So can you tell us about your rv set up. what you liked, what you don't, and what you would change if you were to build another m1078. Seems about everyday a new person shows up on steelsoldiers wanting to build an RV out of a FMTV/LMTV. A good opportunity to share some lessons learned on your build. Also I'm jealous of all the glamis trips. Been there once with a buggy many years ago.
What would I do differently....... Ill start by saying I love my truck just as it is. But with any small space, you give this up for that and you just cant put everything into that small space. I liked the sloped rear as I needed it to not drag the truck down every dune and or wash ledge. However, If you stick to the roads you don't need it. You lose a tremendous amount of storage having the sloped rear. Also, because of the sloped rear and 4 foot overhang past the frame, you need to figure that pulling a trailer might be out of the question unless you have a long trailer tongue. I can pull a trailer but if I have a truck on the trailer and go though a steep ditch the front of the truck could hit the rear of the RV. I would also stat with a longer chassis, that's why I'm going to do the 6x6. I live in mine full time right now. Its good for me but if you have a wife of GF that is used to living in a house 16 foot isn't enough room. On that note, If they think it is small at first comment then stand by. They are not going to later say" actually it is bigger then I thought!" It is only going to get smaller and tighter in their minds. But as I said from the beginning, I built this truck for me, Not my ex, Not my future GF's. This is my home and if they don't like it they can keep walking. It works great for everything I use it for. The speed is fine. I am not going to chase 10 mph by throwing cash at it. IMHO that's what you will do. They already have drive line issues the way they are now, Now spin everything faster and see what happens over time. For those who have I hope only success for you. I don't need to go faster then 62. Drive shafts- Just get them rebuilt and don't risk the damage. Its not that much money. people always ask me how much does it cost to drive and maintain this huge thing and my answer to them is a question "how much do you spend on your home, cars, trucks, bikes, hobbies? what does it matter? If you have to worry about dropping money for the fuel, California is just under $4 per gal, then you might not want to drive a huge truck and stick to the PRIUS. As most on here know, if you stop the truck everyone wants to talk to you about it! If I am getting fuel and just standing there anyway I don't mind talking. But then you have your blinker on and trying to switch lanes and people drive next to you and video the truck and you cant get over its a bit annoying. And yes it happened every trip. If it happens and they are going to make me miss my exit, I just push over into their lane a bit and they get the picture that I'm coming over whether they are there or not! LOL this comment is in Jest, so please take it that way. If you want to build one, Go For It! But please make sure your truck runs soundly before dumping money into a camper build. I have spoken to many who really haven't driven the truck and started to build the camper first. Questions- What if the truck has serious issues? What if the truck starts falling apart under your camper? What if you finish the camper and then you drive it and think "wow this is a slow truck. Or I don't think this truck is what we really wanted or need. Drive your truck a while first and see if it really fits the bill or is it just a really cool thing? Cuz it is a really cool thing and many times Cool things are not the best answer or fit. Be very honest with yourself. Are you really going to do the repairs on this truck? Can you really become an electrical expert broke down in the side of the road with a angry wife and kids yelling at you? I can do this stuff. But I've been working on cars trucks and two story tall diesel engines on ships my whole career. Just be really honest with yourself. Do you already have a car or pickup in the driveway that you cant get running? Do you cry when having a car towed? (having this truck towed could bankrupt you!) Again, If your truck is sound mechanically, build it and have a blast! Whether you put a tent in the bed or build one like mine or even better, the best ones out there are the ones who are doing it and using it and having fun along the way!! Who cares what someone thinks about how yours looks or whether you are just sleeping under the tarp. I have found this to be good rules to follow- 1. build it the safest you can. 2. Only spend what you can afford. Don't go into debt building something that you may not get your money out of. Its only worth what someone will give you cash for later on. 3. Good luck building it to last forever, here is a secret, It wont. I see it like this, You spend $4000-15000 for a broken truck and fix it and put on a $20000 and up camper on it. What will it be worth that when you decide to sell it if you do? To the bank its worth nothing except what someone is willing to take out a personal loan for. Bank wont loan toward it because its not built by a known RV builder. It doesn't mean your is inferior to the RV makers out there. contrary, It is probably made better. Its just the way it is. Well I've rambled on long enough. These word or just my opinions. Please do what you want and have fun and be safe while doing it! I didn't make mine to sell for huge $$$$ down the road or to make it a business. I like to keep my hobbies fun and my work, well, work. Have a great day
