I know it’s called HDT now but to me it’s still a Semi to me. I understand why you got it. As a previous OTR driver, find it hard now to even drive my GMC 3500. Felt safer in the Semi. I didn’t realize how many HTD’s are out there.
Was an OTR driver, it seems like pushing the fifth wheel that far back would make it hard to back up. You can get a million miles out of a "Semi" from what I've heard most light truck diesels are good for about 300,000 miles of towing., thats something.
I dream of the RV lifestyle but don’t think HDT would be my preferred mode of transport yet I watched your entire video. You guys are charming and lovely - Thank you!!
Agreed. It's not for everyone. As a matter of fact, an HDT is probably the most difficult mode of RV travel. A motorhome is the easiest because it's accepted everywhere. Thanks
First time watching you guys. Love your energy and thanks for sharing your experience and why you got HDT. I was wondering why many people didn't haul 5th wheels with them and found out from you that there's a whole community. Subscribed.
You guys have one heck of a set up with the Volvo sand that awesome trailer. I would have thought the Volvo would have been about $225,000 so $140,000 all in was I’m sure a no brainer. Love your channel and you guys are so fun to watch. 😊
As a 24 year employee of Volvo and likely working the day you drove your truck off the line, this is an enjoyable video and love seeing all the Volvos lined up at the resort.
I have really enjoyed these last two videos. You are no longer a couple of silly people who drive a crazy big rig. You are two very intelligent people who know what they are doing. You have done a great job telling your story and explaining why you are doing what you are doing. All the best to you and may you live long and prosper!
You two crushed it again. I was drawn to your channel because of the HDT and even though I don't think (at my age and health downfalls) I'd ever be doing what you are doing in the same way, information is information. Learning new things is learning new things. Regardless. And even after not having my Class A anymore after 17 years, I can't let go (RV life) and it's still a part of me (Teenager days my Dad bought a new '72-22' Prowler Travel trailer....bug bit for camping started). And I'm here because of your dedication of what you do and how you do it. I cannot thank you enough for sharing it all!
I built a flatbed trailer out of one of those 22 foot prowlers. Honestly some of the shabbiest fabrication work I've ever seen. Not intending to offend. It held together somehow but I almost scrapped the whole thing because of it. Anyways, memories.
As a trucker (11 years and still rolling), I really need to reiterate the whole comfort aspect of the HDT vs. a dually. Semi tractors are designed to be driven 8-10 hours a day, every day. I put in a 500+ mile day, and I feel fine when I park. In a pickup, you're sore and aching. Also, you mentioned the cost. I've been watching the used tractor market recently, with an eye for getting a tractor to use when I retire. Trucks with 500K miles on them are going for the $50K-$60K range, and those trucks can go over a million miles before they need any major service. I love your back story, and I hope to meet up with you two someday. Maybe I'll bobtail to one of the HDT rallys!
Yes. Semi-trucks are made for driving comfort. We're ready to roll after a day on the road. No fatigue. Huge benefit. I also like having an engine in front of me vs a windshield for safety.
Hopefully one day me and my wife can do something like you guys are doing….. Man I love you have a job like you all must of have. Dreams come true I hope! Safe travels guys.
Thank you. It's a good goal to have. We worked hard for 35 years, budgeted, saved and stuck to our plan. We appreciate each day we spend in this lifestyle.
From Australia, thank you so much for explaining all that about your rig. It was very interesting to learn how you ended up with an amazing setup. Cheers from OZ
Thanks, Brent. It's about our travels and we never thought anyone would be interested... but it seems there's a few...sooo... we produced the video to let our channel friends get to know us a little better.
Loved the smart car exodus! I’m a hd truck mechanic and I remember back in the early 90’s seeing class 6-7 medium trucks pulling the larger RVs and that made much more sense to me regarding safety. My question/comment is about the coach. I don’t think the cookie-cutter 5th wheels are designed for full time living, both mechanically and coach wise. Spacecraft is probably not for everyone but in the end, just like the HDT, long term it will cost less. A commercial trailer chassis is built for the weight and mileage a full timer puts on the coach. Air ride suspension is so much easier on the coach and air brakes are less maintenance / give more stopping confidence. Just my two cents from someone who owns a 21’ TT 😉 Great channel and I tune in often.
I think you're correct, Chris. Long term, our setup will be less outlay and less expensive over 20 years. The production models can't hold up to fulltime living...especially if you also put more than 10K miles and 25 stops. No doubt!
This episode was absolutely PERFECT timing, as we just let our family know that we are getting a Volvo too. We introduced them this last weekend to your channel and now they’ll see we aren’t the only ones. Thanks for showing what a huge following the HDT community has. It will hopefully ease our family’s concerns. Great job guys! And Sondra absolutely needs her own ‘craft carrier’😂Better get on board David 😉Take care you guys!❤~Wendy
I love how brave you were starting out on this journey. I recently had a leg operation after being off my leg for 1 year, I lived vicariously through your journey, had operation 3 months ago and recently took my beautiful dog and two granddaughters on a two kilometre walk, first for a long while (still building back muscle). I still wait for your videos with much anticipation, have travelled the world extensively and to the States 2 but always with work and the last thing I want to do is get on another plane, never got to see the beautiful places you go to so I appreciate very much your travel blogs. For now more than happy to explore my beautiful state of South Australia.
This video made me Subscribe. Great video that answers a lot of questions that many have about HDT travel. Sharing the cost of things: cost of truck, miles per gallon, I-Drive vs Automatic transmission, is a huge benefit of watching this video. LOL, at the road puns. YES, powered tandems, solar power are must haves. State domicile, mail, vehicle registration, and the rally's to go to learn about HDTs.
I am definitely hooked on your videos. My husband watches with me while he's eating dinner. He said, they're so happy! We stay pretty close to home at a 1000 Trails near us. Because with a golf cart and boat to take the grandkids tubing....it can take us 2 trips to get all our gear.
This was so much fun! Showing us who you are and how you got to today was sooo interesting. Told myself I’d watch 1/2 tonight and the rest tomorrow; that didn’t happen. Had to watch it all, just like picking up a book and being 52 pages in before you know it. Thank you so much for entertaining me!! 😃👍
Really enjoyed watching the videos. We are full timers also. We have been doing this about the same amount of time as you. We also love it. Glad you mentioned the Escapees RV club, as we have been members for 24 years and can say they never miss a beat on the mail service. We are slowing down a bit as we approaching 80 now. We will keep on trucking with our Ram and 5th wheel. Thanks for the videos.
