Blown32

In my case 42' enclosed car trailer with living quarters. Depending on the car 21K+ I'm using a 2008 Sportchassis with the 8.3 Cummins ISC. Super stable and comfortable but towing in the Colorado mountains I'd really like more power. No issues on flat or rolling terrain but the grades are annoying. To be fair, I'm a drag race sort of car guy so in my opinion my street car that runs 10s at altitude needs more power.....

Yes, 100% non-commercial. Recreational, towing my camper and other trailers (basically using it like a big dually). I'm going to try again with a photo of the door label that states it is a "heavy duty pickup" I really think this is a case of "I told you something and will not listen to what you have to say and my supervisor is backing me up no matter what the regs say". I don't think I'll have any success as it appears the DMV has taken a stand regardless of the facts. If anyone has any ammunition I can use to help make my case it would be greatly appreciated. Maybe a copy of a registration showing a Sportchassis that is registered in Colorado as a pick up would be the smoking gun I would need to make them open their minds.....

Thanks!

That would be great! Thanks

Registered my 2008 Sportchassis today and ended up with a single red "TVW" commercial/fleet plate. I looked through the applicable Colorado statutes and I think it could have been plated as a pick up as they have weight categories with standard truck plates over 20k. I had a person on the phone convinced (I walked them through the state statutes) to change them out. Then waited in line again and got told no, called that person back and they said their supervisor overturned her. They say that it's tractor and has to have the red plates. So, how are other Colorado MDTs plated? Thanks in advance Allen

Info for anyone looking to add cameras to the factory Sportchassis camera system, at least for 2008 but likely several years: Camera system by Voyager https://www.voyagercameras.com In my case to add a 4th camera (back of trailer) I bought: - a camera - two cords (one for trailer and one for truck) - bulkhead for trailer - coiled cord to go between truck & camper - adapter to RCA in for 4 camera controller mounted by the cabin air filter in the cab I'll install it this weekend if I get the chance and let you know how it works out. Parts are available form various retailers but I found the best prices on e-bay and Amazon. It can likely be done for less if you used other brand cameras/cords.

Haven't tried that yet, I'd sure like to find a take off from a parted out truck but the odds of that are likely very, very low. A dealer may be the only option. The lower cost and easiest option may be to pick up a good used Alcoa (common round hole design) and be okay with a non matching spare. It's really not a big deal but the car guy in me wants it to match; I'm just not sure how much it will be worth to my inner car guy to make that happen 🙂

Outstanding! Sorry for not being more specific to begin with.

Thanks, we are super excited about it! I guess you could put me in the "Cummins guy" category as I've been happy with a variety of them for quite some time but I wouldn't say I'm totally brand loyal. As a hard core car guy and performance addict I wish I could have afforded one of the larger engine options. Thought about the converted class 8 but the much better half a hard no on that so this was a pushing our budget but meeting our needs/desires option.

Thanks for the info. Correct, 22.5 10 lug hub piloted. I've changed a few 22.5s & 24.5s on class 8s over the years and have the tools on hand so no problems there. Have done my own tire dismount/mounting; huge pain but doable with the correct tools. Thanks for the roadside assistance tip, I'll have to do that before the long planned Alaska trip 🙂 Driven plenty of class 8 10 and 13 speeds but other than a long time ago in the USAF I haven't driven a Allison and I'm sure they have changed somewhat in 30 years. I'll have to see what tips/advice I can find for the 3000 series (this one is a 3200). I have all fluids and filters on the way for a complete fluid refresh, Allison approved TES 285 fluid is pricey especially when around 6 gallons is needed! Thanks again Allen

Thanks, I checked out their site and found some that are very close so I'm thinking they made them for Sportchassis. I should have posted a closer up photo of the wheels. They are the same front & rear and actually have "Sportchassis" cast into the lip/outer rim area. I'm betting they maybe a dealer only thing unless I can find a used one from a wrecked trucked.

I'll check out the connector type this weekend I had assumed the factory systems are all the same but I can see how they could have changed over the years. 22.5, I'll try to post photos. I've done the add on separate gauges before but I was hoping to find a multi gauge like the Banks iDash but that may be a bit much to ask. I'll have to look for a pillar mount (if it's even made) or a factory appearing place on/in the dash to mount a pair of gauges. Thanks for the Info Allen

Thanks. I'd thought of spare air line and fittings but hadn't considered bags or junction box parts; sounds like a good tip to me 🙂

Hello, Just picked up (okay, will pick up tomorrow) a new to me 2008 Sportchassis; Cummins 8.3 ISC/Allison 4200 with 58k miles. Front seats were upgraded to newer year with heat/ventilation and it's in outstanding condition as one would expect for only 58,000 miles. I was going back and forth with the idea of a new 3500 dually or a used MDT and considered a HDT as well. My 5th wheel is not that heavy (~16,500) and my current RAM/Cummins pulls it just fine but with a gen set and washer combo up front it's a bit heavy on the pin. The real driver is my 42' enclosed car trailer with living quarters, pin weight is well north of 5000 and that pushes a new dually to the max even limiting people, cargo, and extra fuel. We have a bucket list trip planned for when we retire (about 4 years) and plan on spending about 3 months driving to and seeing Alaska so part of the plan includes a auxiliary fuel tank (likely not needed but it will allow for fuel planning for best prices). Have a air 5th wheel hitch ordered, the rig is pre plumed for it with dash gauge and air control. I'm very comfortable driving it (have a CDL and do some mountain states commercial driving for my company, some requiring overweight permits) but the wife is going to need a bit of seat time to feel good about it however she is looking forward to it. We are very excited about using it for vacations and such (also have a 21k gooseneck equipment trailer) until we retire then really using it 🙂 I do have a few questions I'm hoping you guys can help with: - It has 3 factory cameras and I'd like to add a 4th/rear camera to the 42' enclosed, what cameras are compatible with the factory system (it has one open input)? And, any tips in hooking one up? - I'd like to carry a spare wheel/tire for the Alaska trip but want to match the current wheels. I haven't been able to find them on any of the google searches I've done or the various wheel supply sites; any ideas on where to get another matching wheel? Maybe large truck junk yards? - Want to add a pyrometer and boost gauge, preferability an all in one unit like Banks and others have for the light duty trucks. Any ideas or recommendations? - I confess to be an old hotrodder and still do some drag racing (thus the enclosed trailer with living quarters) so although I'm trying to resist doing performance mods I don't know if I can stop myself 🙂 Any recommendations? - I'll be doing most of the maintenance including mounting new tires when the time comes and plan on starting fresh with all new fluids as soon as I get it home and in the shop. Any maintenance recommendations/trouble spots/tips? - Any other advice, tips, etc... would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Allen

Just checked on insurance to my new to me Sportchassis, tried National General and after the 4th person and fully 50min on the phone I got a quote, called my State Farm rep, gave him the VIN and got a call back shortly with a quote as well. State Farm (had to be through their commercial side as well) was just over $400 less a year for the same coverage. To be fair I've been with State Farm for many, many years so new customers would likely have higher rates. It pays to get quotes from several companies.