XV on a budget

[olly hondro]

Yes, the A3 was sourced locally : Jack's Gov't Surplus, 5181 E Drexel Rd, Tucson, AZ, USA.

I anticipate no problems with on-road registration as it has passed DMV inspection here locally. I will be sure to register it with GVW less than 19,000 lbs as that is the municipal truck route threshold.

I have experience with the A2 as well so also appreciate the air assist steering + auto trans. I don't think those features turn it into a sissy-truck, however 8)

[olly hondro]

I ran across some pics of the box so that we can appreciate its construction. The first pic is of a typical setup looks like inside. This isn't my box; mine is empty inside. Next pic shows the inner steel panels removed from the ceiling revealing the steel ribs, then the oak sub floor removed to show the box frame. Then an x-ray like diagram showing the wiring for the 6 overhead lights, two full length power strips, vent blower, etc.shop van stock inside.jpgbox skeleton.jpg

[olly hondro]

moreM109 floor 001.jpgM109cutaway view.jpg

[chilliwak]

Wowthis rig is just soooooo cool! I cant wait to see you out 6 wheeling that monster. Chers Chilli.

[Kermit]

Yes, the A3 was sourced locally : Jack's Gov't Surplus, 5181 E Drexel Rd, Tucson, AZ, USA.

I anticipate no problems with on-road registration as it has passed DMV inspection here locally. I will be sure to register it with GVW less than 19,000 lbs as that is the municipal truck route threshold.

I have experience with the A2 as well so also appreciate the air assist steering + auto trans. I don't think those features turn it into a sissy-truck, however 8)

Thanks I know where that is, just didn't know the name. Good to know about the DMV, I assumed, but now I know for sure.

Do those trucks need much to get them road worthy?

[olly hondro]

So far to make roadworthy : new tires, change all fluids, replace one brake hose, replace a leaking fitting in the CTIS system (just a brass elbow), replace an o-ring seal in the bottom of the steering box. For California compliance need to add license plate light, reversing light, and clearance lights. This is a low mileage example of these trucks, so no, not much to do really.instruments running_small.JPG

[MicroBird]

Good to hear some feedback, I have been eyeballing the Oshkosh classifieds. Have been looking at the 5 tons though.

http://oshkoshequipment.com/index.cfm

I don't know exactly what they do to refurbish their trucks but I think their prices are beyond highway robbery. I just saw two nice nice 5 ton cargo trucks with auto transmissions for about $9k. They want $25-35k plus for their trucks.

[Kermit]

I don't know exactly what they do to refurbish their trucks but I think their prices are beyond highway robbery. I just two nice nice 5 ton cargo trucks with auto transmissions for about $9k. They want $25-35k plus for their trucks.

Yeah, I don't know if they do a complete tear down and rebuild or what...I agree their prices are way up there. I was just "looking" anyway.

[MicroBird]

Didn't mean to hijack the thread. I just hate to see someone pay an extra $20k more than necessary.

[olly hondro]

The hardtop is installed as are the new seats. Still thinking about what to do with the spare tire.....I am leaning toward the lift gate idea (the floor of the living quarters is loading dock height) but the mechanic still thinks the spare will fit in the stock location horizontal behind the driver door. I think I'd like to reserve that space for a generator or 2nd fuel tank.

So far I am $15,750 into the budget, about half.