This is what I tow with now (56k beware) [Archive]

big94GMC

11-08-2005, 12:13 PM

I guess this is the best place to put my towrig, since it doesn't qualify for any of the other sections. It's not a GM (which surprised the crap outta me)....it's not a Furd....it's not a Dodge....but it is a diesel, and it is a manual.

I'm different, and I like to 'go against the grain' whenever I can - call it a character flaw.

I bought this off eBay a couple months ago. It's a '96 Freightliner FL80, 3126 Cat (300hp), 6 spd, 72" living quarters, and it had a 22' cargo box that I removed and built a custom flatbed. It's registered as a motorhome, and qualifies as one, too, so it's all good to go. It's definitely not finished, more work is in the plans. Feel free to ask questions and pick at it as ya'll see fit. I have a TON of pics, but I'll just post up a few throughout various stages of the build.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC00953.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC00959.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC00962.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC00969.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC00974.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC00985.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01040.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01042.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01041.jpg

rockstar

11-08-2005, 01:36 PM

that's sweet! post more pics

Ken Carter / BRUISER

11-08-2005, 01:41 PM

Oh man I am so jealous.. that is AWESOME

Good find

LCexplorer

11-08-2005, 02:13 PM

Nice.

I saw something similar from a couple of hot rod guys a few years ago and got me dreaming and I am still trying to figure out how to afford one. The only difference with the hot rod set up was the guys turned the box into a box trailer for a portable work shop/hot rod storage. The thing that kills me is that these things get close to the same mileage as my truck when towing the same 10K lb load.

Oh and Freightliner is owned by Daimler-Chrysler, so technically it could be an over grown Dodge.... or an a big Mercedes... just kidding!

MattS

11-08-2005, 02:35 PM

Nice. So, what were the reasons for taking the box off? Not wide enough? Seems like alot of work to get the same space but not enclosed. :confused:

bigassedredjeep

11-08-2005, 02:42 PM

NICE! got an overall price after the new flatbed?

couple of questions form this pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01041.jpg

first, the recessed area, what's its function? gooseneck?
also, how long is the flatbed?/the dovetail?

RgdL

11-08-2005, 03:22 PM

Man, what a slick set-up. Does a rig like this have air brakes? If not does one need a special license to operate it? I can see it now.......trailrig chained down on the deck and towing a nice cozy fifth-wheel behind to live in while at camp. Then of course there's the sleeper for when you start doing head-nods while driving and need to grab a quick nap at the nearest rest stop.

What's a rig like this go for anyway??

shopteach

11-08-2005, 04:52 PM

99 Kenworth T2000 430hp CAT 10 speed Autoshift 18' Aluminum Chevron tiltbed sleeper stretch w/shower & shitter in the works.i guess we think alike

shopteach

11-08-2005, 04:58 PM

sorry, here is the pic

big94GMC

11-08-2005, 06:59 PM

Let me answer some questions here....

I didn't keep the box because I wanted to pull a gooseneck trailer also....can't do that with a box.

The recessed pocket in the rear (much like a Western Hauler bed) is the 'hitch area'. There's enough 1/4" plating that has built and supports that pocket and the gooseball hitch that, I swear I'm not lying, you could pick up the entire rig with the gooseball....it's STOUT.

The flatbed is 17ft of horizontal loading area (from the very front to the bed to the taper angle), and the tail had a 2ft long taper, 35* down angle, and is dovetailed 6" on each side.

The ramps are one-off, and lock in place wide enough to accommodate a riding lawn mower or an MDT. They will eventually be retained underneath the bed.

Yes, the truck has air brakes. In a commercial capacity, you would need at least a Class B license to drive the vehicle. However, this is a Private Use Motor Coach, so there are no licensing restrictions (but I won't let anyone drive it that doesn't have at least a Class A license).

I didn't build it to pull a fifth wheel camper - I built it to pull a gooseneck flatbed full of 4x4's....so, my 'crawler goes on the flatbed, and 2-3 or my friends 4x4's go on the trailer.

