as 1-ton pickups of the same brand with de-tuned engines..

I imagine you're referring to an F-350 vs a 450 and above. I don't think that's what OP is asking about.

I assumed he meant Freightliner - brands like that - whose frames, drive trains, transmissions..etc are massive compared to any pickup.

[KD4UPL]

commercial truck trader.com

[Groover]

The last time that I looked at medium duty trucks they had the same basic drive trains as 1-ton pickups of the same brand with de-tuned engines. because of the de-tune and additional curb weight they actually did not pull as well as a 1-ton. They do have more weight carrying capacity and better brakes but you should be using your trailer brakes to stop it anyway.

[blofgren]

IdaD wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Brandon327 wrote:
20000 pounds

To be honest that's nothing for your GM. Have you changed the shocks to Bilstein and added air bags? Are you running 60-65 in rears and 75-80 psi in front?

I have to say I agree.

x3. I'm only towing 4k lbs less with my truck and I wouldn't hesitate to tow 20k lbs plus with it.

[RADROG]

2oldman wrote:
You can never have 'too much truck.' Or solar. Or batteries.

...or money. or pretty women. :B

[2oldman]

You can never have 'too much truck.' Or solar. Or batteries.

[romore]

fly-boy wrote:
The MD trucks don't offer a whole lot more than your current truck- they will brake better but power is underwhelming in my opinion.

If you are seriously considering this route I would look for a class 8 with the rear axle removed and licensed an RV.

A class 8 will offer the performance, safety, and comfort you are looking for!

Massive over kill for his application IMHO. A class 4 or 5 would provide a serious upgrade and be plenty of truck. If I wanted to go the heavy duty route I would look for a single axle town tractor with air suspension, moving companies use them.

[IdaD]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Brandon327 wrote:
20000 pounds

To be honest that's nothing for your GM. Have you changed the shocks to Bilstein and added air bags? Are you running 60-65 in rears and 75-80 psi in front?

I have to say I agree.

[2oldman]

fly-boy wrote:
A class 8 will offer the performance, safety, and comfort you are looking for!

As long as you can find one with a fully automatic transmission and isn't a cheapo job that looks like hell.