New to the MDT crew

[Blown32]

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

 

[hemsteadc]

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.

 

[Darryl&Rita]

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.

[Blown32]

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 🙂  

[Blown32]

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

[noteven]

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. 

 

 

[orca]

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!

[Darryl&Rita]

American Force Wheels, maybe. 

[Blown32]

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. 

[Blown32]

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

[Darryl&Rita]

14 minutes ago, Blown32 said:

actually have "Sportchassis" cast into the lip/outer rim area.

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.

[Blown32]

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.

[Blown32]

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.

[Darryl&Rita]

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

[Blown32]

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 🙂

[Blown32]

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.

[Darryl&Rita]

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.

[Blown32]

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

[Darryl&Rita]

My browser history tells me it was Sport Chassis of Texas.

ETA: On the options page, their pics aren't showing up, but a reverse image lookup linked back to their webpage as hosting pics of the same rims you have.

Edited June 5, 2021 by Darryl&Rita

[Blown32]

Thanks!

 

[packnrat]

On 5/21/2021 at 7:38 AM, 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. 

 

 

just need a 8 foot long 2 in dia pipe. plenty of torque to snap off the bolts or strip out the lug nuts. it is the old school way of changing a tire on the rd. and just a couple wood blocks and a five ton bottle jack. long before cell phones, heck even long before cap kirk had his fancy communicator.