Opinions on value and practicality.

[Tylerak]

I found this 2003 peterbilt SH on Craigslist it has 1 million miles overhauled 170k ago. It has a Detroit 60 series 12.7 and a 10 speed manual. It came singled from peterbilt has 4.11’s which I plan on changing. Clutch and brakes have been replaced recently. It is in California 230” WB it looks like a 48” flat top. I will be registering in AK. Price is 28k what do you think? I’m a certified welder and licensed electrician so any labor converting will be free. Thanks for your input. 

[lappir]

If it's a truck you love, then go for it. If you haven't driven a newer truck or another brand and can keep from doing so until you are ready willing and able to part with it you will be fine. JMHO. 

 

Rod

[Tylerak]

15 minutes ago, lappir said:

If it's a truck you love, then go for it. If you haven't driven a newer truck or another brand and can keep from doing so until you are ready willing and able to part with it you will be fine. JMHO. 

 

Rod

I love how it looks and from everything I’ve read the 60 series is a great engine. Is the ride bad or is it excessively loud? Why do you say to avoid testing new trucks? I’m not a big fan of egr, def, and dpf so I’ve been looking at cats and Detroit’s. I’m pretty much dead set on not buying a foreign vehicle so it’s gonna have to be a kw or Pete. 

[NDBirdman]

I've ran straight pipes in work trucks and after a while the drone gets tiring.

[Tylerak]

15 minutes ago, NDBirdman said:

I've ran straight pipes in work trucks and after a while the drone gets tiring.

I’m not opposed to going to a weed burner with a muffler. 

[lappir]

11 hours ago, Tylerak said:

I love how it looks and from everything I’ve read the 60 series is a great engine. Is the ride bad or is it excessively loud? Why do you say to avoid testing new trucks? I’m not a big fan of egr, def, and dpf so I’ve been looking at cats and Detroit’s. I’m pretty much dead set on not buying a foreign vehicle so it’s gonna have to be a kw or Pete. 

It's a 2003, have you driven it? How many others have you tried out? I'm not saying don't test drive lot's before you buy, just once you settle on one, it's best to not keep test driving. (At least for me. I got a GL 1500 to replace the GL 1200 I Loved because a guy said never ride the newer one. Happened again recently when I thought I wanted a new Volvo. Test drove a 2020 and am trying to figure out how to buy one now. ) That's the reason for my comment. 

I have heard good things about the Detroit and have ridden in and drove a few KW's and Pete's. My 2001 Volvo puts them all to shame with how quiet it is and my 12 liter Volvo motor is getting closer all the time to the Million mile mark. 

Rod

[jenandjon]

10 hours ago, Tylerak said:

I’m not opposed to going to a weed burner with a muffler. 

you can fit a resonator under there before the T. Then its not too bad.

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Buy what you like. I happen to prefer a KW but a Pete is just as nice. Some on here like a Volvo but I wouldn't have one for several reasons.

Your truck choice is a personal one that combines pride of ownership, ride, steering, comfort, looks, paint and often, a "cool" factor.

Take several out for a ride, check the mechanicals and make sure they are solid and buy the one that puts the biggest smile on your face when all the factors that matter to you are considered.

[steiny93]

My input,

I haven't looked at prices for a bit (prolly two years), but an '03 singled with those miles at $28k seems high.  Seeing newer competing brands at lower pricing in the market place for example via a quick trucktrader search.

Something to consider, when its time to sell and get into the next one, that type of rig is likely not going to appeal with a vast number of the RV pulling crowd.  The RV pullers tend to gravitate to tight turning auto's and with a deck conversion you'll be further away from the commercial truck users.  (not trying to dissuade your dream, just calling out what I've seen in the marketplace)

If you haven't been in a few of the various brands I'd strongly recommend driving a couple and if you haven't driven the auto's I'd really suggest you try one.  I personally couldn't fathom buying a manual for pulling the camper, be really really sure you want that.  For me, lowering the bar so others (wife / kid / etc) can drive became a big deal.

But, if you love it and that's what you want, go for it!

[Tylerak]

6 hours ago, lappir said:

It's a 2003, have you driven it? How many others have you tried out? I'm not saying don't test drive lot's before you buy, just once you settle on one, it's best to not keep test driving. (At least for me. I got a GL 1500 to replace the GL 1200 I Loved because a guy said never ride the newer one. Happened again recently when I thought I wanted a new Volvo. Test drove a 2020 and am trying to figure out how to buy one now. ) That's the reason for my comment. 

