Go Big or Go Home

[Raleigh]

Last year I decided I wanted a truck that I could drive to the trail head rather than having to drive the buggy with stickies.
I talking about when in Moab or places like that where you have to bring the camper, or crawler hauler. The hauler was nice but then I had to drive the buggy to the trail head, which sucks.

Anyhow, I started looking at 550s and 5500s, and decided that while these are good options to flatbed and carry the rig on, they are still a huge compromise.
Anything I got would still be basically maxed out weight wise and the cost of these trucks is ridiculous.

Started looking at medium duty trucks, which are stupidly underpowered and still pricey.
Switched to heavy duty trucks, bingo!
Picked up this truck for $12k! Engine has 250k since an inframe was done, new heads, NO emissions controls what so ever, which is great!

Guys in CA are selling these off because they can't drive them next if they don't have DEF.

Truck makes 435 HP, 1600 ft/lbs, loving the power and pulling grades at 65 mph rather than 50 lol

 

[anderson750]

What motor does it have in it? I love driving my motorhome that is built off a Freightliner Coronado Chasis with a Detroit 60.

 

[Raleigh]

What motor does it have in it? I love driving my motorhome that is built off a Freightliner Coronado Chasis with a Detroit 60.

This has the Mercedes 12.7, which has mixed reviews, but they all said the same thing. It's a great motor as long as it has no emissions crap!

 

[RockChucker]

What fuel economy do you get with that load? My guess is it isn't much different than my duramax pulling my 20ft enclosed trailer...

 

[Raleigh]

What fuel economy do you get with that load? My guess is it isn't much different than my duramax pulling my 20ft enclosed trailer...

Averaging 9.5 mpg loaded or unloaded, doesn't seem to make much difference lol

 

[Gravy]

Shweeet!

 

[Hickey]

I've always wanted to do that. I've never driven the Mercedes motor, always a Detroit or a Cummins in my work trucks. There are a couple place I would wish for 4wd, like the last 100 yards into my recreation property.

 

[ChestonScout]

Nice truck!


Having a semi for a hauler is cool and convenient sometimes, and a Royal pain in the butt other times

 

[Raleigh]

Nice truck!


Having a semi for a hauler is cool and convenient sometimes, and a Royal pain in the butt other times

Thanks!

It's been more pros than cons so far.
Having the single axle probably helps a lot with that aspect of it

 

[Raleigh]

I've always wanted to do that. I've never driven the Mercedes motor, always a Detroit or a Cummins in my work trucks. There are a couple place I would wish for 4wd, like the last 100 yards into my recreation property.

A locker for the drive axle is on the short list, right after new seats!

 

[RockChucker]

Averaging 9.5 mpg loaded or unloaded, doesn't seem to make much difference lol

Ha. Yep. That’s what I get in my duramax. Difference is that thing is putting along and my truck is wound out to the limit

 

[jeeper]

My son has been pushing for me to buy a heavy truck for our tow rig. The problem is that we use our tow rig to do a lot of exploring, 4 wheel drive and trail drive ability are still needed. But someday I’m sure it will happen

 

[OCNORB]

How is the insurance?

I'm guessing my local auto policy guy is not gonna cover something like this. ???

 

[Unimog]

I retitled mine as a motorhome. I insured it through an agent who specializes in medium duty rv tow rigs. I can get contact info if anyone needs...

Edit - This is my agent: thuminsurance.com. My insurance is about $500/year for HD truck and travel trailer.

 

[Raleigh]

How is the insurance?

I'm guessing my local auto policy guy is not gonna cover something like this. ???

In Nevada we have to register and insure these as commercial truck for private use, the insurance was about $1300 for the year, about the same as my pick up was.
Actually my regular State Farm guy got ut covered through Progressive, they do 90% of these policies.

 

[ChestonScout]

My insurance is through progressive as well

 

[Hickey]

Nice truck!


Having a semi for a hauler is cool and convenient sometimes, and a Royal pain in the butt other times

Can you explain more about the PITA part? Storage wouldn't be an issue for me.

 

[jeeper]

Can you explain more about the PITA part? Storage wouldn't be an issue for me.

I imagine parking in a parking lot. Maneuvering in a small trail head. Never using a drive through. Washing it. Maintenance. Tire changes. Finding parts when needed. Using specific gas stations.

The kind of stuff you are already used to.

 

[Raleigh]

I imagine parking in a parking lot. Maneuvering in a small trail head. Never using a drive through. Washing it. Maintenance. Tire changes. Finding parts when needed. Using specific gas stations.

The kind of stuff you are already used to.

Pretty much

 

[ChestonScout]

Can you explain more about the PITA part? Storage wouldn't be an issue for me.

Jeeper pretty much nailed it.


Storage is a problem for me. Right now I’m storing it at a empty building lot. It’s been there a couple years. It’s only 20 minutes from home but it makes it way harder to head wheelin for just a day.

The house is getting built there this summer so I’m going to have to find new accommodations for it. Not sure what I will do


I’ve always planned on moving to a bigger place With more storage but with prices these days I don’t see it happening.