MDT's - Montana Owners Club

kerry · 11-12-2007, 01:15 PM

Just wondering, anybody towing with, or thought about towing with, a FL-60 or something similar. Just toying (Big Toy), with the idea. Kerry

H. John Kohl · 11-12-2007, 02:16 PM

Yes, I have thought about it and based on my research I would have bought an MDT or HDT for the same price I paid for the Ram 3500. I have looked at the Escapees links and there are some check you need to make before closing the deal. We have a few that do tow with them now.
Good luck and tow safe.
Cheers,

exav8tr · 11-12-2007, 02:24 PM

A great advantage of the MDT's is the 55 degree turning radius of the front wheels, compared to the 35 degrees or so of the pickups. As a fulltimer I don't think I would like to drive an MDT everywhere I go. If I pulled part time a MDT might be in my future....

Montana Sky · 11-12-2007, 03:02 PM

Have looked at the Sportchassis more than once in the past year. If I were going full time or getting into the transport business, I would buy that over a 1 ton dually.

richfaa · 11-12-2007, 11:09 PM

We looked long and hard before we purchased our first 1 ton Ford. A new MDT was out of the question..way out of our price range. We just could not find a used one that was within our price range and in good condition.Since then we are glad we did not find one as it is bad enough driving this 1 ton dually around as a daily driver when unhooked..We see more and more of them pulling large rigs on the road and 3 members of our local camping group have them.

bncinwv · 11-13-2007, 01:12 AM

I was at the dealer kidding Kerry that the real reason for his interest was his Dodge that couldn't handle that Big Sky anchor behind it. Sorry Kerry, couldn't resist. (He assured me otherwise with respect to the Dodge.....therefore flaming is not necessary!!!!)
Bingo

kerry · 11-13-2007, 02:05 AM

Just had to do it didn't you - Kerry

bncinwv · 11-13-2007, 02:22 AM

Ha Ha!!!

Bingo

Delaine and Lindy · 11-13-2007, 02:45 AM

We had a Chevy Kodiak 4500. It was loaded with all options, after market interior, Air ride suspension, air ride seats, exhaust brake with the Chariot Vans hauler bed with a in bed 98 Gal fuel tank... The ride was awesome a lot better than the 350's & 3500 series Trucks.. That being said the Kodiak 4500 handled the Cambridge with no problem. Even though the Duramax was detuned. If GM would have put a Allison 3000 transmission and raised the HP from 300 to 360 it would have been a great Truck. They also needed to raise the gross weight from 26,000 to 36,000. The Kodiak weight was 10,900 with full fuel and ready to pull the Cambridge. The turning radius was awesome. You could turn around on a dime. I really miss my Kodiak. But since DW had a problem with the right side mirror and we aren't full timing we went back to a 3500. I think any 5th wheel that weight over 14,600 should be required to have at the very least a MDT for the tow vehicle... As for fuel mileage we got a solid 10 mpg at 68 mph. We pulled 1,675 miles and only stopped 3 times for a total of 6 hours. And with a total fuel load of 148 gals you can really get a good idea on the mileage you are getting. If I had the money I would have a HDT. Less money than the Fords Dodges and GM's and 3 times the Truck. And just as easy to drive and park. GBY....

Exnavydiver · 11-14-2007, 01:03 PM

Have checked out several HDTs online. Most of those who I asked recommended a Volvo 670 or 760. The mileage is as good or better than my duromax. One can be gotten for around 30K with between 600 and 800K miles, almost broke in. Since I only have two years into this truck I will keep it for a couple more then find a good used Volvo... Dave and Betsy

Merv · 11-16-2007, 09:44 AM

Hello Kerry,
I dont tow with an MDT, but I do tow with an HDT.
It was a twin axle rear end, but I had one removed and shifted forward.
These trucks can be had for a lot less that most imagine. I picked mine up for $8500. (Thats correct $8500.)
The most important thing you should do if going this route is have an air ride hitch or air ride pin box. The original hitch could work but the ride would not be good for the trailer.
I love mine. It has plenty of room, a nice ride, and plenty of power. (both pulling and stopping) The only drawback to my particular unit is the turning radius is not as sharp as some of the newer ones.
If you are interested in these the best place to go is the Escapees website in the MDT or HDT forums.
Or you can PM me.
Merv

8.1al · 11-16-2007, 10:01 AM

Merv,
Is your truck titled as an rv?

kerry · 11-16-2007, 12:11 PM

Merv, thanks for the info. Kerry

ole dude · 11-16-2007, 12:54 PM

I had the FL60 for 6 years, did a fine job as a toter and a daily driver, was pretty much like a 1 ton dually as far as getting around. Fuel mileage was pretty much 8 to 10 mpg towing or bobtailing. Presently have a FL 120 Century Classic Freightliner with a 70 inch sleeper a custom built bed. I too have a single drive axel. I have the truck registered as a motorhome in Texas. Fuel mileage towing is 9 to 10 mpg, bobtailing is 12 to 13 mpg, stopping is real quick, getting down the road is no strain, turning radius is pretty tight. I know the Volvo is the choice for the Escapees, however I liked the Freightliner, there are several good brands out there.

Merv · 11-19-2007, 04:17 AM

Hello Charlie,
No, My truck is not registered as an RV. It is registered as a tractor (as in tractor-trailer).
I still do not need a CDL because it is towing a 5er for camping.
I could go through the trouble of changing the registration, but so far I have not seen much of an advantage to doing this. I would save some money on plates each year, but it would also cost a bit to do the necessary changes.

Merv

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