Volvo HD conversion? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

trimixdiving · RV-Dreams Community Member

Volvo HD conversion?

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

You might want to look at my website, and also read some of the posts in the Escapess HDT forum. Also look at the HDT Resource Guide..

You might also consider coming to the HDT National Rally in October. It will be well worth the expense if you are thinking of an HDT. And you will get to drive some as well.

If you have questions feel free to ask here or contact me directly.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tim,

If you look around, there are a number of folks that have the HDT models, and some are even set up to "piggyback" a small car (think Smart car) on the truck frame behind the cab. If your fifth wheel is definitely going to have a GVWR of 19,000 lbs, it would be beneficial to have the larger truck with larger brakes.

Now, if you are going to double-tow (towing the small car behind the fifth wheel), you will need to make sure that the manufacturer will not restrict the size of car you tow. For instance, our Mobile Suites has a factory installed hitch receiver but it is only rated for 300 lbs tongue weight and 3000 lbs towing weight. (Keep in mind that some states do not allow double towing and others restrict the length that your full rig can be.)

Good luck with the looking and research. A lot of times a good used HDT converted to haul a fifth wheel may very well be less expensive than buying new trucks.

Terry

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have an HDT that we purchased already converted (found through Escapees form mentioned by Jack above). We have ours to haul our Harley on the back deck but could easily haul a Smart car instead.
No lack of power or braking ability with these trucks and it pulls our 14,000lb 5th wheel like a dream.

Phil

tworootless · RV-Dreams Family Member