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Escapees Discussion Forum RVing Forums HDT ~ HDT Resource Guide ~ 2008 HDT Rally Schedules & Information|
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 Thanks to Mark Nemeth we now have the HDT R. G. Additions & Questions Sticky Thread where forum members can post new resource information that you think will benefit other forum members. If you have any questions related to the R.G. this is the place to post your questions. If you post new information with the name of a service related company please try to include the address, city, state, zip code, phone & fax numbers, eMail address, URL to the companies web site if applicable & last of all the name of a person at the company forum members can contact. As new information becomes available in the HDT R. G. Additions & Questions thread I'll transfer your information to the HDT Resource Guide so everything will be consolidated into one thread. The HDT Resource Guide is intended to benefit every forum member therefore members will have to participate in supplying new information if you want additional information added to the guide. NOTE: Please Do Not POST or TRY TO POST any information in this Thread as Mark, Kellie and myself are the only ones who are authorized to post anything in the Resource Guide...... Thanks, Jon - Keeper of the HDT Resource Guide UPDATE: Thanks to Emery Nash the Resource Guide now has hyperlinks on the Index Page's that will take you directly to specific sections of the Resource Guide...... ____________________________________________________________________________ This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5th_Wheeler, |
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Page: 1 - Section: A
 Federal Motor Home Guidelines: Motor Home means a multi-purpose vehicle with motive power that is designed to provide temporary residential accommodations, as evidenced by the presence of at least four of the following facilities: Every state has their own guidelines as to what does or does not qualify as a Motor Home therefore your state may or may not abide by the Federal Motor Home guidelines most of use to qualify our HDT's as Motor Home conversions. ***** Here's the links to the printable PDF and Non PDF versions of the Federal Motor Home Guidelines. when you try to register your HDT as a Motor Home in your state of residency. ***** Why an HDT and Which Class 7/8 Tractor Would Serve me Best? Mark Bruss has an informative Write-Up on his web site showing the advantages of using an HDT for RV use over other classes of trucks if you intend to haul a large 5th_Wheel. Based on the majority of trucks members have purchased for conversions the following three HDT's are the most popular for RV use. and relatively short wheelbase. factory installed Work Station seating area plus standard large functional windows in the lower sleeper area. storage space and optional lower sleeper berth windows. BTW, if your looking to remove the upper fairing on a T-2000 Kenworth makes a stainless steel bolt kit with the proper seals to plug all the holes where the fairing attaches to the roof. Like the Volvo 610, the T-2000 is very popular because the upper fairing is removable which gives you a cab Height between that of a 610 with the upper fairing removed and a T-2000 with the upper fairing in place. Though not shown in the picture at 13' 4" tall the Volvo 660/770's are approximately the same height as a T-2000 with the upper fairing in place. One drawback to the T-2000 is that it's more Labor Intensive to single one out so unless your planning to keep the tandem axle setup that's something to take into consideration before purchasing a T-2000. More Popular Models: If your looking for a shorter wheelbase but prefer one with roomy double bunks then the Volvo 660 might fill your needs. If your not overly concerned about floor space, sleeper size and the creature comforts that comes with a larger cab then the Volvo 42/420 is a viable option. The primary reason Volvo's are in demand is the ease of singling out a Volvo, the quieter than normal HDT cab and the set back front axle which allows for a tighter than normal HDT turning radius. and sleeper size between the various Volvo models most of us have chosen to convert for RV use. The diagram also has a breakdown of what the numbers and letters in the Volvo model number represents. As time goes by I expect the sweet looking Peterbilt condo-height 387 and the mid-height 387 to be a much sought after HDT for RV use. Jack Mayer has a good write up on his Web Site about choosing between the various makes and models of HDT's. You might also want to read the write up Mark Bruss wrote, Why a Volvo. If you've finally decided on a Volvo but aren't quite sure which model would serve you best " a mid height 610 or condo height 770 or 660 " then you might want to read the Article Mark Bruss wrote about why he chose to go with a 770. purchase along with some reasons they chose their particular truck. ***** Single Axle or Tandem Axle Toter, Which is Best for Our Application? The amount of weight most members pull OR load on a custom built deck doesn't require tandem axles in many cases therefore most owners prefer to purchase a singled out HDT or to have them singled out after they purchase their class 8 HDT. I will say that several members have posted that they Regret they Didn't Think Things Out More Thoroughly before converting to a single axle with a shorter wheel base. With the growing popularity of hauling a Smart4Two, a motorcycle or two, having a large drom box or dog house riding on the deck some people are faced with Major Expenses to accommodate these items now due to overloading their 12K rated front axle which is standard on most HDT's. IMPO one would be Much Better Off living with a tandem axle tractor until they drive the truck for awhile to see how it handles with the longer wheelbase before moving the rear axle forward and chopping the frame a couple feet or so behind the new axle location....... If not, you might be looking at more Expensive Modifications to your truck like some members are now to accomodate these heavy items due to an overloaded front axle..... Pros and Cons of a Single Axle Toter: Pros: Cons: normal commercial use. hold goods or a converted commercial trailer. Basically it boils down to your preferences - OR - To what you'll be loading on the deck ____________________________________________________________________________ This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5th_Wheeler, |
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Page: 1 - Section: B
 Trade Term Used Trucks: Trade Term relates to the condition of the truck a dealer is trying to sell. If a dealer tells you he has a truck that meets Trade Term specifications set fort by the Used Truck Association it should at least meet the minimum guidelines set forth by the Used Truck Association. Here's a Link to the downloadable pdf Trade Terms and Conditions Pamphlet that's published by the Used Truck Association or you can Request a hard copy. You can also Request that UTA mail you a hard copy of their What is a Low Mileage Truck pamphlet. ***** Special Orders and New Truck Sales:
***** Reputable Used HDT Dealers and Salesman: More Recommended Dealers:
he had some service work done on his 630. He also stated they have a couple places they work with on singling related mods as well as having some beds built for trucks they've sold to RV'ers.
