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Why? I watched a family from Idaho try to pull into a primitive campsite near Glacier Park with one of those rigs and a huge 5th wheeler. They couldn't make the campsite turns, lol. Away they went, off to the KOA I suppose.
I know of several who went back to pickups, or on to Class 8.
Class 8 is SO MUCH better
Better gearing
MUCH better brakes!!!
same / better economy (with correct gearing (more probable to have than a Class 5 with have (not geared for open road, usually city delivery))
quiet
Driver Comfort (drive for 12 hrs, no pain)
Passenger comfort (Condo sleeper with Microwave, frig, queen bed, closet)
can stand up and walk to sleeper.
CHEAP to buy used (ofter under $10k, very nice ones for $30k)
EZ to find parts / repair (there are many on the road, std parts stocked across USA truck stop / repair facilities)
Most mechanics will be comfortable and fast at fixing them.
The coolest set up I've ever seen (about ten years ago near Jacksonville FL)
was a Volvo Cab Over Diesel Tractor pulling a 40 foot 5er with another trailer behind that.
This flat bed trailer had a Toyota pickup truck and a couple gang boxes tied down on it...
and even a small motorcycle in the bed of the pick up.
The owner was a construction project manager type... not a tourist.
He was loaded for bear.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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few more pics (another Class 8 benefit = MUCH safer for occupants of truck!)
one of my friends got a Canadian SMART diesel so it would fit crossways. (USA version was GAS (ick) and longer due to bumper requirements.)
The only thing Volvo has going for it is that is cheap. A cummins ISX would be the only saving grace of any Volvo.
The class 8 is frankly overkill in this application. I'd take the IH that the op mentions over an f350 far better than any GM 1 ton.
Sure, the way to improve that truck would be to use air brakes. However, I am guessing there is a suspension seat and an air ride on the cab. Loaded up, the ride will be fine. Solid enough with a camper to smooth out the ride.
For resale, it shouldn't be an issue. The 5th wheel would appeal to a hot shot trucker. Unbolt the 5th wheel plate and put a different body on with little issue.
They are expensive to insure. If you were a trucker you'd really crap when you saw the premium for cargo insurance.
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