I am now considering sending my FLD120 to get a box put on it. Probably a 16ft with the fifth wheel hitch behind it. I am looking for a company that can do a nice job at a reasonable cost. I was told that Powerhouse has the best prices but I don't know about the quality. I called them and they said they already have completed 64 trucks and they could complete mine in 5 weeks for $32,000.00. They want an additional $2,000.00 for a diesel generator. I am also considering Beck's Marine but they take about two months. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Robert |
Robert -
I really do not know much about Powerhouse other than what I have seen on their website. If you do not already know, I would ask how the coach is constructed. What type of structure, what is the spacing 16" oc or ?, what is the shell material?, how is it fastened?, what type of warranty? Also ask about the interior construction, cabinets, walls, insulation, ect. I know the 5 weeks & $32,000 is enticing, but I am telling you if they use traditional motorhome building techniques, cheap interior structure, fake wood materials, luan, crappy draws, ect. you will be miserable very quickly. (I am not saying they do, but if) Find out as much as you can on the build process (if you know please let us know), it will save you years of aggravation. Bottom line if you don't walk away feeling like the rig is built like a brick shit house, walk away!! I spoke with Nathan Beck from Becks Marine a few weeks ago and he had some very interesting things to say about the industry and the manufacturers currently building conversions. I can say he definitely is a straight shooter. And I know that the Legend is top of the line when it comes to construction. https://www.truckhome.com/infopop/emo...on_biggrin.gif Bill 2003 28' Show Hauler Motorhome on a 1995 FL 120 www.showhauler.com |
Re: Powerhouse Conversions-
In previous conversations w/ both Doug Alder and the other Doug (forgot his last name), I was told they use a "premanufactured coach" to build their units. I asked them who are the better coach builders, and they answered that Forest River was one they preferred. In looking over their floorplans, I can recognize some of Forest River's trailer plans. In fact in Powerhouse's latest model the coach is turned backward so the door, instead of being in the right-rear on the trailer, ends up just behind the driver's door on their conversion. I don't think I need to tell anyone about typical modern trailer construction. Do you want this on YOUR truck/RV? I know I don't. |
Warpath is the only guy I know of who actually had a motorhome constructed from a clean sheet of paper on a class 8 truck chassis. He learned a few lessons along the way. His knowledge and experience concerning that type conversion is second to none among readers and posters on this forum.
Bill personally visited several coach builders prior selecting a company to build his coach. He followed the construction process from start to finish. The fact that he is pleased with the end result tells you he made a wise choice. onezman |
Gary -
You confirmed my thoughts. I could see the small bins which remained above the lower bins they add. Anyway, a Powerhouse coach may last many years with no problems, but I can send you to my iRV2.com site and let you read horror story after horror story about brand new tt's, 5th wheels, motorhomes that are literally falling apart after only a short period of time. The problem is, these manufacturers have to cut corners to lighten up the RV for the chassis they put these on. And now customers want super slides which even add more weight. The steel structures are sparse, the luan backed gel coat fiberglass exterior used is way to thin to hold up to the flexing these structures go through. And the interior cabinets, draws, walls, ect are just plain cheap and do not hold up to even minimal use. And if that thing has a rubber roof (a lot of the traditional rv mfg'ers use rubber roofs) runnnn! I am not sure what rocket scientist thought putting a rubber roof on a vehicle that runs at speeds of 60 - 70 mph encounters low hanging branches, and is a maintenance nightmare should have had his head examined. So far 2600 miles on my rig and I still can not find one darn thing that needs repaired, or a tweak, or tightened, or nothing. Robert, I don't want to sound like I am saying you need or have to buy a Show Hauler to have a good conversion. I just want you to be sure to check every possible structural component and to be aware if it is short of say Show Hauler's construction, what the potential problems maybe. 2003 28' Show Hauler Motorhome on a 1995 FL 120 www.showhauler.com |
Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think the only alternative to what ShowHauler and those with similar products do, is have one of the "super sleeper" companies like Double Eagle or ICT build an extra-large sleeper. I myself do not want a large coach body (16-18ft.), so this might work for me as these sleepers are built for serious road-burning, and are very efficient with space and utility. Just my .02!
P.S. Larry, if your reading this, I'm toying with the idea of putting a large sleeper behind the sleeper-cab of a Volvo 610, and using the Volvo sleeper for seating space, with LARGE windows put in the sleeper sidewalls. Wheelbase will be extended as needed, with one axle removed. Waddayathink? [This message was edited by Gary Atsma on March 20, 2003 at 09:45 PM.] |
I would go with a big sleeper if the unit was not a primary residence. My first sleeper was a DE, and it was very well built; far better insulated than anything I had afterwards. I have not been able to find ICT's website for a while - it disappeared and seems to have not been moved or replaced.
