🚚Converting HDT into a RV Hauler // Interview with the PROs at RVH Lifestyles
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- #hdthauler #hdtconversion #rvhauler
We interviewed Jack Mayer and Marc Jones of RVH Lifestyles in Dennis, Kansas on how they convert an HDT into an RV Hauler which can carry either a Smart Car, Jeep, motorcycle, golf cart, etc. Check out their website at: www.rvh-lifestyles.com
🚚 It may be a little lengthy, but if you are interested in using an HDT for an RV Hauler, you need to watch the whole video and HEAR FROM THE PROS that do this for a living.
✅Here are the topics we discussed:
* What is RVH Lifestyles
* What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an HDT for an RV Hauler
* Products and Services they provide
* How to find an HDT and what to look for
* Titling as a motorhome, registration, insurance, financing, etc.
* Types of conversions, configurations and bodywork
* Metal fabrication / water laser jets
* Cost and time
* Hitches
* Dual tires vs. Super Singles
* Training and equipment orientation
* RVH Lifestyles expansion
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⛺ Thousand Trails Membership Specialists: Jim and Brandy Reneau (770) 622-4188 or email any questions to: brandy_reneau@equitylifestyle.com
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VIDEOS you may be interested in:
🎦 Driving an HDT as an RV Hauler: • 🚍 What It's Like Drivi...
🎦 Friends View or HDT & Why We Bought an HDT: • Friends View Our Volvo...
🎦 Meet Leroy our HDT Volvo 780 RV Hauler: • Meet Leroy our 2009 HD...
🎦 First Time Driving the HDT with the Fifth Wheel: • PART 1: First Time Dr...
PLAYLISTS you may be interested in:
💪 "Watcha Doin' Dave?" 🍺 Playlist: bit.ly/2wTVbTx
🚍 “HDT, DRV, Tote, Smart Car” Playlist: bit.ly/2KlZSbE
🔨 “Maintenance & Repairs” Playlist: bit.ly/2XRJcB4
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💥 WHO WE ARE
We are Dave and Karen and decided to sell our home in Georgia in 2017 to live full time in an RV to travel across America to see the beauty of our country and meet awesome people along the way.
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💥 VEHICLES
RV Hauler: 2009 Volvo 780 HDT; D-16; Engine tuned to 535hp; Singled out with a 2.64 rear end ratio; I-Shift transmission
RV: 2015 DRV Mobile Suites 38RSB3
Daily Driver: 2013 Smart Car Passion ForTwo
Trailer: 6-foot Freedom Hauler (Idaho Tote)
Play Toys: Two Can-Am F3T Spyders
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Jack, Marc, Jonah and their team did a great Job on our truck. They also did some great things for us for lighting and a custom leather interior!! Could not be happier with our decision to use RVH Lifestyles!! There are pictures of our interior on RVH Lifestyles Facebook page from September 27, 2020 and some lighting pictures and a video on August 14, 2020. I would highly recommend reaching out to Jack. We spent 23 months from first conversation to the drive home. Learned a lot and are so pleased with our creation!
Top notch! And you become friends forever.
Thank you so much for this video. I know you've shown us figuratively and literally under the hood of Leroy, but this video, showing the entire process, was very informative. Makes the thought of spending $70,000.00+ on a 1 ton pickup truck seem a little silly. Stay safe and God bless.
Glad it was helpful! I appreciate your positive feedback. Hoping this will help others consider an HDT for safety and to be able to bring their toys too.
Who ever the two are that gave this a thumbs down I wish you could explain why. This is a great video provided by very experienced HDT FULL TIMERS. If your not into HDT that also ok but the info these people provide is valuable to people that are.
There are people out there that give thumbs down just because they can. You can't imagine the comments I have had to remove that are vulgar for no reason. However, I can't remove a thumbs down because I don't know who it is.
Great information,
I'm really interested in purchasing HDT and this video gave me great information.
Thanks.
We're new to your channel
Thanks Orlando. Glad you found our site and thanks for subscribing.
Another awesome video! Jack and Danielle and their presence on the Escapee's forum were instrumental in us going the HDT route back in 2014. Their willingness to share knowledge and answer questions about the HDT lifestyle has been so appreciated over the years by many. We met Marc and Dawn in Oklahoma in 2015 along with Jonas. It's great to see the company flourishing!
Awesome! Thank you! They are very upstanding people both in business and personally.
Great video and absolutely wonderful information. Anyone thinking of going the HDT route of rving needs to start right here. Two thumbs up 👍👍..
Thanks Danny. We are hoping this helps those that are thinking about an HDT RV hauler. These guys know their stuff.
Thank you....great video! Lots of valuable information. I have called RVH Lifestyles a few times. Jack and Marc are always responsive and willing to answer questions and give their opinions when warranted. My hauler will be built by RVH Lifestyles when the time comes.
That's awesome. They definitely know what they are doing.
