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WHO' S A FULL TIME LMTV OVERLANDER, ANY OUT THERE?

Maddog Driver

Member
17
27
13
Location
Forsyth Co, GA
welcome madog,
There are lots of us “ overlanders” with heavy 6x6s out East, check out the locator in this forum. ( Im in the NC brushy mountains as I type!)
Commercially built overlander trucks are made for a wide variety of folks, and not the specific- which is why I build custom.. not to mention the commercial price tags.

my trucks are registered and Inspected RVs through the state and Fed, and require the same lic as
Not sure what happened with the last few lines above...
Thanks Gunny and all of you. I picked the 1079 to build on...adapt, improvise, overcome...because the box and its systems were all new unused and the truck showed 2600 miles with clean fluids. There are bigger and more easily adapted spaces, but it's hard to outdo the build quality for what it is. I had two Hardig missile cases to use for storage/bunk bases and a dorm fridge and microwave from my kids school days. NAPA ordered the chasis batteries...took a few weeks....Replaced the 50 amp out with an RV 50 amp "in" to run the panel from either side. SamsClub has some powdercoated steel cabinetwork online that fits pretty well. There is a Bluetti coming and a panel rig inwork for the roof and a Sherpa winch on the way. Got an aluminum underbody box for the winch space and I was fortunate to acquire six new Goodyear 2014 wheel assemblies to replace the 1998 Michelins. Finish design and fabrication of the cab top cage, winch mount, box mount, etc.is coming next. Small bites at the apple....
 

Maddog Driver

Member
17
27
13
Location
Forsyth Co, GA
Not sure what happened with the last few lines above...
Thanks Gunny and all of you. I picked the 1079 to build on...adapt, improvise, overcome...because the box and its systems were all new unused and the truck showed 2600 miles with clean fluids. There are bigger and more easily adapted spaces, but it's hard to outdo the build quality for what it is. I had two Hardig missile cases to use for storage/bunk bases and a dorm fridge and microwave from my kids school days. NAPA ordered the chasis batteries...took a few weeks....Replaced the 50 amp out with an RV 50 amp "in" to run the panel from either side. SamsClub has some powdercoated steel cabinetwork online that fits pretty well. There is a Bluetti coming and a panel rig inwork for the roof and a Sherpa winch on the way. Got an aluminum underbody box for the winch space and I was fortunate to acquire six new Goodyear 2014 wheel assemblies to replace the 1998 Michelins. Finish design and fabrication of the cab top cage, winch mount, box mount, etc.is coming next. Small bites at the apple....
This is actually the first time I have made a list...it looks like a lot and I forgot the through bulkhead A/C and heat combo I put in the milspec location., but it has been almost a year of work. I don't do social media, so this is a step out for me.
 

Mullaney

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Supporting Vendor
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Location
Charlotte NC
Amen to anybody that says anything other than yes sir and no sir to law enforcement if your dumb enough to talk smack to someone that can sink your ship you deserve anything they do to you ! Watching them for the past 45 yrs ive seen some of the most crooked on the take scale officials worse than any gang shaking down small businesses for (street tax) !These scale guys stealing from already poor under educated drivers that cant afford to come back and fight the crooked tickets they just pay and go on sometimes on the spot which goes right in their pockets . When i was in my teens new mexico was the worst you would be paying atleast one of them in every scale you crossed or they would really write you some big tickets so twice a week my dad would have to pay the shake downs so i saw it so i dont have much to say good about any of them if they want to enforce law go kick down some crack house doors and be something to be proud of instead of jacking with poor truck drivers look up the time the trucking co. crossing the scales west of knoxville had to go to the FBI to hide cameras in and under the trucks and trailers filming these p.o.s. unadjusting brakes while under the vehicles on their creepers then fineing the drivers till the fbi made their case then took them out of there in handcuffs and that stuff goes on in every state ive seen it . But this has nothing to do with regular cops ive got their backs no matter what they have an awful job and no backing from their depts my hats off to everyone of them ! Diesel cops not so much !
.
I like that.
With you 100% chucky when it comes to supporting our regular cops!
Even Super Troopers aren't like the Diesel Cops.

Hadn't seen that term before but that fits them pretty well.
 

