New MDT tow rig build planning

Domer

Domer

Yup.. it's Broken...
Joined
May 26, 2020
Member Number
1489
Messages
478
Loc
Idaho
I have been piecing together a new rig build. We have way too many toys and its hard to haul everything and have a class A rv with a gasses.
I have access to a 2004 international 4400 beer truck. Im gonna replace the DT466e with a 466 using a 10spd. Squarebody crew cab with extended cab grafted with jumper seats for the kids when needed. And 2 bench seats if it will clear the trans. 18ft flatbed with a supported roof rack for kids buggy And being able to hauler my crawler, or 2 rzrs (2 and 4 seat) and the kids buggy. And tow a 30ftish camp trailer behind it. Estimated truck length at 32ft.
I used AI to generate some images. What do you guys think or suggestions for change?
Thanks.
58676038-fd10-439a-83b7-8c423fbe5936.png
908bcd33-b378-426f-a8ee-a7474a4c2d9a.png
 
badass! 2 things, A) what is your projected weight empty and loaded?
That may potentially change your engine choice.
Also look at GAWR/GVWR empty and can you haul all the rigs.

2) have you talked to Steve, the big block chevy nut, he is local to us...His brother has a similar setup with a late 90's chevy body on some bigger truck like you are talking about, he may be able to answer some questions you may have.
 
cmo71k said:
100% build this, and make a thread please!
Click to expand...
Will do. It will be a bit still. Have to get wife to sign off first and get a few other people to commit to selling me parts. I have a line on all the parts I need. Just need to get them.

06h3 said:
badass! 2 things, A) what is your projected weight empty and loaded?
That may potentially change your engine choice.
Also look at GAWR/GVWR empty and can you haul all the rigs.

2) have you talked to Steve, the big block chevy nut, he is local to us...His brother has a similar setup with a late 90's chevy body on some bigger truck like you are talking about, he may be able to answer some questions you may have.
Click to expand...
The 4400 i believe is grossed at 33000. Ill get my license for it. The 466 im trying to get is turned up. Use to live in a spreader rig with 66" tires. My weight being hauled on the truck shouldn't break 10k. Not sure total weight with the flatbed as that will be heavy.
Im not sure who steve is. Never talked to him.
 
IMG_0134.jpeg


How heavy is the Dakota? You may want to think about a Super C motorhome. I just went through multiple tow rigs/the whole tow rig debate, and this is what I ended up with. It’s nice because you don’t have to drop the tow behind trailer everytime you want to unload, and some of these come as tow haulers where instead of a back bedroom, it’s a little garage/tow space in the back.

Only down side with this, is I can only tow one rig, but that’s partially due to the Bronco being so heavy (8,500 lbs or so). If it was lighter, I could definitely tow it plus a side by side.
 
BroncoJoe96 said:
IMG_0134.jpeg


How heavy is the Dakota? You may want to think about a Super C motorhome. I just went through multiple tow rigs/the whole tow rig debate, and this is what I ended up with. It’s nice because you don’t have to drop the tow behind trailer everytime you want to unload, and some of these come as tow haulers where instead of a back bedroom, it’s a little garage/tow space in the back.

Only down side with this, is I can only tow one rig, but that’s partially due to the Bronco being so heavy (8,500 lbs or so). If it was lighter, I could definitely tow it plus a side by side.
Click to expand...
Dakota is 6500lbs. Buggy i guess will be 800-1000lbs. I want a dual rig to take stuff as well without camper. Or tow camper behind our 2500 suburban if we arent taking toys.
 
BroncoJoe96 said:
IMG_0134.jpeg


How heavy is the Dakota? You may want to think about a Super C motorhome. I just went through multiple tow rigs/the whole tow rig debate, and this is what I ended up with. It’s nice because you don’t have to drop the tow behind trailer everytime you want to unload, and some of these come as tow haulers where instead of a back bedroom, it’s a little garage/tow space in the back.

Only down side with this, is I can only tow one rig, but that’s partially due to the Bronco being so heavy (8,500 lbs or so). If it was lighter, I could definitely tow it plus a side by side.
Click to expand...
Im also not interested in the Super C as I dont want a ton of drivetrain electronics, and the price of the damn things. Thats why I was gonna swap to a DT466. Makes about 800lbs of torque. And reliable.
 
I have no hate for a square body, except maybe the not so great looking mdt front clip options...
You'll save a few hundred hours going with a gmt400 body style using extra cab pieces, and having decent interior pieces to use simply because they are newer


That said, check out the 03ish and up Kodiaks. They are built on a van body/ dash/ doors. They are taller and wider than a pickup, noticeably more room inside

Find a crew cab to work off of, or start with a regular cab and use a van hull to extend it. You could even get these vans with left hand cargo doors, lots of build options
 
Projectjunkie said:
I have no hate for a square body, except maybe the not so great looking mdt front clip options...
You'll save a few hundred hours going with a gmt400 body style using extra cab pieces, and having decent interior pieces to use simply because they are newer


That said, check out the 03ish and up Kodiaks. They are built on a van body/ dash/ doors. They are taller and wider than a pickup, noticeably more room inside

Find a crew cab to work off of, or start with a regular cab and use a van hull to extend it. You could even get these vans with left hand cargo doors, lots of build options
Click to expand...
In reality, im starting with an 04 chevy 2500 and doing a door graft. I have that donor rig already. And will use squarebody sheetmetal for doors and Xtra cab. My buddy has a square crew in the weeds i can get. And I have a source for squarebody parts here including the front clips. I know the firewalls are different and will require alot of metal work on my parts. The 2 big costs money wise will be the metal for the flat deck and rack. And the tilt front end. Most of the rest is my time.

I saw this as inspiration.
FB_IMG_1776018161555.jpg
 
I had looked into the gmt400 options, but the Gmt800 is easier to get parts for in the junkyard. The 400 c60 front ends do look better.
 
CarterKraft said:
Love it.

It's hard for me to agree with the medium duty powertrain though.
I would be trying to go 13L or bigger, full size class 8 stuff derated.
Click to expand...
I agree, but cant justify the cost for starting.. most everything for this project is have access to already.
 
Oh cool! Somebody on the tube is building a 2020ish dually crew to look like a 74


Anyways, unless you need the 3rd row seat, I kinda like the dodge megacab style, pull the back of the cab back 12" skip the extra windows, have a ton of legroom
 
Projectjunkie said:
Oh cool! Somebody on the tube is building a 2020ish dually crew to look like a 74


Anyways, unless you need the 3rd row seat, I kinda like the dodge megacab style, pull the back of the cab back 12" skip the extra windows, have a ton of legroom
Click to expand...
Yes thats the problem. We are a family of 4, do exchange students, and usually have our inlaws with us. We always try to take 1 rig. Our suburban is getting taxed as a tow rig as well as trailer. Either want to do jump seats, or possibly use the older quad cab chevy with the small bench. And will have rooms for kids friends as well..
 
In my mind I'd consider starting with a suburban and shorten it, having a clean floor and roof to work with, then shorten up and fill in the sides
 
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