Blown32

On 8/29/2021 at 6:25 PM, noteven said:

Dumb question but what gets put inta a “5th wheel” trailer to get it to weigh 22,000 lbs, 11 tons, 10,000kg, 10 tonnes? 

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.....   

3 hours ago, Chalkie said:

And you do not even need RT plates to register as a recreational vehicle. My son has Broncos plates and they are registered RT, I used to have US Navy plates that were registered RT. It is all about finding a clerk that knows what the heck they are talking about and knows how to use the (somewhat complicated) computer system.

5 hours ago, Randyretired said:

Before I bought the HDT I checked with the DMV about plates.  Recreational plates were available and only required a weight (they even recommended a place that would certify they had weighed the truck) and just declare recreational use.  The plates have RT to signify recreational truck.  An HDT can also be licensed as a motor home if certain conditions are met.  Unfortunately the personnel at the DMV don't always give accurate information.  When I inquired about if a CDL is needed I was told it was but a class B would be sufficient even though I was towing a trailer in excess of 10,000 pounds.  A CDL isn't required.  Colorado plates are not cheap and any savings is welcomed.

10 hours ago, Randyretired said:

I have a HDT plated in CO.  It has recreational plates.  Licensed this HDT about 16 years ago and never had a problem.  However, beginning about 4 years ago I have had to fill out a paper declaring weights and miles driven every year.  Not a big deal as long as gross weights don't exceed 55,000 pounds and a mileage limit that I can't remember but is more than we do.  If our HDT were to be over the 55,00 pounds or driven to many miles there seems to be a federal tax that needs to be paid before the new tags are issued.   With recreational plates a CDL isn't required but the plates would need to be changed for any commercial use.

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!

15 minutes ago, Darryl&Rita said:

I have tracked an internet link to a dealer in Texas that used to carry the SC rims you're looking for, if you're still looking. I think they're still an active dealer.

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.

1 minute ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Have you talked to any SportChassis dealers? It may still be an active part number.

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 🙂

2 minutes ago, Darryl&Rita said:

In that case, I'll have to get into the wayback machine. I remember this wheel coming up before, and a source was determined. Please stand by.

Outstanding!

Sorry for not being more specific to begin with.

22 hours ago, orca said:

That really is a nice truck!  I like the front rims,  they add a touch of class.  I have the same wing on the roof and find that it keeps most of the bugs off the front cap of the 5er.  Kinda wish i had the Cummins cause my Cat runs outa breath on long hard pulls.

Congratulations,  you have a great truck!

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.

22 hours ago, noteven said:

Hi Allen, 

That's a nice looking truck. 

Those look like 22.5 tires on 10 bolt hub piloted wheels. 

Spare tire and wheel - you may find it is simpler to carry an air line to air a leaking tire and a good quality tire plugging kit.  Not aged out and rotten 22.5 truck tires seldom blow to pieces on a RV hauler application. They are loaded lightly and they are pretty rugged. 

No harm in setting up a spare. You will need the capability to run 450lbs-ft wheel nuts off and on, retorque them (especially on aluminum wheels) and a place to carry the spare and handle it on and off if you need it. 

A new steel wheel is cheep. It looks like your truck has some custom not usually seen in commercial work wheels on the front. 

Coach - net is one company that offers roadside coverage for class 7 and 8 truck drawn RV rigs. 

 

Oh - if you are not familiar with how an Allison transmission functions in a truck, do some coffee time research. Your 4000 series trans is not a GM pickup.  

Allison's website and dealers can be a wealth of maintenance and programming information. 

 

 

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

22 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

American Force Wheels, maybe. 

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. 

18 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

The 8.3 is a good engine, you'll enjoy it. Depending on the model year, you can hotrod them all mechanically, or a mix of electronic and mechanical. The Allison will be your limiting factor. 

The cameras? We need to know if they're BNC or RCA connectors, or other. Once that's determined, we can advise further.

Wheels and tires? 19.5 or 22.5? Can you share a pic?

Pyro/boost gauge? Take your pick. Any that fits a LDT will work in your truck, with the exception of a vehicle specific A-pillar mount.

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

21 hours ago, hemsteadc said:

I have a nearly identical truck. As I was reading your post I thought.. "hmm, did I make this post years ago?"  LOL Even your mileage is almost the same as mine.

For the most part I like it, but air leaks are a constant problem.  For trips to nowhere I would recommend having spare air fittings and perhaps parts for that junction box near the rear axle.  Also maybe carry spare air bags too.  I'm not the most mechanical guy and most of this I can't fix.

 

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.