The living quarters aren't to accommodate for an entire week long trip, just make the road portion of a 'wheeling trip more comfortable for me and my passengers.

What do I have invested? Not saying....sorry. It makes me sick thinking about how much more is left to be done.

Shopteach, no hijacking. I like your setup, but you can't pull a trailer with it (a big one, anyway). Next time I do a HDT project, I'm going to use a Volvo 770 - but not with the Autoshift.

shopteach

11-08-2005, 07:30 PM

you are right, i cannot pull a big trailer but i can pull a tag that will haul 2 jeeps easily. mine is also titled a motorhome. i am a little worried about being hassled when i pass the scales. i just got it together and there is much left to do. i will probably be bouncing some ideas off of you as i go! i am not a big autoshift fan either...

EMIEVEL

11-08-2005, 07:45 PM

I like your setup...it's a great idea. I'm not seeing the character flaw though! Have you already sold the box?

Hey shopteach, start a thread with your rig too. These things rock.

Chris

EMIEVEL

11-08-2005, 07:50 PM

BTW shopteach, you could easily tow a 36' to 40' tag with 3 rigs on it.

Chris

big94GMC

11-08-2005, 08:06 PM

Yes, the box is already gone.

freds40

11-08-2005, 08:10 PM

Nice setups. Be cool hauling 3 other rigs behind, you can make all them pay for the fuel. :D

sceep

11-09-2005, 08:20 AM

you must have a cj-5 or sammy that is gonna go on that bed if you are expecting to tow a goose as well.

at least, if you have to do any tight turn arounds, or corners. i cant even leave the house without having to do a 70 deg turn.

4x4not

11-09-2005, 10:21 AM

"Your bandwidth has been exceeded"
Get a new webhost :flipoff2:

Kyron

11-09-2005, 10:34 AM

"Your bandwidth has been exceeded"
Get a new webhost :flipoff2:

X2 :grinpimp:

big94GMC

11-09-2005, 10:40 AM

I'm working on it....

And, Screep, thanks, but it's a one ton on 44's. And there's enough room for the neck to pivot to near 90*. It works just fine.

sceep

11-09-2005, 11:04 AM

And there's enough room for the neck to pivot to near 90*. It works just fine.

you cant get around towing a 30+' trailer and not be able to pivot over 90. seriously. especially with a rig that large to start with.

big94GMC

11-09-2005, 11:54 AM

MattS

11-09-2005, 11:58 AM

I'm not going to 'web agrue' with you about my trucks wheelbase, pivot point, turning radius, or anything else of the sort. This truck was built mindfully to haul more trail rigs then average. It does just that. It does not go through the McDonalds drive thru. As a combination vehicle, its does just fine for what I need it to do. As a straight truck, I can take it anywhere I need - in the city or open road - just the same.

I guess I'll bite the bullet and start paying for Photobucket, 'cause I don't know any other way of gettin' my pics hosted anymore. Stay tuned.

Uh, you have a red star. Upload them. :laughing:

Oh, and you must web argue your point. You promised you would when you signed up. It's part of the user agreement. :laughing:

CanuckJeeper

11-09-2005, 12:40 PM

You could always go with a larger trailer:

http://www.kaufmantrailersinc.com/catimgs/Model199.jpg

:flipoff2:

JP

sceep

11-09-2005, 12:51 PM

I'm not going to 'web agrue' with you about my trucks wheelbase, pivot point, turning radius, or anything else of the sort.

hey man i run a single axle bobtail with a 34' goose with 3 rigs on it.

I'm not arguing, i'm stating, that with that combo, you are gonna run into times when that long of a rig is gonna be a PITA because you cant turn sharp enough with the fullsize on the bed. yeah.. 90% of the time you're gonna be kickin some ass down the road... that other 10% is gonna SUCK if yo ucant crank it past 90.

hell.. i turn our rig around in the cul-de-sac evertime we come home from a trail.

