SHOPPING FOR A HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK EP 2 | HDT RV HAULER | HDT RV LIFE

[@teddyrivas1082]

Check your front tires for any play in it, have them put it on a lift and try moving the tire forward an backwards, that's to check if your pinionshaft, or rack a pion has any play in it, you might have to get them replace. Check also for the steering box, make sure it doesn't have any leaks of play in it, shift it back and forth to see if it has any play in it, might be worn seals in the box, Check your 5th wheel handle, air ride connections, airbags, lights, turbo, pitmion arms, if that has any play at all that would be ware, and should be replace period. Check all hoses, and lines, to brake lines to brake chambers all around front to back, EPU, hoses and lines! They tend to leak and lose air, as well as all of the airbag lines. HAVE THEM CHECKED!

[@alextorres_2023]

6 years ago I purchased my first truck as an owner operator and wish I had done this Dyno testing before buying my 2012 Volvo 780 and prevented lost of issues on my first week of driving... practically my truck spent a week on the shop and had to pay all repairs myself . Lesson? Always do a Dyno testing before buying. Great info! Many thanks for all these very informative videos!,👍👍👍

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks Alex. I wanted to every test possible. I would rather lose money on a test and not have to deal with what you went through. So far our truck is performing well. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@KU9L]

Thanks for doing such a good job on your homework and educating the rest of us at the same time. -Dave

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Dave. You're very welcome sir. 😁 Safe Travels

[@teddyrivas1082]

Even if you find a nice truck, put a Cummings in it and you'll have a brand new truck.

[@teddyrivas1082]

This is T Bear, been driving semi trucks for about 35+ yrs.driving mostly all types of trucks Volvo, freatliner, mack, etc. The best riding truck by far is the Volvo, but as far as engine, Detroit series 60, with OD. Great engine, but after awhile, they might leak, but not much at all, freatliner, cascadia,, not my cup of tea at all, to many regenerating, and sometimes more headaches then satisfaction,Cummins is your best bet, and the best part of those engines is you can get parts anywhere, they have different types N15, N17, N14, my best is N14, and N17, those engines are great engines, and like I said , that's my opinion, but look in to those tractors with those engines! Good luck, and keep on Trucking. PM AND OIL CHANGE VERY IM PORTRAIT .

[@6582rg]

That had to be nerve wracking.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Yes, but worth it :) Safe Travels

[@chadboring8933]

this good to know

[@antoonvermeulen8064]

Very special coulor to.

[@JonesN2Travel]

It really is and we love it! Safe Travels

[@DwayneParker-bj7yc]

Excellent video for a novice like me!😊

[@lancerains4185]

Skater pulley that keeps tension on the belt when they start sqeeking time to change...

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks for checking out the video and for following along. Safe Travels

[@mdever7234]

Thanks for the info/tutorial I'm thinking hdt when I get 5th wheel, I do not want to drive one off the lot and into a shop, thanks again for caring enough to share

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks for checking out the video. I figured it was better to spend some money to get everything checked out than buy a truck and, as you said, take it directly to a shop. :) Safe Travels

[@antoonvermeulen8064]

Dear sir, in my humble opinion it seems on the crossing of live you take the right dissisions, beautiful beautiful piece of art this machine, kind regards, from the Netherlands.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thank you so much. Thank you for watching from the Netherlands. :) Safe Travels

[@alexillsley8195]

Having driven Volvo's for many years as a truck driver you will not be disappointed at all, thanks for taking the time to show us.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thank you. I appreciate your input. Thanks for following along. Stay safe out there and thanks for delivering :) Safe Travels

[@94auwing]

Engine looks like a MTU Detroit Diesel 16v 4000 not sure hard to tell. But it’s for sure a 16v Detroit

[@JonesN2Travel]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing that. I believe it came out of a mine truck but wasn't sure what it was exactly. :) Safe Travels

[@twostroke12v71]

Commenting on the video for the algorithm

[@jaygeist6582]

Hi you ya good job on the truck

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Jay. Thanks so much. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@brianmoser260]

That is a cool video that helps me a lot that is something that I would when I start looking for my HDT one day

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Brian. Thanks for checking out the video and for following along. Glad to hear the video was helpful :) Safe Travels

[@scottashe8463]

That was very interesting, I'm glad everything worked out. I think you made the right decision. Thank you for your service and welcome Home BROTHER.

