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This is what I tow with...(56k beware) Whaddaya think? NEW PICS ADDED

big94gmc

big94gmc

1/2 ton status
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Sep 1, 2004
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Location
No VA.
It's not a GM (which surprised the crap outta me)....it's not a Furd....it's not a Dodge....but it is a diesel, and it is a manual.

I'm different, and I like to 'go against the grain' whenever I can - call it a character flaw.

I bought this off eBay a couple months ago. It's a '96 Freightliner FL80, 3126 Cat (300hp), 6 spd, 72" living quarters, and it had a 22' cargo box that I removed and built a custom flatbed. It's registered as a motorhome, and qualifies as one, too, so it's all good to go. It's definitely not finished, more work is in the plans. Feel free to ask questions and pick at it as ya'll see fit. I have a TON of pics, but I'll just post up a few throughout various stages of the build.

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This is the only pic I could find 'loaded up'. I built it so that that my 'crawler fits on the flatbed, and I can hook up a gooseneck trailer and pull 2-3 more 'crawlers. Once the headache rack gets built, it'll be alot closer/tighter to the cab, making more clearance for the neck of the trailer.

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Yes, the tail end has been tapered and dovetailed to accomodate ease of loading, and clearance for trailer tongues. I get about 11-12mpg with a load.
 
That appears to be an older Kenworth sleeper you have there.

Very interesting set up, very unique. The 3126 Cat is a pretty good engine all in all. Weve got a 3116 (mechanical version) in a newer tractor and has been a good engine, besides it starting to miss yesterday. Ours needs an injector, I think.

I think I prefer the old fashioned trailer/HD pickup combo for the benifet of multiple uses. It's a little big to run to town for something. :haha: But, it will probably be easier with no trailer wiring and hooking up to deal with.
 
rjfguitar said:
That appears to be an older Kenworth sleeper you have there.
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Nope, sorry. It's an '99 AlumiBunk 72" condo double bunk....I'm (eventually) gonna strip the interior out of it and re-do it the way I want.

rjfguitar said:
I think I prefer the old fashioned trailer/HD pickup combo for the benifet of multiple uses. It's a little big to run to town for something. :haha: But, it will probably be easier with no trailer wiring and hooking up to deal with.
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You didn't look hard enough.... There's a recessed pocket in the back where the goosenack ball will go (like I said, it's still being built). It's already wired with electric brakes. Oh, and I do run this around town....it's fun.
 
Mine, too. :rolleyes: That's why I drive it work a couple days a week - it's just a really big pickup truck.
 
big94gmc said:
Nope, sorry. It's an '99 AlumiBunk 72" condo double bunk....I'm (eventually) gonna strip the interior out of it and re-do it the way I want.



You didn't look hard enough.... There's a recessed pocket in the back where the goosenack ball will go (like I said, it's still being built). It's already wired with electric brakes. Oh, and I do run this around town....it's fun.
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Looked like a Kenworth sleeper, never mind then.

I relize you can pull a 'neck, I read your post. You don't need to pull a trailer right? FOr yourself you can just load the single truck on the back and go right?
 
You're right, I don't need to pull a 'neck. I built this so, if it's just me, I load up and go wherever I want to go. If my friends are going too, I hook up to their gooseneck and pull them. Fuel cost is less per person, and it's just more fun. ;)
 
Crap.... They're telling me that I've exceeded the limits of my free account, and they're sending me emails every day asking me to start paying for it. I'll have to figure something out to get these pics to view. Give me some time.
 
That looks sweet man, what kinda license you need to drive that? Need an air brake endorsement or what?
 
thats dang cool. i think bedsides and a tailgate would do the trick. :haha:
 
Why did you decide to take the box off :confused: is it because for the goose neck or was it a tight fit for the truck :confused: the box would have been a cool place to store extra parts,tools and a dry place to work on things :D
 
k20 said:
That looks sweet man, what kinda license you need to drive that? Need an air brake endorsement or what?
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No special license is required because it's a motorhome. However, I hold a Class A CDL, and I won't let anyone drive it that doesn't have at least a Class A.


toy4fun said:
Why did you decide to take the box off :confused: is it because for the goose neck or was it a tight fit for the truck :confused: the box would have been a cool place to store extra parts,tools and a dry place to work on things :D
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I can't pull a gooseneck with a box. I built it how I wanted it. All the tools will be there.
 
Plenty of room under the bed for tool boxes... Love that setup myself. My ideal tow rig would be an old COE 1948-55 GMC with a cummins 5.9L, 6 spd, sleeper, and a flatbed similar to that one. How long is your bed?
 
big94gmc said:
I can't pull a gooseneck with a box. I built it how I wanted it. All the tools will be there.
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thats how it should be.. how YOU want it. i love my current setup with the goose and the conex box on it, BUT would LOVE to have your tow rig.

then i could put the blazer on the back of the truck, tow the goose with a 30 foot box on it that is a HOUSE....

the awesome thing about building it yourself is it is how you want. with the length you have under the bed of the truck you have PLENT of storage space. please keep us updated with progress as i love the start.
Grant
 
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