I love your life in America, the vast spaces, God willing, and the independent private homes without the high-rise, multi-storey buildings, and your constant connection to nature, so that every house has its own backyard, and this is the best life or the ideal life on the face of the earth, the constant connection to nature, greenery, and trees.
This was great. When you mentioned Livingston and Escapees, I was bouncing in my chair. My sister lives there and stayed in the park. I believe she worked there too. Thank you both for the wealth of information. Enjoy
Once considered getting a semi to haul a fifth wheel toy hauler but as a retired diesel mech, I would first change out the suspension for a soft ride to prevent damage to the trailer. Seen that done once while working as a mech and kept that in mind ever since.
His guys, great choice in truck, I only wish here in Australia we had a bonnet Volvo's. The ride looks so good when I watch you guys, I drive a Volvo FH 600 cabover for work and the ride is not, also the fuel economy is great on the Volvo's, love the channel guys, one day I'll be doing the same driving for pleasure rather than work 👌🇦🇺🇦🇺
I haven't ridden in a class A since I was a kid heading to Disney World the first year it opened! The point you made about riding in the motor home and hearing the dishes and other things rattle would drive my wife crazy. Makes the fifth wheel still seem like a better way to travel. Good info and I enjoyed the Rally coverage.
Hey guys, those smart cars are adorable looking! Im glad you found something great to pull your home because I don't think you could get very far pushing it around the country 😂😅😂
I had a massive 5th wheel we found it was a real PITA to get around cities where lot of traffic in busy gas stations, restaurants, camp grounds We downsized only wife and I now we have 19 foot class C motorhome I can park it most places and we have E-bikes to ride into towns those can go 35 miles on a charge. We are not full time RV'ers maybe be different if we did that full time where you go to a park in an RV park for few months at a time not really having to drive it around much. We can fit in any campground without a problem I have even parked it in regular parking spots at grocery stores.
There are definite downsides to a big rig. Our 32' Class C is much easier to get around and travel plan. But since this is our full-time home, we want to be comfy. Thanks
My late father had a 18 wheeler truck he used in his tractor dealership. I went with him as a kid and he said that you always want to be bigger than what you're towing. He said the last thing you want to do is get pushed or run over by the trailer. The only way to keep control over a heavy trailer is a heavy truck. I have a big 5th wheel trailer and a Ford F250 Super Duty and I never feel safe towing the trailer, especially stopping the rig in an emergency. I was talked out of getting an international 4700 light truck but I wish I had gone that way, over the Ford...
thank you both . very good information . looks perfect . if i could i would like locking differantials. and if i could find a folding powered ramp to on and of load the smart . i had a toy hauler with i.q. on board . god bless we wish you great health and very happy trailes .
I can see the alure. Not sweating your truck at all. Mileage probably the same as an hd diesel rig. Definitely got more room inside. Longer distance between fillups. Maybe a little harder on the turns. It's definitely a nice setup.
Great info from you guys . My uncle was a long haul trucker and he has told us through the years he felt safe in his semi then he did in his car . There were some nice looking rigs there . Y'all stay safe .😊
Someone told us you were team drivers in your working lives. Well, this video proves other wise. We’ve really enjoyed watching and wish we could see your older ones but that has changed. Can’t wait for your next adventure.
Must say in many ways I like your choice of a semi ( tractor and trailer ) I am in Australia. One down side I see, is some one who has driven nothing bigger than a sedan. Buys a Semi and does not have the experiance, and could be a danger. Please don't be offended by that. You sound like you done your home work on it, and you stepped up from an RV Motor Home. You have to move to Australia. You can get a B Double. Prime mover ( tractor ) and 1 and half trailers. The half one has a second 5th wheel for full size trailer. Loads of room. Down side, cost blow-out, and need a differant licence. Keep on trucking. And please keep the shiny side up and the rubber on the black top. 🌜☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️🌛
G'day! We'd love to get to Australia but not sure your camper parks wild fit us. We have 9 years of experience in this rig but you are correct in that it can be dangerous if the driver is not careful. Thanks for watching the channel. We'll keep the black stuff on the black top!
Sorry, I was replying to a comment on our channel and somehow actually entered the comment on your channel. With that said, we love following your adventures.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I was typing a comment and trying to pin the comment. While working on my phone I heard your video in the background playing at the same time as the short I had posted. I clicked on send and then could not find the comment until I got the ❤️ notification from your channel. Who knows what happened…lol
I like the direction that you have taken with the HDT and home. Never drove a Volvo but know drivers that have and they have the best ride and are dependable. If the Lord sees fit for us to go this way we would likely go toy hauler for the small SUV or truck and a small boat for me to fish around in to travel around in and put a UTV on the truck deck. Love your set up.
Doing this is where I think an @EdisonMotors conversion hybrid would be awesome. Pair the truck to the trailer with solar and the generator on the Edison plus they can share battery between the two when on the road.
Great video and very informative. We drive a 24 ft Class C with no slides or tow.We only snowbird for 3.5 months.😂 I am like Sondra., washrooms breaks would slow us down if I couldn’t get up and walk to the bathroom while going down the highway.🚽🧻😂😂❤️
Thanks for all the great info you two! When we went full time in 2018 we towed a 44' 5er toy hauler (17k lbs empty) with a F350 dually. I wanted a HDT but like Sondra, my DW was not for it at all. So we went with a 41' Super-C and tow a Jeep Wrangler. Who knows what the future holds...
41' Super C and a Jeep has some definite advantages and is still comfy for fulltiming. We think you have a well rounded unit good for all types of travel. Nice!
Awesome job on this video. Answered some questions I had on HDT - and especially appreciate your viewpoint on private truck versus RV versus totterhome. Makes sense to me. Appreciate you "dad' jokes and even more your sounds effects!! 🤣 Hoping to make it to the Kansas HDT rally in October!