[@22howards]

From my perspective (as a passenger car tech) you are doing all the right things. The details you are providing are very helpful. I do believe an HDT is in our future so I’m really enjoying this. And you’re bride is correct safety sells.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks Chip. Its great to hear this from a tech and I'm so glad I had all the testing done before hand. If you get an HDT you're gonna love it. Thanks again. Safe Travels

[@shawnmccroskey447]

You got lucky with truck history. I didn't hear you mention anything about the DEF filter (many forget to change this) or the life of the DPF which gets very costly, also the engine hours. DO NOT BURN THE DPF to clean! Look at DPF Alternatives . Com when/if the time comes

[@JonesN2Travel]

The computer manages the DPF and will do parked regens when necessary. The DPF had never been replaced in this truck and the soot is at the lower end of the regen meter on the dash. Thanks for the info will definitely check it out. :) Safe Travels

[@shawnmccroskey447]

@@JonesN2Travel the DEF filter is only around $50 installed, at least it is on my KW, so wouldn't hurt changing this every so often. The fluid will crystallize, so be sure when your sitting for weeks to have a full tank, had mine crystallize around the level sensor inside the tank.

[@JonesN2Travel]

@@shawnmccroskey447 I get ya now. I was thinking the DPF. lol Yes, I will be changing the def filter, there are actually 2 on the Volvo, one in the filler neck as well. Thanks for your insight, would hate for that to get all crystallized. Safe Tavels

[@darisanshanger1616]

This was Terrific that you recorded this process! Gosh, I am looking at some of those other older trucks... people put allot of love in some of these trucks!!! The purr of the engine is nice and Manly... thats for sure !!

[@JonesN2Travel]

There are a lot of god deals out there right now. Best of luck in your shopping adventure. Safe Travels

[@darisanshanger1616]

@@JonesN2Travel a few years yet.. just in the dreaming and planning phase. :-)

[@TXTigresa]

I really appreciate you sharing this with us. Especially when you pick the truck model I'm after. It is a distinct learning curve I'll have to be on top of when I get one upon retirement at the end of next year. Thank you

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thank you :) So glad you're enjoying the series and thanks for following along. It is definitely a learning curve and I couldn't find much to educate myself on KZbin so I'm happy to share. :) Safe Travels

[@OurJourneyInMyles]

Great job on this video. You are going to be the man when you pull into a CG with that baby!

[@JonesN2Travel]

Ha Ha you should see the looks LOL. Thanks for following along. :) Safe Travels

[@richardspicer8261]

In your dyno run you are only concerned with horsepower, sir one of my biggest reasons for going to an HDT is the torque, you can get more Horsepower out of a Ford F-450, torque is the number you should be concerned with. Torque is what gets you moving and on the dyno it could also identify many other issues as well for example issues with the transmission.

[@JonesN2Travel]

You make a very good point and I agree 100%. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels :)

[@robertt8279]

Love some of the detail but you really skim over the pricing so it was a $47,000 truck but with all of those maintenance items put in what was your end deal? what is a good price, what determines the price, etc.? maybe put that in the next episode so I ‘ll give you the benefit of the doubt.

[@JonesN2Travel]

I paid $47K out the door. I did the bed myself so have about $2500 in that. Not sure what maintenance items you're referring too but if you mean the tires, belt, air filter etc that was all included in the $47k

[@DavidJames-uv7yc]

Look like you have a winner there Aaron. safe travels. I'll be looking for the next installment.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks David. I hated to spend the money on all these tests but all the information they provide really does give you some bargaining power not to mention peace of mind. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@stanwright7575]

Another informative video. I wasn't able to be there when my truck was dyno'd.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Stan. Yeah it was pretty cool to see them run it up like that. I had hoped I could sit and watch the results as they happened but it didn't work out that way. Either way I am so glad I had the dyno done and learned a lot from the experience. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@chuckpoz1968]

I’m really enjoying these Videos. I’ve been so curious about all this. How do you trust the dealership your at ? Can you go outside to other places. Get there thoughts 🤷‍♂️ So again I’m digging all the details here. And thank you for all of this 👍🏻 Super cool learning right along with you ! I’m all ears and smiles. Also thank you for your service for our country 🇺🇸 yes I’m a new subscriper😎

[@mydoggonervlife2580]

Gonna be me in a few years...can’t wait to shop for my HDT. I happen to love the volvo dinette layout with bunks...vnl780, 860. Perfect to bobtail for a few days when the big 5er stays behind. Love it!

