International 4800 4x4 as motorhome

[Lhotka]

I am researching the feasibility of using an International 4800 4x4 as a heavy duty motorhome platform. Anyone have experience with this truck, motor options, ride, ect... .

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2001. 5 4x4 ETH/DEE Reg. cab SLT, six speed, camper/tow, snowplow, 4. 10 LSD, Patriot Blue

 

[Andy Perreault]

I remember seeing one just like that in Motorhome magazine a few years ago. The article was about an American couple that shipped the truck to Europe and travelled around there. Sorry I couldn't tell you more than that. Maybe someone else on the board saw that article and can fill you in.
Andy

 

[R.E. Miller]

Lhotka,
That would be bad, but the 4800 is not cheap by any means. 70,000 is not unreasonable for a new cab and chassis. But you would have the nasty, go anywhere camper! #ad


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1992 W-350 Club Cab Dually 3. 5" Jardine, Swiss cheese air box
1992 W-350 8' contractors dump with 3. 5"BD exhaust, 16cm^2 housing, DI pyro&boost
Russell

 

[Bad340fish]

I drive a 97 4700 with a DT466E. Its set up with a side bay box like a Beer truck, But its full of Batteries. 35-40K on two axles. The truck is built STOUT as anything. The brakes suck, The motor is rated at a wimpy 210HP and 560Ftlbs, the only thing that gets it moving is the 7 speed trans. It(along with 3 other trucks) has been very unreliable. We also have 2 2000 model trucks that have been in numerous times already for engine leaks and troubles. IMO the truck build is great. . the motor sucks and so does the electrical system. I pulled my throttle switch out the other day and it has 3 purple wires?? How the hell you gonna figure a problem out. . guess what. . the cam sensor also has 3 purple wires. Hald the harness is purple!! Well thats enough post lol have fun
Clark

 

[FAB]

I have to drive a '99 4700 at work (same cab as 4800, I believe). This is a very small and uncomfortable cab, small thinly padded seat, big steering wheel, terrible heater duct system, it has no floor heat outlets! I doubt it's an option in a 4800, but ours has the 190 horse v8 power stroke which is gutless at best! Also the 6+1 trans has a notchy, hard to find shift pattern and transmits lots of noise and rattling up through the shifter, nothing I'd want to drive cross country!!

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2001. 5 2500 ETH SLT QC SB 3. 54 Hd 241 Camper, tow,

 

[Big E]

We have three 4800 4x4's in out Fire Dept. built up as Type 3 Brush Trucks. All of them have the DT466 with an Allison MT653 5 speed auto trans. One is rated at 190 hp the other two are 275 hp I believe. I have driven all three on and off road.

They are all gutless, especially the 190hp one. 45 to 50 mph eastbound over the Altamont Pass with a stiff breeze behind you. I think this is a 5 or 6 percent grade. They all ride like tanks even with the load. They all have major steering wander when driving at highway speeds. We were told this is the "nature of the beast".

Off road they do well for a large vehicle. They will climb anything in low range as long as the traction is good. It can get a little scary in off camber situations due to their high center of gravity.

That's my $. 02

 

[Bad340fish]

I agree with FAB. I believe the cabs are the same all the way through the 3800-4900 series. Although mine does have floor ducts kinda. You have to push a knob in to somewhat diver the air to the floor. Now the new trucks 2002? Are Killer. I saw one at the IH dealer the other day. 300% turnaround from the old trucks. Very modern inside, car like dash ETC. I have another year in my work truck before i am due for a new one lol.
Clark

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Clark
1999 2500 QC SB 5spd Flowmaster 3 chamber, K&N Re-0880
1968 Barracuda Formula S Viper Blue 11. 98@112

NHRA member for life

 

[NVR FNSH]

PG&E runs some 4wd service body crane trucks that look like they would make a great 'expedition' platform. I don't know what brand they are - haven't been able to get a close look at one. They are a cab-over/cab-forward design that looks like th cab on the military 8x8 recovery trucks - HEMMT? - or a airport fire/crash rig. Anybody know which ones I'm talking about?

Brian

 

[Lhotka]

Brian,

You've got the idea. If you can identify the truck, post here and let me know. I am looking for alternatives to the F550-F650 route. The new Unimogs are nice, but out of my price range. The 4800 looks like a bullet proof platform, too bad the ride is so terrible. They are available with several engine options. Base price was just over $50,000. 00 when I priced them last year.

 

[Andy Perreault]

There are places that will convert just about anything to 4WD. I wonder if it's feasible to buy a Freightliner FL60 or 70 and have it converted? Then you could get a Cummins 8. 3 liter engine instead of a Navistar.
Andy

 

[Bad340fish]

I Imagine the Fl60 is available in 4wd isn't it?? I believe the Cummins should be an option in the IH 4800 also
Clark

 

[NVR FNSH]

Lhotka,
Here's a pic of the PG&E truck. I'm 6'4" & could barely see into the cab on the drivers side. The cab didn't look all that comfortable - thinly padded bench seats. The badge on the cab is Simon-Duplex. I also saw a DT4800 4wd, FL80 4wd & an awesome looking FL112 6wd.

#ad


Brian

[This message has been edited by Brian Meadows (edited 04-05-2001). ]

 

[pcorssmit]

Saw these today on the GM Defense site. www.gmmilitary.com

#ad


#ad


Pete

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

[This message has been edited by pcorssmit (edited 04-05-2001). ]