Quote:
Originally Posted by gemstone1
Our 37' DRV and our singled Kenworth were 65' long. The KW had the ability to store all the heavy tools I wanted to carry, and with a small engine, we got 10 mpg. We traveled with 2 Harleys, 2 kayaks, full size BBQ, a jewelers bench, woodworking tools, sewing machine for quilting....in a 20' cargo trailer....pulled by our retired puller, a 1 ton Dodge. I pulled the RV, my wife pulled the cargo trailer. In our 8 years on the road we only ran into a couple of places where our extra vehicles were an issue, but for the most part we stayed out of RV parks. A good serviceable big truck, like a KW, Pete, or Volvo can be had for $20K,....modified, ready to pull with an air hitch maybe $25K....far less than a new light duty truck like a 350/3500, and your horsepower, torque and braking concerns are a thing of the past. If you've not yet spent time on the Escapees forum site, it's a wonderful place to ask questions/learn from long time fulltimers.
You've laid out some good points in favor of a motorhome....but the biggest downside for a good diesel pusher is cost. Keep looking and asking questions....before you buy.
Regards
Gemstone1
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An HDT (heavy duty truck) is definitely a nice to have... and if you find out the rules in your state you can sometimes "convert" them to be labeled as an RV so a CDL isn't required. In our state you have to have a way to cook (microwave) and a bathroom (portable toilet works).
One thing worth mentioning though is the cost of repairs. An overhaul on an HDT is quite expensive in comparison to a 3/4-1T truck. Yes, they pull better and you are correct on some of the concerns being eliminated. But they are more expensive to maintain, so there is a bit of a tradeoff. That's ok for some folks though, so not trying to discourage that option.
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