Building a Transmogrifier

Four air bags on the rear might get it done. Not cheap but necessary for an RV conversion.

I assume it's leaf suspension on the rear, why not just take out a couple of leaves? I'm no truck expert but it's just a stack of bent steel, remove a few and the stack gets weaker, suspension gets softer?

Nice conversion, the truck is bigger than my workshop so I'm mildly jealous.

Absolutely correct. Not doing it though. I'm ok with it as is.
(Also, changing to more leafs, that aren't as thick changes ride quality.)

You and I have different meanings of the word "necessary". The next one might be bigger, on air. I want to see if I like the whole box van idea, first.

That may very well be. For a full RV conversion that sees a lot of miles I do consider it necessary. Unless the spring leaf suspension can be adequately lightened up all the expensive stuff you put in the box will take a beating over time. That costs money, too.

For a bare-bones toy box/sleeper it's probably not necessary. Maybe I'll find out one day. Meanwhile I'm enjoying y'all's projects.

How are you getting bikes into it? Ramp, liftgate?

Are you going to have to pull over for every weigh station with this thing?

Weigh stations

He's in Alberta so I'd bet no because he can probably plate it as a personal
vehicle/rv.

Right you are. All the scales I've seen here are for commercial vehicles. Most of the ones in the 'States that I've driven past, too. Between Red Deer and Phoenix I only remember one that didn't specify it was only for commercial vehicles. I'm told that I have to put "Not for hire" on the side of it for the DOT. I'll be in contact with them to see if there are any other rules/regs that need to be addressed.

I can put passenger vehicle insurance on it. Just did today as a matter of fact. There were a few questions to answer buf no problems. I can't call it an RV because it needs a bunch of stuff for that. It's costing me $36/month, as a second vehicle. Regular plate.

I took it out for its first real trip. Went to Lacombe to pick up a futon. :)
I think it may need a tie rod. Steering felt a bit loose. Hard to tell for sure as I had a pretty good cross wind and there was occasionally ice on the road.

So , How do you get to the front of the box with bikes loaded sideways ?

Hoping to find a door for the front. I don't want to have to roll up the door for access/egress.

Like he said.

There may be some relatively cheap air bag conversions other than going with a factory setup. There are some for pickups that aren't really that expensive.

With that said the Japanese cabover trucks seem to ride better than their US counterparts. And the weight that you are adding will smooth out the ride.

As posted before, here is the inside now:



Before adding more stuff, I'm thinking of painting the walls. Any recommendations?

I like orange.

Texture paint light grey color. Will hide a lot of smudges and grime. Orange might get on your nerves after a while

This, plus it won't darken the interior (I'd go lighter side of...light grey).

With some orange and black accent stripes.

And a big Harley Davidson logo?

Yes!
Harley Davidson.
Ready to Race!

I agree. Something light as to not darken an already dark place. It'll get better once I cut a few holes in it.

You're gonna need a bigger trailer.

And some heavier suspension...

I've always wanted to do this. Except I'd have to put an entertainment system inside the box while hanging out and doing nothing. Could even put in fold out bunk beds for the desert (if it will even make it- they make AT tires for that size wheel right?) and whatnot.

Nice to see a fellow 3 wheeler nut