WOW Part 2 Kenworth T680 RVHauler Conversion Tour

The conversion continues PART 2 - we repair a leveling valve, shocks, and discover contaminants in the fuel system.
PREVIOUS PART 1 - • WOW a Kenworth T680 RV...
Marcel has entrusted the guys at RVHaulers to convert this Kenworth T680 into a commercial RVHauler. Marcel is really going to appreciate and enjoy this Cummins powerhouse! This RVhauler is designed to tow anything! 5th wheel trailers, gooseneck trailers or bumper pulls - it will tow them all!
WEBSITE rvhaulers.ca
Gregg has created this channel to share EVERYTHING about RVHaulers. Gregg has many years experience building and customizing Heavy Duty Trucks (HDTs) into RVHaulers. Explore these videos if you are considering using a large highway tractor to tow your RV 5th wheel trailer or livestock horse trailer.
We live the RVing lifestyle - we have years of RV experience, with RV living. We also have decades of experience pulling large fifth wheel recreational vehicles with HDTs (Heavy Duty Trucks).
These HDTs can be specifically configured to pull your RV, large horse trailer, or race trailer safely and efficiently.
For further information or questions:
[e-mail]
877.631.0065

[@bryanleslie4409]

I did find it useful for the future plans for retirement 2.0.

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Bryan. Check out some of our latest videos! There are lots of ideas, layouts, and models. Here is a link if you are interested in seeing up to 8 RVHaulers at once. Maybe there will be a few ideas in there for retirement 2.0. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqvKiJiLjbR3edk Thanks for watching, Gregg

[@johnathanalford5866]

Love it keep video's coming

[@jackel440]

Good video

[@rvhaulers]

Glad you enjoyed

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

Greg have been watching your videos for a couple of years now. Well I finally pulled the plug and bought my self an hdt 2015 peterbuilt 579 low roof sleeper. My friend and I finished phase 1 of converting it to haul my 2020 cedar creek silverback 42ft 5 slide fifth wheel. Are maiden voyage told me that the ride needs significant improvements just to bouncy on bad highway roads. Im sourcing a air suspension setup from Dovel suspensions. Crossing my fingers and hoping this makes the ride better

[@rvhaulers]

Hi there! Glad the videos have been interesting, and congratulations on the Peterbilt purchase. I'm sure you'll get the ride experience smoothed out. Thanks for sharing the comments! Gregg

[@heretodaygone2morrowrving231]

Gregg how much does a typical conversion cost? Meaning how much should one budget

[@kevinbarry71]

I really love these videos. Especially showing the mechanical bits, and what you have done to make this truck do what you want

[@rvhaulers]

Hello Kevin. I am glad you like the videos. I appreciate getting feed back like this from viewers so I know what viewers find best to include in the content. Thank you for taking the time to comment! Gregg

[@marchalpeck470]

That tool box not sure of how you are planning it, but the should be facing out for easier access. Awesome video as al2ays

[@rvhaulers]

Thanks for your observation Marchal. We discussed it quite a bit with the owner, and he wanted to have access from the drivers side. We tried turning it 90 degrees, and found that with the fuel tank occupying some of the foot-room, and the way in which the door opened, that this position was easiest to access. We have the door facing towards the hitch, and it seemed to work the best that way for the owner. Thanks for the idea and comment! Gregg

[@jimdunn731]

Love your videos!!

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Jim, Glad you like them! Thanks, Ggg

[@jsarkozy]

looking forward to seeing more of this truck...very cool

[@rvhaulers]

Thanks 👍

[@montyspine1102]

Very nice work Gregg. Looking great! Very thorough

[@rvhaulers]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to post a nice message. Gregg

[@jakem.6359]

Have never seen a brake controller that hooks up thru the diagnostic port....looks like a great set up....but what is the owner going to use for hooking up his electronic log book? I think you mentioned in the first video the truck is going to be used commercially to transport RVs. All your videos are interesting....great detail.

[@rvhaulers]

Good question! The electronic log book is also going into the network of the truck through the dash port - they come with 'Y' cable adapters!

[@berkley151]

Great information Gregg, I have a couple questions on the products you installed. Did you choose a specific model CabCam for the t680 and/or a specific model Direct Link Brake Controller? I plan to pull my RV Fiver on the weekends with my working Semi T680. Thanks for your Videos.

[@rvhaulers]

Hello, The 7" Cabcam is the model that you can custom fit into the dash. The Direclink DL100 plus the Heavy truck Module and green 9 pin connector is the one we used on this particular T680. Take a picture of the plug under your dash and send it to Tuscon support. They will make sure you get the right cable. One note - perhaps you might re-consider using your commercial hitch exclusively as the hitch to pull the RV on the weekends. There are two challenges the commerical hitches have, which both result in frame and weld damage to the trailer. There is good documentation that shows the lack of articulation on the commercial hitch, coupled with the harsh ride results in damage to our comparative light duty 5th wheel RV trailers. They can't handle the twisting the non-articulating hitch transmits to the RV frame. We tend to see folks develop broken frames and welds over time, and repairs are quite costly. Additionally the heavy duty trucks are quite harsh riding, and transmit significant shocks to the frame of the RV as well. This is why we recommend a cushioning hitch instead of the commercial hitch. Thanks for watching my video!