Mullaney

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Supporting Vendor
7,716
19,765
113
Location
Charlotte NC
This is actually the first time I have made a list...it looks like a lot and I forgot the through bulkhead A/C and heat combo I put in the milspec location., but it has been almost a year of work. I don't do social media, so this is a step out for me.
.
This isn't like FB social media. Most of the folks here are either grownups, or youngsters who were "raised right". Or that is how it seems to me... Post up some pictures and you will have even more people looking to see what you are doing...

I have avoided making the list because sometimes I just don't know what is ahead of me. I find something, fix that and discover two or three other things. Sometimes it almost seems that this project won't ever end - but maybe I don't really care. In my little world, the truck is at least twice as nice as it was when I started. That makes a good measurement. Especially when I open up pictures from six months or a year ago.

I picked what seemed important to me. The ability to crank the thing and drive around the block. That was a goal but gave me something to keep me motivated. Crank is up was first. Mine was easy. AND sometimes, I would scrape and prime and sand and prime, Then squirt a little paint - and figure out I needed to do more of that. Best part is you can do whatever you want to whatever you want to fix in any order.
 

Reworked LMTV

Expedition Campers Limited, LLC
Supporting Vendor
1,506
1,174
113
Location
TN
According to Campandas:

Do you need a special license to drive an RV?
Unless you’re going BIG, probably not. Most states do not require a special license for RVs weighing under 26,000 pounds or towed vehicles under 10,000 pounds. Vehicles that can carry more than 16 passengers are often subject to special licensing (so you know, don’t go RVing in a literal school bus).How much Class A Class C Class B weighsMost RVs weigh well under 26,000 pounds. For reference, the average Class B RV weighs between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds, while a Class C vehicle typically weighs between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds. Class A vehicles can weigh anywhere from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds. In other words, for most kinds of RVs and campers, you do not need a special license. However, each state has it’s own rules, which can make things confusing for RV renters and new owners. To make it easy to find the information you need, we broke down the rules, state-by-state. Keep reading for Campanda‘s comprehensive guide to RV driver’s license requirements in every US state. Note: This article was updated in January 2018. We have done our best to ensure that the information is accurate, but state laws, rules and regulations are subject to change. We highly recommend that you check with your local DMV to confirm the details below before buying, renting or driving any RV.
What is a special license?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of special licenses: a commercial and non-commercial license. Some states require you to have a non-commercial special license in order to drive a recreational vehicle over a certain length or weight. Other states will require you to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) — the kind of license needed for large and heavy vehicles likes buses or tractor trailers.
States That Require A Commercial Driver’s License
  • Arkansas: CDL required for vehicle over 26,000 lb
  • Connecticut: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Hawaii: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Kansas: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • New Mexico: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Washington, D.C.: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Wisconsin: CDL required over 45 feet
States That Require A Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License
  • California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs
  • Maryland: Class B license required over 26,000 lb
  • Michigan: Recreational Double “R” Endorsement required to tow a fifth wheel plus a trailer (it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need this)
  • North Carolina: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Nevada: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb; “J” Endorsement required to tow a vehicle over 10,000 lb (if the combined weight is less than 26,000 lb)
  • New York: Recreational Vehicle or “R” endorsement required for vehicles over 26,000 lb
  • Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • South Carolina: Class E license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class F license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Texas: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Wyoming: Class B license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing under 10,000 lb; Class A license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing over 10,000 lb
States That Do Not Require A Special Driver’s License
The following states do not require a special driver’s license to drive an RV. Where possible, we have provided links to the relevant state laws where the exemption for recreational vehicles can be found. Remember: When in doubt, contact your local DMV.
Alabama (Ala. Code § 32-6-49.7)Montana (§ 61-1-101, MCA.)
Alaska (AS § 28.90.990)Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-465)
Arizona (Ark. Code § 28-3102)New Hampshire (N.H. § Saf-C 1801.02)
Colorado (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-402)New Jersey (N.J. Rev. Stat § 39:3-10.11)
Delaware (Del. Admin. Code tit. 2 § 2213)North Dakota (N.D.C.C. § 39-06.2-06)
Florida (Fla. Stat. § 332.53)Ohio (Ohio Rev. Code § 4506.3)
Georgia (OCGA § 40-5-142)Oklahoma (47 O.S. § 1-107.4)
Idaho (I.C. § 49-302)Oregon (Or. Rev. Stat § 801.208)
Illinois (625 ILCS § 5/6-500)Rhode Island (31 R.I. Gen. Laws § 10.3-16)
Indiana (CDL Manual)South Dakota (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-3)
Iowa (Iowa Code §321.176A)Tennessee (T.C.A § 55-50-102)
Kentucky (KRS § 281A-050 and CDL Manual)Utah (Utah Code § 53-3-102)
Louisiana ( LSA-RS § 32:408)Vermont (23 V.S.A § 39-4103)
Maine (29A M.R.S § 1252 and CDL manual)Virginia (Code § 46.2-341.4)
Massachusetts (DMV.org)Washington (RCW 46 25-050)
Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 169.011 or driver’s manual)West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 17E-1)
Mississippi (Miss. Code § 63-1-203)
Missouri (MO Rev Stat § 302.775)
A Simple Solution
If you’re worried about needing a special license to drive an RV, the solution is usually pretty simple: go smaller. A Class C vehicle, campervan (Class B) or travel trailer is unlikely to exceed the weight restrictions for your normal driver’s license. Smaller vehicles are also better for RVing beginners who may not feel as confident handling a huge rig.Check out Campanda’s selection of RV rentals to find the perfect vehicle for your next trip!
 