very responsive to his questions after the sale. Frank Crawford introduced Glen to a local person who singled out his truck and shortened the frame and also got him a reasonable price for the takeoff parts from another vendor in the area.
our visit with M & K for the pre-purchase inspection. Our salesman Bill Vanegmond was upfront and easy to work with, answered all calls and emails quickly and handled all the details without a hitch. I would do business with them again.
to read any negatives about their dealings with Gatr. At any given time they usually have a good selection of Clean "off lease" Ashley Furniture 770/780's in addition to various other used HDT'S. ***** * On A Side Note: * If I were in the market for an HDT I'd seriously consider contacting forum member PSD_Tweaker" Rick Lacombe" about trying to locate me a good clean truck. Rick lives in Canada where used HDT prices are generally lower and he's been successful in finding a dozen or so forum members reasonably priced HDT's that are in good to excellent condition. Rick does a thorough inspection on every truck he locates then sends a list of suggested cosmetic or mechanical repairs he feels should be done to the truck along with a good selection of pictures to his potential customers. Once a customer commits to a truck he handles all the necessary Canadian and US paperwork to legally get the truck into the US. Rick also makes it a point to pick up his customers at the airport, treat them to breakfast, lunch or a cup of Joe then takes them to inspect their truck. From all the comments his customers have posted they are all very pleased with their trucks and the services Rick provided. ***** Heavy Duty Truck Locator Web Sites: ***** * Pre-purchase Check List: * Here's a LINK to a printable pre-purchase check sheet that will be helpful to those who want to inspect an HDT on their own that may not know what to look for in a perspective truck. ***** Independent HDT/MDT Inspection Services: Once you've located a used HDT that your interested in purchasing you may want to consider having an independent inspection service company do a thorough inspection of the truck unless your comfortable with your knowledge of what to look for during a pre-purchase inspection. For a $300.00 fee Truck Remarketing Service will dispatch one of their trained inspectors to do a thorough visual inspection of the truck which includes pictures of the truck along with pictures of any noticeable areas that need mechanical or cosmetic repairs. Several forum members have used their service with positive results. 1. Truck Remarketing Services Inc. 640 Federal Road - Brookfield, CT - 06804 Phone: 888-790-6996 - Or - 203-775-0011 Fax: 203-775-0526 - Email: info@truckremark.com ____________________________________________________________________________ This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5th_Wheeler, |
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Page: 1 - Section: C
 ** Non Recommended Companies: **
conversion they did on Mark's truck.
with this company. ***** ** Recommended Companies: **
by another company we talked to. Their bid was “something less than $2000 to move the rear axle forward” or $1100/$1200 to leave the rear and drop the front. They said they didn’t know of any market in the area for the removed parts so couldn’t help with that.
if they did conversion work. The person they spoke with at Westside said their charge to drop an axle would be in the $1500 price range.
tandems after they removed the factory axles.
during his conversion preperation this winter. Since all these companies are located in or around Phoenix I'm going to number them as - 9a through 9e.
once. They're also willing to position the rear axle midway between the factory tandem locations which would give you the best of both worlds between a shortie and tandem axle rig.
his four shop employees have done a very professional job on my 610.
believe he is fully capable of doing any required conversion work. The rest of Charlie's statement about the company can be read in his Post.