This is the ultimate "take it with you" aspect of RVing. Lots of upsides, if you have the money, but lots of downsides too. Your rig is 80 ft long, and you will basically go from and HDT friendly campground to another HDT friendly campground. Forget national parks, or most state parks for that matter. Need to make a grocery run or go to the movies? Well the little subcompact car is almost a necessity for doing that, but it's another vehicle to maintain and insure, and the HDT has to be modded to allow you to take it along.
All true. It's definitely not an RV Lifestyle suited to everyone. But, you know, there are pros & cons to every type of RV unit. It's a matter of each persons "mission profile", priorities and travel style. Thank you for your comments and your time watching the channel. ☺️
Thanks for taking the time to explain all of this. It was very interesting and informative. Have a great time and continued safe travels. P.S. I think you are fairly safe that Sondra won’t be doing the vlog editing, and therefore cutting out the puns and dad jokes, as she would have to reduce or eliminate her journaling time!
Good video ! Neat stuff ! I bought the 2017 Smart Car, 2015 Volvo & ended up not finishing the build. Love the Smart car need to sell the Volvo cheap ! Ended up with the cummins 2500 ram and a Outdoor RV travel trailer. Couldn’t wait to hit the road.
Great Episode! Lots of Info and HDT's wow! Keep On Truckin! We are seeing more HDT's in the Tucson area ourselves and seems to be a trend@! Cheers and God Bless you two!!
We owned a class C. We now have 2021 Discovery Diesel pusher and I'll bet it's quiter going down the road than your HDT. Your class C is a bad comparison. It's all about travel style and what you like. I wouldn't swap our full size truck as our transportation when we get where we are going for anything else and we take long trips from base.
That's a great setup and works for you. We dislike long day trips from our base so we get closer to where we want to visit. Our Class C has terrible suspension and air ride is much better. It's great that you're enjoying your rig. That's all that matters. Safe travels.
I thought about going to an HDT rally sometimes, but my HDT is way too big to get in there. Lol. I’m 99’ from bumper to bumper, I have a W900L Kenworth that has the same exact sleeper as that big white Peterbuilt you had in your video, it has a bathroom, kitchen, bed, and passenger seats in it, with a stretched frame to get my Jeep onboard with my 53’ spacecraft toy hauler. It is massive, and I been turned away from a few camp sites that did support HDTs but mine was just to long, and some it also sit to low and my fuel tanks would drag. But it ran the haul road up here in Alaska a couple weeks ago, but by the time I got back to the Fox AK Hill Top truck stop, she already had a full color change from front to rear. It took my guys 8hrs to clean it when we got back to Wasilla AK. Lol
The VOLVO HDT was such a great choice. Imagine you had a new or newer one, would be amazing! Would love to drive one. The Peterbuilt’s look great but I would still prefer a VOLVO. The power tandem is the way to go you did well with the upgrade. I like that you added fresh water / waste tanks to the truck, so convenient, especially when boondocking! Maybe I am a bit biased since I was born in Germany / Europe but I love living in the US and being a US citizens to have common sense and allow to drive this big rigs without a CDL. That would not be possible in Germany. Very strict rules. It’s not even possible to tow a toad ( 4 wheels down) behind your Class A. Because you can’t back up. So, in Germany you need to put your car on a trailer. Safe travels, thanks for the video!
Hello that was a lot of useful information. I would guess you had your camper delayed questioning coming in to California was probably at the Banning scale house . I drove a tractor trailer thru there every week from the East Coast. They are a pain . Thanks
What A Burger!!!! People who think like me! I do the cost per year and average lifespan and usually go with something that will last even if the upfront cost is more. It's cheaper in the long run. Happy to hear that TX recognizes that you need to show that you can handle the rig. I heard that there are states where you don't need to show that you buy a motor coach and drive it off the lot with only your regular license. Great info and I wish I could get on the road with an HDT now but it's not the right time for me.
Thanks, Kimberly. Cheaper to buy quality that lasts, great minds think alike! Whataburger is my go-to when in Texas! SD, TN & GA don't require a different license which I've never understood. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Nothing better than a big honker truck! Do any of the HDT's piggyback a Fiat 500 latitudinally, like the Smarts? Loved the Polaris on the one truck. Guessing the one with the Jeep on the back is towing a smaller trailer? Great video 👊
Jeep on the back, towing a 40ft 5th wheel. The Smart is the only car which fits sideways. Several are going to a longer bed for a Jeep which is nice but they sacrifice maneuverability. Thanks for watching.
$950/yr insurance, $650/yr service, never had a breakdown and we get 6.5 mpg. Tires are about $650 each and will last 5-8 years depending on mileage and road conditions. Over 9 years we've spent another $4K on misc repairs such as diagnosing phantom current draws, replace window seals and batteries.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎 I thank God my 28years of driving a big truck that never had to use a emergency run away truck ramp. All ways stop at top of hill check brakes and don't stand on them.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
The engine brake slider, apply a tiny amount of hot glue on the backside of it, let it dry into a small bump.. suddenly you have a touch feeling when you apply your fingers on the "wrong" wiper
Glad you do you! Better than forcing yourself to fit social perceptions. However, I’d think the run away lanes would’ve persuaded you NOT to go with the HDT! Our RAM 4500 dually is a diesel so we also have the engine brake that kicks in going downhill. I think our truck is big with the long box & the 30’ fifth wheel! I wanted a smaller rig for national & provincial parks but a truck that won’t hold up others while climbing Canadian mountains. Great info & yeah, a craft cave is a must! Gotta do some renos to get it, it’s a non-negotiable!🤣
😆 🤣 the "cave" may be in the future... on a boat! 😆 HDT has bigger brakes, engine and frame so it will hold up better in the long run for us. Thanks, Elizabeth for the comments and appreciate your time watching the channel.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I agree that the HDT is a better truck…but it’s sooo big! We were planning taking the semi training course but it was $2000 each! Scratch that. It would have been awesome and really handy to have.
Very nice explanation of your start journey. However, you said your slide was broken and had to change the tire. How many times have your slides caused you problems?
Wow much much to take into consideration and most importantly COMMITMENT to living that kind of life looks like the closest we will be is camping in a CABIN and not tent … lol by the way Sondra what great T shirt very clever design… stay blessed guys
Great video, and back story as to how you guys go where you are with the HDT, would love to see a simular video sometime on the Spacecraft RV, it looks great.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I too would love to see a video and back story on your trailer. Would be interesting to compare and contrast your experience to that of Switch it Up.