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My apology for getting off topic -- but .. Robert brought up a diesel generator for 2 grand.
I'm in the market -- As you fellows are traveling around -- I'm interested .. Here's a link to my research to date: https://community.webshots.com/album/47421720vXokAd I'm looking for a multi cylinder prime power rated at least 6KW in a sound enclosure -- If you run across something interesting -- drop me a note ...... Thanks ..... OLDphoneman phoneman@harborside.com |
Actually it's good you posted about this- A Diesel genset is the ONLY way to go in a Diesel-powered RV/truck! The problem is finding one with the right power at a good price. What have you seen that looks right for the price?
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Doug: I have not been able to find ICT's website for a while - it disappeared and seems to have not been moved or replaced.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Doug- They are still around, but are re-hashing the ol' website. In fact they just put the old one back up, I guess until the new one is ready. They are still around and doing great according to Tom Roose, one of their design engineers. |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gary Atsma:
P.S. Larry, if your reading this, I'm toying with the idea of putting a large sleeper behind the sleeper-cab of a Volvo 610, and using the Volvo sleeper for seating space, with LARGE windows put in the sleeper sidewalls. Wheelbase will be extended as needed, with one axle removed. Waddayathink? ----------------------------- Gary, First, I would look for a Volvo with about a 230" wheelbase. That way you would not need to stretch the frame. Simply drop out the front axle, install a carrier bearing and have a second driveshaft of the proper length manufactured. There could be two problems. 1. The Volvo (or any) integral air ride sleeper would be difficult to mate to a second sleeper. Theoretically, you could create an air ride system for the second sleeper so as to have it move in concert with the Volvo sleeper. I wouldn't want to try to do that though. Alternatively, a large thick rubber boot could be attached between the two, leaving maybe two inches clearance between them. This would allow the Volvo sleeper to continue to move independenly. The second sleeper, then could be attached to the frame in a fixed position. 2. It appears that part of the frame for the bed is molded into the sleeper itself. (I have not checked this closely). Even if it is, I believe the bed frame could be removed without too much difficulty. Windows could be installed on both sides of the sleeper. Larry |
Excellent ideas Larry! The only hitch is, I have seen hardly any(like next to none) 610's with that long a wheelbase, though that would be the way to go. A 230"WB w/the front axle dropped would then be a 256"WB; close to ideal for what I want. Most of the 610's I've seen have a 209-215"WB, which might be workable anyway.
How important is it to keep the cab air-ride? I would think that with air seats and rear air suspension, the ride should still be OK, though admittedly not quite as good as with the cab air susp. Regardless, the Volvo 610 looks like one NICE truck, and there are a lot of good ones available at decent(mid-20G's on up) prices. That, plus if one watches the bucks going in the coach, a nice RV can be had for a very reasonable price. I read these forums every day. Keep the ideas flowing! Thanks! Gary |
I saw a Powerhouse at the local Volvo dealer today. It was in for "normal" service per the mechanic. I think it was one of their demo units since it had their web site painted on the back and had Utah plates. Didn't look close enough to tell if it was dealer tags. Only saw the outside. Man that thing was BIG. From the outside the only thing I didn't like was the way the 610's fairings mated with the coach part.
Gene '96' Dodge 3500, 5-speed, 3.54 LSD, Ext. Cab, 205,000 plus miles, K&N RE-0880 air filter, Jannety heat shield, TST #10 plate slid forward 1/8", AFC spring kit, 16 cm exhaust housing, Jardine 4" exhaust w/5" stainless steel tip, South Bend Clutch, SPA digital EGT and boost gauge, relay controlled back-up alarm and rear facing halogen tractor flood lights, air horns, bed liner, Tonnou cover, Geno's manual trans. filter, brite box. Dyno run 1-27-02; 375.6 hp and 798.3 ft. lb. torque at the rear wheels. |
Dang and I was going to go talk to the guys at Powerhouse. I see all these posts are now a few years old, does anyone have any newer information? i.e. Have they improved? I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever find a Class 8 conversonn builder who passes muster and who will build what I want. Am I ginna have to be my own project manager and just take it from place to place to egt what I want and where I want it? damn!