& crew did an excelent job on the conversion.
made and I'm quite happy with the work and price I paid. Reference #2: chuckm4689 "Chuck" also had his axle conversion work done at Tampa Spring and he stated that he was also pleased with their service.
conversions and that their price would be in the $1500.00 price range.
and move the rear axle forward.
class 8 related. Todd wrote me up a full estimate, and told me there would be no surprises. We dropped the tractor off and a few days beer later we picked her up. I am VERY impressed. You can read everything else Jamie had to say about Parts For Trucks through this Link.
custom fabrication work including toter beds plus he's an authorized dealer for TrailerSaver hitches. Matt has also agreed to give forum members a discount on TrailerSaver hitch purchases. On a side note, Matt has done various repairs & welding on my truck & I've been very happy with the results.
The work was rather extensive, since it required the complete removal of the KW Air-Glyde 200 suspension and DS-404 axle set, the installation of an RS-404 axle and Air-Liner suspension from a Freightliner, and the installation of a Henry Szmyt's ET Air Ride Hitch. Please Note, this is a Small, Family Owned and Run Business. Joe, his son, and his brother do all of the shop work. For that reason, they are very busy during planting and harvest seasons, since most of their customers are farmers. At those busy times they wouldn't be able to take on conversion work, but they would be happy to work on them outside of those times. ____________________________________________________________________________ This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5th_Wheeler, |
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Page: 1 - Section: D
 While some of the items mentioned in this section are not a necessity other items like a Quality Brake Controller and an Air Ride Hitch or Air Ride Pin Box are. IMPO anyone who pulls a mid to high priced 5th_Wheel should invest the $$$$'s required to help protect their overall investment in addition to maintaining the highest level of safety possible towards fellow motorists. While not necessity I also recommend investing in a Pressure Pro Tire Pressure Monitoring System in addition to a Back-up Camera System of some sort. I've also included a list of online retailers that carry a variety of items that may come in handy during your conversion. ***** Reputable HDT Painting Companies: Several members have recently had their HDT's repainted and here's the List of Companies they used. The prefered paints are Du Pont Imron 6000 or Sherman Williams automotive paint. ***** Brake Controllers: From what I've read the majority of people who've done HDT conversions use either the Tekonsha Prodigy electronic proportional brake controller or the Hayes #100400B air actuated true proportional brake controller. There is a growning number of us who agree that the more expensive BrakeSmart air activated electronic proportional brake controller is the best of the pack for our applications which is one of the reasons you'll pay a premium price "apx $435.00 + S&H" for the BrakeSmart controller and vehicle specific wiring harness. The BrakeSmart is manufactured and sold by Dr. Performance (1-877-338-7373) and reportedly for about $30.00 to $40.00 less at Trans West - (1-800-909-7071) "ask to speak with Joe or Todd in the parts department". For our application you'll need the BrakeSmart 78001 Controller (works on any vehicle) and the 78010-5 Air Brake Harness which naturally IS only used on truck's with air brakes. If your installing the BrakeSmart in a Volvo you'll need to purchase a 1/4" OD x 1/4" OD x 1/4" ID branch tee with push-in connectors to replace the 3/8" branch tee that's included in the kit as the suppplied tee is to large for our application. The 1/4" tee can be purchased at Suicide Doors for less than $4.00 which includes Free S&H or if your in a hurry to do the install you could also purchase a 1/4" Compression T and Coupler w/Insert which is available at HomeDepot, Lowes and most hardware stores. Emery Nash has ten or eleven pictures with installation details about his BrakeSmart install and Mark Bruss has a couple also. BrakeSmart Wiring Diagram ***** MaxBrake is a fairly new company that's manufacturing the MaxBrake brake controller "apx $350.00 + S&H at Southwest Wheel's" that works much like the BrakeSmart in that it also senses either the Hydraulic or Air Pressure from the tow vehicles brake application to send brake voltage to your trailer brakes. I believe Mark Bruss is now using a MaxBrake on his 770 and he says the installation of the MaxBrake pretty much follows the BrakeSmart installation as outlined by the details and pictures from his web site. On a side note, if you opt to go with the MaxBrake brake controller make sure you order the installation kit for air brakes in lieu of the installation kit for hydraulic brakes....... ***** BTW, if your HDT has a Johnson Bar you can manually activate the BrakeSmart, Hayes and MaxBrake brake controllers with the Johnson Bar..... ***** BluDot Incorporated: If your looking for the best braking for your 5th_Wheel then you may want to check out the diverse array of trailer brake systems offered by BluDot Inc. ***** Air Ride Hitches - Air Ride