@markratliff7991 thanks. Herrin Welding in Kilgore, Texas but he stopped building HDT beds after ours. It was $30K for everything....except for the truck! 😆
I love following you guys My dad was a trucker When are you coming to australia We are caravaners but are stuck at home at the moment as I had to have a hip replacement Stay safe xxx
Thanks, Megan. Love to come to Australia but we are trying to figure out how to do it. A month won't cut it. Have to caravan around the country to really experience it. Good luck on the hip!
Just watched your video, why you chose an HTD. It was very good you made a lot of good points. Now my next question...Why the custom RV instead of a regular store bought? I've got my reasons but I'm curious about yours. It's very custom and very nice 👌.
Good question! Thanks for watching. We had a DRV Mobile Suites Houston for 3 years. We were at the weight limit but wanted to add significant solar and batteries. We travel 15K-20K miles per year average and also wanted something a little more robust. We loved our Houston, though.
I know it’s called HDT now but to me it’s still a Semi to me. I understand why you got it. As a previous OTR driver, find it hard now to even drive my GMC 3500. Felt safer in the Semi. I didn’t realize how many HTD’s are out there.
It's still a semi for sure but on lighter duty as an HDT. 😆 🤣 Quite a few of us but still a very small niche in the RV world.
Was an OTR driver, it seems like pushing the fifth wheel that far back would make it hard to back up. You can get a million miles out of a "Semi" from what I've heard most light truck diesels are good for about 300,000 miles of towing., thats something.
Love your normal travel videos but man, these last 2 you’ve put out have been so incredibly interesting! Nice to hear your back story. Safe travels.
Thank you very much.
I dream of the RV lifestyle but don’t think HDT would be my preferred mode of transport yet I watched your entire video. You guys are charming and lovely - Thank you!!
Agreed. It's not for everyone. As a matter of fact, an HDT is probably the most difficult mode of RV travel. A motorhome is the easiest because it's accepted everywhere. Thanks
First time watching you guys. Love your energy and thanks for sharing your experience and why you got HDT. I was wondering why many people didn't haul 5th wheels with them and found out from you that there's a whole community. Subscribed.
Welcome aboard! Appreciate your time watching the channel. ☺️ Our life on the road. Nothing scripted, it's just our travels.
You guys have one heck of a set up with the Volvo sand that awesome trailer. I would have thought the Volvo would have been about $225,000 so $140,000 all in was I’m sure a no brainer. Love your channel and you guys are so fun to watch. 😊
Thanks, Ron. I was shocked at the quote, now 10 years ago. As you said, a no brainer.
As a 24 year employee of Volvo and likely working the day you drove your truck off the line, this is an enjoyable video and love seeing all the Volvos lined up at the resort.
Glad you enjoyed it! It's always very cool to see them gathered. And thanks for your quality work on our truck!
I have really enjoyed these last two videos. You are no longer a couple of silly people who drive a crazy big rig. You are two very intelligent people who know what they are doing. You have done a great job telling your story and explaining why you are doing what you are doing. All the best to you and may you live long and prosper!
Thank you. We try to be sensible and responsible but live life for today and plan for tomorrow. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
You two crushed it again. I was drawn to your channel because of the HDT and even though I don't think (at my age and health downfalls) I'd ever be doing what you are doing in the same way, information is information. Learning new things is learning new things. Regardless. And even after not having my Class A anymore after 17 years, I can't let go (RV life) and it's still a part of me (Teenager days my Dad bought a new '72-22' Prowler Travel trailer....bug bit for camping started). And I'm here because of your dedication of what you do and how you do it. I cannot thank you enough for sharing it all!
Wow! Thank you so very much. We're grateful to have everyone along with us on this journey.
I built a flatbed trailer out of one of those 22 foot prowlers. Honestly some of the shabbiest fabrication work I've ever seen. Not intending to offend. It held together somehow but I almost scrapped the whole thing because of it. Anyways, memories.
As a trucker (11 years and still rolling), I really need to reiterate the whole comfort aspect of the HDT vs. a dually. Semi tractors are designed to be driven 8-10 hours a day, every day. I put in a 500+ mile day, and I feel fine when I park. In a pickup, you're sore and aching.
Also, you mentioned the cost. I've been watching the used tractor market recently, with an eye for getting a tractor to use when I retire. Trucks with 500K miles on them are going for the $50K-$60K range, and those trucks can go over a million miles before they need any major service.
I love your back story, and I hope to meet up with you two someday. Maybe I'll bobtail to one of the HDT rallys!
Yes. Semi-trucks are made for driving comfort. We're ready to roll after a day on the road. No fatigue. Huge benefit. I also like having an engine in front of me vs a windshield for safety.
Our dually Ram 3500 is comfortable to drive and ride in! Especially when hauling our 30ft. fiver.
I have a 15,000 lb Solitude 310GK, and now you have me strongly considering an HDT for safety, above all. Thank you for the details.
Glad to help. It's not for everyone but it has some really good advantages. It's just what is important to you. Thanks
The length of these videos is what brings me here. Its not like 25 mins and zero message. Well done
Thank you. We're breaking the UA-cam mold! 😆
Hopefully one day me and my wife can do something like you guys are doing….. Man I love you have a job like you all must of have. Dreams come true I hope! Safe travels guys.
Thank you. It's a good goal to have. We worked hard for 35 years, budgeted, saved and stuck to our plan. We appreciate each day we spend in this lifestyle.
A lot of great information! Thank you for being so upfront so that we can make the best choices in traveling!!
Thanks, Rick. And glad you got something useful out of it.
Once again! You two are the best! Thank you❤
Our pleasure!
From Australia, thank you so much for explaining all that about your rig. It was very interesting to learn how you ended up with an amazing setup.
Cheers from OZ
Thanks from Australia for being so down to earth and sharing how you ended up on your awesome set up.
Thanks, Brent. It's about our travels and we never thought anyone would be interested... but it seems there's a few...sooo... we produced the video to let our channel friends get to know us a little better.
