trimster Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 So, kinda bad news. In looking for the volvo, my wife is having serious problems getting in the truck. She had knee surgery (meniscus) that has left her with pain when climbing up stairs. Doing a ladder, like the step design of HDT , is really hard. And the step spacing makes it more difficult and painful. Our international 4700 is more akin to stairs, which is doable for her. So, it looks like we stay with our MDT. (Sad face). Our issues with the 4700 are cabin noise and lack of power and rough ride. I can mitigate lots of the noise by adding sound insulation (doors, under hood, under cabin), exhaust resonator & better muffler, quiter tires, and re-upholstering the headliner with fabric & padding, etc. Power... water injection is about all we can do with aluminum pistons. So there we are. Aging is a bitch. Bob & lisa Quote Robert & Lisa '14 Keystone Fuzion 315 38' 5er 2015 Volvo VNL 670, D13, iShift 'The Tartis' (ours) 2013 Smart Fortwo Passion 'K-9' 2011 CanAm Spyder RT Limited (Ours) We are both USAF vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger & Margaret Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 My wife has some mobility issues as well and when we decided to get our HDT I looked into step alternatives. It turned out that she can access the truck, with a little help from me, without any modifications, but I was looking at these options, maybe one of these can work for your wife. Several people have used this modified option https://photos.app.goo.gl/e2sc8BSgoS8kddkM9 These are foldaway steps and ladders. Safety step ladder with fold away top rail (use or don't use)https://www.littlegiantladder.com/products/safety-step-ladder Brophy Camper Scissor Steps - 4 Steps - Aluminum - Non-Slip Tread - 24" Wide - 300 lbshttps://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Brophy/AS24.html Cotterman StockNStore folding rolling ladderhttps://www.grainger.com/product/COTTERMAN-3-Step-Folding-Rolling-Ladder-46C347 Cotterman folding latter catalog pages PDFhttp://www.cotterman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SNS-103.pdf Step and store 3 step ladderhttps://www.uline.com/BL_1439/Step-And-Store-Ladders Vestil 3 Step Rolling Ladder With Wheelshttps://www.walmart.com/ip/Vestil-3-Step-Rolling-Ladder-With-Wheels/120202671?action=product_interest&action_type=title&beacon_version=1.0.2&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&client_guid=7a9fad1e-bec8-43ad-3a01-f62672f3dd03&config_id=2&customer_id_enc&findingMethod=p13n&guid=7a9fad1e-bec8-43ad-3a01-f62672f3dd03&item_id=120202671&parent_anchor_item_id=189940578&parent_item_id=189940578&placement_id=irs-2-m2&reporter=recommendations&source=new_site&strategy=SMT&visitor_id=YCJECgnbSfBON8l_wp9BMQ TorkLift International - Glow stepshttp://www.torklift.com/index.php/products/steps-handrails/glowstep I hope this gives you some ideas. Roger Quote Roger and my wonderful wife Margaret 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW 2017 Luxe 39fb 5th WheelPioneer Camping Club Wagon Masters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 I have the scissors for my wife. Works fine. Don’t give up the dream. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 (edited) Steps are still steps! (Stairs are stairs?) There is more than one outfit that makes a (relatively simple) folding chair type of lift (attaches to the side) of/for Motor Homes which would also work for HDT & MDT. There are variations for farm tractors, etc. IIRC one of them is based in AZ. Google is your friend. On edit: Google should lead you to several on YouTube for both non-ambulatory (folks requiring a wheel chair) - and ambulatory (bad knees, etc.) one of which is a "stand-on" type ("Burr Lift"). Note: Re-injury of (any) knee surgery may require total knee replacement! Makes those lifts look like an excellent idea...