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....ask around for Bill Elburn....I don't know if he is still watching the chicken coop[being moderator] but he does coaches rather well- if given a chance.....then there is Randy Butler up in MN that does real inovative stuff at ButllerMotorCoach and cousre there is WILDSIDE....they are really out there-most of their stuff is for racers though....but after things calm down they will build you what you want at a reasonable price....geofkaye....If I needed one right now I'd call Randy Butler and kick his ass to get it done.....FYI
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Butler's website is no longer valid. Did they go out of business?
Wick |
Wick - Can you tell me, on the coach pictured in the link you posted, was the coach box built on the frame or was a prebuilt box used?
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The coach pictured is mine and the frame was streched then the box added by Show Hauler. there are plenty of pictures of the process on this site under my name.
Wick |
Thanks for the pic url, I noticed this time that thee were more available to view then I noticed at first glance. What is the over all bumper to bumper length and how much of that is behind the cockpit area? What is the roof fabrication material?
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The overall length is 46.5 ft. The box itself is a 30ft box. The roof is actually something I have not had the chance to get on and inspect. It is 1 piece aluminum I believe. Maybe time to get up there and take a walk around. I am still getting all the personalized stuff done on the coach and need to hurry first big trip is in 2 weeks https://www.truckhome.com/infopop/emo...icon_smile.gif
Wick |
Thanks for the 411 and good luck on your maiden voyage. You are towing a trailer? Does adding the trailer make you over 65' ?
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Does it make me over 65ft? Just a little. I am 83ft 6 in in total length. So far no problems on the length......
Wick |
I'm glad you haven't run into many zealous State trooper types. You see so much on RV forums about length issues, especially off the interstates. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to risk it, although I can sure appreciate the benefit of having the room.
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.....If he is legal in his home state he is legal in other states-..........though I don't want to be around when he turns around.....OOOps!.....geofkaye
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https://www.truckhome.com/infopop/emo...on_biggrin.gif https://www.truckhome.com/infopop/emo.../icon_cool.gif Hey Wick, @ 83'6" I would not have a care in the world with the way your Rig looks!!! Hell taker to 100' if you
want. This is my take on length: Looking Good and Clean with everything shined up.(your stuff defintly makes the grade there!!!) Going down whatever Road you are on "HAVE THE ATTITUDE YOU OWN THE PLACE" Along with the self confidence that you do not miss a shift or screw-up any little bit at all or look like your lost or missed a turn. When the "MAN" see's you He says to himself "WOW WHAT A GORGEOUS RIG, MAN THAT GUY IS DOIN REAL GOOD FOR HIMSELF". His next thought is that there is someone in there that is extremly important(And he is right everybodys important).He then shakes his head in total confusion and can't wait to tell his wife what he saw that day. Oh and it does help to have ba*l's so big you have to push them around in a wheelbarrow.By the time these chain of events have occured. Your down the road 5-10 miles. For years back when the length limit was 55' I ran the Pa. Turnpike from Valley Forge West to Morgantown three(3)time a week with a total length of 79'11". That was a long time ago but I never got stopped or ticketd for anything. In fact I stopped and helped a Pa. Trooper with a flat tire. His reply to me was Thanks alot and you got a good lookin truck. Well there's my $.04 cents for the day. |
Kaye, I have heard that said about if it is legal length in your home state that gives reciprocity in other states. Do you have some empirical evidence that this is fact? I ask as I have also seen it expressed that there is no reciprocity to thye extent that it is law.
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Quote:
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.....the state and federal and local highway system is three differnt things....if it is x-pressway it is what your home state says if it is a state road then you are under that states supervision...local is interesting because it is obsolete.....anyway they are looking at big trucks right now and don't have the manpower for MH's.....as per my ODOT friend-who keeps me legal.....I there were any changes here in Ohio/or Federal Level... He would call me at 11:30 AM when I get up and let me know what is going on.......
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Perhaps we need to start a new thread, maybe call it something like "Here comes the judge". And ask folks who already know they are illegal out of their home state how they have made out in different jurisdictions.
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....legality is only an issue if you are caught/ticketed and the findings of the judge or jury......you are still inoscent unless proven guilty by a jury of your peers.....I believe that is still correct at 1 AM.....geofkaye
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Kaye I have to admit I agree with you on this point. As I often tell people when I intentionally break some minor traffic law, like a U-turn, I only think of traffic laws as strongly worded suggestions, like the ones your parents made, they are intended for your benefit, however if you are willing to accept the consequences of not heeding them, well so what. And if there isn't a cop around [I always look don't you] then I'm gonna make the U-turn. Traffic fines are what you pay as a consequence and even those are very few and far between. But this whole issue of whats legal length and where and why you might get stopped about it is a little different. You could get nailed just because some cop was bored. Currently I'm thinking I am going to end up about 52 or 53 feet bumber to bumper and I seriously hope I don't run into too many troopers with a 50' tape measurehttps://www.truckhome.com/infopop/emo...icon_smile.gif especially since I'll be towing a vehicle of some sort. Speaking of which wouldn't a Unimog make a cool tow vehicle?