Pin Boxes - Other Towing Solutions: Do You Really Need and Air Ride Hitch? The majority of people who have converted an HDT for RV use generally agree that one should either use an air ride hitch with an articulating head or an air ride pin box when pulling a non commercial trailer with one of these monsters. The general consensus is that the use of both is pretty much a waste of money. For one reason or another everyone has their favorite ARH manufacturer but the majority of members in the forum have chosen to go with the TrailerSaver TSLB2H AR hitch with a 5K pin weight but many like myself have opted to go with the 7.5K pin weight option. When I first contacted TrailerSaver about mailing me the literature on their TSLB2H AR hitch they included a letter in the packet that stated I could get 10% off the regular purchase price within a given amount time if I mentioned the letter when I placed a phone order. I'm not sure if they still make this offer when you order their literature packet but it's worth a try..... Here's the current list of air ride hitch and air ride pin box manufacturers that I'm aware of. Attention Henry or Davena Szmyt 22 Forrest Street - Plaistow, NH - 03865 Phone: 603-382-6500 - Mobile: 603-382-4736 eMail: hszmyt@comcast.net - OR - Sales at dszmyt@yahoo.com NOTE: D-Square "website now closed" manufacturer of the McCall ARH is now operating on a Very Limited Basis. Gene McCall is essentially retired but I've heard that whenever possible he will service prior customers hitches. You can contact Gene or his wife Pat @ (1-505-531-2105) to discuss the possibility of them servicing your hitch. ***** Discounts for Escapees Members on TrailerSaver Hitches: Matt Geils, That Trailer Guy an authorized TrailerSaver dealer has agreed to give Discounts to Escapees Members on TrailerSaver Hitches. Click on This Link for more details........ ***** Air Ride Pin Boxes: ***** Here's a Link to Jack Mayer's air ride hitch page on his web Site. Here's a link to TrailerSaver's "Installation" "Operation" & "Maintenance" pdf file, a link to a recent TrailerSaver maintenance and repair thread and another link to TrailerSaver's Holland Head hookup procedure pdf file. ***** Air Ride Hitch Installation Guide for Dummies 101, an Idiots Guide to installing a hitch between the frame rails. ***** Aftermarket Replacement Air Ride Seats: Air Ride Seat Retailers: Industrial Seats and Suburban Seating Many of the larger Pete and KW dealers also stock a good variety of aftermarket AR seats. I highly recommend you sit in a variety of seats from various manufacturers before making your final decision based on what someone else says about a particular seat. That being said IMPO the Sears Elite 80 AR Seats are hard to beat especially if you've put on a few pounds over the years. My 2nd choice would probably be the Bostrom Wide Rides but several members have stated they weren't overly fond of the seats once they rode in them for awhile. IMPO the National Premiums were a killer "Way to Narrow Across the Back" for me personally. I haven't had a chance to try these out but Henry "WhyW8" said he really likes his Gramag leather covered Select's. Here'a a couple threads, thread #1 & thread #2 where members discussed aftermarket AR seats. ***** Backup Camera Systems: Everything You Need To Know About Rear View Cameras Jack Mayer has a good writeup as does Mark Bruss about their backup camera systems. ***** If your in the market for a good backup camera system at a reasonable price I recommend looking at the systems ebay seller interceptinc sells. I've purchased two of Steve's 7" Backup Camera systems for my 770 with the automatic switching function and illuminated controls and several other forum members are also using his systems on their HDT's. In addition to my drom cabinet camera, hitch viewing camera, rear of 5th-Wheel mounted camera and interior flush mounted camera that will allow me to view the work station area in the cab I also decided to purchase one of his side mounting cameras that's mounted in a stylish paintable enclosure for the passenger side blind spot on my truck. ***** If money isn't a consideration in your choice of backup camera systems take a look at the AgCam camera system that OLDphoneman "Dave" purchased for his 610 or the Voyager camera system that Cal "Nuf Truck" purchased for his 630. These are both high end backup camera systems but be prepared to shell out some $$$$ if you purchase either of these systems. ***** Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems & Powertank High Performance Air System: Many of us hauling with an HDT feel that the addition of a tire pressure monitoring system is a must have item. The majority of use have chosen to go with the Pressure Pro Monitoring System which is available with several different monitoring screens based on the number of tires you need to monitor. If your thinking about purchasing a PP system for your toter or have questions about the PP systems I recommend you PM forum member tetoner "Mike McFall" or send him an e-mail via his web site. ***** If your having problems getting your tires up to pressure with your onboard compressor and can never seem to find locations where you can add those last few pounds of pressure to get your tires up to 110/120 psi then you might consider