trimster

So where do you get information on things like regen rates? and other sub system data? I thought that was part of the computer data. Bob

RandyA Thanks. I asked the volvo dealer who is pulling the computer dump, if I could get the service records if any. The owner operator home based in that area. Shot in the dark that they had the service done at the dealer. The person in service responded like I was asking for classified information..."I'll have to check if I can do that." I'll go to the local (Salt Lake) dlr and get a build document. They seem to have far less attitude than their satellite store in Idaho Falls. Bob

Anyone install windows in a Volvo 670 sleeper? They come with just vents in the sleeper. I'm pretty sure RV windows would install just fine. Wondering if anyone has done it and could share the experience. Bob

I'm having the computer info dumped for review, from a Volvo 670 truck we are looking at. Is there specific information I should ask the tech to pull from the trucks computer? ...and, not having seen one of these reports, are they easy to read? or do you need a secret decoder ring to figure them out? Thanks Bob

Being deeply in the digital media realm, I need horsepower. I have a tower that has been pimped out. It still rocks most other machines. BUT it's not in my RV. The 2017 and newer MacMinis are formidable little boxes. Fit about anywhere in a rig. Prices for these are really quite good on the used market. I have built lots of Hackintoshes. They work. They will be killed off after the latest OS. Mac has been trying to neuter this effort for years. Which means, you get one going using the current OS and don't upgrade it until nothing will run on it... that will be a few years. Plenty of time to get your money out of the effort. And you can run Linux and windows. I built one in a mini-itx case with a good graphics card and a goodly amount of storage. Just bigger than a MacMini. The little machine rocks video, graphics, photo work etc. The tutorials on the web to convert are easy to follow and the tools are almost automated to the point of point and shoot. All this being said... a mac laptop is hard to beat on the road. Something used, 2014 or newer, will be affordable on the used market and serve you for years to come. Then, as we have to do with all these bits-n-bytes boxes... we move the data to a new box. Hope this helpful. I can answer any questions you might have if needs be. Bob

I'm finding that all over the web. Engines, it seems, is are like asking what oil I should use? Facts indicate that some engines were/are more problematic (D16 for example) but most 'opinions' on motors are just that. You have first hand knowledge which carries weight. Would be nice if there was a compiled database or chart showing reliability across the spectrum. Hopefully not rationalizing here, we won't put a lot of strain on the drive train pulling a 20k or less trailer. Maybe the Paccar (if in good shape when we get it) could be an option. Hmmm. I understand long haul drivers who pull the hell out of the equipment, being skeptical. As one driver said when he tilted the hood ..."oh, Paccar. Not making any money with this truck." And that's telling of their valid focus, right or wrong. Bob

Glenn and others... thanks for the heads up on the D16. There seems to be a reason why they stopped delivering D16s in North American. Significant warranty and relighability issues . Outside the US and Canada, they seem to be fine engines. It's the pollution reg compliance that ruined the engine. So we're walking away from a really nice cab and frame with a potential money pit of a motor. We did find a 670 with a workstation (rare) in Idaho Falls. Drove up and looked at it. Not actually what they advertised in some ways. They had the WB listed 30" longer, no fridge and it has one, few other things. The problem is that the salesman is in Boise at Rush's main facility and the truck is hours away at Rush in Idaho Falls...with no real salesman. Truck has 630k, D13, EcoRoll, iShift, 2.6 rear end. Needs: tires, Air filter, oil change, valve cover gasket, oil fill tube seal, water separater filter, crankcase filter, passangers side air seat won't air up (I think the line to it has been plugged off). Fortunately this truck has not been steam cleaned so one can see any leak problems. Nothing major like a front or rear seal, etc. Drive lines are good. Shocks, steering parts, air bags, breaks, are all in good shape. Ext is in pretty good shape. Bit of a chunk missing from the left fairing where you fuel the tank, lots of pitting in the front bumper paint and chrome accents. Headlights need restoring, Windshield has a few chips but nothing that will fail inspection. Drives and shifts fine. The issue with the deal, is getting a computer dump. They would need to move the truck to Boise. Apparently no place in Idaho Falls to get it done. If they balk at that, we walk away I think. I did get an oil sample so that can be run this week IF they will agree to get the computer dump. So we keep looking. Utah (home base) has several but unless I go to Knight truck sales or Penskee, the Volvo dlr wants quite a bit more than what is out there for similar trucks. We'll keep looking. Bob

Where do I start looking?