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Matt. I agree 100%. We have already been talking about side trips we could take and have our micro-apartment with us :) Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@mydoggonervlife2580]

JonesN2Travel btw I notice quite a few of you guys that do the hdt thing buy DRV...wether it’s a full house toy hauler or just a regular 5er. I am a research junkie and they seem to have a fairly loyal following amongst the full timer crowd. There are other brands that seem nice as well that are not completely custom and super expensive...Redwood, Riverstone, Landmark, luxe, Vanleigh, to name a few...what seals the deal on a DRV unit...sorry for the long winded nature of the question.

[@JonesN2Travel]

@@mydoggonervlife2580 This is just my opinion but those other coaches are what I would call production coaches, in other words very little in the way of customizations. DRV is kind of a combination, production coach yes but they will work with you , to a certain extent, when it comes to customization. Also, DRV uses a hung wall construction with bat insulation and 3" thick walls. The other guys are 2 inches or so and are laminated walls which could de-laminate over time. The DRV toyhaulers garages are insulated, to include the floor, just like the rest of the coach. Most, if not all the competitors don't insulate the garage floors. Its the little things that make a difference. Of course you pay more too but we found a very gently used coach a couple years old at an incredible price so it worked out well. I would still pay more to buy a new DRV after living in one and experiencing the quality and customer service DRV offers. :) Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@mydoggonervlife2580]

JonesN2Travel Hey Aaron, who is doing your bed mods on your Volvo? Are you undertaking the task or is there someone whom you would recommend do the bed/electrical? Are you going Air/Hydraulic with a blue dot system or are you sticking with electronic? What type of bed config are you going with?

[@JonesN2Travel]

@@mydoggonervlife2580 Hey Matt.My father-in-law and i are building the bed. We're going to build a basic bed for the Smart car. The plan right now is to film as much of it as possible. :) If you need a place though I would highly recommend Just4Fun Motorsports in Lindon, Utah. Salt Lake City area. He did my frame extension for the fifth wheel hitch and he did a great job. I am leaving the brakes electric over hydraulic using a Tuson brake controller and Jackalopee to convert the truck from commercial to RV lights.

[@ChristianNomad]

Thanks for taking us along. looking fwd to watching more of this series!

[@JonesN2Travel]

More to come! Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@SuiteTravels]

Great series Aaron. Thanks.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thank you guys. Safe Travels :)

[@williamm-lb3ml]

All major companies who run a fleet get inspected by DOT for service records. So buying a fleet truck is a great choice for buying a used truck

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hi William. I agree and when we bought our fleet truck I went to the fleet owner and got all the service records. Funny thing is not a single mention of any brake repairs of the course of 500k miles. My guess is they fell under "preventative maintenance" but no specific line entries for replacing shoes or drums. Thought that was a bit odd but maybe normal in the fleet world. Still, overall, I would buy this truck again just would have made them replace the drums when they did the shoes. Now I know. :) Safe Travels

[@williamm-lb3ml]

I think you made a good choice on your HDT. I’m partial to Peterbuilt, but I want to know if you notice the difference between your dually and the Volvo?

[@larryjanson4011]

i drive for a multi billion dollar world wide company. and service is patch it, and get it out fast. so not all fleet trucks are any good. and some of the newer drivers abuse the rigs to the point of abuse. (i have been driving rigs for 40 years)

[@johnsanford4569]

Great info. Its nice to see and understand that part of the process. Seems like all the places you went to were very cooperative and helpful. Thanks.