I have heard good things about the Detroit and have ridden in and drove a few KW's and Pete's. My 2001 Volvo puts them all to shame with how quiet it is and my 12 liter Volvo motor is getting closer all the time to the Million mile mark. 

Rod

I haven’t test drove a peterbilt similar to this. I’m sure the new trucks are very nice they just don’t do anything for me. My last tow vehicle was a 97 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually 12v turned up with a 5 speed manual and my current daily driver is a 94 Dodge Ram 12v with a 5 speed manual so I’m used to shifting, loud noises, and a bumpy ride. Does your Volvo have a Detroit in it or Cummins? 

[Tylerak]

6 hours ago, jenandjon said:

you can fit a resonator under there before the T. Then its not too bad.

I heard good things about resonators with diesel pickups so that would be a good start. If it’s not obnoxious I could tolerate hearing it roar on occasion and the jakes barking. 

[Darryl&Rita]

Trucks, like everything in life, come with compromises. That's a great looking truck, and if the repairs come with paperwork from a respectable shop, should give a long service life. Many here haven't even sat in a truck, before buying one. The Volvo Kool-Aid runs strong. If you're ok shifting, then shift. It won't turn quite as tight as an Areo truck, but if you plan ahead, you'll get in most places they will. It will be a little louder than rear exhaust, but a resonator can help. Longer stacks help, too, and look cool. If you think you can make it work for you, go for it. As far as resale value, assuming you don't go whole hog with RV only mods, that truck will always have value.

[Tylerak]

4 hours ago, GeorgiaHybrid said:

Buy what you like. I happen to prefer a KW but a Pete is just as nice. Some on here like a Volvo but I wouldn't have one for several reasons.

Your truck choice is a personal one that combines pride of ownership, ride, steering, comfort, looks, paint and often, a "cool" factor.

Take several out for a ride, check the mechanicals and make sure they are solid and buy the one that puts the biggest smile on your face when all the factors that matter to you are considered.

I definitely like cool trucks, I’ve always loved the look of a flat top Pete it might be less cushy than a 2020 Volvo but I think the cabs look good inside the classic Pete’s and KW. I’ve been looking online and it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of trucks nearby. Maybe I’ll call some dealerships and see what they have to get an idea how I like them. This was my 97 Dodge 12v with a 5 speed. I liked having a unique truck it gives you pride going down the road. 

[Tylerak]

10 minutes ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Trucks, like everything in life, come with compromises. That's a great looking truck, and if the repairs come with paperwork from a respectable shop, should give a long service life. Many here haven't even sat in a truck, before buying one. The Volvo Kool-Aid runs strong. If you're ok shifting, then shift. It won't turn quite as tight as an Areo truck, but if you plan ahead, you'll get in most places they will. It will be a little louder than rear exhaust, but a resonator can help. Longer stacks help, too, and look cool. If you think you can make it work for you, go for it. As far as resale value, assuming you don't go whole hog with RV only mods, that truck will always have value.

Hey I’m liking the company I’m finding with this post. There’s definitely a cool-aid vibe with RV haulers no offense to the Volvo owners those are great trucks. I figured I’d do all the RV work in a minimalist manner. I’ve seen where people don’t install a flatbed just c channel and storage for ramps. I’ll have to have a spot for two of the bikes pictured. Otherwise keep it stock and maintain it. The turning radius would be a concern if it’s not at least as tight as a pickup but I try not to turn tight it puts a lot of extra wear on the trailer.  

[Tylerak]

3 hours ago, steiny93 said:

My input,

I haven't looked at prices for a bit (prolly two years), but an '03 singled with those miles at $28k seems high.  Seeing newer competing brands at lower pricing in the market place for example via a quick trucktrader search.

Something to consider, when its time to sell and get into the next one, that type of rig is likely not going to appeal with a vast number of the RV pulling crowd.  The RV pullers tend to gravitate to tight turning auto's and with a deck conversion you'll be further away from the commercial truck users.  (not trying to dissuade your dream, just calling out what I've seen in the marketplace)

If you haven't been in a few of the various brands I'd strongly recommend driving a couple and if you haven't driven the auto's I'd really suggest you try one.  I personally couldn't fathom buying a manual for pulling the camper, be really really sure you want that.  For me, lowering the bar so others (wife / kid / etc) can drive became a big deal.

But, if you love it and that's what you want, go for it!

