Newbie, c15 help needed

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Davidl13, May 14, 2016.

  1. Davidl13

    Davidl13 Bobtail Member

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    May 14, 2016
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    Hello all...

    I am new to the site and to tractors. I am looking to purchase a chassis to create an off-road capable RV. I have identified a chassis, a freightliner argosy (the COE fulfils my Max length needs), to create the build.

    The truck has a 2003 cat MBN serial number C-15 and an Eaton 10 speed. I will change the tires/wheels to super singles and put tdm hydraulic front axles for a true 6x6 capable and perhaps 6-10" of lift for off-road clearance. The current rig is setup at OAL of 32'.. Which is perfect for me...

    I am in need of advise including but not limited to the following:

    1. I want to make the MBN a healthy mix of efficient powerful and reliable, I need help understanding what I need to do as I have read many posts about problems with these engines.

    2. I would like to change to an auto transmission... Has anyone done this? If so, please explain.

    3. Have you ever heard of anyone modding like this?? Any thoughts...

    Thanks in advance!

    D
     
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  3. dngrous_dime

    dngrous_dime Road Train Member

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    My personal advice? Look into retired military equipment, it's designed to take the abuse.
     
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  4. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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  5. firemedic2816

    firemedic2816 Road Train Member

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    Duce and half are good, or if you can afford in UNIMOG are pretty serious OFF Road
     
  6. dngrous_dime

    dngrous_dime Road Train Member

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    Get the multi-fuel deuce and a half, and you could probably run it on used motor oil....
     
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  7. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    The lifting the body wouldn't be too difficult, but you the only true "lift" you would get would be from running off-road/military tires. Then you'll have major gearing issues unless the truck you have is geared above 5(which I've only seen on military vehicles)
     
  8. Davidl13

    Davidl13 Bobtail Member

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    I have looked at the MTV 6x6 (COE) (5ton). It has a cat 31216 or C7, which, at the end of the day, is short on power for the 20' body I want to add to it... It is also AWD and no lockers can be modded... The 900 series has a long nose and makes my build too long OAL

    D
     
  9. dngrous_dime

    dngrous_dime Road Train Member

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    One must wonder.... Just what are you planning to build????
     
  10. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    They had a guy that bought a modern surplus on Doomsday Preppers with the same idea in mind. Drove around collecting used oil from people as a future fuel source. Downside is the power density/combustion percentage of oil would only give you about 20-40% of standard fuel economy.
     
  11. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    I'm thinking he is building the ultimate wilderness bugout vehicle...
     
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