chucky

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
6,622
18,965
113
Location
TN .
According to Campandas:

Do you need a special license to drive an RV?
Unless you’re going BIG, probably not. Most states do not require a special license for RVs weighing under 26,000 pounds or towed vehicles under 10,000 pounds. Vehicles that can carry more than 16 passengers are often subject to special licensing (so you know, don’t go RVing in a literal school bus).How much Class A Class C Class B weighsMost RVs weigh well under 26,000 pounds. For reference, the average Class B RV weighs between 6,000 and 8,000 pounds, while a Class C vehicle typically weighs between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds. Class A vehicles can weigh anywhere from 13,000 to 30,000 pounds. In other words, for most kinds of RVs and campers, you do not need a special license. However, each state has it’s own rules, which can make things confusing for RV renters and new owners. To make it easy to find the information you need, we broke down the rules, state-by-state. Keep reading for Campanda‘s comprehensive guide to RV driver’s license requirements in every US state. Note: This article was updated in January 2018. We have done our best to ensure that the information is accurate, but state laws, rules and regulations are subject to change. We highly recommend that you check with your local DMV to confirm the details below before buying, renting or driving any RV.
What is a special license?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of special licenses: a commercial and non-commercial license. Some states require you to have a non-commercial special license in order to drive a recreational vehicle over a certain length or weight. Other states will require you to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) — the kind of license needed for large and heavy vehicles likes buses or tractor trailers.
States That Require A Commercial Driver’s License
  • Arkansas: CDL required for vehicle over 26,000 lb
  • Connecticut: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Hawaii: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Kansas: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • New Mexico: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Washington, D.C.: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Wisconsin: CDL required over 45 feet
States That Require A Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License
  • California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs
  • Maryland: Class B license required over 26,000 lb
  • Michigan: Recreational Double “R” Endorsement required to tow a fifth wheel plus a trailer (it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need this)
  • North Carolina: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Nevada: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb; “J” Endorsement required to tow a vehicle over 10,000 lb (if the combined weight is less than 26,000 lb)
  • New York: Recreational Vehicle or “R” endorsement required for vehicles over 26,000 lb
  • Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; equired for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • South Carolina: Class E license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class F license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Texas: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
  • Wyoming: Class B license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing under 10,000 lb; Class A license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing over 10,000 lb
States That Do Not Require A Special Driver’s License
The following states do not require a special driver’s license to drive an RV. Where possible, we have provided links to the relevant state laws where the exemption for recreational vehicles can be found. Remember: When in doubt, contact your local DMV.
Alabama (Ala. Code § 32-6-49.7)Montana (§ 61-1-101, MCA.)
Alaska (AS § 28.90.990)Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-465)
Arizona (Ark. Code § 28-3102)New Hampshire (N.H. § Saf-C 1801.02)
Colorado (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-402)New Jersey (N.J. Rev. Stat § 39:3-10.11)
Delaware (Del. Admin. Code tit. 2 § 2213)North Dakota (N.D.C.C. § 39-06.2-06)
Florida (Fla. Stat. § 332.53)Ohio (Ohio Rev. Code § 4506.3)
Georgia (OCGA § 40-5-142)Oklahoma (47 O.S. § 1-107.4)
Idaho (I.C. § 49-302)Oregon (Or. Rev. Stat § 801.208)
Illinois (625 ILCS § 5/6-500)Rhode Island (31 R.I. Gen. Laws § 10.3-16)
Indiana (CDL Manual)South Dakota (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-3)
Iowa (Iowa Code §321.176A)Tennessee (T.C.A § 55-50-102)
Kentucky (KRS § 281A-050 and CDL Manual)Utah (Utah Code § 53-3-102)
Louisiana ( LSA-RS § 32:408)Vermont (23 V.S.A § 39-4103)
Maine (29A M.R.S § 1252 and CDL manual)Virginia (Code § 46.2-341.4)
Massachusetts (DMV.org)Washington (RCW 46 25-050)
Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 169.011 or driver’s manual)West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 17E-1)
Mississippi (Miss. Code § 63-1-203)
Missouri (MO Rev Stat § 302.775)
A Simple Solution
If you’re worried about needing a special license to drive an RV, the solution is usually pretty simple: go smaller. A Class C vehicle, campervan (Class B) or travel trailer is unlikely to exceed the weight restrictions for your normal driver’s license. Smaller vehicles are also better for RVing beginners who may not feel as confident handling a huge rig.Check out Campanda’s selection of RV rentals to find the perfect vehicle for your next trip!
You worked you butt off on this good stuff and thanks this will help us all !
 

