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Old 11-23-2021, 06:41 PM   #21
mhs4771
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I think someone already mentioned it, but check the licensing of one of those. I understand in some states if it has a sleeper cab and you make it into a mini living quarters you can license them as a Motor Home and get around the possible CDL requirements.
 
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Old 11-24-2021, 07:23 AM   #22
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Well, decision made. DW couldn't/wouldn't wrap her mind around the idea. And insisted she would NEVER drive it. She insists a different run around vehicle would be required and she couldn't see me fitting in those. More than likely true.
The run around vehicle issue is very real, sight seeing in an MDT/HDT isn't fun. When we pulled with the HDT we would either rent a vehicle when at location or take along something to drive (enduro's / razor / jeep). Basically, depending on what the trip was we would take a different loadout.

From a being on sight perspective, pulling with the pickup was easier.
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Old 11-24-2021, 07:52 AM   #23
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Most everything in life is a compromise, tow vehicles certainly are. My feelings are, as long as it’s adequate for all your uses, buy the unit that works best for most of your uses.
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Old 11-24-2021, 07:56 AM   #24
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There is definitely something about how solid these things look that appeals to me. I think about some of the tight campgrounds we've been in and the extra length of this type of rig would certainly be an issue. I'll stick with my 3500, but they're very cool.
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Old 11-24-2021, 08:00 AM   #25
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Some complain about the amount of oil needed for an oil change on the current Diesel trucks, but if you get into a HDT you are now talking Gallons vs Quarts for an oil change.
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Old 11-24-2021, 08:43 AM   #26
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Some complain about the amount of oil needed for an oil change on the current Diesel trucks, but if you get into a HDT you are now talking Gallons vs Quarts for an oil change.
Only one oil change per year, yes you have to do some homework when it comes to RV accommodations. Yes there is definitely a wow factor both for owner and observers. Most importantly there is increased safety. The increased visibility from sitting up high allows me to see trouble coming from a far. Stopping power is unmatched by any pickup. It’s not for everyone, our weight was the driving force behind our decision to go with an HDT. Daily driver no problem for us with a smart and a motorcycle at our disposal.
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Old 01-13-2022, 09:23 AM   #27
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Air brakes without CDL gets you parked and fined in FL. Some states allow under varying circumstances. Class A; under 26k: farm use, etc. Some determine based on vehicle type, GTWR, length. Bottom line. Check your states DMV.
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Old 01-13-2022, 10:29 AM   #28
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Only one oil change per year, yes you have to do some homework when it comes to RV accommodations. Yes there is definitely a wow factor both for owner and observers. Most importantly there is increased safety. The increased visibility from sitting up high allows me to see trouble coming from a far. Stopping power is unmatched by any pickup. It’s not for everyone, our weight was the driving force behind our decision to go with an HDT. Daily driver no problem for us with a smart and a motorcycle at our disposal.
Always wonder how you get that smart car off? Must have ramps stored under the bed somewhere and must be pretty long too?????
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Old 01-13-2022, 11:51 AM   #29
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Always wonder how you get that smart car off? Must have ramps stored under the bed somewhere and must be pretty long too?????
Having watched PNW Fireguy load/unload, I have to say there is some resemblance to Evel Knievel.
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Old 01-13-2022, 02:20 PM   #30
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There is a ramp storage box behind the back axle. I just drive the car on and off using the ramps. It was a little "different" the frist couple of times but all the work is in the setup. Some HDT'ers have a winching setup to load and unload the car.


Butch as long as I can avoid the Ceasar's Palace outcome I will live with the Evil Knievel resemblance.



Now that the secret is out I guess I can no longer claim that we do it by hand.
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Old 01-14-2022, 05:19 AM   #31
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Air brakes without CDL gets you parked and fined in FL. Some states allow under varying circumstances. Class A; under 26k: farm use, etc. Some determine based on vehicle type, GTWR, length. Bottom line. Check your states DMV.
Are saying that if you have air brakes on your motorhome you need a CDL. You only need a Commercial Driver's License if you are hauling for hire. Some states require class A non-commercial for combined weight over certain amount
My state WA. doesn't require any special license to drive my HDT
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Old 01-14-2022, 05:30 AM   #32
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Some complain about the amount of oil needed for an oil change on the current Diesel trucks, but if you get into a HDT you are now talking Gallons vs Quarts for an oil change.
We have a 2020 Chevy Duramax, and it takes 3 gallons of oil at each oil change. So, even the diesel pickups of today take a lot of oil. Google says that semis take 15+ gallons!! That's a LOT of oil!! LOL...
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Old 01-14-2022, 06:09 PM   #33
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PNW Fire Guy nice truck.
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Old 01-14-2022, 06:18 PM   #34
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Semis, some go over 50K miles between oil changes.
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Old 01-14-2022, 10:42 PM   #35
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PNW Fire Guy nice truck.
Thanks Dan. Hoping we cross paths again sooner rather than later friend.
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Old 01-15-2022, 08:18 AM   #36
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Semis, some go over 50K miles between oil changes.
Yep, I ran our Freightliner Sports chassis 25,000 between oil changes, it had a Mercedes engine, with the Allison Transmission.
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Old 01-15-2022, 08:24 AM   #37
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Yep, I ran our Freightliner Sports chassis 25,000 between oil changes, it had a Mercedes engine, with the Allison Transmission.
What's the ride & drive like compared to a 1 ton? I keep looking at them, but if I got one it would be pre def.
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Old 01-15-2022, 08:39 AM   #38
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What's the ride & drive like compared to a 1 ton? I keep looking at them, but if I got one it would be pre def.
The best riding Truck we have owned, was the Freightliner, it had Air Ride, seats, Air ride cab, Air ride suspension, and the 5th wheel hitch was a Trailer Saver Air ride hitch. The second best was the Chevy 4500HD it had air ride seats. The 2022 GMC 3500HD rides the best of all the 3500 series we have owned. I always let the air pressure on the tires down when not towing. My 2022, 3500HD's weight when the fuel tanks are full, 111 gals total, 36 gal OEM tank and 75 gal Transfer tank combo tool box, with the Trailer Saver Air ride hitch the weight is 10,094 lbs.

The first truck with air ride seats, we the Chevy 4500hd, when we looked at the Truck in Elkhart being uplifted, as soon as the wife sat in the air ride seat, her comment was I want this truck, we ask who the dealership was who was having the Truck unfitted, in Alabama, we bought the Chevy 4500hd on the phone.

Happy trails.
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Old 01-15-2022, 08:44 AM   #39
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Thanks
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Old 01-16-2022, 01:23 PM   #40
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Only one oil change per year, yes you have to do some homework when it comes to RV accommodations. Yes there is definitely a wow factor both for owner and observers. Most importantly there is increased safety. The increased visibility from sitting up high allows me to see trouble coming from a far. Stopping power is unmatched by any pickup. It’s not for everyone, our weight was the driving force behind our decision to go with an HDT. Daily driver no problem for us with a smart and a motorcycle at our disposal.
We had a Smart car for our daily driver with our class C. It was a hoot and never gave us any trouble at all.

Even drove it to the Desert Bar. Got some real looks over that one.
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