rynosback

Am I better off pre def? 
Are you changing out the hard mounted hitch, or is the air ride of the truck sufficient? 

On 7/17/2023 at 9:58 PM, Randyretired said:

I considered day cabs but instead bought a small 42" sleeper.  It is very maneuverable and will turn circles inside my pickups.  We carry a Subaru so left it tandem. This truck was part of a 2 truck company and had many added options including air lockers.  In Colorado we can just register as a recreational truck or MH.  Ours is recreational. Of course each state has its own requirements. A regular drivers license is all that is needed. 

You carry a Subaru? In tow or on the bed of the truck in front of the 5ver? 

On 7/17/2023 at 6:30 PM, Steve from SoCal said:

I am not sure of the implications of a 'private truck' in crossing state lines?    

https://www.kellerpermits.com/permits/trip-permits

 

When you compare day cabs and sleeper trucks are they apples to oranges?     The reason I mentioned sleeper truck being less costly is the shear number and the vocational aspects of day cabs.     Vocational trucks like dumps, are speced differently than long haul trucks.     Line haul day cabs would be the closest thing to sleeper trucks but still different enough to be a poor comparison.

 

Are you looking at tandem axle day cabs, single axle or both?     Are you looking for California legal trucks?

 

 

California legal trucks? Do you mean equipt like cars with California emissions? I’m not registering it in CA.

On 7/17/2023 at 9:43 PM, hatrack said:

Thank Rick, We are registered in TN. as a MH body style. Our truck is @ 23' long btb. With DRV 64'8" btb.

Ken....

So your rig is only 4’ longer? 
 

over all length 230.4”

wheel base is 140”

Turning circle is 45.1”

6 hours ago, ddm502001 said:

The big cheap Magilla these days are the Unibody construct cab/sleepers, welded not riveted, larger roomy interiors to a point, flooded markets of used out there.  HOWEVER check with insurers as the Welded Unibody designs tend to be higher cost on insurance as more difficult to repair than a rivet or huck fastener style cab.

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. 

3 hours ago, mike5511 said:

I considered a day cab when I started down the HDT road as well. I drove a truck for 30 years and had a little time in a day cab. But, I forgot until I went test drove a nice little single axle Pete day cab that I thought was the one. Didn't take but a few miles to remember and decide, nope, this ain't it!  Glad I didn't buy one. The reasons already mentioned are all valid; too many starts and stops, sound dampening, etc, not to mention, depending where you try and license it, it may not qualify for a non-commercial/RV license and insurance. But another VERY important reason is room! You sit straight up and two people and a small purse is about all you can fit in the cab! If you just make short trips to the lake or whatever fine, but if you are going to travel in one, comfort is important. No way I would buy a day cab. As somebody said above, buy one and you will soon regret it! FWIW.

Thanks for your opinion. 

3 hours ago, Steve from SoCal said:

I am not sure of the implications of a 'private truck' in crossing state lines?    

https://www.kellerpermits.com/permits/trip-permits

 

When you compare day cabs and sleeper trucks are they apples to oranges?     The reason I mentioned sleeper truck being less costly is the shear number and the vocational aspects of day cabs.     Vocational trucks like dumps, are speced differently than long haul trucks.     Line haul day cabs would be the closest thing to sleeper trucks but still different enough to be a poor comparison.

 

Are you looking at tandem axle day cabs, single axle or both?     Are you looking for California legal trucks?

 

 

I have been thinking single axle. 

4 hours ago, rpsinc said:

I did not see mentioned that a day cab will likely be more difficult to register as an RV due to the lack of space for the accomodations needed to qualify for this use.  Perhaps it could be registered as a private truck but I have no experience with this.

I only stated from reading Jacks resource link. I even cut and pasted what he stated. But as pointed out every state makes that call on how it’s registered. I just assumed since there are the big 3 RV friendly states to claim as your domicile that someone had gone through the process and knew. These are questions that I come up with when I look at the big picture of ownership. Thanks for your thoughts on it. 👍🏻

6 hours ago, rickeieio said:

And there is something to think about.  A day cab is, well, used for fay trips.  Lots more shifting, turning, local deliveries, etc.  Likely less miles for more wear and tear.  That can skew the numbers of the cost of what look to be comparable trucks.