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I was only stating what is technically legal not what you can do if you choose do otherwise. Our Kingsley is 49'3" long which is illegal in all states except MT (where it is reg and titled in my LLC) and SD. Every other state limits MH to 42-45'. I tow our suburban behind and I am 72' which again is illegal in most states for combination vehicles...most are 65'. I have been across the Canadian/US border over 50 times with this setup and never once was questioned. I have travelled thru 15 states and never bothered. I have driven past and have been passed by all levels of Officers, even DOT, and not one gave me a second look. So in reality, it is most likely you would never be bothered but if they do decide to take a look, there is going to be some big fines to pay. I know that and operate under that knowledge.
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Is it Elburn, Bill or Bill Elburn?
I really appreciaye your input, I've been waiting for one person to tell me they've not had a problem to counter all the doom and gloom gusses who are always carrying on about "it's too long for a national park". Your remarks have gone a long way in putting some backbone back in my decision to go past 45'. Thanks! |
Just to show how little they bother you I can tell you that for the three years we drove our Monaco Pusher I never had it even registered. We left the dealer in Fla. with a temporary in the window and it stayed there for about a year before I realized that we had never even bothered to title the vehicle. Then with my first Show hauler I only decided to tag it after 14 months of driving with no tag whatsoever. My 2006 Show Hauler is tagged now but I drove it home and have only been a few close places with it but we went ahead and sent for the new tags (Montana) just last week.
The point is someone will get stopped and pay some fines....but they just do not like to bother us just yet.....maybe someday but I don't think so. Wick |
We run about 65 feet with the Yukon in tow. Never had a problem
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Quote:
I have seen many coaches well over the 45' "limit" with the longest a 58' that towed a 30' trailer...in all he was 92' long. He was a big horse breeder and when he travelled he mostly went to shows and auctions/sales and typically stayed there for 2-4 weeks at a time. He also had full length awnings on both sides so once deployed he cast a shadow on the earth almost 30' wide by 44' long!!! Most of you have probably seen a pic of this coach...it is the black coach with silver flames on it in the gallery. It is very impressive on the inside. I believe it is for sale up at Kingsley right now. IIRC the owner is asking $650K for it. I know he paid WAY more than that. He gets a new one every 18 months or so. Also if you look at most of Powerhouse's coaches they are all 52' or there abouts. Make it whatever length you want for your needs and deal with the consequences when and IF they catch up to you. </div></BLOCKQUOTE> |
...Unimogs are all 4 cylinder gas or diesels....you might be able to keep the speed up to 50 in a strong tail wind on flat ground.....I have a 70's gasoline model in Radcliff, Ky- it is a POS and in the salvage yard for sale right now.....50mph is the maximum ever achieved down hill......very expensive to operate and maintain-parts are from MB...........................If I give the COPS a chance, by doing something stupid, to pull me over-I guess, I deserve what I get........................... My aim is to fade into the background and not be noticed and/or even ignored.....I use 2 professional girlz to distract sales/"information" people when I attend a RV, Truck or even Machine Gun Shows....I want the gurlz to be noticed and not I!.....I hate the limelight-someone else can take the bows for me and be the center of stage/attraction......also since I'm wealthy I have a real interest in not standing out in a crowd-or even being recognized......I don't really need trouble from the idiots out there and there seem to be a lot these days.....If conforntations happen- I always have back-up of some sort or another....my training is S.E. Asia is still alive and kicking......geofkaye
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Uhhh, Geof? Just so's ya know, some 'mogs came/come with 6-cylinder motivation, yer choice of gas(older ones) or Diesel.
Carry on...... Gary |
Yeah Gary, you're right, I was just going to let it go, figured it didn't matter that much. I have a buddy with one, cruises right on down the freeway, in addition to fords deep streams, leaps over tall rocks with a single bound. And can be parked in a parking space when a Hummer would still be circling the block. I think it has better fuel economy as well.
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...my POS is 4 cylinder gasoline .....I'm sure of it as I did change out the battery and did spend time with it.....trying it get it to run better-filters-oil- and tire pressure- but it is still a 50mph vehicle- no matter how many nice things I say about MB....or even DC as well......geofkaye
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