Loved the smart car exodus! I’m a hd truck mechanic and I remember back in the early 90’s seeing class 6-7 medium trucks pulling the larger RVs and that made much more sense to me regarding safety. My question/comment is about the coach. I don’t think the cookie-cutter 5th wheels are designed for full time living, both mechanically and coach wise. Spacecraft is probably not for everyone but in the end, just like the HDT, long term it will cost less. A commercial trailer chassis is built for the weight and mileage a full timer puts on the coach. Air ride suspension is so much easier on the coach and air brakes are less maintenance / give more stopping confidence. Just my two cents from someone who owns a 21’ TT 😉 Great channel and I tune in often.
I think you're correct, Chris. Long term, our setup will be less outlay and less expensive over 20 years. The production models can't hold up to fulltime living...especially if you also put more than 10K miles and 25 stops. No doubt!
This episode was absolutely PERFECT timing, as we just let our family know that we are getting a Volvo too. We introduced them this last weekend to your channel and now they’ll see we aren’t the only ones. Thanks for showing what a huge following the HDT community has. It will hopefully ease our family’s concerns. Great job guys! And Sondra absolutely needs her own ‘craft carrier’😂Better get on board David 😉Take care you guys!❤~Wendy
Woohoo! Congratulations 🎊. Your family will come to embrace the change and actually get a kick out of telling their friends about your setup!
Drove a Volvo long haul and I loved that truck. So smooth and comfortable.
We really enjoy our truck. Makes travel much less stressful. Thank you for watching the channel.
I love how brave you were starting out on this journey. I recently had a leg operation after being off my leg for 1 year, I lived vicariously through your journey, had operation 3 months ago and recently took my beautiful dog and two granddaughters on a two kilometre walk, first for a long while (still building back muscle). I still wait for your videos with much anticipation, have travelled the world extensively and to the States 2 but always with work and the last thing I want to do is get on another plane, never got to see the beautiful places you go to so I appreciate very much your travel blogs. For now more than happy to explore my beautiful state of South Australia.
That's great and congrats on the walk! We hope to get down to Australia sometime. Thanks for watching the channel.
This video made me Subscribe. Great video that answers a lot of questions that many have about HDT travel. Sharing the cost of things: cost of truck, miles per gallon, I-Drive vs Automatic transmission, is a huge benefit of watching this video. LOL, at the road puns. YES, powered tandems, solar power are must haves. State domicile, mail, vehicle registration, and the rally's to go to learn about HDTs.
Glad it was helpful! We're excited to have you along on the journey. Thanks
We love the energy you both have. I dream of being able to take the family around the country in such style. Your relationship is beautiful.
Thank you for watching the channel. We're excited to be able to share our experiences with everyone.
Very Cool Video you guys! Park looks very clean and organized there in Idaho. Thanks for bringing us along 🎉
You're welcome. The park is very nice and well kept. Thanks
Drove many rigs over a thirty year career and Volvos were definitely the smoothest riding trucks and I was a Kenworth guy.
Very true, Marty. Lots of good trucks. We enjoy our Volvo.
I’m only out on the road about three months a year, but I can’t wait for your next video. Very cool and interesting way to travel.👍👊😎
Thanks. We love it.
Really enjoyed your video. Were almost ready to retire and travel. Such a nice wealth of information. Safe travels. Dan & Lila Seymour
Glad it was helpful! Good luck on your plans. Thanks for watching the channel.
Learned so much more about HDT’s and enjoyed watching looking at all the rigs and learning about the rally. Got a kick out of the smart car parade.
That's great. Glad you enjoyed it. 😊 seeing the Smart car parade is awesome.
Thanks for explaining the differences. Have fun, be safe and keep it between the lines😊
Thanks, you too!
Yet another great video - excellent presentation! Enjoy the rally!
Thank you, Elizabeth. We had a great time.
I am definitely hooked on your videos. My husband watches with me while he's eating dinner. He said, they're so happy! We stay pretty close to home at a 1000 Trails near us. Because with a golf cart and boat to take the grandkids tubing....it can take us 2 trips to get all our gear.
That is awesome! A boat and a campground is a phenomenal combination! Love it! Thanks
lol David I'm subscribed to your channel been binge watching love you guys. I'm in my happy place watching you love the banter
Woohoo! Always good to be in your happy place!
I loved this informative video!! Looked like a fun rally! Loved the smart car 🚗 parade! 😂 thanks for taking us with you!! Be safe out there!!
Thanks, Marian. It was fun to do that.
This was so much fun! Showing us who you are and how you got to today was sooo interesting. Told myself I’d watch 1/2 tonight and the rest tomorrow; that didn’t happen. Had to watch it all, just like picking up a book and being 52 pages in before you know it. Thank you so much for entertaining me!! 😃👍
You're welcome and glad you're along on the journey. 😊
Really enjoyed watching the videos. We are full timers also. We have been doing this about the same amount of time as you. We also love it. Glad you mentioned the Escapees RV club, as we have been members for 24 years and can say they never miss a beat on the mail service. We are slowing down a bit as we approaching 80 now. We will keep on trucking with our Ram and 5th wheel. Thanks for the videos.
That is awesome! Safe travels and thanks for being a part of the journey with us.
I love your life in America, the vast spaces, God willing, and the independent private homes without the high-rise, multi-storey buildings, and your constant connection to nature, so that every house has its own backyard, and this is the best life or the ideal life on the face of the earth, the constant connection to nature, greenery, and trees.
We really enjoy it and the freedom of affords us.
@@bigtruckbigtravels بتمنى لكم السعاده الدائمه بأذن الله
@@tameramer9348thanks wish you the same stay blessed
This was great. When you mentioned Livingston and Escapees, I was bouncing in my chair. My sister lives there and stayed in the park. I believe she worked there too.
Thank you both for the wealth of information. Enjoy
Oh wow! That's awesome. Thanks for watching.
Once considered getting a semi to haul a fifth wheel toy hauler but as a retired diesel mech, I would first change out the suspension for a soft ride to prevent damage to the trailer. Seen that done once while working as a mech and kept that in mind ever since.
Interesting. I've never heard of that but a lot of people would be interested in that mod.