Looked a 2 trucks this week. One has our eye/interest. I would like some input if possible. http://www.westernidahotrucks.com/inventory/specsheet/?ID=16054470 It's 2014 780, with a D16 500hp, iShift w/over drive, 3.25 rear end, 239" WB. 538,534 miles. I'm getting a RigDigs report to see what that might reveal. This truck is kinda of a cream puff in that it was an Owner Operator, and he bought it with all the features then blinged it out a bit. It looks well cared for inside and out. The dealer in Idaho, has put $3k in fixes. Radiator leak, oil leak, etc. I went over this truck fairly meticulously and found nothing that makes me want to go hummm. We tried to drive the truck today but they could not get it started. 2019 batteries would not take a charge. I think one of them is a gone'er. On Saturday they do not have a yard tech in the sales dept. The price we settled on is $34,000 with our requests taken care of. (hitch removed, air lines pulled, oil and filters) Logistically I need to figure out how to get the computer dump. The are a Freightliner/ Western Star dlr. The Volvo dlr is 20 min down the road in Boise. I think that information will be helpful. I would appreciate any thoughts on the truck configuration... engine, etc. Big thanks Bob

Noted. Thanks. Bob

Thoughts on the Paccar engines appreciated. Amongst the trucks we're looking at this weekend are a few Pete 575's. Bob

Wondering if anyone near Idaho Falls would be willing to look over this truck with us. We'll be there this Friday, mid day. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/292943408527486/ We're excited to move up from our international 4700, which sold today. It's a 670, 240" WB, 2.64 gear ratio, iShift. Was part of the SOS Transport fleet. Thanks Bob

Excellent. Thanks. It's going to be a bit more involved to add a standard hitch receiver I think. Bob

Ahh, yes. It is a 670. Sorry. Typo. Glenn... we might put a trike on the back... so about the same width as a Smart Car. Just lighter weight. Geodog... I was thinking I might need to extend the frame a bit. If not, that saves $$$ and time. We head up from Salt Lake to put eyes on truck Friday. It's not everything we want but the price is in our range. It needs a fridge which is easy to adapt a dorm room type fridge. I have an inverter for the fridge and to-be-added microwave. We really want the workstation and 670's are hard to find with one. We'll run it dual axle for now and consider singling it out in the future. Thanks Bob and Lisa

What's the general consensus on the location of the rv hitch on the volvo 780. 5th wheel is under 20k# and the tongue weight is just under 3k#. This is the truck were looking at. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/292943408527486/ 235" WB. Thanks Bob & Lisa

Retirement is helpful...but there's never enough time, even then. Bob & Lisa.

The alternator died in Chama, NM. Charged the batteries and headed to Farmington NM for a new one. Took 3 days and 3 wrong part orders to get the right one. Easy install once I got the right unit. Charging great now. Bob

We were in Pagosa springs and Chama, NM area. Yup. Some of those roads rocked our world a bit. Thanks for the compliment on the video. Have not heard from the mfg yet. If they have issues with it. The hitch would really benefit from thicker side plates. Bob

Sooo, I wanted to get a full motion hitch to dampen the rough ride of my International 4700. I ran across a hitch from ProPride. Not a common name in 5er hitches, but well respected in the travel trailer hitch arena. I dropped it on my truck bed, and towed around for 3 weeks in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Idaho. Shot some video and put together a review. It's an interesting hitch that works but with flaws. My feeling is that it's version one of a basically good design. I did some structural modifications that helps with the worst problem. ProPride might be fixing those...hopefully. The hitch is relatively inexpensive compared to other hitches in this class. It does have a weird weight limit of 15000 lbs. Most are 18k, 20k, etc. My trailer is 13600 GVW (loaded to 12k during the test). Hope this is helpful to some who might be looking for a hitch to smooth the ride. Here's a link to the hitch web site for more info. https://store.propridehitch.com/propride-5th-wheel-energy-absorbing-hitch/

Sooo, while at the rally I was hunkered down at times editing a video review on the hitch on my truck. The international 4700 with the dragon on the side. Once home, I shot the final bits and put the review up on YouTube. Several of you asked about the hitch... here's the scoop.

Nope. Utah. Will do more research. Our son did it for 5+ yrs when he was a lineman. The 5er was his residence and it was in Colorado, Texas, Utah, etc. No issues. He did have a Utah address (ours) and a Utah DL. Maybe S. Dakota is a better option. bob

Anyone have experience or insights into changing a HDT to motorhome classification in Montana? Thanks

Poking around Truck Paper and it seems the prices for Volvo 630s have dropped about $10k. CIT in Illinois has a pile of 2014 & 15s with 700k miles or less, well under $30k. Interesting. Buyers market? Bob & Lisa

Thinking about the polishing, etc. But Sunday forecasts rain Salt Lake City and north into Boise area. Guess heading out shinny is a feel-good no matter what the road brings. We're just 5 or so hours away. We roll Sunday morning.

They are very nice. Very good cutoff. Razor sharp. Good beam spread. Brights light up the world. Long term I think the front lens will degrade. It's not a hard polycarbonate. I'm going to check the heat buildup behind them later this week. Might need to drill a few air holes in the truck cavity for the light. Bob