Dave & Karen, it was nice meeting you guys at the Nat'l HDT Rally. Great video and you told me about this video and I have been waiting for it to be published. As I told you the truck in the garage is mine and I am waiting for its delivery. I think Gunnar, (the truck's name) is offended because it has been called a rat rod by the guys several times now. STAY SAFE, and hopefully we'll see you on the road.
Oh yeah. You are going to have an awesome truck for you and your trike. Hope you have as much fun checking out the country on your bike as we do on ours. See you next time with your new rat rod. LOL. Safe travels.
That was very educational, thank you for taking the time to make this video and thank you to RVH.
Thanks for watching. Thought it would be helpful for those considering this.
Great video-We were just at the Rally and learned much. We love our Class C, but are getting ready to transition to an HDT. Jack really hammered the Mission Profile at the Rally and the importance of proper planning. We saw continued examples of Servant's Hearts at the Rally and we were impressed with the community as a whole.
Glad you enjoyed the rally. It's the best place to learn all you can about HDTs. It is a very nice group of people.
Great video! Great info. For myself as a female, I have zero interest in how to build out big trucks, but as a business owner myself, I loved how they are committed to their customers, business and growing the education of the community! I was truly informed in many areas. I appreciate how soft spoken they were and never felt like they were selling their services or product, just letting people know what is available. Thank you for sharing! Yal found a gem in this company. Travel safe.
Thanks so much Linda. Totally agree with you. Upstanding businessmen and now friends.
Great Video doesn't do justice to the work you did on this video. The best interview I have seen regarding buying a tow vehicle. I would like you to do more videos like this.
Wow, thank you! Thought this would be very helpful for those questioning and contemplating the HDT route.
hi thanks for another great video i have been driving heavy trucks for many years and never thought of towing an RV behind 1 thanks again for the video journey stay well stay safe
Thanks for watching Peter. Hopefully this video will help people look into a safer way to travel with an RV.
This was really informative - thanks, Dave & Karen!
Thanks for watching. Hopefully it will help some people.
More great info from you guys; furthering education as we move to a HDT.
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the journey.
Oh my, I somewhat randomly got here, but I LOVE IT! I had a diesel pusher along time ago when the kids were young, then got out of RVing as they were going through school. About to be empty nesters and got the itch to get back. Really like this HDT concept. Now I’m on the hunt for more info!
So glad you stumbled over to our Channel. You'll find a lot of info on here about HDTs. Check out Facebook page HDTs - Heavy Duty Trucks for RVing
@@WattsOnWheels Thanks!
GREAT VIDEO! Just found out about HDTs a little while ago and started watching your channel. Trying to learn and figure out if it might be something for my wife and I in the future. Once she retires and the kids are out on their own.
Glad you clicked on the link as this is not officially posted yet. These guys are great.
Great Video guys once we retire this is what we want to do
That's awesome. Maybe Jack and Mark will be able to help you out.
Looking forward to working with these folks in the near future
Awesome. We have enjoyed working with them for several years.
You’re going to get a lot of broken record comments, but this was an extremely informative video.
Appreciate you so much for putting it together.
There are so many questions to be answered when you are considering an HDT and bed conversion. We figured this info would help. Thanks for watching.
Hi guys, what a good explanation and what a good job, thank you very much.👍👍👍👍
Our pleasure. Thanks for watching Ariel.
8:25 - Overall nice build... and great company! Can't get past the use of those hinges though... looks like something that is used for the shed in the back yard.
They don't bother us, but everyone has their own opinion. Appreciate yours. Thanks for watching.
Great video, great information, thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
What is the advantage for removing the rear tandem ? I would think that the additional braking and traction that the rear tandem would provide would offset and reason for the removal of same.
Personal choice. Not hauling the weight, so not needed and provides more storage bins. Also less tires and brakes, etc. to maintain. Some prefer to leave tandem.
Hi guys...we have met Mark and Jack and we think they are really good guys and are excellent in what they do 👍...what in the world happened to Leroy?...hope you guys came out ok...take care..stay safe...J&A
The passenger door was getting rust on the bottom so we got a new door. The front corner of the hood's paint blistered, so we had it repainted. Also got a new starter and new window regulators. It's all good. Hope you get on the road soon.
@@WattsOnWheels glad to hear that it was not anything serious...that cost enough as it is...
Watts On Wheels You do a great job of staying on top of your equipment.
Great video, a lot to learn...
True. These guys know it all.
Very good info ! Those damn crickets ! How much for the Silver 2019 “for sale” ? Thanks !
Feel free to contact Jack at RVH Lifestyles through their website to request pricing info. Thanks for watching.
Great video. Thanks
Glad you liked it. Hopefully it was helpful.
The beds are cheaper than I was expecting.
That's good
Great video!!!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching?
Is your Leroy built by Gregg at rv haulers canada ? I see his dical on the chrome on the side .
Yes, Gregg did the conversation.
