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Old 09-23-2021, 06:42 PM   #1
Ram Montana High Country
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MDT vs. Pickup

Well, had TV issues on our summer trip. Picked up a 2016 DRW Limited Ram Mega Cab - named Trip Saver. Been a good truck with almost 70k miles.

Ordered a '22 Longhorn and of course delayed delivery ... thinking about a used MDT. DW biggest objection is perceived long length. We generally don't camp in my state parks as a 373RD could be challenging.

I'm thinking the MDT air-ride, bigger engine/trans/tires are all plus. Anyone gone done this rabbit trail? Interested in thoughts on the topic.
 
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Old 09-23-2021, 07:06 PM   #2
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While used MTD's are pretty cheap they are turned loose by the companies at a certain point because, on average, repairs go up significantly after a certain point. Since those trucks are expected to be used professionally, parts, repairs and just general maintenance are frequently far more expensive than you would expect.
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Old 09-23-2021, 08:00 PM   #3
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Like these.


https://www.commercialtrucktrader.co...+P2-5017892594


https://www.commercialtrucktrader.co...335-5017567142
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Old 09-23-2021, 09:11 PM   #4
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like those
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Old 09-24-2021, 07:30 AM   #5
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Little off topic, but depending on your state of residence, driving an MTD may require more than just a standard Operator's Drivers License. Before proceeding, check the rules in your state.

For what it's worth, I've seen many fifth wheel campers towed by MTD's in Indiana. It always looks like a bit of over-kill, but I know it must be a sweet ride!
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Old 09-24-2021, 09:37 AM   #6
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I think the difference is the type of brakes - AIR=CDL & Hydraulic=STD license
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Old 09-24-2021, 10:13 AM   #7
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https://justdownsize.com/do-you-need...sement-for-rv/
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Old 09-29-2021, 01:14 PM   #8
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Went that route a few years ago, skipped the MDT and went right to HDT. I found the MDT's to be lacking in regards to power / space.

I ended up with a Volvo 610, worked great for pulling 40+ foot toyhaulers with enough space on the truck's bed for another 3 quads. 3k mile range, 1400+ ft/lbs of torque, auto trans and full air, wife thought it was more comfortable on the highway then her Escalade, worked great.

Oh, in the HDT world, in a lot of states you can register the as an RV, that is the route I took.
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Old 09-29-2021, 02:58 PM   #9
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I've driven many trucks with air brakes, even been inspected a few times. CDL is not required. I believe the difference is the number of axles and/or weight. 5 or more axles in most states requires CDL. The majority of Comm retired trucks I see pulling 5er's have removed a drag or drive axle to be 4 axle.
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Old 09-29-2021, 03:08 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Code80 View Post
I've driven many trucks with air brakes, even been inspected a few times. CDL is not required. I believe the difference is the number of axles and/or weight. 5 or more axles in most states requires CDL. The majority of Comm retired trucks I see pulling 5er's have removed a drag or drive axle to be 4 axle.
The removal of an axle is to aid maneuverability, the extra axle isn't needed due to the light weight of the rv's.

The rules are very state dependent

ND/MN for example don't care about axles but they care about how it's registered. Private truck isn't a choice for the class 8's so the option is either commercial or rv. I didn't want to maintain a cdl nor did I want the added insurance costs, went the rv route which is a very nice option.

SD does have a private truck option.

Basically, you'll want to research your state and figure out what it takes. I did the buy in one state then transfer to a different state and change the type via a conversion effort, it wasn't difficult but it took time to figure out a path and do the paperwork.
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Old 09-29-2021, 03:13 PM   #11
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Visit the Escapees forum, lots of MDTs over there.
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Old 09-29-2021, 03:22 PM   #12
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One thing to note is that MDT and HDTs have a much tighter turning radius than typical 1 ton duallys. (ESPECIALLY my old Ford!) I seriously looked at a Freightliner like the one in the first link a few years back, but opted to keep our old truck after digging into maintenance costs. Even so, it was a close call.
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Old 09-29-2021, 04:00 PM   #13
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I owned a Freightliner, traveled into and thru many States, I was towing a Mobile Suites, and a Chevy HHR, behind the Mobile Suites. Was the Greatest tow vehicle. The Frieghtliner had air ride suspension, air ride seats, Trailer Saver Air ride 5th wheel hitch. The Freightliner was awesome. Had a Mercedes engine, with a Allison transmission. I made a mistake in letting it go.

Happy trails.
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Old 09-29-2021, 06:21 PM   #14
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MDT

I bought a new M2 Freightliner in 05 with 5000 miles on it today it has
226,000 on it with know trouble except normal ware and tear.
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Old 09-29-2021, 07:23 PM   #15
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Take a look at the Escapees MDT forum
https://www.rvnetwork.com/forum/14-mdt/
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Old 09-29-2021, 07:28 PM   #16
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One *BIG* difference between a pickup and a MDT is the length of the truck. It can be hard to navigate a campground when you are 31' towing a 40+' RV.
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Old 09-29-2021, 07:37 PM   #17
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Speaking from recent experiences eh Mr.Y


On a more serious note MDT's usually don't have a tandems or a hauler bed so that 31' length should not come into play.
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Old 11-23-2021, 08:22 AM   #18
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I towed with the Freightliner all over the lower 48 had no problem with the turning radius, actually it seem to turn as well as the 1 ton trucks. I did have a CDL, I was and over the road truck driver. So I have traveled million miles over road during by Truck driving career. We ran 38 states and Canada. The HDT's aren't for everyone. The MDT's/HDT"s are not for everyone. However they are awesome tow vehicles.


I will say this, no matter what Truck you have there are those who will disagree. My opinion is not any more or less that your. Be happy. It is what your wants or needs are.

My 26+ year Military career was in Transportation and Logistic's.

Happy Trails.
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Old 11-23-2021, 08:53 AM   #19
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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.
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Old 11-23-2021, 06:25 PM   #20
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I talked to a guy couple years a that had a big toyhauler 3 axle & he pull it with a frieghtliner with a 550 hp Detroit, said him & his wife fight over it.


I'd like to try something like this & see if it would work out.


https://www.commercialtrucktrader.co...384-5018130615
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