thinking of buying a 2006 kodiak---what do you think?

[suse1023]

we are proud new owners of a 2002 carriage cameo lxi 34 ft fiver.
it's in excellent shape and should suit us well for full timing.

we would rather have too much truck than too little, and this truck was built to tow a 35 carriage lite and did it well.
here's the ad---
http://burlington.craigslist.org/rvs/3872486396.html

any feedback on it is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[GHCreekside]

I used to drive drive one of these for work. Good truck with a very impressive turning radius.

[suse1023]

lol, i've ben hauling horses around the northeast for the past 11 years in my gooseneck. all it took was one moment of feeling an unbalanced horse scrambling and the trailer reacting to make me know too much truck is MUCH better than too little.

[Cummins12V98]

Wow finally someone worried about a TV that is more than enough being enough!

Cool.

[recycler]

that should do nicely for a fifth wheel hauler.. air ride seats can be installed as the same cab was used on 6500 and 7500's.. may have to use 12v compresser to air them up.. the d-max in it is a turned down version for durablity..better seats are available at any place that services semi trucks...the up right cab is great for visibility...full air suspensions are available, but are pricey could have some springs removed and put ride right bags on top of springs for when loaded..

[2oldman]

You can look at the rear axle, near the wheels and easily see if there are air bags or leaf springs.

Having the 5er hitched up will make it smoother, but, how much will depend on how heavy it is. Leaf springs can only be damped so much.

Air ride suspension on my F450 was $4000, and that was in 2004.

[chevor]

LBZ is the design code for that year model duramax engine. I think it was in 06-07 trucks. I think there was a early design engine in early 06s

[suse1023]

ok, i'll ask about the LBZ duramax--what does it mean if it does or does not have it? same with the air ride--which i assume it doesn't as the test drive was very bouncy and truck like, lol. the seller says the carriage behind it will make the ride much smoother---but around townn it'd be nice too, as it will be our only vehicle sometimes.
i love that it's just a bit wider than my one tone dually, but shorter and taller overall. i'll still be able to park it easily.
i do confess to liking to parallel park my dually downtown in front of skeptical menfolk, lol.

also it does have after market (i assume) air seats, which don't have arms and weren't terribly comfortable. i know they can be changed out, can the air ride suspension be added?
thanks, this is a pretty steep learning curve and i appreciate the education i get here!

[chevor]

Those trucks are very customizable. The problem is GM discontinued the model in 2009 and everyone that has one for sale wants a lot for them. I am look for one myself. That add doesn't tell much info about the truck.

[NC_Hauler]

Believe the 4500 Kodiak does have air ride...great looking truck and should be more than enough truck to tow your 5er with....:)

[45Ricochet]

hmknightnc wrote:

suse1023 wrote:
we are proud new owners of a 2002 carriage cameo lxi 34 ft fiver.
it's in excellent shape and should suit us well for full timing.

we would rather have too much truck than too little, and this truck was built to tow a 35 carriage lite and did it well.
here's the ad---
http://burlington.craigslist.org/rvs/3872486396.html

any feedback on it is greatly appreciated, thanks!

clicky

yep, that will do it.

Thanks for the link and yes that so do it OP :W I thought they all had air ride :H

[2oldman]

Make sure it has air ride suspension or you'll be in for a rough ride.

[KD4UPL]

That should be an excellent choice of tow vehicle. The especially if it has the LBZ Duramax.
I'd buy it.

[hmknightnc]

suse1023 wrote:
we are proud new owners of a 2002 carriage cameo lxi 34 ft fiver.
it's in excellent shape and should suit us well for full timing.

we would rather have too much truck than too little, and this truck was built to tow a 35 carriage lite and did it well.
here's the ad---
http://burlington.craigslist.org/rvs/3872486396.html

any feedback on it is greatly appreciated, thanks!

clicky

yep, that will do it.

[6dot6]

not sure how the duramax motors go for the kodiak series but if its the lbz platform that should be a stout motor. looks awesome. good luck.