Awesome 👍
Thanks 🤗
Another great, cool video
Thanks again Matt
Here’s a “not so dumb question”, if you already owned a 5th wheel but had not found the right truck, could you contract to have it moved with any semi, or does the semi need to be “configured” to haul a 5th wheel rig?
I'm not complete sure, but a commercial hitch may be bigger than a fifth wheel hitch. Plus, you would need a different pigtail plug for the brakes and lights. Also the brakes would not work without a jackalope system that converts air pressure to an electric signal to the brakes.
With the price of equipment on the floor please buy a wireless microphone so your audio matches your ambition.
Maybe some day. :)
have you thought about using a rv ac with heat pump for heat and cooling of the cab?
No, haven't thought about that. We have an independent AC now that is shore powered.
Cool
Very cool. Talented guys.
sweet
Thanks! 😁
What is the average cost for a bed and a back of cab box with all sliding shelves
Every truck is going to be different. We bought our truck already converted so I don't know. You can always contact them and have a chat.
Question. What comes first? The HDT or the travel trailer? Or do you do both at the same time?
Also, is there an advantage to having the 5th wheel towing ability of the HDT, or could you have an HDT with a regular hitch?
Most people end up buying the HDT after they get their RV because they don't like the way the small truck pulls it. We bought ours at the same time.
If I understand your question about hitches, you are asking about a regular fifth wheel hitch on the HDT or using the commercial hitch that comes with the HDT. Our fifth wheel hitch has air bag suspension built in to the hitch for a smoother ride for the fifth wheel. The commercial one is a solid hitch to the frame of the truck so the RV gets a much rougher ride.
Do not pull 5th wheel trlr do bumper mount hitch trlr then u can haul full size vehicle on back that's wut I'm going to do..
Hope it works out well for you.
03:38 Pffftt 🤣 Id pay money to see that running down the road
Couldn't help myself....had to stick it in somewhere. 😆
I'm pretty sure I saw yall on hwy 98 today
You caught us on our way to Alabama. :)
@@WattsOnWheels , enjoy Alabama. Yall have a nice rig. :)
I'd like to put a F150 on the HDT. Is it practical or possible?
You'd have to ask the pros. I don't know, that would make for one long bed.
How much does it cost for a HDT READY to go
Lot of "depends" in that one. Year, mileage, condition, drive train, singling the rear or not, type of bed being built for what, storage boxes, etc. Just guessing for a singled out, ishift, Smart car bed about $100,000 plus.
Why have a sleeper cab, why not a day cab lot shorter.
They will work on whatever you have or want. Doesn't have to be a sleeper cab. They work on whatever you bring them.
Hey. How much is the insurance per year compared to your f450? Thanks
Both the Volvo HDT and the DRV Mobile Suites cost us around $3000 a year for insurance thru Safeco. We do not have a pick up truck.
@@WattsOnWheels excellent. I have used safeco for my hot rods. Hey. Do you have tim Scott’s contact info. Wasn’t in part 3 description. Safe travels.
No I don't
Is Gregg Shields still there?
We got our truck through him at the end of December 2017. He retired from RVH Lifestyles shortly after that. He still has a CZcams channel.
do you have to have cdls to drive a full recreational semi?
No, CDL is not needed because you are not hauling commercial. If you have it registered as a Motorhome, your insurance will be cheaper too.
looking at leroy .....was somebody tailgating?????????????hmmmmm
Nope, just a nasty, growing bubble in the paint on the front hood and a rusted door panel. :)
don't you need a cdl license to drive one of these?
Nope. Titled as a Motorhome and not used for any commercial freight.
Where is Gregg when you need him ???
Canada...long drive.
What caused you to cut out Gregg from rvhaulers from canada
I doubt they will see this to respond.
Can I use truck you’re registered as an RV in California?
You'd have to check with your DMV office. They probably have certain criteria you have to meet, like be able to sleep, refrigerate food, cook, pee, etc.
Ok..let's be real..
RVH Lifeystyles was created because there was a 'need' in this particular "niche industry" and even though there was already someone else doing it (RVHaulers.ca / Gregg Shields) there was enough room for additional 'competition' ! :-)
I say this because no one should start a business if there's no one interested in said product/service..otherwise, you're doomed to fail before even getting started!
Yep, that's how successful businesses get started. It is our understanding Gregg was associated with RVH for a while. Gregg met us at RVH to bring us our truck and give us lessons.
Mayer can never give you a price. Always avoids it because he trys to get as much out of you as he can. Oooo so you won lottery well price is $$$$$$$$$$$$.
He took what volvo had trying to rebrand.
If anyone can get a straight answer from him on price please share. All I've heard from people is....well it depends. BS I tell ya what I want give me a price.
No lottery. Just sold everything. I suppose each truck and your custom needs aren't a cookie cutter price. Guess it's like remodeling a kitchen...do you want laminate or granite countertops, linoleum or hardwood floors, Home Depot cabinets or custom built. However, I'm sure there is a ball park figure out there that could be given. You're right - It ain't cheap.