a Powertank High Performance Air System. BTW, Mike McFall can fill you in on any questions you have about the Powertank's also. ***** GearMaster Standard Transmission Shifting Aid: GearMaster a revolutionary new instrument for drivers and operators of heavy trucks and equipment with standard transmissions. GearMaster Training and Resource Center ***** Discounted Dieter's Stainless Steel Trim: If you want to add some Bling*Bling to your truck then here's a link to a previous thread where Rich "Enophite" posted the contact information for the company who has agreed to sell forum members Dieter's stainless steel trim at discounted prices. Most people agree that Dieter's manufacturers the best quality stainless steel trim but I thought I'd include a list of companies that sell stainless steel trim manufactured by other companies as well. ***** Jack Knife Sofas: OK, so what's a Jack Knife Sofa? Basically a JNS is a sofa of sort that folds down into a bed that's commonly used in RV's and HDT conversions. Here's a couple links to Buzzcut's "Dave" JNS in his 610, link #1 link #2 and a link to Themisfitking's "Charlie" JNS in his 630. ***** RV Furniture Retailers: ***** Volvo Multiplexor Antenna Box to FME Cell Phone Adapter: If you want to connect your cell phone to the multiplexor box in your Volvo for better reception you'll need a Mini-UHF Male to Female FME Adapter as almost all cell phone cables utilize FME connectors. The FME adapter's are rather hard to locate locally in most areas but you can purchase one online for around $13.00 which includes S&H at Pacific Cable listed under part number RFA-8253. ***** Air Horns & Other Air Related Items: & air tanks ***** Miscellaneous Conversion Items: ____________________________________________________________________________ This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5th_Wheeler, |
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Page: 1 - Section: E
 DIY Electrical Upgrades: One of the first upgrades most people do to their HTD's is to add an Inverter - Inverter/Charger, Brake Light Controller, 110 Volt Power Center "Circuit Panel", 12 Volt Circuit Panel and in many cases a 30 Amp 110 Volt Shore Power Receptacle on the side of their trucks which is generally required if you add an Inverter to your truck. Here'a a Link to the photos I took when 2BTRVLN "Charlie" and myself upgraded the electrical system in his 770 for RV use. ***** Adding a Quick Release Air Fitting on the Rear of Your Cab. Which location on the valve should I Use and Why?. ***** Cosmetic Interior Upgrades: If your current truck or one your looking to purchase could use an interior revamp then you might be interested in seeing the pictures of what lacofdfireman "Dave" has done or in some cases had done to the interior's of his old Volvo VNL770 and the following Kenworth T2000.. ***** Swivel Extendable Volvo Dashboard Laptop Mount - Upper 610 Bunk/Back Rest: Jack Mayer designed a pretty Nifty swivel extendable dashboard Laptop Mount for his 610 that mounts where the factory CB holder is located on VNL series Volvos. For those 610 owners who would like an upper bunk but don't want to shell out the $$$'s for an OEM upper bunk setup check out Jack's inexpensive DIY Upper Bunk project that also acts as a back rest for your passengers in the down position. ***** Cooking up a Pot of Home Brew: Here's a recipe I came across a year or so ago for brewing your own Homemade Metal Polish which works great on all types of metal. Here's a Link to the tread I posted the recipe in and the Link to another thread where Fl Fireman "Tommy" posted a couple pictures of his wheels after polishing them with two different grades of Home Brewed Metal Polish. ***** Acrylic Headlight Restoration: Most of us who have purchased pre-owned Volvo's have ended up replacing both headlights due to fogging of the acrylic lenses. Recently several members have posted using CV Headlight Restorer/Defogger manufactured by Crystal View Chemicals with good results. I have no personal experience with the product therefore I have no idea what the longevity of the restored headlights will be but it might be worth a shot for those who don't want to purchase a new pair of headlights from their friendly Volvo dealership for around $190.00 plus S&H. ***** Removing Vinyl Graphics: If your new truck came with Company Logo's, Vinyl Graphics or adhesive backed DOT Numbers that you need to remove then here's a good article to read about Removing Graphics with Vinyl Off 10-4. On a side note, member cadonnelly (Chuck) had numerous graphics to remove on his new 770 and he said the product worked well, however, in the long run he switched to using a Heat Gun to save time since he had So Many graphics, wording and DOT numbers to remove..... ***** Bumper and Fairing Repairs: Every now and then someone asks if the molded Volvo bumpers and fairing's are repairable. In most cases the answer is yes but from what I've read it's somewhat time consuming and the general consensus is that one would probably be better off replacing a damaged bumper unless the damage is minor. You can read this Thread and this Thread and others via the search function to gain This message has been edited. Last edited by: 5th_Wheeler, |
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