ckouba

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
609
1,724
93
Location
Oregon
Based on the above, a good rule looks to be stay under 26k GVW and you'll be fine. That's been one of my no-compromise build constraints.
 

roverchef

Member
46
64
18
Location
Saint Augustine, FL
Cost, Quality, or Time... you can only pick two. That leaves only 3 courses of action...
  1. You can hurry out onto the road, and not pay to have the truck looked at. Fast, cheap, but low quality.
  2. You can hurry out onto the road, and pay (a lot) to have the truck professionally rebuilt/repaired. Fast, very expensive, high quality.
  3. You can take your time and do a lot of the work yourself. Very slow, considerable savings, high quality.
These ideas apply to every project/product. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management_triangle
You forgot about the 4th option that seems to be on the rise.
4. You can take it to a shop that overcharges, doesn't meet deadlines, and in the end the quality is garbage.
.....So you can get all 3 if you look hard enough.
 

Mullaney

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Supporting Vendor
7,716
19,765
113
Location
Charlotte NC
You forgot about the 4th option that seems to be on the rise.
4. You can take it to a shop that overcharges, doesn't meet deadlines, and in the end the quality is garbage.
.....So you can get all 3 if you look hard enough.
.
It is sad but #4 is a definite possibility.
#3 is the way to go - but only if you are not in a hurry and don't mind crunching along day by day for a LOT of days.

---

At one point in time when I was younger, I had a Chevy pickup that had "Three on The Tree" (Middle 80's). I had the new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing in the right front floorboard. I was busier than a one armed paper hanger at work and the truck was getting worse by the day. There was a shop around the corner from where I worked. Took my truck there early the next morning, agreed he would use my parts and confirmed the price.

I groused around most of the day and honestly would have been better off to take a half day. I got most of nothing done all day long. Finally I got the call. Truck Is Ready. Well, my daddy taught me to respect my elders - but that day sucked in a big way. Cranked my truck and the "chirp" sound that a throwout bearing makes when it is about to die was still there. I asked and was told that the grease he put on the new bearing just hadn't worked its way into it yet. I paid the man. Don't remember how much, but I gave the old guy what he asked for. The clutch worked, so I drove away.

That weekend, I removed the transmission. The pressure plate had a broken spring and was obviously NOT the new part. The clutch disc appeared to be my part. The throwout bearing wasn't new for da#@ sure!. So, I replaced all three parts after having the flywheel resurfaced. Never talked to the man again.

