Table of Contents

1. How do I pick a truck?
2. Where can I find information on different trucks?
3. Why are there so many choices?
4. Who makes the best truck?
5. What options should I add to my truck?
6. What horsepower and torque do I need?
7. What questions will I have to answer when ordering my truck?

1. How do I pick a truck ?

You need to know how much weight you will be carrying on the truck, the trailer weight and what the pin weight is for your trailer. You should also consider the fact that you might upgrade your rig or add a toad while you are planning things. Once you have these weights you know the minimum capabilities you will need for your truck, and can decide between a medium duty truck or a super duty pickup. All of the medium duty trucks on this web site are more than capable of pulling any trailer and toad combination, as long as you select the right options.

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2. Where can I find information on different trucks?

You can link to the manufacturers sites from our pages for basic information. You can review the members pages to see what they have picked and what they tow. You can look at our listing of trucks within the BoF to see the members trucks sorted by model. After you have done all this if you are a BoF member you can contact the BoF for detailed spec sheets on some of the trucks listed on these pages. You can also contact individual members (Please check and follow the members preferences for contacts, as shown on their pages) for information on their trucks.

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3. Why are there so many choices?

Medium duty trucks are designed for versatility. An International 4700 comes in three basic models, 4700 (standard height), 4700-LP (low profile) and 4700-LPX (low profile, short wheelbase). These models can be equipped with a 2 door or 4 door cab. Engines range from a 444 V-8 to a 466 I-6 or a 530 I-6, horsepower runs from 175 to 320 torque runs from 430 to 1050. Transmissions range from 5 speed to 13 speed manuals, automatic fans have the choice of a 4, 5 or 6 speed unit. Some of the available transmissions are HORRIBLE for RV use, others range from OK to excellent. Front suspensions start at around 6,000 pounds and go up to 16,000, rear suspensions start at around 12,200 and go up to 30,000 (20,000 air). Your rear axle doesn't necessarily need to match your rear suspension and there are good reasons to select unmatched pieces. Given this range of options you could configure a 2 door truck with 175 horsepower and 430 pounds of torque and a five speed transmission, rated to carry about 18,200 pounds and tow close to 33,000 pounds. This truck would probably make you miserable in short order, it would be safe and meet all the requirements, but driving it would not be fun. A similar truck with the 530 engine and 275 or 300 horsepower and 800 to 1000 pounds of torque, hooked to a 9 speed manual or 6 speed automatic would be a pleasure to drive. The bottom line difference for the manual transmission would be close to $4000, the automatic would be closer to $11,000. Allison transmissions are not cheap, they are also usually on backorder (about 200 days) and you need to locate a dealer that has them preordered.

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4. Who makes the best truck?

A past BoF President will tell you it is a UD 1800, many members lean towards big Class 8's. Most members trucks fall in between the UD's and Class 8's. You are responsible for picking the options and components to fit the truck to your needs. Your dealer may help you pick options and configure the truck but, the responsibility is all yours. Some dealers have "set packages" many of these are excellent (if they meet your needs) some are unusable.

Bill Farlow told a horror story of one dealer who wanted him to test drive his latest unit. When he backed under the trailer it smashed in the basement almost a foot before the pin touched the hitch.

The requirements to become a truck builder are access to a truck and a acetylene torch. Get recommendations from several different folks before you plunk down between $25,000 and $125,000 for your dream truck.

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5. What options should I add to my truck ?

This really depends on your plans and how you plan to use it. Manual or automatic? The manual is cheaper to buy and maintain but takes skill to operate, the automatic is simple to operate and expensive. Air disc, air drum, air over hydraulic or hydraulic brakes? Air disc's are the best brakes from a stopping and maintenance cost standpoint, air drum are next. Your state may want a CDL or special endorsement for them, check before you buy. Air over hydraulic have some good features but still have some special requirements. Hydraulic brakes, disc or drum are the easiest to operate and have no operator maintenance, unlike the air powered brakes and they may be a good choice for you. An exhaust brake is almost essential, unless you only RV in Kansas. Air ride, front suspension, rear suspension, cab suspension, seats and hitch... All things you should research before you buy. The BoF will provide you with a sheet of options to consider when you join.

Based on questions submitted/proposed by former members, Bill & Sammie Medford

The following are at least, a starting point for someone who has decided to purchase a Medium Duty Truck. The questions have been slightly modified based upon use by other SKP's and responses from dealers. Bill & Sammie acknowledge that these are only most of the major questions which must be answered; there are still a multitude of other minor ones and a host of decisions to be made as to "bells & whistles" to be added. Use it to help you, have fun, and enjoy your purchase.

1. What manufacturer? (Freightliner, International, Kenworth, GMC, Chevrolet, Nissan/UD, etc.)
2. Customized "turn-key unit" or Cab/chassis platform only ?
3. Size of Cab? (Standard, Extended, Crew, Steeper) Standard or Deluxe interior?
4. Budget for tractor purchase? New or used? How much customizing do I want to do versus how much can I do myself or have done later? Trade-In available?
5. If Cab/chassis platform, what is budget for bed fabrication? (minimum $3,500/$5000 up to "sky's the limit") Type of 5th Wheel Hitch? Add additional tag-a-long hitch?
6. How much torque do I want and what size engine do I need to develop/sustain it?
7. What rear end ratio do I need to adequately handle my truck/trailer weight?
8. What type of transmission do I want? Automatic or manual? If manual, how many gears?
9. Low Profile tires (19.5") or standard (22")?  What diameter (Revolution Per Mile)?
10. What size of seats? Bench, 60/40 split, Captain Chairs? If Captain Chair or individual size, what type of seats? Air-ride?
11. Air ride or spring suspension?
12. Brake type? Air or hydraulic? Automatic Braking System (ABS) if offered?
13. Exhaust brake? What type of exhaust pipes?
14. Electric adjusting side mirrors? Heated side mirrors? Add Convex mirrors?
15. Outside sun visor?
16. Air Horns?
17. Tilt/adjustable steering wheel?
18. Tinted windows and, if so, how dark?
19. What size and how many fuel tanks?
20. Running Boards?

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6. What horsepower and torque do I need?

You need about 200 horsepower and around 450 pounds of torque. You will hate driving it but that is what you NEED. What you WANT is probably around 275-300 horsepower and 800-1000 pounds of torque (small MDT's {UD, Isuzu, Hino} can do well with less) for the average user. The difference between 275 and 300 horsepower is noticeable and the 200 pounds of torque is nice but depending on your truck the difference in mileage, engine heat and noise may make the 275 more desirable for your use. Test ride in a few trucks before you make a final decision.

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7. What questions will I have to answer when ordering my truck?

Click here to view this section as it is too long to add to this page.

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Copyright © 2000  [Escapees RV Club, MDT BoF]. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 26, 2007 .