Building the ultimate expediter
- Thread starter LDB
- Start date
Yesterday I saw a beautiful truck. Built on a Volvo chassis, it had a custom sleeper with a walk in door on the side of the unit. The bed was full size and folded down off the back wall. When folded up it made a dinette. The shower was 42x45 and could have fit inside any home. It had the in-motion satellite and all the high end goodies. The tool boxes were integrated into the sleeper base rather than just hung below it. It had a 10k Onan in one box. One box had a slide out on ball bearing runners like you'd see on an industrial tool cart. There was a propane grill on the slide out.
It was built for a T/T driver so it was taller than an expediter unit would be although it probably would have been even with the top of the cargo box. The owner has a friend having one made just like it but with the exception of a 6" subfloor. It will house an Espar heating unit that will heat the subfloor space and the heat will radiate up through the floor. That will even give a heated shower floor.
I didn't have time to see as much as I would have liked to but I did find out he priced it with a couple of the biggies in the business and it was about 1/3 more through them. He got it through B & W in Fort Worth, Texas. I have their number and will be glad to provide it if anyone wants to send me a msg.
Leo
truck 4958
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
It was built for a T/T driver so it was taller than an expediter unit would be although it probably would have been even with the top of the cargo box. The owner has a friend having one made just like it but with the exception of a 6" subfloor. It will house an Espar heating unit that will heat the subfloor space and the heat will radiate up through the floor. That will even give a heated shower floor.
I didn't have time to see as much as I would have liked to but I did find out he priced it with a couple of the biggies in the business and it was about 1/3 more through them. He got it through B & W in Fort Worth, Texas. I have their number and will be glad to provide it if anyone wants to send me a msg.
Leo
truck 4958
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
RE: expediter truck
Yes we did run into each other in Resaca "J".
I get alittle nervous anytime you cut into the cab on a truck when it involves cutting or modifying the cab frame.
I like the after marker concept because I can switch chassis much easier. Very cost effective over time. The kw will bring good money when it is done OTR.
I have a flatbed wrecker body that will be mounted on the chassis, and then I will sell it.
Davekc
>BigBusBob
>
>I like the way you think. I think we are close to what you
>are seeking.
>
>
>Davekc
Yes we did run into each other in Resaca "J".
I get alittle nervous anytime you cut into the cab on a truck when it involves cutting or modifying the cab frame.
I like the after marker concept because I can switch chassis much easier. Very cost effective over time. The kw will bring good money when it is done OTR.
I have a flatbed wrecker body that will be mounted on the chassis, and then I will sell it.
Davekc
>BigBusBob
>
>I like the way you think. I think we are close to what you
>are seeking.
>
>
>Davekc
RE: expediter truck
I like the idea of a walk-thru of some kind, perhaps one could do it with a Volvo or other style truck cab...
Dave, do you have a washer/dryer unit on there? also, how big is your freshwater tank?
I'm going to Freightliner of Knoxville tomorrow, or Weds., to look at rigs on their lot... for myself and others. Friend of mine has 2 older tractors that he's looking to use to trade in for an expediter.
I like the idea of a walk-thru of some kind, perhaps one could do it with a Volvo or other style truck cab...
Dave, do you have a washer/dryer unit on there? also, how big is your freshwater tank?
I'm going to Freightliner of Knoxville tomorrow, or Weds., to look at rigs on their lot... for myself and others. Friend of mine has 2 older tractors that he's looking to use to trade in for an expediter.
BigBusbob wrote;
like the idea of a walk-thru of some kind, perhaps one could do it with a Volvo or other style truck cab...
Dave, do you have a washer/dryer unit on there? also, how big is your freshwater tank?
I'm going to Freightliner of Knoxville tomorrow, or Weds., to look at rigs on their lot... for myself and others. Friend of mine has 2 older tractors that he's looking to use to trade in for an expediter.
We don't have a washer and dryer. Mainly because of space. The sleeper on the KW is a 126". We either had to give up our side entry/exit door, or get rid of the lounge/recliner chair.