About a week or so later, I dropped by his place, walked in the door and put the parts on the floor in front of his office door. I turned around, walked out and got in my truck and left. My assumption was that he knew it was me.

Now days I still work on my stuff, but I have also found folks who are dependable and reliable too. It takes years to find those folks though. A LOT of years!
 
Last edited:

chucky

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
6,622
18,965
113
Location
TN .
.
It is sad but #4 is a definite possibility.
#3 is the way to go - but only if you are not in a hurry and don't mind crunching along day by day for a LOT of days.

---

At one point in time when I was younger, I had a Chevy pickup that had "Three on The Tree" (Middle 80's). I had the new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing in the right front floorboard. I was busier than a one armed paper hanger at work and the truck was getting worse by the day. There was a shop around the corner from where I worked. Took my truck there early the next morning, agreed he would use my parts and confirmed the price.

I groused around most of the day and honestly would have been better off to take a half day. I got most of nothing done all day long. Finally I got the call. Truck Is Ready. Well, my daddy taught me to respect my elders - but that day sucked in a big way. Cranked my truck and the "chirp" sound that a throwout bearing makes when it is about to die was still there. I asked and was told that the grease he put on the new bearing just hadn't worked its way into it yet. I paid the man. Don't remember how much, but I gave the old guy what he asked for. The clutch worked, so I drove away.

That weekend, I removed the transmission. The pressure plate had a broken spring and was obviously NOT the new part. The clutch disc appeared to be my part. The throwout bearing wasn't new for da#@ sure!. So, I replaced all three parts after having the flywheel resurfaced. Never talked to the man again.

About a week or so later, I dropped by his place, walked in the door and put the parts on the floor in front of his office door. I turned around, walked out and got in my truck and left. My assumption was that he knew it was me.

Now days I still work on my stuff, but I have also found folks who are dependable and reliable too. It takes years to find those folks though. A LOT of years!
That was nice of you to not put those parts thru the front window of the place followed by a jug of gas and a match ! I have always felt karma moves too slow !
 

Mullaney

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Supporting Vendor
7,716
19,765
113
Location
Charlotte NC
That was nice of you to not put those parts thru the front window of the place followed by a jug of gas and a match ! I have always felt karma moves too slow !
.
Agreed. He didn't last much longer after that. Hate to say I didn't feel any pity when I saw the For Sale sign on the front of the building. For all I know he was ready to be done the day he was doing my work... Crummy is a nice description of the situation.
 

pkl2fly

fixer
Steel Soldiers Supporter
34
27
18
Location
Coronado, CA
Some of us out there...just don't spend too much time posting. Not "full-timing" but have a turn key outback rig to do multi day trips into the wilderness.

My approach has been to get capability in the build and try it out, then if I don't like something, I change it. Incremental changes. The first camping trips were with the stove cargo strapped down and cots to sleep on.

Now, a few years and 15K miles later, memory foam mattress, full wet head, 92gals of fresh water, on demand water heater, full size rv propane fridge\freezer rv range oven. Probably into the whole package for less than $45k over 5 years. I consider myself the undeserved beneficiary of tremendous amounts of luck on the MV - a presumably low miles 1079 that wasn't abused. It's been kept stock for the most part and I accept the low transit speed to the trailhead (I go about 50mph on the highway on advise from the driveline rebuilder) as a trade-off for arguably unbeatable off-road performance and reliability.

As stated, I've been very lucky to have not yet had any breakdowns. Many little things, solutions to most are covered in the vehicle section of this forum or the TMs.

And though I may not fit OP's profile, I am ready to do it fulltime if able or necessary.

The following is a representative sampling of trips over the span of the project.

Southern Anza-Borrego 2016
GOPR0595cropp.jpg

Eastern Sierra (June Lakes) 2017
IMG_0311.JPG


Mojave trail 2017
DSC06249.JPG


Jacumba wilderness 2018 where's Waldo?
DSC06303.JPG



Death Valley 2018
1634441291397.jpeg



Picacho State Park 2019
IMG_20190518_171922.jpg



Yuha Desert 2020
1634442428684.jpeg



Anza- Borrego State Park 2020
1634442568252.jpeg



Superstition Mtn 2021
1634441584343.jpeg


Current cabin configuration
1634441449008.png


The project is never done.

CHEERS
 
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