[@superduty131]

Another great video. Just wanted to say that you sir are a true Fabricator and Mechanic!! The work results really show off your attention to detail. Plus you have a terrific on camera presence - very easy to listen to. Thanks.

[@bogdanovichbrothers4137]

hello.hi. love your Videos with axle move. How much it cost on Volvo truck to convert tandem to single axle ? Thanks

[@rvhaulers]

Hello, and thanks for watching my video. For pricing, please feel free to email or call me. I have all my contact information in the video description. I'd love to help you with a project! Thanks, Gregg

[@hpkntnw]

What kind of fuel economy do you think he can expect? After all the X15 will just be putting along with just an Rv behind it. Do you think since he won’t be putting the engine under much load he will have emissions issues? Clogged DPF, EGR? Things of that nature from not running hot enough.

[@dankarau2307]

When shopping for a used Volvo...what is the ideal gear ratio to look for?

[@aaronhendrickson]

If you put a solar panel on the roof, could that provide more power to the trailer to keep those batteries charged. Go out on a limb and have enough to run one AC unit while traveling to keep it kooler in the trailer during the heat.

[@rvhaulers]

I'm glad you brought up that comment and idea Aaron. Some of our customers have included a solar system and charge controller to keep the truck batteries topped-off. This battery bank is then available to the truck for running an inverter and mini-split AC in the truck. There is no reason you can't share that charging capability back to the trailer. Of course you will need to do your calculations to determine what your trailer AC is drawing, and how effective that truck-mounted solar array will be at replenishing your reserves. Thanks for the comment!

[@roybrochu5409]

Great to see you back doing videos again. Might be nice to an artist style rendering of how the finish product will be. Then you can point out what the current video will be addressing. Thanks.

[@rvhaulers]

Roy, are you the artist I have been looking for? Are you available? Thanks for the great idea, and the continued support of my channel. Thanks, Ggg

[@ribeyeiowa]

How are you wiring the rv plug in?

[@rvhaulers]

Thanks for the question Ribeye! I'll touch on that question in the next part for you. Watch for part 3. Gregg

[@robertwalter2841]

I like your "common sense" and look down the road approach. It saves in the long-run!

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Robert. We have been doing this for a dozen years now, and we are still trying to think ahead to what might be needed for our customers. Talking to our customers, brain-storming, and learning about their plans helps us to build an RVHauler that meets their needs.

[@solkru]

You think a two seater utv fits on that platform?

[@rvhaulers]

Hi! Yes, we can make a space for the UTV for sure!

[@williamgarland1919]

What is the maximum frame overhang past the axle to allow turning clearance. The video made it look super long

[@rvhaulers]

William, There isn't an official "maximum". This one is very close to our usual length. There is 37" for the 5th wheel hitch, and this one has an extra 12 inches for the gooseneck ball placement. Thanks for the question!

[@larryburkett9628]

Greg, did you get that Kenworth on the road yet:)

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Larry, you bet! It is working now. The joys of being a small business mean sometimes the real hands-on work gets in the way of editing videos. I'll have it for you shortly!

[@larryburkett9628]

I hate it when work gets in front of play. LOL

[@ronaldroper1973]

Greg. I have been watching your videos for along time. The biggest question I have is. Can or do you install locking diffs. Alot of videos I watch. Alot of them don't always stay on paved roads. So incase they drive in lose ground. Can the get them selves out??

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Ronald. Thanks for the long-term support! Great question. In my opinion, if a customer is looking for a locking rear end, we tend to find them here in Canada more frequently. We get snow, and the drivers tend to order them on their trucks. A locking rear end is nice. I have added them, however, when I look at the cost associated and the work involved, it is often just easier to find a truck with the lock already in place. I take my own RVHaulers off the pavement all the time, and you have to be a bit careful when going into wet, sloppy soft stuff, that you don't sink the front end. I do really quite well off pavement with mine, but I am a bit careful. It isn't a 4 wheel drive. Thanks, Gregg

[@carlthor91]

I am East and waay North from Greg. Up here, and in the mountains, almost every truck, has all three diffs locking. Also Greg, please get the owner to take 2 each of, primary and secondary fuel filters, and when he uses one to replace at the next fuel fill, putting the date of purchase on the carton. Then when installed marking the date and mileage on the filter, unless the primary is a Davco, then mark it in your truck maintenance log. Best wishes all, stay safe and warm.

[@darrencwiebe]

This is a great build and we will be proud to have him on our fleet here at Saskatoon Hotshot Transporter! I really like how much care and attention you put into your buld and how you keep things covered up until the point in time that the customer takes possesion of there vehicle. Thanks again Gregg for the informative video!