Loved the explanation of WHY the big hug rig. Hope to see you on the road someday
I hope so too! That would be fun. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks
His guys, great choice in truck, I only wish here in Australia we had a bonnet Volvo's. The ride looks so good when I watch you guys, I drive a Volvo FH 600 cabover for work and the ride is not, also the fuel economy is great on the Volvo's, love the channel guys, one day I'll be doing the same driving for pleasure rather than work 👌🇦🇺🇦🇺
Thank you. Not many cabovers in the US. One day we'll get to Australia. Thanks for watching.
Great information, I will be moving my address to Texas
and insurance. I do like FMCA for their library and "how to".
They are a wealth of information for sure. Thanks
I haven't ridden in a class A since I was a kid heading to Disney World the first year it opened! The point you made about riding in the motor home and hearing the dishes and other things rattle would drive my wife crazy. Makes the fifth wheel still seem like a better way to travel. Good info and I enjoyed the Rally coverage.
Thanks, Carl. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hey guys, those smart cars are adorable looking! Im glad you found something great to pull your home because I don't think you could get very far pushing it around the country 😂😅😂
We agree! 😆 🤣 it wouldn't even get an inch!
I had a massive 5th wheel we found it was a real PITA to get around cities where lot of traffic in busy gas stations, restaurants, camp grounds We downsized only wife and I now we have 19 foot class C motorhome I can park it most places and we have E-bikes to ride into towns those can go 35 miles on a charge. We are not full time RV'ers maybe be different if we did that full time where you go to a park in an RV park for few months at a time not really having to drive it around much. We can fit in any campground without a problem I have even parked it in regular parking spots at grocery stores.
There are definite downsides to a big rig. Our 32' Class C is much easier to get around and travel plan. But since this is our full-time home, we want to be comfy. Thanks
My late father had a 18 wheeler truck he used in his tractor dealership. I went with him as a kid and he said that you always want to be bigger than what you're towing. He said the last thing you want to do is get pushed or run over by the trailer. The only way to keep control over a heavy trailer is a heavy truck. I have a big 5th wheel trailer and a Ford F250 Super Duty and I never feel safe towing the trailer, especially stopping the rig in an emergency. I was talked out of getting an international 4700 light truck but I wish I had gone that way, over the Ford...
You are so right. That's why we went this route. Safety.
thank you both . very good information . looks perfect . if i could i would like locking differantials. and if i could find a folding powered ramp to on and of load the smart . i had a toy hauler with i.q. on board . god bless we wish you great health and very happy trailes .
Powered folding ramps would be cool!
I can see the alure. Not sweating your truck at all. Mileage probably the same as an hd diesel rig. Definitely got more room inside. Longer distance between fillups. Maybe a little harder on the turns. It's definitely a nice setup.
Thank you. As with anything, there are advantages and disadvantages. You have to choose what best suits your travel style.
Great info from you guys . My uncle was a long haul trucker and he has told us through the years he felt safe in his semi then he did in his car . There were some nice looking rigs there . Y'all stay safe .😊
That's awesome and we feel much safer. Thanks for watching.
Great video. You do well driving that big rig. I think you have made a great choice, especially with regard to quality and safety
Thank you. We think so too.
The smart car parade just struck me as absolutely hilarious. 🤣 I was waiting for bunches of clowns to come tumbling out of each one! It was so cute.
That is always funny! Never gets old seeing that at the rally's.
Cue up "yakity sax" for the Smart car parades. 😅🎷🎵🎶@bigtruckbigtravels
Informationally, one your best videos. Look forward to all your episodes.
😆 lots of info in this one for sure. Thanks
Someone told us you were team drivers in your working lives. Well, this video proves other wise.
We’ve really enjoyed watching and wish we could see your older ones but that has changed.
Can’t wait for your next adventure.
Thanks 👍
Must say in many ways I like your choice of a semi ( tractor and trailer ) I am in Australia. One down side I see, is some one who has driven nothing bigger than a sedan. Buys a Semi and does not have the experiance, and could be a danger. Please don't be offended by that. You sound like you done your home work on it, and you stepped up from an RV Motor Home. You have to move to Australia. You can get a B Double. Prime mover ( tractor ) and 1 and half trailers. The half one has a second 5th wheel for full size trailer. Loads of room. Down side, cost blow-out, and need a differant licence.
Keep on trucking. And please keep the shiny side up and the rubber on the black top. 🌜☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️🌛
G'day! We'd love to get to Australia but not sure your camper parks wild fit us. We have 9 years of experience in this rig but you are correct in that it can be dangerous if the driver is not careful. Thanks for watching the channel. We'll keep the black stuff on the black top!
We don't eat out, as she is holding a Whataburger cup.....lol. Love your channel.
😆 🤣 oh... we have 20 of them in the cabinet! Got them free from a Whataburger manager several years ago, if we'd do them a favor. Great back story!
@@bigtruckbigtravelswhere is the video on that “favor”?
Sorry, I was replying to a comment on our channel and somehow actually entered the comment on your channel. With that said, we love following your adventures.
Thanks! It was an interesting response!
@@bigtruckbigtravels I was typing a comment and trying to pin the comment. While working on my phone I heard your video in the background playing at the same time as the short I had posted. I clicked on send and then could not find the comment until I got the ❤️ notification from your channel. Who knows what happened…lol
@BoukenisAdventure I'm usually in UA-cam mystery land every day so completely understand. Thanks for the inadvertent comment! 😆 🤣
@@bigtruckbigtravels 😂🤣 well, even inadvertent comments help the algorithm. Safe travels.
I like the direction that you have taken with the HDT and home. Never drove a Volvo but know drivers that have and they have the best ride and are dependable. If the Lord sees fit for us to go this way we would likely go toy hauler for the small SUV or truck and a small boat for me to fish around in to travel around in and put a UTV on the truck deck. Love your set up.
That's a great plan. Thanks for watching. Love the boat idea!
Doing this is where I think an @EdisonMotors conversion hybrid would be awesome. Pair the truck to the trailer with solar and the generator on the Edison plus they can share battery between the two when on the road.
Nice. Haven't heard of that but it sounds awesome.
Great video and very informative. We drive a 24 ft Class C with no slides or tow.We only snowbird for 3.5 months.😂 I am like Sondra., washrooms breaks would slow us down if I couldn’t get up and walk to the bathroom while going down the highway.🚽🧻😂😂❤️
That is awesome! Very flexible setup which allows you to go anywhere.