EMIEVEL

11-09-2005, 03:58 PM

I'm not going to 'web agrue' with you about my trucks wheelbase, pivot point, turning radius, or anything else of the sort. This truck was built mindfully to haul more trail rigs then average. It does just that. It does not go through the McDonalds drive thru. As a combination vehicle, its does just fine for what I need it to do. As a straight truck, I can take it anywhere I need - in the city or open road - just the same.

I guess I'll bite the bullet and start paying for Photobucket, 'cause I don't know any other way of gettin' my pics hosted anymore. Stay tuned.

Yeah, that "near 90" isn't gonna cut it. I never turn that sharp with mine on purpose...it's when something doesn't go as planned. I'm sure you already know though, you sound like the type. You should get a little thicker skin. You jumped on the other guy for "hi-jacking" your thread, when you could've complimented him on a job well done, on a rig very similar to yours.

Chris

big94GMC

11-09-2005, 07:43 PM

Firescooby

11-09-2005, 07:53 PM

BIG94GMC:

How many miles you got on the 3126?

We've got over 30 of them at work on Freightliner FL-60's and 80's. I'm NOT impressed with them AT ALL!!! We're replaced entire engines with less than 100k. Granted we run them harder than anyone else, but it's still a diesel CAT. However, this series of motors (31/C7) is not a great motor. Ask any honest CAT tech.

Good luck, and nice setup. Seems an International with the DT-466 might have been a little more reliable with better longevity and better mileage.

Anyway...sweet looking rig, and you've done nice looking work on it.

big94GMC

11-09-2005, 08:05 PM

Thanks, man. The odometer reads 251,000, but the motor has an ID badge tha says the motor was put in in 2001.... I honestly don't know how many miles are on the chassis, or the motor, or anything else. But I am sure that I've had to go more maintainence on it then I had wanted to do - and I'm not done turning wrenches underneath it yet (everything from oil leaks to loose U-joint strap bolts). Like I said, I don't know how many miles are on the truck, but I'd be willing to bet it's at least 3 times what the odometer says.

EMIEVEL

11-09-2005, 08:18 PM

I didn't think I jumped on anyone. Telling a man 'no hijacking' and leaving it at that is simple, and effective. I didn't yell, I didn't make a scene, or a big deal of it. The focus of this thread that I started is to share with everyone my hard work over the last two months. Everything was thoughtfully considered, planned for, and executed on the truck. And as far as having thicker skin, I know what PBB is all about. This isn't me jumping down someones throat, this is me explaining about the truck. That's all.

Okay...

So, back to your rig. Are you going to put storage belly boxes on it? How about some chrome or aluminum? My favorite saying about chrome is, "Chrome, it might not always get you home, but it'll get ya laid!"

Chris

big94GMC

11-10-2005, 07:19 AM

"Chrome, it might not always get you home, but it'll get ya laid!"

MUAHAHAHA!!!:laughing: :laughing:

Thanks, I needed that. I will not be putting side skirt or storage boxes along the sides - I'm okay with the frame exposed. I will, however, put one in each rear corner. As far as chrome or aluminum, no to that, too....I'll polish up the stainless that's on the cab right now, but I won't be adding any to the bed. Once all the metal work it done, the bed will be primered and shot black. The only 'bling' are the LED lights that'll adorn the truck.

For as much as I hate to admit it, this is a project that will go on for years....

Po' riggity

11-10-2005, 11:10 AM

Kickass looking rig man.. and like it was said, for 90% of the driving you're going to do, it'll work awesome.
Scott

shopteach

11-10-2005, 12:15 PM

didn't mean to hi-jack, just saying that we must think alike. (i wasn't offended at all)

big94GMC

11-10-2005, 03:05 PM

:grinpimp: :grinpimp:

I do dig the T2000!....nice body lines. I'd like to know more about it, and the Jerr-Dan bed. Start a thread about it - I'd like to know more. Glad you didn't take offense.

96zjlimited

11-13-2005, 08:26 AM

Ahhhh, how cute, now we are all e-getting along.

:flipoff2:
In all seriousness guys, both rigs are sweet and I would like to know more.

