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09-23-2021, 06:42 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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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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RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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09-23-2021, 07:06 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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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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Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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09-23-2021, 08:00 PM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Frostbite Falls
Posts: 434
M.O.C. #26015
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09-23-2021, 09:11 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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like those
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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09-24-2021, 07:30 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,599
M.O.C. #22835
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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!
__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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09-24-2021, 09:37 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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I think the difference is the type of brakes - AIR=CDL & Hydraulic=STD license
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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09-24-2021, 10:13 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Frostbite Falls
Posts: 434
M.O.C. #26015
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09-29-2021, 01:14 PM
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#8
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2015
Location: fargo
Posts: 185
M.O.C. #17461
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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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09-29-2021, 02:58 PM
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#9
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Established Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: IDAHO FALLS
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #25960
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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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09-29-2021, 03:08 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2015
Location: fargo
Posts: 185
M.O.C. #17461
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Code80
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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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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09-29-2021, 03:13 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SWFL
Posts: 964
M.O.C. #17801
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Visit the Escapees forum, lots of MDTs over there.
__________________
2016 Montana 3711FL
2005 Ford F350, 6.0 diesel, short bed
Demco Hitchiker Auto Slide hitch
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09-29-2021, 03:22 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hanover
Posts: 1,471
M.O.C. #13325
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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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09-29-2021, 04:00 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
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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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09-29-2021, 06:21 PM
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#14
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Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #8111
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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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09-29-2021, 07:23 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Arlington
Posts: 1,522
M.O.C. #18081
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__________________
SOB
2015 Volvo VNL780 D13, iShift, 32k ET air hitch, Idle Free LiFePO4 APU
16.8KWhr LiFePO4, 2.52 kw solar, 10kva Victron split phase
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09-29-2021, 07:28 PM
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#16
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,380
M.O.C. #4831
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__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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09-29-2021, 07:37 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Arlington
Posts: 1,522
M.O.C. #18081
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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.
__________________
SOB
2015 Volvo VNL780 D13, iShift, 32k ET air hitch, Idle Free LiFePO4 APU
16.8KWhr LiFePO4, 2.52 kw solar, 10kva Victron split phase
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11-23-2021, 08:22 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
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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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11-23-2021, 08:53 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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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.
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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11-23-2021, 06:25 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Frostbite Falls
Posts: 434
M.O.C. #26015
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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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