Older GAS Toterhome...worthwhile????
 

Anyone have experience with a gas toterhome? I have an inquiry in to find out the towing capacity is but if it is high enough I'll be going to check it out. Here are the specs:

1989 38' Toterhome/carhauler 90k miles
429 GAS engine - MPG?????????????
5spd with split rearend...10 gears
Alcoa polished rims
Air brakes
22' carhauler space/shop area setup with 220, air, etc.
hydraulic door/ramp
updated living area, sleeps 6.

Yearly usage will be under 15,000miles

My concern obviously is the GAS engine. Seems like a big rig for a gas engine. I'm open to any and all opinions and if someone has experience with a similar rig please let me know. Boat isn't anything crazy - 30' Phantom single I/O.

Did I mention the price is well under $15K?!!!

MPG? More like GPM :D
I've seen similar at the racetrack. Very cool concept. As for towing, the gas motor probably won't like much outside of the low range. All depends on how it's loaded inside. You also might need some serious fabrication to get a decent hitch attached to the strong part of the frame.
Perhaps an engine swap to a modern diesel, updrage the trans, and you'd have a sweet package at a good discount to new.

screw the gas engine!!!!! Check out the topkick i've got for sale! Crew cab, cat diesel, allison tranny!!!!

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=151847

Your spelling is getting better..............:D

ROFL!!!! eye bin praktasin :p

From My experience the gas motors in heavy trucks are dogs. I wouldn't want to run one down te highway empty let alone pulling a boat.

Drop your price by 17 grand, build a shop area off the back and I'll consider it! :evilb:

Appreciate the comments, like to hear from people familiar with 'em. The truck is seems to have what I'm looking for (minus power) and it would be nice to swap in modern diesel running gear but not looking for another project...although I could run as is this year and do the swap later...:rolleyes:

Anyone think $12-13K is too much? Seems like a lot of truck for the $$$$.

keep looking for something with a diesel unless you like the sound of 5 mpg and 25mph up hills.......

check out www.racingjunk.com

I don't think the price is bad. IT is cheap cause isn't a diesel. Look at dumptrucks and it is the same way. Can't hardly sell one with a gas motor. It would be tits with a 475 cat diesel in it, but that would probably cost as much as the truck.

You need a diesel for a toter home..they are to much weight all loaded down....you have to do alot of research prior to buying one of these rigs...there are some really nice buys on race junk...and you will really see what is out there..that truck is junk...

My dad uses gas engines in his motorhome. 36 foot motor home with 2 slides. He also pulls a full size dodge 15004x4 with a camper shell. water tanks are always full and they carry a lot of gear because they stay on the road a long time. It has an older 460CI ford. Only upgrade is 4" exhaust all the way back.

Once you get it rolling it is a mule. I have ridden in this thing with an Oklahoma head wind at 80mph with all of that gear. Don't sell the gas engines short, Diesel is a luxury item, but gas will get it done.

Besides, you are a power boater, you can get a little more power if you need it.

True...lots of newer ones are pulling the load....newer...

i'll never sell a newer gas engine short i hauled my old 44' trailer (19k lbs) loaded with 3 formula cars with an 01 chevy dually with a 496 and it pulled fantastically. Stopping was a different story, but it certianly got the load moving well!

Fantastix:

Have a compression check done on the 429. With 90k miles hauling loads that engine may be tired and need rings, valves, etc.

The Ford 429 engine is a good engine but limited in parts avaliablity compared to a GM 454.

Don't plan to get your $ out of this thing, eve with only 90k miles.

Wannabe