Which trailer brand/style for conversion

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Peter Pan, Jan 4, 2014.

  1. Peter Pan

    Peter Pan Bobtail Member

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    I'm a long-time class B driver and I'm looking to retire into an RV. I have been an RVer all my life, and lived in an RV for three years. Anyone who has looked at RVs these days knows they're made out of cardboard and duct tape. They're made for the average RVer who uses them three weeks a year.

    So, I'm looking to build an RV using a drop-deck moving van. I'm thinking 40-45', something I can pull with a single-axle day cab. I have been paying attention to much of what is on the road and it seems like the majority of the moving vans are Kentucky. Any brands I'm missing? Any brands specifically "better" for this type of thing? I'm concerned about torsional rigidity, leak resistance, etc.

    I was thinking drop deck moving van for several reasons; plenty of pre-framed doors and openings that can be shored up and used as doors/windows without compromising structure, low deck for obvious reasons.

    I don't anticipate insulation being a big deal, partly because I will insulate it, and partly because I'm a sun chaser. I go south for the winter. Roof will be stiffened up with support since it will need to be insulated/lined as well.

    Where are some good sources for these trailers? What terms would I search for when looking for something like THIS:

    NlFED.jpg
     
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  3. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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  4. marmonman

    marmonman Road Train Member

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    KY trailer will be the best bet . Look for a old moving company trailer.
    Frito-Lays uses KY trailers too .

    I would go to a local moving company terminal and ask about how they sale their used trailers.
    I hauled a couple of them up to a dealer out by O'hare Airport but I don't remember their name .
    They refurbish them and sale them .

    The Truckpaper is a good place to keep an eye out for them .

    I forgot . KY trailer has a dealer refurb place in Louisville Ky not far from the plant also .
    They are not to far from the fairgrounds and papa johns stadium .
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2014
  5. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I know a contractor that took a regular pup trailer and made it an office/apt to use on out of town jobs. He put a couple windows in and a slide out like a RV trailer. Course the office is closer to the door with apt entrance through the office. Its actually very snazzy inside. I know this is a total different spectrum from what your thinking but if it can be done with a regular ol ABF pup what could be done with a Kentucky trailer.
     
  6. Johnjohn

    Johnjohn Light Load Member

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    I like your plan, but wonder about the DOT getting on your back. Would you be subject to their scrutiny pulling a 45ft trailer with a class 8 tractor?
    Have you considered an older( i mean, like 1969) tour bus? I see these on craigslist all the time. I don't know how much time and money it would take to update it, but they look cool. I lived an a Sprinter van for 5 months; it was quite tolerable, but you could shoot a game of full court hoops in one of those old tour buses.
     
  7. SHO-TYME

    SHO-TYME Road Train Member

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    If he licenses it as an RV, he won't have any problem, no different than if he had a 45ft travel trailer behind it.. And those old buses are turds with the old Detroits in them.

    And FYI, those old Frito Lay trailers are nice, they never carry any heavy weight, never have a forklift in them and are well taken care of.
     
  8. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Just an FYI, there are a lot of places you won't be allowed to park - a lot of RV parks will tell you to go somewhere else and in some state parks it will be a big no no.

    You should look at getting connected with a company that does these conversions to ask them these questions, there are a couple who converted 45 and 53 footers for companies and hollywood twits.
     
  9. Mountain Hummingbird

    Mountain Hummingbird Medium Load Member

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    Well why not just pick up an old 53 ft reefer instead make your entry door where the reefer was located, change the back door to a drop ramp, and make the back end as a small car or motorcycle garage shop. Use the fuel tank from the reefer to run a diesel genset, and build storage compartments on the underside, then you will have room for underside black and grey tanks as well as fresh water tank.
     
  10. Crossroads

    Crossroads Light Load Member

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    Check into the campgrounds you plan on frequenting. Many have length restrictions and 40 ft is pushing it let alone 45. I think it I a neat idea but wonder what issues you will run into. Do you plan on running the plumbing and holding tanks above deck, as I don't think you'll have the clearance with a drop deck.
     
  11. Peter Pan

    Peter Pan Bobtail Member

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    I never wanted a bus/motorhome. As an RVer, its a royal pain for me. Once you get somewhere and set up water, sewer, and electric, you're stuck there unless you want to completely tear down camp everyday to go somewhere. You could tow a car, but then you're paying for two motor vehicle registrations, insurances, maintenances, and then the bus could sit unused for years at a time depending on how long I stay. Its just a waste of resources for my habits, but a good suggestion for some.
     
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