I’m asking on here because this exact truck is almost one of a kind without having the work done to a tandem so it’s hard to get a good idea of price. It’s hard to find a Detroit in a Pete which is my preferred engine in case it needs work it’s not gonna cost 25k like a cat and a little better fuel mileage. I want a flat top sleeper no longer than 48” and the dash configuration makes it look modern, it’s not square and boxy. So that’s the dilemma is I really like this exact truck. I’ve never let anyone pull my trailer I probably would be riddled with anxiety the entire time 😂 I’m a fan of shifting unless I miss a gear going up or down a mountain then I’d be wishing I had an auto but otherwise I enjoy it. 

[Wrknrvr]

   I think I would really like that truck.

I am one that does a lot of stuff not in the conventional way. I bet you would really have a lot of people looking it over where ever you go. I do like your 97 truck. I can tell you like it as the condition of it.

  With the engine that is in it most local truck repair shops should be able to work on it. That is if you cannot. Not having to take it to a Volvo dealer or having trouble with modern engine systems would be a plus.

  Also I would like the stick shift as the controller literally in your right arm. Most people are against a stick shift, but if you have a auto shift of any brand and you have trouble it could be frustrating. Also with a stick shift you only use the clutch to start out then shift with out the clutch. We are from north west Montana. The local trucks running up hear are almost all Pete’s or Kenworths of mid 2000s or older.

The only downfall of this vehicle is the cost of wax and polish. Then through in elbow grease.

 

   Vern in a T-shirt 

[steiny93]

 

2 hours ago, Tylerak said:

I’m asking on here because this exact truck is almost one of a kind without having the work done to a tandem so it’s hard to get a good idea of price. It’s hard to find a Detroit in a Pete which is my preferred engine in case it needs work it’s not gonna cost 25k like a cat and a little better fuel mileage. I want a flat top sleeper no longer than 48” and the dash configuration makes it look modern, it’s not square and boxy. So that’s the dilemma is I really like this exact truck. I’ve never let anyone pull my trailer I probably would be riddled with anxiety the entire time 😂 I’m a fan of shifting unless I miss a gear going up or down a mountain then I’d be wishing I had an auto but otherwise I enjoy it. 

Sounds like you already know the answer (value / practicality) but have fallen in love with this one

Follow your dream, be eye's wide open concerning the realities but at the end of the day it's your dream, enjoy it.

[Tylerak]

8 minutes ago, steiny93 said:

 

Sounds like you already know the answer (value / practicality) but have fallen in love with this one

Follow your dream, be eye's wide open concerning the realities but at the end of the day it's your dream, enjoy it.

I don’t love this exact truck but I do love this exact configuration so I’d have no problems waiting on another. It seems like a good truck though. The owner has sent me videos of it starting and running, walk arounds, pictures of flaws, and it seems like a good purchase but I’m just skeptical since it’s a big investment so I was wanting some second opinions. Looks like we’re running at 50/50 some people are fans of newer comfy trucks some are fans of classic trucks. I know I can become attached to ideas so I’m trying to remain as detached as I can. Mechanical integrity is #1 above everything. I plan on getting an oil sample sent off to get analyzed, and verify the overhaul was done by a reputable shop. Thanks for the reply

[Moresmoke]

If that is what you want for a truck, then you better go buy it before someone else does.

The only minus I see is it looks to have small fuel tanks. The Detroit is a very solid engine platform. As far as price is concerned, the only thing I can say is about $10k buys a truck that runs anymore. Something you want to drive will cost more. Cab and sleeper Petes (except a 377) always bring a premium over other brands.

I have a Volvo, for my purposes I wanted an open cab, so a classic style sleeper was out. And I am cheap. So low cost Volvo it was. Myself, I would have gone with a manual trans, but I wasn’t given a choice on that option.  We each need to decide what fits our needs. 

[Wrknrvr]

  Can you get any pictures of the engine compartment. Maybe some more interior photos also..

 

   just thinking Vern

[mr. cob]

Howdy Tylerak,

First off I apologize for the long post, this is something I struggled with before becoming a very HAPPY CAMPER.

Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it.  I like the truck you posted the photo of, two things come to mind immediately.  ONE, Down the road if you sell the truck it's going to be darn near impossible to sell it to someone who wants to pull an RV trailer, VERY FEW want to shift gears or take the time to learn how to do it properly.  TWO, a singled truck has VERY LITTLE appeal to a commercial driver unless they are into hot-shot, type work.