In the end, only you can decide what you want, v. what you need.  And of course, what you fell comfort able driving and spending.

I recently was asked to check out a 2012 Volvo 670 for someone.  Pretty decent truck with 800k on the clock, for $22k.  Three years ago, that truck would have been close to double that price.  Happy hunting.

I wonder if they are getting cheaper because companies are buying newer tech trucks. It’s all about the cost of a mile and the least amount of downtime. 

8 hours ago, Chad Heiser said:

My sleeper truck is 194” wheelbase, so it is short (which I prefer).  Overall length is only about 16” longer than my crew cab dually was.  I can still park it in a standard parking spot, although it is a bit tight.  If I can hang the rear bumper over a curb, then it fits easy.  The truck is way more maneuverable than the dually was.  On long trips, a day cab truck is not any more comfortable than a pick up (which isn’t very comfortable).  A sleeper truck is designed for long hours on the road and is built for comfort.  The ability to get up and move around is a huge advantage for comfort.  I personally would never consider a day cab for an RV hauler even though I prefer a short truck.

Thanks for the feedback. 👍🏻

4 hours ago, DanZemke said:

rynosback,

If you haven't already used it, here's a site that can be helpful in deciding on type and price range.

In addition to the vast inventory, it's very easy to narrow down your search by providing search parameters that are important to you.  Like price range, day-cab or sleeper, year manufactured range, number of rear axles, brand ...

https://www.truckpaper.com/

 

Thanks, I have been looking at that website and about 3 others like it. I don’t mind spending more money if I’m getting a better product that will last longer. That is why I spent more money up front and bought a DRV. Value is perceived differently by different people. 
I was asking for a specific website from the one poster based on their statement. I had spent days going through the website and others like it to get a feel what the options are out there. Have to love the internet. Ask it a question and you have thousands of links to read and research. 
My goal of researching is to find out what is the best set up for me. Once I know that then the search can really begin. 
 

5 hours ago, GlennWest said:

Be aware daycabs are short haul tractors. 500k miles is probably life of one

I was thinking that also as they are used for stop and go and short hops. A lot harder miles than a long haul truck. 

29 minutes ago, Steve from SoCal said:

Go buy yourself a day cab, you will regret it soon enough.    You don't know what you don't know.

A longer wheel base with a larger cab is a heavier rig and will ride better yes, I know what I know. Thanks. The fact that you think a sleeper is cheaper then a day cab for the same year and about millage is wrong. I even asked you to provide a link. At least I can admit when I’m wrong, ask questions and learn. Safe travels. 

3 hours ago, Steve from SoCal said:

I will second Rick's observations, day cabs are NOT cheaper or a better choice out of hand.    Look at small sleeper trucks 42~48" with short hoods, these are not much bigger than a CC-dually save the extra axle.    Used day cabs are going to be pricy and far less configurable than a sleeper truck.

 

Single axle tractors are not all that common but not rare either, lots of hay haulers use them in the west.    Look at some of these as a starting point, much closer to a good start than a day cab.      My truck is not a short sleeper but it is a short nose, the short hood/sleeper trucks are about 13~14' bumper to back of the sleeper with a 60' swing clearance you are under 20' long, a day cab would be just 3 to 4 feet shorter. 

I would have to disagree. Day Cabs will be cheaper. They cost less in the beginning and sleepers cost more when new. They are larger and have more options and luxury options. I have seen a ton of day cabs out there for 25-35k. The same year and millage sleeper is high 50s to 90k. But if you have a resource where sleepers are cheaper then day cabs please post it up. 
I agree that single rear axles are not common as you have a lot more capability with a tandem axle. 
It makes sense that a 4” long sleeper space behind the seat is going to be 4’ longer. But this will also push the wheel base out further.