The chair and door won out. We like that large side door for taking out the dogs,loading laundry and groceries. Helps with cleaning and repairs as well.
The water tank is 25 gallon I believe with a 6 gallon hot water tank.
Grey water tank is 3 gallon and fresh water toilet tank is three as well.
I like the idea of the walk through, but have yet to see a worth while unit for the money. I am currently looking at True Custom for a possible project. If I don't do that, then ARI or ICT.
I can do a walk through, but will use a KW 6 or 800.
I would consider a Volvo but they are the wrong application for a straight truck with a large sleeper. Too costly on chassis verses competitors, and too heavy on the front end.
Davekc
like the idea of a walk-thru of some kind, perhaps one could do it with a Volvo or other style truck cab...
Dave, do you have a washer/dryer unit on there? also, how big is your freshwater tank?
I'm going to Freightliner of Knoxville tomorrow, or Weds., to look at rigs on their lot... for myself and others. Friend of mine has 2 older tractors that he's looking to use to trade in for an expediter.
We don't have a washer and dryer. Mainly because of space. The sleeper on the KW is a 126". We either had to give up our side entry/exit door, or get rid of the lounge/recliner chair.
The chair and door won out. We like that large side door for taking out the dogs,loading laundry and groceries. Helps with cleaning and repairs as well.
The water tank is 25 gallon I believe with a 6 gallon hot water tank.
Grey water tank is 3 gallon and fresh water toilet tank is three as well.
I like the idea of the walk through, but have yet to see a worth while unit for the money. I am currently looking at True Custom for a possible project. If I don't do that, then ARI or ICT.
I can do a walk through, but will use a KW 6 or 800.
I would consider a Volvo but they are the wrong application for a straight truck with a large sleeper. Too costly on chassis verses competitors, and too heavy on the front end.
Davekc
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
Nothing compares to the interior of a Volvo. I have a poster here in my office with Bobby LaBonte, Tony Stewart with the 2000 model 770s that we use to have at JGR. I use to have to clean the interior for the drivers as they did not have the time.
Both drivers complained about one thing. Nose weight, the Tractors were very heavy. The other complaint from the Home Depot driver was he could not customize it with the Chrome he wanted. (Go Figure)
Big Bus Bob Complains the KW are small inside. Right you are, but if thats a trade off for the other comment regarding dependability I can adjust. If the sleeper is comfortable and roomy, all I am doing up front is driving so its no big deal. A crawl through would be impossible in a KW in my opinion.
Go to the Used Trucks and what is holding the higher resales?
Both drivers complained about one thing. Nose weight, the Tractors were very heavy. The other complaint from the Home Depot driver was he could not customize it with the Chrome he wanted. (Go Figure)
Big Bus Bob Complains the KW are small inside. Right you are, but if thats a trade off for the other comment regarding dependability I can adjust. If the sleeper is comfortable and roomy, all I am doing up front is driving so its no big deal. A crawl through would be impossible in a KW in my opinion.
Go to the Used Trucks and what is holding the higher resales?
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
Definitely KW and Volvo have the highest resale, and it has to do with dependability. I miss driving a t-300 with the non-adjustable passenger seat and the cramped cab. But the drive was so much beyond a freightshaker. Now, if they could fit a 30' box on a t-600, I'd be there 
The Gibster
Expert Expediter
BigBusBob wrote:
"I'm surprised more didn't comment on my reply.
I would have thought Dave or the Gibster would have remarked...
The rig I described is a working rig, provided it would work
length-wise, I mean by keeping it within 40 feet. I think it would.
I just believe in being comfortable. I'm not one to work for 2-3 weeks then run home for a bit. I enjoy stayin' out 4-6 weeks at a time, therefore a rig more comforts would suit me better."
We've just been running our tails off Bob. We're with ya though, we just took a week off after running 9 weeks straight, and then hit it again. So comfort is the ultimate!