OnTheSpot

11-13-2005, 05:12 PM

Bad ass tow rig but turning that thing around is going to be such a PITA especially with a trailer. Ever considered moving the rear axle up a bit to shorten the wheelbase?

Rear steer:flipoff2:

zukfreak

11-15-2005, 06:55 PM

My 2001 Chevy 3500 with the 81oo/allison combo will pull circles around that turd and get better milage doing it. with three rigs on the gooseneck,too your 1 mud truck on the flat bed....if you could keep it on the bed!!!!:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: Not to mention how my truck rides way better and can be driven every day.

Don't get too mad Chris I was just messin with ya. By the way what are ya doing with the remains of the rock(mud) truck

aaron t

01-14-2007, 09:08 AM

The '96 Freightliner FL80 That only has a drivers seat and one passenger seat? If Im taking more then one rig, Id probibly want to take more passengers. Can you legaly/fit more then 2 people in the cab?

pendy

01-14-2007, 11:37 PM

Man you and Sceep need to let it go. The fact is the man gets to enjoy the hassle of trying to turn this rig around. Its America Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. This has to be a milestone in his wheeling lifestyle and opens up more opportunity for him to enjoy different trails with his buds. Whether its better or not, its BIGGER. So get used to looking up to him now. In his monster tow rig.:D

JP

Just trying to not e-get along.

Bad ass tow rig but turning that thing around is going to be such a PITA especially with a trailer. Ever considered moving the rear axle up a bit to shorten the wheelbase?

Rear steer:flipoff2:

a2b

01-15-2007, 12:39 AM

post back up after a year and let us know what you think. i have researched and researched all different types of tow rig setups. mostly the budget projects, like you are doing. all my research told me to stay away from medium duty pickups, espicially the FL60 or FL80. i dont have first hand knowledge though. its just what i heard. i would like to know from a fellow wheeler hows it going after a while.:) i was just looking at big rigs again the other day...i want one so bad:) good luck!!!! and get us some more pictures of your tow rig:)

DRM

01-15-2007, 01:56 PM

FYI: this is an ooooooold thread that was dragged back up by aaron t. I am pretty sure the rig in question has been sold (or at least several months ago he had it up for sale).

big94GMC

01-23-2007, 01:14 AM

FYI: this is an ooooooold thread that was dragged back up by aaron t. I am pretty sure the rig in question has been sold (or at least several months ago he had it up for sale).

The man is wise:cool2: .... My beloved Freightliner was sold a while back to a awesome old man over in OK, and the truck has been put back into commercial use.

But, since aaron t brought it back up from the depths, he's opened himself up.... If you think a Freightliner tow rig with a 72" living quarters only seated two people, you're an idiot, and I request to go back under the outhouse you came from.:shaking:

a2b, I loved having a big rig.... I'd be happy to talk to you about it anytime. Shoot me a PM, if you want my stories.

Albin

01-23-2007, 11:43 AM

The man is wise:cool2: .... My beloved Freightliner [snip]

a2b, I loved having a big rig.... I'd be happy to talk to you about it anytime. Shoot me a PM, if you want my stories.

I'd like to hear them! Why don't you start a new thread titled "Tales from the Large Side" or something similiar?

Thanks,

Al

big94GMC

06-11-2007, 11:57 AM

I just wanted to bring this up from the depths.... I miss my old tow rig :(, and lament the fact that, if this were a more perfect world, I'd still have "Roadrunner". Update on it, however, I heard the cool old dude I sold it to has sold it - or at least that's what I heard. I don't know where it is, or what it looks like know.

I have a 5-year-plan to get another one, though. And I can't wait:usa::usa:

big94GMC

06-11-2007, 12:06 PM

For rememberance sake, this was the day I sold it....gettin' to be almost a year ago, now. He came down to Pensacola in his CC F*rd, we piggybacked 'em, and he went off. I have nothing but good things to say about that man and his lovely wife - they're great people.

Keep on Truckin', "Roadrunner" - I sure do miss ya.

I learned about from having it, and I can't wait to apply those lessons in the future, most likely to a Volvo 770.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01359.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01361.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/rufneck53/DSC01360.jpg