[@rvhaulers]

Hello Darren! Thanks for taking the time to check-over the build. This is going to be an impressive rig to have in your driver fleet! I know the manufacturers you are hauling for will be pleased to see their precious cargo being handled by a safe, capable and modern RVHauler. Thanks, Gregg

[@folsomtransport]

Wow you almost think you need to check and make sure they didn’t roll back the miles. Awesome work with the inspection!

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Martin, I have had the luxury of working on hundreds of trucks over the years, and I get to see first-hand what can be found "lurking". In the end, mechanical things can wear out, rocks can get stuck in brakes, and installation mechanics can un-knowingly make mistakes. It is our job to take care of the small things through the conversion. When I look at the pristine condition of everything else on this T680, I have no concerns there was any funny-business taking place. This truck just has a bit of use. Another way to think of this - if you used your pickup truck for 60,000 miles of towing, might you have a bit of wear here or there? Thanks for the observation Martin! Gregg

[@billhagan444]

Hi Gregg...always enjoy your videos. I'm assuming that was a tandem axle tractor. After removing one of the axles, did you cut down the frame? It doesn't appear like the customer is planning on hauling a smart car on the bed of the truck, so a shorter wheelbase might be nice.

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Bill. I am glad you like the videos. Getting feed back that I'm doing something right is appreciated. Yes, it started out with two axles. We left the frame as-is (factory length). Marcel is not planning a bed, or a smart car capability. Just the towing capability. However, we have the rear axle setup so we can add a bed later, and a smart car capability in the future. Thanks for the question! Gregg

[@alexmotsko3762]

Just found this video. What is the cost for this setup? Considering a tractor like this. Thanks and HAGD.

[@rvhaulers]

Hello Alex, pricing can vary quite a bit depending on age, mileage, condition, model and what you want done to the truck. I am always happy to dig into accurate pricing via a quick call to narrow down these options. There are many ways we can get to your ultimate budget goal. Give me a call! I'll take you through some of the pricing options, and in just a few minutes I can get your price narrowed down. All my contact information is in the video description. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@ldcooper1]

Why not use 2 inline fuel filters instead of just one. One ( primary) filter is for larger particles the 2nd one ( secondary) filters smaller particulate. Great when buying from unknown fuel stops.

[@rvhaulers]

Great question. This truck actually has two filters. You were seeing the primary bell jar filter.

[@kc033056]

Nice update. I’d mount step side boxes on each side for both the steps, and fill in the frame ahead of the wheels. Kc

[@rvhaulers]

I follow you! Everyone has their own needs and plans, and I'd do those side step boxes for you certainly!

[@larryburkett9628]

Greg, did the previous owner run biodiesel and get that junk in it fri=om that, or just poor maintenance?

[@rvhaulers]

Larry, the bacteria can come from water in the fuel - not just biodiesel. We are seeing fuel contamination from the fuel sources more often now. I recommend regularly using the fuel additives to keep the fuel systems in check.

[@davemoon2568]

How long does it usually take to do a build

[@rvhaulers]

Thanks for the question Dave. On average a conversion and bed build is in the 2.5 to 3 month time frame. Thanks for watching!

[@gkseeton]

I find these videos inspiring but I STILL am confused by the variety of heavy duty trucks out there. This one looks like a full size semi tractor being redone for RV hauler. Now hubby was looking at big but not semi heavy duty trucks and he said the big ones like this are ill suited to any use except pulling the big trailer, and the smaller but big still ones are better all around.... is this always so?

[@rvhaulers]

Hello Ann. Yes, this is a class-8 (full sized) highway tractor. Sometimes people call these a heavy duty truck (HDT) or a "semi". We all have our own impressions of what is the "best" all around truck. There are advantages and disadvantages to pickup trucks, medium duty trucks, and heavy duty trucks. I have folks drawn to these HDT RVHaulers because they can handle the largest of trailers. Thanks for watching our KZbin Channel! Gregg

[@bryantford3054]

Great video, Gregg. Make sure the owner has the proper fuel filter wrench & knows how to use it. Could possibly avoid an expensive tow to the shop. 👍🏻

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Bryant, Thanks for the really good tip! Ggg

[@billchesney8949]

Do you prefer a Volvo over other truck brands

[@rvhaulers]

Hi Bill, We have converted Peterbilts, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvos, Western Stars and the list goes on! Every one of my customers has their own likes and dislikes. Volvo had been quite the leader as our RVHaulers candidates because of their autoshift ishift transmission, quiet and roomy interiors. Kenworth is now just as attractive as a candidate. Other customers want big stacks, a flat hood and the chrome on a Peterbilt! I'll convert and customers whatever turns my customers' crank! Thanks, Gregg

[@NewVisionLCS]

That garbage in the fuel bowl is from buying the cheapest diesel you can find!