You gotta believe that all the Jesse James and Foose guys available out there someone has got to have the technology to cut the back of a condo class 8 and section on a big sleeper without the whole thing imploding.
I'd love to hang a big ICT behind a Mack CX613 Vision. Then roll it to an upholsterer to really upgrade the fit and finish in the rest of the interior. Luxury coach works, all the way.
Then it would be to a DOD Civilian Contractor with expertise in stealth technology. You know, full cloaking - make Ohio Troopers really work for their money. A transmittable electronic engine disabler to zap the little bump hondas weaving uncontrolably through traffic, and a tractor beam to deposit them in the roadside storm ditch.
Maybe a little red button on the dash to change the rapster's radio next to your truck to a soothing, more harmonious choice in music. Then FRY his amp.
Yeah . . .
"I'm surprised more didn't comment on my reply.
I would have thought Dave or the Gibster would have remarked...
The rig I described is a working rig, provided it would work
length-wise, I mean by keeping it within 40 feet. I think it would.
I just believe in being comfortable. I'm not one to work for 2-3 weeks then run home for a bit. I enjoy stayin' out 4-6 weeks at a time, therefore a rig more comforts would suit me better."
We've just been running our tails off Bob. We're with ya though, we just took a week off after running 9 weeks straight, and then hit it again. So comfort is the ultimate!
You gotta believe that all the Jesse James and Foose guys available out there someone has got to have the technology to cut the back of a condo class 8 and section on a big sleeper without the whole thing imploding.
I'd love to hang a big ICT behind a Mack CX613 Vision. Then roll it to an upholsterer to really upgrade the fit and finish in the rest of the interior. Luxury coach works, all the way.
Then it would be to a DOD Civilian Contractor with expertise in stealth technology. You know, full cloaking - make Ohio Troopers really work for their money. A transmittable electronic engine disabler to zap the little bump hondas weaving uncontrolably through traffic, and a tractor beam to deposit them in the roadside storm ditch.
Maybe a little red button on the dash to change the rapster's radio next to your truck to a soothing, more harmonious choice in music. Then FRY his amp.
Yeah . . .
Loose_Cannon47
Expert Expediter
Col, would you care to comment on your Argosy? Specifically, what year it is, engine/transmission, average mileage, is it an extended tractor or always a straight, true tandem or tag axle, and anything else you might care to comment on. Thanks...
Loose
Loose
I agree Gibster, I've seen a mid-roof Shaker cut in back and have a custom aftermarket sleeper behind and attached to the mid-roof Freighliner body. I wonder if something like that could be done on a Volvo 610? I've always been around the Shakers. I would like to try out a Volvo Expediter. Though talk of them being heavy on the nose as Dave said would concern me, esp. as an expediter rig. I really liked what I saw in the walk-thru's at Freightliner in TN. I just don't care for that M2, I like the "truck" feel, of say an FL or FLD series, or XL. I even like the Volvo VN series. I like the T800 though, I like the look/body style of it. I'm going to hunt down one at a dealer and check them out some. Don't know much about the Macks, other than Day Cabs I've driven from time to time... they drive like an MCI - a real workhorse. Though once you get used to a Prevost or Van Hool it's tough to give that up, you get spoiled. I like that Argosy, thats a workhorse of a rig, it just looks mean. Like it don't refuse anything - and witha 30 foot box I wouldn't imagine it refuses much at all. Whats the difference between the T300 and the T800?? is there a big difference? Whats the primary difference? Curious.
Later, BBB
Later, BBB
Subject to corrections if I'm wrong, the T300 is a class 7 with small block engines that max out around 330hp 1000tq and the T800 is a class 8 with the power to match. I've looked into a T600 which is the same truck with different bodywork. The W900 is the same cab and platform as well. If you haven't already done so you might want to look at www.sst100.com as well. They have a beautiful truck.
Leo
truck 4958
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo
truck 4958
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Loose_Cannon47
Expert Expediter
Thanks, Col...just the info I was looking for...Nice truck, btw...thanks again...
Loose
Loose