Thanks for all the great info you two! When we went full time in 2018 we towed a 44' 5er toy hauler (17k lbs empty) with a F350 dually. I wanted a HDT but like Sondra, my DW was not for it at all. So we went with a 41' Super-C and tow a Jeep Wrangler. Who knows what the future holds...
41' Super C and a Jeep has some definite advantages and is still comfy for fulltiming. We think you have a well rounded unit good for all types of travel. Nice!
The cost of your truck and rig.....buying quality always costs less over time. Pay for quality, it reaps ROI benefits over time.
That's our thought...and philosophy in life. Thanks
Great video, thanks for all the details. Safe travels
Thanks, Alan. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Awesome job on this video. Answered some questions I had on HDT - and especially appreciate your viewpoint on private truck versus RV versus totterhome. Makes sense to me. Appreciate you "dad' jokes and even more your sounds effects!! 🤣 Hoping to make it to the Kansas HDT rally in October!
Glad it was helpful! Would be great to see you in Hutch. We'll be there a week early for a meet-up.
Wow, this is an excellent informative video!! Thanks for sharing!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks
This is the ultimate "take it with you" aspect of RVing. Lots of upsides, if you have the money, but lots of downsides too. Your rig is 80 ft long, and you will basically go from and HDT friendly campground to another HDT friendly campground. Forget national parks, or most state parks for that matter. Need to make a grocery run or go to the movies? Well the little subcompact car is almost a necessity for doing that, but it's another vehicle to maintain and insure, and the HDT has to be modded to allow you to take it along.
All true. It's definitely not an RV Lifestyle suited to everyone. But, you know, there are pros & cons to every type of RV unit. It's a matter of each persons "mission profile", priorities and travel style. Thank you for your comments and your time watching the channel. ☺️
Thanks for taking the time to explain all of this. It was very interesting and informative. Have a great time and continued safe travels. P.S. I think you are fairly safe that Sondra won’t be doing the vlog editing, and therefore cutting out the puns and dad jokes, as she would have to reduce or eliminate her journaling time!
Glad you enjoyed it! 😆 I think you're correct on the editing part! She's too busy with her stickers!
Good video ! Neat stuff ! I bought the 2017 Smart Car, 2015 Volvo & ended up not finishing the build. Love the Smart car need to sell the Volvo cheap ! Ended up with the cummins 2500 ram and a Outdoor RV travel trailer. Couldn’t wait to hit the road.
Good luck! It's all good as long as you're comfy. Thanks
Sondra, kudos to you. When presented with genuine evidence, you adjusted your opinion.
😆 she wasn't thrilled about it! Lol 😆
Great Episode! Lots of Info and HDT's wow! Keep On Truckin! We are seeing more HDT's in the Tucson area ourselves and seems to be a trend@! Cheers and God Bless you two!!
Thanks. Tucson is a great winter destination for many.
We owned a class C. We now have 2021 Discovery Diesel pusher and I'll bet it's quiter going down the road than your HDT. Your class C is a bad comparison. It's all about travel style and what you like. I wouldn't swap our full size truck as our transportation when we get where we are going for anything else and we take long trips from base.
That's a great setup and works for you. We dislike long day trips from our base so we get closer to where we want to visit. Our Class C has terrible suspension and air ride is much better. It's great that you're enjoying your rig. That's all that matters. Safe travels.
The local community must’ve gotten a good laugh at the clown car parade. 😊 Great explanation on the history of your hdt.
Glad you enjoyed it. The public always gets a chuckle out of a flock of Smarts on the prowl! 😆
I thought about going to an HDT rally sometimes, but my HDT is way too big to get in there. Lol. I’m 99’ from bumper to bumper, I have a W900L Kenworth that has the same exact sleeper as that big white Peterbuilt you had in your video, it has a bathroom, kitchen, bed, and passenger seats in it, with a stretched frame to get my Jeep onboard with my 53’ spacecraft toy hauler. It is massive, and I been turned away from a few camp sites that did support HDTs but mine was just to long, and some it also sit to low and my fuel tanks would drag. But it ran the haul road up here in Alaska a couple weeks ago, but by the time I got back to the Fox AK Hill Top truck stop, she already had a full color change from front to rear. It took my guys 8hrs to clean it when we got back to Wasilla AK. Lol
99'! Wow! 100' going up on a hill, I guess. That is long.
Wow! That's big! I guess I won't complain at 73 feet! Oh, we remember the Alaska two-tone!
The VOLVO HDT was such a great choice. Imagine you had a new or newer one, would be amazing! Would love to drive one. The Peterbuilt’s look great but I would still prefer a VOLVO. The power tandem is the way to go you did well with the upgrade. I like that you added fresh water / waste tanks to the truck, so convenient, especially when boondocking! Maybe I am a bit biased since I was born in Germany / Europe but I love living in the US and being a US citizens to have common sense and allow to drive this big rigs without a CDL. That would not be possible in Germany. Very strict rules. It’s not even possible to tow a toad ( 4 wheels down) behind your Class A. Because you can’t back up. So, in Germany you need to put your car on a trailer. Safe travels, thanks for the video!
Thank you. We love our Volvo, we think it's the safest on the road. It's nice to have the freedom to choose.
This is my first time hearing about HDT, very neat seing this style motor home.
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it.
HDT or HTT WHAT DOES IT Stand for? Great video. Nice to learn all this from these last 2 videos. Thank you .!!
Thanks, Mona. HDT = Heavy Duty Truck. It's a semi-truck but we say HDT to distinguish it from a commercial application.
Truck looks great. Hope y’all had fun at the rally. Be safe. Gig em
Thanks. Hope your new coach gets them back to prominence.
When I was young my dad always towed a Jeep. He just had me hold the steering wheel, backed up no problem
That's a good idea because the wheels will turn.
Hello that was a lot of useful information. I would guess you had your camper delayed questioning coming in to California was probably at the Banning scale house . I drove a tractor trailer thru there every week from the East Coast. They are a pain . Thanks
Thanks, Kathy. You are correct.
What A Burger!!!!
People who think like me! I do the cost per year and average lifespan and usually go with something that will last even if the upfront cost is more. It's cheaper in the long run.
