Class 8 conversion for fifth wheel

Mikomi1 · April 11

Anybody know the cost involved is it worth the bother to convert it myself or just by a tractor Class 8 that's already converted?

rickeieio · April 11

That's a bit like asking what it costs to raise a child. The variables are endless. We have no idea of your skill levels, whether you want something pretty new, what state you might license in, etc.

Star Dreamer · April 11

It also depends on what you final goal is. If all you want to do is haul a 5th wheel RV, you only need to do a few things to a class 8 truck. Add a Jackaloppe for the wiring converter. Add a brake controller like a Tuson Direct Link. Add fenders to protect the RV, either move the commercial hitch towards the rear of the truck so you can turn the trailer without hitting the truck or better yet replace the commercial big hitch with an RV style air ride hitch and mount it at the rear between the frame rails. This part may be the hardest as you typically have to add a little bit of frame to do it.

Anything else you do is just extra like making a hauler bed, carrying a smart car, adding extra water tanks, adding a generator, adding storage compartments, etc....

Randyretired · April 12

For me it was worth the bother to build the bed and so on to convert a HDT. At least at that time which was around 18 years ago. Today it would be more of a challenge than I might be ready for and I doubt I would try it. Depending on what you want it can be a project and the lifting and work involved is significant. At least for me it was. I carry a Subaru length wise so the frame is extended and it has 100 gallon water and waste tanks along with toolboxes.

mike5511 · April 12

The more weight you can put on those drive tires, the better it will ride. My wife says mine should be for sale.....she hasn't convinced me yet though.