With that said, my first RV Hauler was a 2002 Freightliner Columbia, 12.7 Detroit, 10 speed Auto-Shift, 3.55 single axle with a simple deck on it with a Trailer Saver, air cushioned hitch.  Great truck and I would still be driving it if I hadn't bought a Smart Car.  The cost to rebuild the truck to carry the Smart Car, was money spent that I would NEVER recover in a future sale. Even though the Freightliner was a great truck setup the way it was it was just the ticket for RV use, I never really liked it, to me it just wasn't a real truck, I hated the look, didn't like the condo cab it was much higher then the roof of the toy hauler trailer I have, and it just didn't put the GRIN on my face that I wanted.

I posted to this forum that I was contemplating making a major change in that I WANTED a classic truck, either a Pete 379 Long Hood, or a Kenworth 900 Long Hood.  I wanted big power, I wanted at least 13 gears and if I could find it an Auto-Shift.  It took me a year to find what I was looking for, a 2001, Peterbilt 379, 550 horse power C15 single turbo Cat engine with an 18 speed Eton-Fuller Road Ranger AUTO-SHIFT, this is a very rare truck.  Full gauge package, American Classic interior, chicken lights and chrome.  I can't help it, I lusted for this truck and did fall in love with it.

I went into this with my eyes WIDE OPEN, I knew the Pete would have a much larger turning radius then the Freightliner, I knew I would get fewer miles per gallon, I knew the cab was much smaller and the space between the seats was quite narrow, I knew the front visibility would be MUCH less the the Freightliner, I knew my wife wouldn't like the cab space in the Pete as well as she did on the Freightliner, knowing ALL OF THIS; I bought the Pete, put a Smart Car deck on it and have be GRINNING ever since.

I left my truck tandem for two reasons, more brakes and better ride ( I know that is a controversial statement ) AND down the road when it comes time to sell the truck as it is now it will be attractive to another RV Hauler OR to a commercial Owner-Operator.  The deck will unbolt, reinstall the commercial 5th wheel hitch and your back in business.  Think long and hard about what YOU want in a truck, the Freightliner I had was a darn good truck but it wasn't what I wanted, now I have what I want, it gives me great pleasure to drive and when it comes time to sell I am not locked into a very small group of perspective buyers.  An old style classic Pete, Kenworth, will ALWAYS be in demand, plastic trucks not so much.  Like I said just my opinion, no offense meant to anyone, whatever works for YOU as an individual is all that really matters, the opinion of others is simply that, an opinion.

Dave

[rpsinc]

Dave's comments are right on point.  I will only add that LIFE happens and when it does, changes come with it.  They are a significant investment and coming to this forum to become educated is priceless.  

I have an IH 4700LP for sale as LIFE happened and I need to sell it.  Somebody will like it and use it, which is what I cant do right now.  Hate to see it sitting.  Its a great truck with only 170K miles but has a big block IH diesel and Allison.  

When I am ready I will buy something that will work for me THEN.  In the meantime, I live vicariously through so many that share on this site.

I am enjoying my journey.

[Tylerak]

3 hours ago, mr. cob said:

Howdy Tylerak,

First off I apologize for the long post, this is something I struggled with before becoming a very HAPPY CAMPER.

Just my opinion, worth what you paid for it.  I like the truck you posted the photo of, two things come to mind immediately.  ONE, Down the road if you sell the truck it's going to be darn near impossible to sell it to someone who wants to pull an RV trailer, VERY FEW want to shift gears or take the time to learn how to do it properly.  TWO, a singled truck has VERY LITTLE appeal to a commercial driver unless they are into hot-shot, type work.

With that said, my first RV Hauler was a 2002 Freightliner Columbia, 12.7 Detroit, 10 speed Auto-Shift, 3.55 single axle with a simple deck on it with a Trailer Saver, air cushioned hitch.  Great truck and I would still be driving it if I hadn't bought a Smart Car.  The cost to rebuild the truck to carry the Smart Car, was money spent that I would NEVER recover in a future sale. Even though the Freightliner was a great truck setup the way it was it was just the ticket for RV use, I never really liked it, to me it just wasn't a real truck, I hated the look, didn't like the condo cab it was much higher then the roof of the toy hauler trailer I have, and it just didn't put the GRIN on my face that I wanted.