My friend with a Ram Mega cab short bed, they only come said that he has the shortest wheelbase from Ram. I proved him wrong with my regular cab 8’ bed has the shortest wheel base. The more interior space you have the longer the wheelbase is going to be. 

37 minutes ago, Deezl Smoke said:

 I think the majority of MDTs are "day cabs". ?

 My state, Oregon, has a website "askODOT.com" I have used it many times with absolutely awesome results. It's important to leave contact info, like your cell phone number if your state has such a site.

 Also, often a state requires a percentage of their criteria be met, not usually 100%.

 As rickeieio mentions, the resource guide has a lot of great info.

 

I’m looking at HDTs.  Most of them seem to be tandem sleeper rigs. 

45 minutes ago, rickeieio said:

I haven't priced lately, but when I bought our last day cab, I considered buying a sleeper truck and removing the sleeper portion because it was so much cheaper.  But, I would have the longer frame rails and removable sleepers limit the choice of trucks.  My Mack cost about $5k more than a comparable sleeper truck back in 2007.

Day cabs will likely have anywhere from 100-150 gal fuel tank(s).  You're correct, most sleepers have bigger tanks.

Day cabs are more likely to have been used for short trips, so more start/stop and less highway miles.

Day cabs are unlikely to have better creature comforts, sound deadening, air ride passenger seat, adequate leg room for passenger, etc.

Single axle trucks can be easily overloaded if configured to carry a car.  It appears that's not an issue for you.

Tandem sleepers are inconvenient to use as a daily driver.  We've done it many times though.  Compromises......

if you're comfortable driving a truck manual tranny, don't be afraid of them.  However, don't think for a minute that a truck manual is anything like a manual in a pick-up.  It's a whole different game.

My philosophy on the whole egr/dpf/def thing is that it's like the early days of unleaded gas, efi, and catalytic convertors on cars.  The early days were fraught with problems, but in the end, it works quite well.  That's why we opted for a newer truck, skipping the years during the industries "learning curve".  But that's just my opinion.

Good luck with your search.  If you happen to be near the west side of Cincinnati, stop in and take a ride in ours.

Thanks. 👍🏻

Thinking about getting a HDT again. I looked at going HDT when we first went full time 8 years ago. But now that I’m planning a trip to Alaska in 2025 it really has me rethinking an HDT. For several reasons.

My current TV is a 2015 Ram 3500 4x2, Regular Cab, DRW, CTD, Aisin trans with 410 gears. My wife follows when towing in a Mazda 3. Which is the main driving vehicle when parked. I tow a DVR 38RSB3. 

I research things and try to make informed decisions weighing out the big picture of pros and cons. 

I was considering adding the Kelderman stage 2 rear air ride installed. About $2800 to $3000. I also wanted to carry more diesel than the 28 gallon factory tank. Was thinking of a 80-100 gallon transfer tank, used. Thinking $600-$1000. And upgrading my hitch to a Hensley BD5. $1500-$2000 used. Because of this trip the truck is going to be the daily driver and I wanted to have a better ride and longer range if needed. As well as give the rig a better ride all the time. 

So if I’m going to spend about 6k on improvements, my thoughts turned back to an HDT.

My first thoughts were a Day Cab HDT single axle. Smallest wheel base so maneuvering is the best. It has air ride, air brakes, air seat and might have an air cab. Plus it carries a crap load more fuel. About 160 gallons with this configuration from what I have read. Cheaper to maintain and gets better MPG than a sleeper. And cheaper to buy up front. 25-40k investment, used. Yes I know that a longer wheel base like a sleeper will give a better ride, carry more fuel and give me more room. But  it will cost more upfront, cost more to maintain and keep me out of more campgrounds being this large and does not maneuver as well. I understand there are give and takes. It’s all about understanding the options and balancing it out to make the correct decision. 

There are just so many options in HDTs. Which style, what engine, trans (want an automatic) even though I can drive a stick, rear gears and pre or post DEF. I understand that the used market is you get what’s out there. The good thing is that I’m a planner so I have time to figure out what I want and time to find it. And if I come across they best choice early I can pull the trigger. 

