travelrider73

Well everyone! We bought one already! I don't know how the stars aligned so quickly because I've heard of people shopping for a year and not finding what they wanted... A Volvo VNL630 that was already converted pretty much landed right in our lap and was 3 hours from our house. We had been searching for one for less than a day when we found it! Lucky us! I was going to attach a picture, but I guess I have to figure out how to put the photo somewhere else put a link here... and it's after midnight, so -- next time. The new rig is now my avatar picture... at least the front end of it is.

I used to like shifting. Now I'd prefer an auto. However, some automatics (especially in small vehicles) up-shift when you don't want them to even in "manual control" mode. That dangerous annoyance makes me wish that particular vehicle was a manual. I also prefer automatic because I can likely get my wife to drive it. Not sure if I could ever convince my wife to learn the manual for some reason.

Well, we bought it! Yep, it's a 16 speed, but it skip shifts just like the 12, so it really just gives the transmission more options. It typically starts in 4th gear, and I suspect we'll never start below 3rd gear, but if we need to, it's there. Overall we're really happy with the truck.

So you know these folks personally it sounds like. (Seems like the HDT crowd is a small community. I'm happy there is so much camaraderie). I'm anxious to talk to them tomorrow. I think they went to bed right before I messaged with my interest. Hoping to see it this weekend.

There is an RV Toter for sale within 2 hours of my home I'm at least moderately interested in and wondering what people's thoughts are on this model and transmission: 2004 Volvo VNL 630 477,324 miles Volvo D12 465hp 1650 ft/lbs torque 16 speed automatic ZF Merritor Freedomline transmission TrailerSaver TSLB 32K air-ride hitch (5th wheel installed, also have gooseneck head) - http://www.trailersaver.com/air-ride-suspension-hitches/ AirSafe Class 8 air-ride receiver hitch - http://airsafehitch.com/airsafe-class-viii/ Jackalopee converter custom 12.5' heavy-duty deck with mounting rails and 3,500 lb winch (I have ramps too if interested) MaxBrake controller Air-lock rear axle option Downside: They ripped out the sleeper section and did something different to it that doesn't fit my needs... Driver seat is pretty well worn. That just what I see from photos. Does that seems like a fair price for this unit given the current market? Seems high to me? What about the ZF? I only found a post from several years ago and wanted to get updated thoughts... Parts availability? 16 speed ok for the application? (Can the 16 speed skip more than one gear at a time in auto?) What else do I need to know? Thanks!

I'll send you an e-mail! Thanks.

Thanks Jay! Interestingly, there is one for sale within 2 hours of my house that might be a good fit... I just don't know what has happened to market pricing since I last looked and the one for sale seems a little old and antiquated for the asking price.... I might post separately about the specific unit to get people's thoughts. Thanks again.

It's a 40 foot New Horizons, so... not the lightest rig by far! The 550 is what it was being towed with. It's probably fine, but I bet that 550 will beat you to death compared to a Volvo. Plus, pulling through the Rockies, I'd feel more secure with an HDT. That 550 is also Gen 1 6.7 Diesel. Not as bad as it's predecessor but apparently there were still some kinks being worked out. I'm really on the fence about the 550, but on the other hand he's asking $50k for it and it only has 36k miles on it... completely set up to be a tow vehicle.

Hi everyone! I am in the market for a tow vehicle and I'm curious to learn where people are advertising turnkey Volvos -- or if anyone in this forum has a lead on one. I'm about to go look at a used 5th wheel and really hope I love it as much as I think I will. The folks who own it also have a very nice F550 with hauler bed for sale, but I really think I would prefer an HDT Volvo. I am not flush enough with cash to order one from Volvo brand new. I'm going to get in contact with RVH Lifestyles and have a chat with them, but I'm also curious to learn of any leads or other ways to find HDTs that may already be set up. I'm sure people are trading up or calling it quits from time to time... Thanks a bunch!

We won't be able to hide it - or at least won't want to do the covert things required to do so, especially since we're planning to set up camp for 3 months at a time. One of the dogs is old as the hills and just lies around. He only gets up for treats and potty breaks. The other two are young and spry. So, we have 2.5 dogs.

Hi, when we hit the road, we will have three miniature dachshunds along for the ride. Are we going to run into a lot of issues with maximum number of dogs allowed? They're small so they shouldn't count for more than one Lab but I suspect campgrounds might not look at it that way.