[@JonesN2Travel]

They really were. I think they realize what an investment this is and when I told them what I was going to do with the truck they were very intrigued and seemed more than willing to help explain things etc. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@stsears11]

Great Information, We have been looking at a retired 2016 Freightliner Cascadia from "Super Service Trucking". This truck has 800k miles on it. I hope it works out for you and me. Stay Safe.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks for following along. :) Sounds like you've found a great truck. Best of luck in getting it all ironed out. :) Safe Travels

[@sonnycalzone7784]

I found you through a few of the others who do this as well ...super cool stuff !! I want one haha

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thank you so much for checking out our videos and following along. If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out. Safe Travels

[@johnberryhill8106]

What was your cost of these tests and minor repairs?

[@nowweride3094]

Definitely help me! Thank you! 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JonesN2Travel]

Glad it helped :) Thanks for following along. Safe Travels :)

[@kevinerenwick4415]

Then do a series on how to convince your wife to let you buy one Kevin 👍👍💙💙💙💙💙🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JonesN2Travel]

I found that once I was able to get her into one she was ok with it. The safety factor is what really sold her. ;) Safe Travels

[@pilotb73]

Thanks for sharing. We are waiting to be able to pick up our HDT (its in Canada) but are enjoying watching your process since we are on hold with ours.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey there Bruce. So glad to give you something to drool over while you wait on your new baby. :) Hopefully you can get it soon. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@cliffbeckwith4019]

Great information, thanks for being so transparent with the whole journey, looking forward to pt 3!

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks Cliff. So glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@geedubb-q1u]

Question: the vehicle has air brakes. Do you need a Z endorsement from your DOT or is it because it’s rated as an RV?. Where I am in Ontario you require a Z call it a ticket for any vehicle with air brakes. Thanks.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hi GH, Since the truck is registered as an RV there are zero DOT requirements. I believe some states, like Texas, require an endorsement on your personal driver license for air brakes but South Dakota does not. Hope that helps. Thanks for checking out the video. Safe Travels

[@geedubb-q1u]

@@JonesN2Travel ..ok, thanks for the reply.

[@PapaDrewsRV]

great info man. its a lot of stuff you have to check to get a good truck. wow. thanks for sharing brother

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks Drew. Hopefully this will help when you buy your HDT ;) Safe Travels Brother

[@vikmartin-more4735]

Zero experience but sure am interested in purchasing an HDT and towing a 5th wheel. My major concern is doing this solo since my better half passed away and I’m about a 1 1/2 years away from retirement. I’d sure like to hear you opinion as to how you feel about traveling/towing a fifth wheel on an HDT by myself. I have a CDL but all the RV folks I follow are couples and negotiating tight areas and backing/parking a fifth wheel by myself… really concerns me. Like to hear your honest opinion.Thanking you both in advance.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hi Victor. I understand your concern. We've found that there are always other RVers in RV parks willing to help out if you needed someone to spot you as you back in. I wouldn't let being a solo deter me from travelling in an HDT and you'll gain confidence as you do it more and more. Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@kevinerenwick4415]

Thanks for doing part 2 I can wait to see the other to come up thanks Kevin 👍👍💙💙💙💙💙

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Kevin. You're more than welcome. Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@2742Jamesn]

Great vid - looking forward to the next episode. Looking to move from a 450 to HDT. Tk’s 👍😊;s

[@JonesN2Travel]

Awesome, you're gonna love it. :) Thanks for following along. Safe Travels. :)

[@todbrooks583]

Great info! I keep hearing about fluid samples and getting a dyno done...now I know what to expect.

[@JonesN2Travel]

It was the first time for me but very interesting and also educational. So glad I did them now I feel like I "know" the truck a bit better. :) Safe Travels

[@davidbottles3035]

I am really interested in the title and registration process. I want to do the same thing. I live in Indiana and have not studied the process of changing to a motor home registration.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hi David. Thanks for checking out the video. We are registered in South Dakota and just released a video about the SD process. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpS7Yn-XqJt1oNk Doesn't apply to Indiana but you may enjoy it :) Best of luck with your HDT process. Safe Travels

[@Mike54425]

Who paid for the testing?

