8.1 to dmax 3500 HD GMT-400 body

[bmc1025]

Wow that thing is bad ass. Sad thing is it gets the same mpg as my truck empty while he is pulling a camper

 

[malibu795]

I avg 10.5mpg and alot more weight.. pulled 12.3 on some long dead head last week

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

On my last trip hauling my 32' holiday rambler, I was getting almost 14mpg if I kept it under 65. Even running 70-75 I was getting over 13, provided I was gentle on the skinny pedal getting it up to speed. Then again the trailer you're hauling makes a big difference. I only got 11.5-12 hauling our 25' hyline travel trailer, and it weighed half what the 32'hr does.

 

[malibu795]

Those airstream are usually fairly aerodynamic.. vs rounded brick in the wind...

Tires play big role as well especially when loaded

 

[malibu795]

I know the Cat is the weak point. Just thinking the body and frame, plus something like the 7.8L Isuzu that they put in the 6500's and up. I saw several of those when looking around last night. I think i even saw one for about $3,500.

Originally saw this one, and its in Indiana. http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/7180031/1994-gmc-topkick-lo-pro

Seams this guy is still for sale....
http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/7046043/1999-freightliner-fl50

 

[jlawles2]

The little freight is a good looking truck. $17,900 sounds a bit high but reasonable for what you are getting.

Would you put the Dmax in it in place of the 5.9? OR just run the 5.9 until it gives up on life and go for something else.

Also saw this one. http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/7017183/1997-chevrolet-kodiak-c7500 I think it's a bit bigger than what you want.

 

[malibu795]

I'm sure it's negotiable price wise...


5.9 isn't a bad engine just not the first choice for me..

 

[malibu795]

Yeah 5500/fl60 is biggest I'd go...bigger I can't utilize it with out getting full grown trailer. Not to mention mpg drop and increase tare weight and operating cost to run LTL loads

Bull dog as a 10k/40k coupler 3" ball, unagoose hitch is the only hitch with publicly rated capacity to handle it...with a 20k/40k rating.
The common 2 5/16 ball GN has a 30k trailer and various verticals weights ratings... Tandem 12k axles and 6k pin and you've got a 30k trailer. I currently max out with trailer at 28.5k the way I'm plated.

If I repower a C3500 HD, figure I'll be spending ~15-20k once it's road ready... probably less but rather shoot high for nickel dime things.. not to mention some 200 hours in labor I had on the last one..

 

[jlawles2]

With a slight repower, and a few creature comfort upgrades, this would be the talk of the scene.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/5150415/1950-chevrolet-6400

 

[malibu795]

With a slight repower, and a few creature comfort upgrades, this would be the talk of the scene.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/trucks/for-sale/5150415/1950-chevrolet-6400

Maybe at a later date.... definitely have an outstandingly cool factor to it!