medium duty truck....

rokguy · Feb 19, 2013

Hi guys,  Theres alot of mid-medium sized cabover trucks available which would be an easy convert, if you used a lightweight box (pantec) around 12ft upto 18ft depending on trucks wheelbase and GVM. When I was looking I had the idea of making the box body rails glide over the trucks chassis rails using a nylon lined deep U channel. It was just a matter of slotting in some wind down landing legs (like a slide on). The whole body could have quick release pins run through both the trucks fitted U channel and the box bodies rails with a small long tray incorporated between the truck rails to carry stuff (when body was off) The Isuzu NPR is one of the best selling small to medium duty trucks in Australia followed closely by the Hino Duro, both have trucks sizes in the 2ton, 4.5ton, 5ton, 7ton, 8ton ( over 8T size, you have to go into weighbridges) 10ton. The only problem with the Isuzu is its 24 volt start and run sytem which is a bit of a pain when using 12 volt onboard ( it can be done though) Most of these Japanese trucks use similar components aswell, as I found out yesterday when I replaced the front shocks of my Ford/Mazda, same as Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Ford/Mazda, Hino, Nissan. As I have said in other posts here, they are extremely economical to run, alot of parts are cheaper that car parts (on the smaller one), the Diesel engines run forever with easy maintainance, good hwy speeds, good carrying cap, exhaust brakes which you really appreciate coming down a mountain side (without using your brakes) stability of dual rear wheels and they all have a tilt cab which is great news for the mechanic which love them. Below are a couple of Isuzu examples. I will be posting my conversion shortly from cab chassis to motorhome. Geoff <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE5NVgxNjAw/z/yQgAAOxyg6pRGNYy/$T2eC16RHJGkE9no8hmkqBRGNYyLThw~~60_3.JPG" rel="lightbox"> Isuzu 200 2tonner 10ft to 12ft box ebay $2500AU <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqZ,!lQFCzoE65gtBQ26Pz0z6!~~60_3.JPG" rel="lightbox"> Isuzu FSR around 9ton upto 20ft box ebay $4000AU

rokguy · Feb 19, 2013

Hi openminds, I understand a truck over 20 years old in the US can be registered as "antique" (Not for Hire) and can be driven by someone with a car licence. I also frequent ATHS.org (american truck historical society website) cause of my interests in class 8 tractors (semi trailer, prime mover here) You can always get the truck registered as a motorhome. Over on there website they have many a subject on driving large tractor trailer under these regs on regular licences A truck under 4.5 tons in Oz you can drive on a car licence Sorry off topic. This is my 1976 K125 Kenworth I'm currently restoring on full registration <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://stonemasoncarver.com/sitebuilder/images/KW_in_the_drive-411x291.jpg" rel="lightbox"> Geoff

Les H · Feb 19, 2013

Rokguy, thats one helluva cow catcher on there! Looks like something out of Mad Max!!

bk2valve · Feb 19, 2013

Geoff, you are right and anything being registered as a camper or RV does not need a CDL here. Even the large Semi tractor and fifth wheel trailer conversions....such as your KW if it were to haul a trailer: http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/04/rv_towing.php I love the roo-bar on your KW...that is some serious protection.... Bri

rokguy · Feb 19, 2013

Hi,  I like the bullbars too, but they're a little bit of overkill for what I'm going to use her for. (local yacht haulage) So I had a KW gullwing bumper sent from the states to replace it. <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://forums.justoldtrucks.com/Uploads/Images/da8516b3-2bce-4394-840c-bc29.jpg" rel="lightbox"> If you wanna see other big rig trailer conversions here's the link. <A href="http://forums.aths.org/170035/Trailer-louge-sleeping-quarters" rel=nofollow target=_blank>http://forums.aths.org/170035/Trailer-louge-sleeping-quarters</A> Here's a picture from a fellow K100 owner in the states who hauls his beautiful home trailer conversion. Shes big. With thanks to Chris M Burke for use of pic. Sorry again for the diversion of topic sorta.  Geoff <IMG class=bbc_img src="http://forums.aths.org/Uploads/Images/085fc1fd-0c12-4513-b020-a241.jpg" rel="lightbox">

Willy · Feb 24, 2013

 Well, I picked up a '92 F250 extended cab 4x4 w. a 351W and E4OD tranny w. tow package (a good deal at $1300) and, with my 9 1/2' slide-in camper (and even MORE stuff) I'm getting around 11 MPG. Not bad IMHO. Gonna do a few things to the engine and maybe get 'er up to 12-13 MPG. ..Willy. 