Looking at truck chassis specs is enough to confuse this newbie. Maybe the experienced folks out there can answer some general engine/transmission questions. (We'll save the suspension, brakes, etc for other topics.)

For comparable HP and torque ratings, is:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI> A Caterpillar engine more expensive than a Mercedes engine?
<LI> An Allison 6-speed automatic transmission more expensive than a Meritor ZF 12-speed automated transmission? [/list]
Regards,
Alan

lot of product out there
my opinion do what you want and have fun
M11 cummins super 10 speed 1350 ftps pulls good
16k trailer 22k truck

drfun, some thoughts-- the cat is a known engine at truck stops etc, the allison is also [i'm not as sure on this] probably better known than the meritor?/sp. one of the reasons i built my conversion was so that i would not be tied to the dealer net work on repair. that said i also went with camping world for most of my stuff[awinings steps, generators]. end answer, do your own research, ask all the questions you can think of, allow for mistakes, love the results, and never fully "be done", you'll never totally dissatisfied---- mase

Alan -

Are you going with a new truck or used? I would think if you are leaving a Allison 6 speed automatic as a option it would be new. (Not going to find to many of those on the used market)

I am in the infancy stage of considering a new Show Hauler conversion (I will detail that in another thread) but if you want to keep your options to sell your conversion open to more potential buyers you will want to put a Meritor or Allison semi automatic trannies in. Many of the current buyers are racers who pull large trailers, the semi auto's will work much better in these applications than a full automatic.

Bill

2003 28' Show Hauler Motorhome on a 1995 FL 120 www.showhauler.com