Happy to hear that TX recognizes that you need to show that you can handle the rig. I heard that there are states where you don't need to show that you buy a motor coach and drive it off the lot with only your regular license.
Great info and I wish I could get on the road with an HDT now but it's not the right time for me.
Thanks, Kimberly. Cheaper to buy quality that lasts, great minds think alike! Whataburger is my go-to when in Texas! SD, TN & GA don't require a different license which I've never understood. Appreciate your time watching the channel.
Hi from Canada.Very informative video.Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Nothing better than a big honker truck! Do any of the HDT's piggyback a Fiat 500 latitudinally, like the Smarts? Loved the Polaris on the one truck. Guessing the one with the Jeep on the back is towing a smaller trailer? Great video 👊
Smarts Fortwo is 106 inches and the Fiat is 135 inches or longer.
Jeep on the back, towing a 40ft 5th wheel. The Smart is the only car which fits sideways. Several are going to a longer bed for a Jeep which is nice but they sacrifice maneuverability. Thanks for watching.
Need to know more about operation coast? Maintenance, yearly fees, breakdowns, insurance, etc., etc.!
$950/yr insurance, $650/yr service, never had a breakdown and we get 6.5 mpg. Tires are about $650 each and will last 5-8 years depending on mileage and road conditions. Over 9 years we've spent another $4K on misc repairs such as diagnosing phantom current draws, replace window seals and batteries.
Very informative. Thanks for the insight.
Thank you for watching the channel.
Excellent information!! Definitely thinking about it now
Careful, Ed. Don't drink the kool-aid! Lol 😆 😆
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎 I thank God my 28years of driving a big truck that never had to use a emergency run away truck ramp. All ways stop at top of hill check brakes and don't stand on them.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Right on! We use the Jake and downhill cruise whenever we go downhill!
@@bigtruckbigtravels 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
This was a great video. Be safe. Thank you.👍🏻
Thanks, you too!
The engine brake slider, apply a tiny amount of hot glue on the backside of it, let it dry into a small bump.. suddenly you have a touch feeling when you apply your fingers on the "wrong" wiper
Ok... that's a good idea! Thank you. 😃
Thank you for another great video watching you guys from Cathlamet, WA.
Thanks
Another great video. Very interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it, Angela.
I saw you guys 2 days ago at the $50,000 gas station in Hauge MT! Sweet set up!
Sweet! Very small world we live in. Thank you and safe travels.
Glad you do you! Better than forcing yourself to fit social perceptions. However, I’d think the run away lanes would’ve persuaded you NOT to go with the HDT! Our RAM 4500 dually is a diesel so we also have the engine brake that kicks in going downhill. I think our truck is big with the long box & the 30’ fifth wheel! I wanted a smaller rig for national & provincial parks but a truck that won’t hold up others while climbing Canadian mountains.
Great info & yeah, a craft cave is a must! Gotta do some renos to get it, it’s a non-negotiable!🤣
😆 🤣 the "cave" may be in the future... on a boat! 😆 HDT has bigger brakes, engine and frame so it will hold up better in the long run for us. Thanks, Elizabeth for the comments and appreciate your time watching the channel.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I agree that the HDT is a better truck…but it’s sooo big! We were planning taking the semi training course but it was $2000 each! Scratch that. It would have been awesome and really handy to have.
Very nice explanation of your start journey. However, you said your slide was broken and had to change the tire. How many times have your slides caused you problems?
3 times they have broken.
Wow much much to take into consideration and most importantly COMMITMENT to living that kind of life looks like the closest we will be is camping in a CABIN and not tent … lol by the way Sondra what great T shirt very clever design… stay blessed guys
Thank you, Isabella. She loves the shirt!
HELLO GUYS FANTASTIC VIDEO LOVE YOU GUYS ! BE BLESSED BE SAFE 🇺🇸🚂🇺🇸🚂🚂🙏
Thanks
Great video, and back story as to how you guys go where you are with the HDT, would love to see a simular video sometime on the Spacecraft RV, it looks great.
Thanks, Gary. We've been talking about that and may do a similar video on it and our experience with the build.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I too would love to see a video and back story on your trailer. Would be interesting to compare and contrast your experience to that of Switch it Up.
Can you provide more on where in Texas you got your bed for the truck built and some ballpark pricing. Love your videos!
@markratliff7991 thanks. Herrin Welding in Kilgore, Texas but he stopped building HDT beds after ours. It was $30K for everything....except for the truck! 😆
You two are so goofy and corny....I love it. Hope to one day see you on the road
Thanks. Always fun to meet people on the road.
I love following you guys
My dad was a trucker
When are you coming to australia
We are caravaners but are stuck at home at the moment as I had to have a hip replacement
Stay safe xxx
Thanks, Megan. Love to come to Australia but we are trying to figure out how to do it. A month won't cut it. Have to caravan around the country to really experience it. Good luck on the hip!
Just watched your video, why you chose an HTD. It was very good you made a lot of good points. Now my next question...Why the custom RV instead of a regular store bought? I've got my reasons but I'm curious about yours. It's very custom and very nice 👌.
Good question! Thanks for watching. We had a DRV Mobile Suites Houston for 3 years. We were at the weight limit but wanted to add significant solar and batteries. We travel 15K-20K miles per year average and also wanted something a little more robust. We loved our Houston, though.
In my day they were called a semi or a tractor-(trailer) but whatever they're called now they sure look cool!
Thanks, Carol. Still called a semi-truck but we call them an HDT to distinguish from commercial application.
So enjoy your adventures
Thanks, Sandy.
Your video made me glad and sad. Glad to see all the folks and their rigs but sad we couldnt make it this year. National here we come!
We'll be there for National, Marcel. Probably get there early to have a channel meet-up for anyone interested. See ya!
@@bigtruckbigtravels I look forward to that. We will be there early as well, likely Wed arrival. Keep me in the loop.
Great video, stay safe and healthy! I shared your video to twitter and fakebook, I don't know if it will get you any more views but I tried.
😆 thank you very much for thinking of us! That was very nice. Really appreciated.
@@bigtruckbigtravels I try and remember to share all of your vids, I enjoy them.
Great video. Lots of good information. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate you taking the time to watch the channel.