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey Mike. Thanks for checking out the video and for following along. We paid for all the testing but I have to say it was worth the piece of mind. I'd rather pay $1k for testing and not buy the truck than get stuck with one that needs thousands worth of engine work. Still doesn't mean the testing is fool proof but at least gives you an idea of the overall health of the truck's systems. Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@bigdogeric1976]

Great video! Thanks for sharing all that information. Can you share the Approximate cost of the dyno and oil sample testing.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Thanks Eric. Yes, it was approximately $325. I had the DOT inspection and oil samples done at the same time and the total for that was $315. Looks like the oil samples by themselves were about $100 plus labor. Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@bigdogeric1976]

JonesN2Travel thank you very much!

[@JonesN2Travel]

@@bigdogeric1976 anytime :)

[@TipsyMarlinTravels]

Dude where is my truck. 😂😂. Thanks be safe.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Can't wait to see your bed when its done. :) Safe Travels

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

So please tell me the bottom line of the deal? I'm thinking of getting an hdt also

[@JonesN2Travel]

Basically we paid 48k for the truck, 2016 Volvo 780XE with 504k miles. This truck is a owner operator spec meaning it has leather seats, upgraded gauge package and some other things. This was a really clean truck but they also replaced the brakes, tires and all the fluids/filters as part of that price. I hope that helps. :) Safe Travels

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

@@JonesN2Travel How about insurance? Where and how much is insurance

[@JonesN2Travel]

@@heretodaygone2morrowrving231 We get our insurance through Miller's Insurance in Lake Oswego Oregon. It is with Progressive and runs about $850 per year. I would recommend Miller's if you're looking for insurance. Thanks and Safe Travels

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

850 is not bad at all.Thanks I will look into that .

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

Another question. Fifth wheel hitches. Can you use semi's hitch or do you have to buy an new one. Second trailer brakes, and 7 pin plugs. Did you have to wire one or use what was in the truck

[@randymetz4642]

Thanks for all the info on this process. Are you having to pay for these test?

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hi Randy. Yes, I had to pay for them. About $700 total for all the tests. Its a lot of money but better safe than sorry. :) Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@rasimeone]

I may have missed it, but is insurance cost much higher for HDT?

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hi Rick. We registered the HDT in South Dakota as an RV so we have a full timers RV policy which runs us about $800 a year. It is actually about $400 cheaper than what we paid per year on our F-350 dually. Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@rasimeone]

It sure does help...Thank You!

[@2thelight]

what kind of weight did the truck haul?

[@JonesN2Travel]

It hauled a box van trailer but I wasn't able to find out exactly what the cargo was.

[@jestersv6694]

Aaron what did it cost you to have the frame extension done? If I can be nosey.

[@JonesN2Travel]

It was about $2k. He did a really great job and relocated the light box on the back for me. Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@jestersv6694]

Yes thanks it gives me an idea of cost to expect.

[@davidelliott5860]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You have to always need a plan B, have a positive attitude when dealing with big companies. I'm looking at a Volvo 780 here in Tampa area, over 400,000 miles on it. I've contacted RVH Lifestyle about conversion. You have answered many of my questions. Did you need to get a different license for Big Rig? Thanks again. Can not wait for next video.

[@JonesN2Travel]

Hey David. Thanks for following along. We are registered in South Dakota as an RV so no special license is required. I think some states do require some sort of endorsement but ours doesn't. Hope that helps. Safe Travels

[@22howards]

@ David Elliott, just north of Tampa in Pasco and slowly starting the HDT journey also. Be sure to post some video of your search /findings. Subbed to your channel.

[@Northstardanes]

Very interesting! Great series but Collins is complaining he wants to see Maggie😅 I told him we'd go check out her Instagram page...

[@JonesN2Travel]

Awesome. She just posted pics of her sniffing horses on Mackinaw Island. :) Enjoy Collins. I bet we'll see Maggie in the next video. :) Safe Travels

[@alex15767]

the truck he parked by the white and black one looks like the one used by those human traffickers

[@JonesN2Travel]

I was so dialed in to getting the testing done I didn't even notice the white truck LOL Thanks for following along. Safe Travels

[@aliceinchainz3003]

this guy thinks just like i do get it done no time for sittin around waiting for people to do it on there time no we need to get it movin now stay on it till the jobs done cuz if ya dont things sit things get lost things take way longer than it has to.