I’m sure I’m not the first one to ever contemplate this. 

Thanks for all your thoughts, experiences and feedback. 

5 hours ago, rickeieio said:

It depends.  You need to follow the rules in the state where the truck is licensed.  That may, or may not, be in the same state as your domicile.

For instance, we live in Indiana, but our rig is licensed at our farm, just 6 road miles away.  100% legally.  Both Indiana and Ohio have the same requirements for a n motorhome: permanent bed for sleeping, permanent table with seating for dining, fridge or ice box, and cook surface or oven.  No sink or toilet required.

Most modern day cabs have air ride cab, as well as chassis and seat(s).  Our Mack had air seat only on drivers side.  Day cabs ride rougher for the same reasons that they're more maneuverable.

Some states allow a day cab to be licensed as a simple non-com truck.  No bothering with m/h status.  Which circles back to.......what state will you license said truck?

Look up the requirements in the Heavy Haulers Resource Guide above.

My Domicile is SD. Been full time for 8 years now.  

Is anyone running with a day cab? By the qualifications posted up,

1. Cooking - A small microwave is generally acceptable.
2. Refrigeration or Ice Box - Either 110 Volt, 12 Volt or LP powered refrigerator is acceptable.
3. Self-contained Toilet - In most states a Porta Potty is acceptable.
4. Heating or Air Conditioning - Factory air/heat is acceptable w/separate sleeper berth control.
5. Potable Water Supply System including a Faucet and Sink.
6. Separate 110V Power Supply or LP Gas - A generator, inverter or shore power inlet is acceptable.

it would not qualify as a not for hired “motorhome”. I would only use the truck to tow the 5ver, so not sure that I would need a sleeper. As a day cab would be the shortest option and the shortest wheel base allowing for the best maneuvering. Are the day cabs ride equal to the spleepers? Both have air ride, air ride seat and I think some day cabs have cab air ride. 
I did a search under day cabs and nothing came up. 

On 6/3/2023 at 6:52 PM, palmeris said:

As a motorcyclist that has traveled the entire length from Front Royal to Cherokee , I would never take anything that large on the parkway.  Your going to be to big to fit in the pull offs at the overlooks. The parkway is 2 lane with no shoulder,  lots of curves and elevation changes. 35 mph speed limits. There are no services on the parkway,  no fuel, food,etc. Park the 5ver at a campground.  Explore the parkway with your truck. 

100%.

Try 303 Aerospace. You might need to apply several times. But it is great stuff. 

1 hour ago, Payroll Person said:

Not in every state. We used to pay less because we drove less than most (per vehicle).  CA, iirc, did away with such a discount.

what can be offered is controlled by the state of “garage”.

I don’t consider it a discount, more like charging you according to how much you drive. As the more you drive the higher the risk of something happening. 

On 5/26/2023 at 3:15 PM, Tulecreeper said:

So, in 2023 you get your vehicle inspected and they record your mileage at 35,000 miles.  Then you come back next year in 2024 for the inspection and they record your mileage at 46,000 miles and the state of Texas charges you for 11,000 miles.  BUT...you were on extended vacation during the past 12 months and 9,500 of those miles were driven outside the state of Texas.  Why should Texas get the mileage tax for the entire 11,000 miles?  Shouldn't the 24 states you drove through during those 6 months of vacation and 9,500 miles get their share?  Yes, yes they should, but who is going to keep track of all that?  It would be a logistical nightmare.

Great point, I was thinking the same thing.

On 5/18/2023 at 9:33 PM, Ray,IN said:

I agree. I suspect insurance companies will become involved because most auto insurance companies have already introduced plans with miles driven tied to annual policy rates. They give you a module that plugs into your OBD port on your vehicle.  I'm assuming the companies have already figured out how to adapt that module to EV's too.

I'd like that option, DW has a 2017 Jeep GC limited with 12,xxx miles on the odometer. My 2013 Chevy Silverado has 87,xxx miles.

Insurance companies do ask how many miles are you from work and what you drive annually. The policy price does vary. At least USAA asked me. 

I think these 3 questions are silly.