🙂 . Edited February 27, 2020 by Pappy Yokum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimster Posted February 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 What do these fold up stairs look like when stowed. Quote Robert & Lisa '14 Keystone Fuzion 315 38' 5er 2015 Volvo VNL 670, D13, iShift 'The Tartis' (ours) 2013 Smart Fortwo Passion 'K-9' 2011 CanAm Spyder RT Limited (Ours) We are both USAF vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, trimster said: What do these fold up stairs look like when stowed. Bracket is mounted on top step and steps clip in. We unclip and stow in cab under work station. Edited February 27, 2020 by SuiteSuccess Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimster Posted February 27, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 Ahhh. Makes sense now. Thanks for taking the time to get these photos. Wife feels this is the solution for her. Bob Quote Robert & Lisa '14 Keystone Fuzion 315 38' 5er 2015 Volvo VNL 670, D13, iShift 'The Tartis' (ours) 2013 Smart Fortwo Passion 'K-9' 2011 CanAm Spyder RT Limited (Ours) We are both USAF vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted February 27, 2020 Report Share Posted February 27, 2020 12 minutes ago, trimster said: Ahhh. Makes sense now. Thanks for taking the time to get these photos. Wife feels this is the solution for her. Bob Why not buy a set, install on the 4700 and see if they work for her. As to 4700, dont know alot about your drivetrain, but I have one with the DT530, 8.7L. I can use LP injection if I decide to start traveling alot. Its 300/860 Allison Auto. Yes, they are noisy buggers and I am interested in what you succeed in doing to cut that down. I'm running 22.5" wheels with Toyo highway tires. Seems like alot of air infiltration through the doors too. I like the truck, very good size to use as daily, but just not comfortable to ride in. I suppose I could also do a pair of seats, better ones at least, but dont know what direction to go for that either. Our trailer is not heavy and we have a Trailersaver 32K on bags. All that works well. It is a Stalick bed which I like for the room for my tools(I'm a contractor and weld alot). Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted February 28, 2020 Report Share Posted February 28, 2020 (edited) Not much you can do with them old internationals. They are just work trucks pain and simple. Not made for comfort. We have a 4900 with a stock box on the back. DT 466 and 7 speed spicer. She rides a lot better with 30 head of 7 weight heifers on the back. Still about 60 mph top speed on flat ground with a tail wind. Edited February 28, 2020 by jenandjon Quote Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan0043 Posted February 28, 2020 Report Share Posted February 28, 2020 15 hours ago, SuiteSuccess said: Bracket is mounted on top step and steps clip in. We unclip and stow in cab under work station. Hi Bob, I have seen the steps in action. Nice set-up. Al Quote 2012 Volvo VNL 630 w/ I-Shift; D13 engine; " Veeger " Redwood, model 3401R ; 5th Wheel Trailer, " Dead Wood " 2006 Smart Car " Killer Frog " Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 28, 2020 Report Share Posted February 28, 2020 Robert, don't give up. And remember, getting old was fun. It's being old that sucks. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beemergary Posted February 29, 2020 Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 Have a folding collapsible stool for wife. Getting old and still having fun requires a little imagination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimster Posted February 29, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 Update. Based on the folding stairs solution, we're moving ahead on the green 630 in Georgia. The oil test and full inspection by a third party are being done next week. Then we fly down to kick the tires. We really appreciate all the help and support. Bob & Lisa Quote Robert & Lisa '14 Keystone Fuzion 315 38' 5er 2015 Volvo VNL 670, D13, iShift 'The Tartis' (ours) 2013 Smart Fortwo Passion 'K-9' 2011 CanAm Spyder RT Limited (Ours) We are both USAF vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted February 29, 2020 Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 28 minutes ago, trimster said: Update. Based on the folding stairs solution, we're moving ahead on the green 630 in Georgia. The oil test and full inspection by a third party are being done next week. Then we fly down to kick the tires. We really appreciate all the help and support. Bob & Lisa Congrats. Hope it works out. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 29, 2020 Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 Road trip! Congratulations. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimster Posted February 29, 2020 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 Ya, road trip. It will be jamming back under the CDL radar. Don't have one. Not needed in Utah with reclassification of the truck as a motorhome...which is falling off a log simple. The commercial hitch will be removed by the dealer and the trailer air lines. We have Not For Hire graphics coming. Insurance papers in hand as well as the Utah reclassification paperwork. The truck will have temp tags. Praying for no red lights at weigh stations. It should be ....interesting. Bob Quote Robert & Lisa '14 Keystone Fuzion 315 38' 5er 2015 Volvo VNL 670, D13, iShift 'The Tartis' (ours) 2013 Smart Fortwo Passion 'K-9' 2011 CanAm Spyder RT Limited (Ours) We are both USAF vets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted February 29, 2020 Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 Ask dealer to save the removed air lines. They'll come in handy if you ever decide to go to a BluDot brake system rather that using a brake controller. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adept99 Posted February 29, 2020 Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 Trimster; Don't recall who exactly it is, but somebody on here has a fold-away elevator made for the passenger door. Even had a video to go with it. Wasn't commercial, made for the driver or his DW, looked slick to me. Good Luck Quote Paul & Paula + Daisy the amazing wiggle worm dog... 2001 Volvo 770 Autoshift, Singled, w/ Aluminum Bed - Toy Draggin 2013 395AMP XLR Thunderbolt Toy Hauler 2013 Smart Passion 2012 CanAm Spyder RT 2013 Harley Davidson Street Glide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted February 29, 2020 Report Share Posted February 29, 2020 37 minutes ago, adept99 said: Trimster; Don't recall who exactly it is, but somebody on here has a fold-away elevator made for the passenger door. Even had a video to go with it. Wasn't commercial, made for the driver or his DW, looked slick to me. Good Luck That originally was Mike Council’s truck now owned by Jim and Cathy Gell. The lift was Henry’s doing. Quote 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alie&Jim's Carrilite Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 3 hours ago, SuiteSuccess said: That originally was Mike Council’s truck now owned by Jim and Cathy Gell. The lift was Henry’s doing. Henry had another lift in parts that was never installed. The step design that Carl has is awesome. But a temp solution, a little redneck though, was to use our Pet Loader steps. Alie twisted her knee and had a hard time climbing the fairing steps into the truck. We use the Pet Loader 5 step for our arthritic mutt, and its weight rated to 250lb or so. Worked great for a month or 2. Quote Alie & Jim + 8 paws 2017 DRV Memphis BART- 1998 Volvo 610 Lil'ole 6cyl Cummins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 The lift was designed for older model trucks with that space available. In the newer trucks that volume is "taken over" by the regen and other pollution equipment gizmos. I don't remember the model year when the space went away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 You guys bring out a fond and "ancient" history. This was from "retirement period", I believe Number 3. Three essential elements were at work here: #1 Time on hand, #2 Bored engineering mind, #3 Computer loaded with SolidWorks software. OK, so it looks like it will work and fit in a computer, big deal, lots of engineers can put stuff together in the computer. Hmm, it might work. Looking good. I'll be dipped in cow manure, IT WORKS! Low ceiling prevented the test from being performed standing. Yes, there was another kit of parts to build another unit on my truck, never happened. No clue where the kit is now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenandjon Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 Do not tell my wife about this lift. Mother in law said she cant travel with us anymore because it too hard to get in the truck.😉 Quote Farmer, Trucker, Equipment operator, Mechanic Quando omni flunkus moritati-When all else fails, play dead I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 1 hour ago, jenandjon said: Do not tell my wife about this lift. Mother in law said she cant travel with us anymore because it too hard to get in the truck.😉 Hmm, you are trying to solve a "problem" of totally different nature Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted March 1, 2020 Report Share Posted March 1, 2020 Perhaps repurpose a material lift used to raise parts, ie transmissions, engines, etc., to some type of mount that will articulate under the truck, or make it light enough to put on the truck bed. I like the idea of repurposing the pet stairs. Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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