Van Dually Tow Vehicle

[wely]

I have an old 1998 Tioga 24d that the home has rotted off of. So my plan is to part the motorhome out and use the funds to build a tow vehicle out of the cutaway chassis. I have found a company that sells cab backs that will convert my chassis cab into a dually. It would look like one of the old Centurian TVs. I know the chassis is in good shape with low miles and a v10. So I would be able to tow just about what ever TT I wanted.

[Bedlam]

As they continue to stuff more under the hood, I'm waiting for them to go to flip front ends used on larger vehicles. It's not like the old days where you had enough room in the engine bay to put one foot inside and straddle the fender when working on the engine.

[rjstractor]

Slated4Greatness wrote:
Keep in mind that working on the engine in a van is a "PITA".. Other than that, great idea..

They are all a PITA to work on. On the newer F series you have to pull the cab off to work on the back of the engine, while on a van you just remove the interior cowling.

[carringb]

It's a v10. That just means doing plugs every 100k, and that's only a 5 hour job, or about an extra half hour over a pickup.

[Slated4Greatnes]

Keep in mind that working on the engine in a van is a "PITA".. Other than that, great idea..

[wely]

Mine had a leak in the cabover bed. The problem with buying a salvage would be the area that is typically damaged is the cabover area. plus we need a bigger camper :-). Having 4 kids makes a camper get small quick. Thinking about getting a bunk house TT or a 5th wheel.

[rowekmr]

Another advantage is that cab chassis have the highest GVWR's. The chassis can haul way more than a typical 1 ton van or truck chassis.

Where do the homes rot? Can you purchase another one used or salvaged from a front end wreck?

[fireman41]

If you do this post some pictures

[wely]

One advantage is the Motorhome is paid for. 🙂
another advantage is the ability to tow a larger trailer or 5th wheel because of the high gcvw of the E450 chassis cab.

My wife also said she like the truck with the large windows. As we all know what momma wants she gets. 😉

[JN_B]

ScottG wrote:
I'm curious, why would you want this configuration over a normal P/U truck?
Is there an advantage?

Op already has the motorhome, just has to remove the house part of it, and add the bed and whatever "Crewcab" part he wants. Motorhome is probably low mileage also, so chassis should be in good shape. And another advantage is OP can make it anyway they want. And $ vs a truck.

I think this is a great idea. GO for it OP, just make sure you don't cut any corners.

If i was OP, I'd make sure I was adding either doors to the sleeper part or windows as shown in the one picture.

[jerem0621]

That looks AWESOME!!! I say go for it! This would be a great project and a great idea. I have seen many low milage motor homes that are rotted down like this and would make a great TV foundation. I've never thought of doing that before. I like the super duty beds... but I would be inclined to put a western hauler type bed on it. LOL

I love vans and this is a great combo of the two. I much prefer driving a van over a truck. I like the view of them better.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[ScottG]

I'm curious, why would you want this configuration over a normal P/U truck?
Is there an advantage?

[boogie_4wheel]

The teal/silver one is pretty! The drip rail above the doors is stupid looking IMO.

[wely]

Another example the one my wife likes.

[wely]

Here is an example of what I'm trying to build.