I posted to this forum that I was contemplating making a major change in that I WANTED a classic truck, either a Pete 379 Long Hood, or a Kenworth 900 Long Hood.  I wanted big power, I wanted at least 13 gears and if I could find it an Auto-Shift.  It took me a year to find what I was looking for, a 2001, Peterbilt 379, 550 horse power C15 single turbo Cat engine with an 18 speed Eton-Fuller Road Ranger AUTO-SHIFT, this is a very rare truck.  Full gauge package, American Classic interior, chicken lights and chrome.  I can't help it, I lusted for this truck and did fall in love with it.

I went into this with my eyes WIDE OPEN, I knew the Pete would have a much larger turning radius then the Freightliner, I knew I would get fewer miles per gallon, I knew the cab was much smaller and the space between the seats was quite narrow, I knew the front visibility would be MUCH less the the Freightliner, I knew my wife wouldn't like the cab space in the Pete as well as she did on the Freightliner, knowing ALL OF THIS; I bought the Pete, put a Smart Car deck on it and have be GRINNING ever since.

I left my truck tandem for two reasons, more brakes and better ride ( I know that is a controversial statement ) AND down the road when it comes time to sell the truck as it is now it will be attractive to another RV Hauler OR to a commercial Owner-Operator.  The deck will unbolt, reinstall the commercial 5th wheel hitch and your back in business.  Think long and hard about what YOU want in a truck, the Freightliner I had was a darn good truck but it wasn't what I wanted, now I have what I want, it gives me great pleasure to drive and when it comes time to sell I am not locked into a very small group of perspective buyers.  An old style classic Pete, Kenworth, will ALWAYS be in demand, plastic trucks not so much.  Like I said just my opinion, no offense meant to anyone, whatever works for YOU as an individual is all that really matters, the opinion of others is simply that, an opinion.

Dave

Thanks for your reply, I figured since the seller already has it singled I’m not really out anything. It’s appeal is already limited so the price should reflect that upon purchase and sell. I know in my heart a plastic truck will be affordable and comfortable but if I know it has egr, def, dpf and an automatic I will feel like I’m driving a big suv. I know I want a short hood small sleeper and either a DD 60 series or 3406. As far as transmission I am leaning toward manual although pretty much open to anything. My preference is a 10 speed an 18 speed would be fine but a 10 speed would be sufficient. I hear what you’re saying about keeping it tandem you can tow a jeep, resale is better, no extra expense to single, two extra brakes, incase of a flat easier to limp, etc. downside more expensive to maintain, higher toll road fees, theoretically harder to register as RV, wider turning radius, less mpg, etc. I like the idea of finding one already singled since they are already facing the problems of resale you stated. I will consider what you’re saying because you’ve made good points. Thanks for your input. 

[Tylerak]

2 hours ago, rpsinc said:

Dave's comments are right on point.  I will only add that LIFE happens and when it does, changes come with it.  They are a significant investment and coming to this forum to become educated is priceless.  

I have an IH 4700LP for sale as LIFE happened and I need to sell it.  Somebody will like it and use it, which is what I cant do right now.  Hate to see it sitting.  Its a great truck with only 170K miles but has a big block IH diesel and Allison.  

When I am ready I will buy something that will work for me THEN.  In the meantime, I live vicariously through so many that share on this site.

I am enjoying my journey.

Thanks for your reply I am here because I’m aware of the significance of whatever purchase I make. I am not gonna jump into anything without a great deal of thought. At the end of the day there’s compromise no matter what I do. I’m sorry to hear about your truck everything passes and I hope you get to enjoy another truck and traveling shortly. We’re all effected by this pandemic in one way or another, better days lie ahead. Sometimes a reset is what we need. Thanks for your reply 

[Tylerak]

8 hours ago, Wrknrvr said:

  Can you get any pictures of the engine compartment. Maybe some more interior photos also..

 

   just thinking Vern

 I have them but they are too big and I don’t know how to resize on my phone so I’ve been sending the pictures to my computer to resize then send them back to my phone. I still have your email I can send them to you. It has a new bed in the sleeper what appears to be leather or vinyl walls and ceilings, rubber floor, fabric seats that are dirty I intend to replace them ASAP. Engine looks good and the CAC pipes have been painted orange to match the hood, he took a video of it starting and it cranked right up, he also got a video of everything like alternator, water pump, belt tensioner, harmonic dampener, etc nothing was wobbling or squeaking. It’s an O/O truck and you can tell the owner took care of it unlike a swift or Penske truck. If I can’t get my hands on this truck I’ll be getting something similar I’m sure. Thanks for the reply Vern