sabconsulting wrote: Is it just me or does this look like an expensive way to produce the worst combination of 3 things: Something with the less than desirable fuel consumption, driveability and comfort of a big rig, the limited manoeuvrability of a coach and the lack of space of a truck camper; without the benefits each of those 3 types of vehicles usually enjoy.
Steve.
You would be surprised at the fuel mileage and maneuvrability of some of the larger trucks. I have a pair of Peterbilts in my fleet with Cat engines, Allison transmissions, and they get the same fuel mileage as our 2008 F-550s. We also have a Freightliner FL-80 (slightly smaller that this) with a single rear axle, that turns more tightly than our '97 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup. The 2008's do turn more sharply, but our 2004's don't.
Not the way I would do it, but to each his own.
Gordon
1987 F-350 XLT Lariat SRW 6.9
1986 Western Wilderness Alpine Dinette 11
The 'usual' vehicle for loading cross ways is the European Smart. It's a diesel so that's a win as well.
The tractor has plenty of power and braking, to handle the 'huge' 5ers that a lot of these folks live in. Additionally the sleeper tends to be set up as a camper as well, so that the tractor can be titled as an RV or MH, rather than a high GVW truck. Since it costs $s to remove the front drive axle, if there is any question of weight balance from the load applied to the bed area some are left tandem. It you get the numbers wrong, you can overload the front axle very easily because of the weight of the engine and transmission. It all gets heavy with 300 gallons or so of fuel on board, and maybe a car or a couple of MCs behind the sleeper. Some of them even move the hitch plate well behind the drive axle to lighten the load on the front axle.
Very nice rig. And if purchased used, it was probably less expensive than the 3/4 or 1ton PUs that are more often seen on the road. Add to that the longevity of the tractor and it's quite cost effective. Especially for the RVer who doesn't want to live on the edge of mechanical specifications. 3 stage Jakes have just Got to be the bomb for long descents.
If I ever go Fulltime it'll be with a class 8 tractor, and a 40' or so Toy Hauler, with a MC, Razor, or Smart, in the back. The tractor singed short with the airbox hitch (so it doesn't destroy the 5er), mounted 3' behind the axle for improved handling in and out of CGs. Maybe a 100gallon or more Freshwater tank behind the sleeper for boondocking.
400-600 hp with 1500-1600 ft #s of torque! But alas, no 4x4s to speak of and marginal road clearance. But true 1M mile tractors. Real diesels, heavy duty trannies, and air ride for suspension, cab, and seats. All this and 8-9 mpg?
* This post was
edited 02/11/12 12:35pm by rehoppe *
Hoppe
2011 Dodge 1500 C'boy Caddy
2000 Jayco C 28' Ford chassis w V-10 E450
Doghouse 36' or so Trophy Classic TT
sabconsulting wrote: Is it just me or does this look like an expensive way to produce the worst combination of 3 things: Something with the less than desirable fuel consumption, driveability and comfort of a big rig, the limited manoeuvrability of a coach and the lack of space of a truck camper; without the benefits each of those 3 types of vehicles usually enjoy.
Steve.
You would be surprised at the fuel mileage and maneuvrability of some of the larger trucks. I have a pair of Peterbilts in my fleet with Cat engines, Allison transmissions, and they get the same fuel mileage as our 2008 F-550s. We also have a Freightliner FL-80 (slightly smaller that this) with a single rear axle, that turns more tightly than our '97 Crew Cab 4x4 pickup. The 2008's do turn more sharply, but our 2004's don't.
Not the way I would do it, but to each his own.
You might be even more disillusioned if you had a Volvo in the fleet, until recently they had an even tighter turning radius than the other Class 8s.
On the other hand this particular rig is STUPID. Kinda like a model, she's a 10 pointer, but can't do the job. Wheel base is way too long, by the time you load your tools into the boxes, and put the Samy in place. The front axle will be over loaded unless it's a 14K#er, and even then it may be close. I don't remember even seeing a hitch plate, for a 5er?
* This post was
edited 02/11/12 12:45pm by rehoppe *
I'd give that rig a whirl. Personally, I think its got a lot of good points in a pretty reasonable footprint. I guesstimate the total length to be about 42-43 ft. long. It's not over-wide or over-height. The living space would be perfectly adequate for me and the DW. I'm pretty sure he's got the front camper jacks tucked away somewhere, and the camper could be dropped off if needed.
While it might not make a good rig in Europe, in the US it can go anywhere a Super C or a Class A can, and even some places they can't.
I tend to agree that you lose the space of a full motorhome and you lose the manuverability of a truck camper. While no RV is aerodynamic, this one appears to be paticularly bad.
If I were inclined to do something crazy like this, I would put the truck camper a little higher and move it forward so the overhang is over the cab (you'd have to play with the heights to keep it legal). Then put a large rear box with canvas walls and awnings. This would allow most any vehicle to be carried without modification and with the vehicle off you have a large patio allowing you to be outside when rainy without getting muddy. But again, too many trade offs for me.
Tammy Mike & the Bilge Rat (AKA: Diego)
Ford F250 7.3L
1997 Sunnybrook 27' 5er
1995 Gemini Sail Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and 5er
Would you need a cdl to drive a rig like that. If not why not. I imagine that is coming. They keep trying to take mine away. There are more restrictions on these health cards than that required of a commercial boat capt. With more restrictions, govt regulation, and need to raise taxes, I can see everyone needing a special license to hual an Rv in our future.
I'd just like to see the Scale Ticket on the axle weights. I really doubt that it's even legal to drive.
If, however it is within spec for weight and the TC is permanently attached, it can be registered as an RV and a CDL is not required. Like a Class A MH.
Still a waste without a 5er hitch though. It's just for show, not go, I'd say.
FreeLanceing wrote: Would you need a cdl to drive a rig like that. If not why not. I imagine that is coming. They keep trying to take mine away. There are more restrictions on these health cards than that required of a commercial boat capt. With more restrictions, govt regulation, and need to raise taxes, I can see everyone needing a special license to hual an Rv in our future.
IF It has living quarters (sleeper with stove, fridge, bed)........ then it becomes a Private Motor Home.....I.E.....No CDL. Many people turn class 7, 8 into motor home, for day trips. I have seen many interesting ones at larger RV parks .
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