My first semi build thread

[Supermario]

The truck is looking great so far. Your doing a fine job.
Playing catch up here but, I have to agree with truck maker. I was real happy with the concealed rod for the fifth wheel but as time went on I realized it's a bit of a pain and wish I had a manual release for those times when you want to uncouple and not have to power up the truck. That idea was short lived and I never bothered because I discovered another PIA. All my trailers have SS Tronix wireless systems with motorized support legs. I didn't want the manual toggle switch to run the legs and never installed so even if I can release the trailer, if the legs are up, I can't run them down without powering the truck up.
It's a bit annoying but Not bad enough to revamp the set up.

Keep up the good work.

[Just_Build_It]

Originally Posted by Claus

Looking good! Moving the front axle and lowering the sleeper roof made some big improvements for sure.

I really like the length of a stock Grand Hauler, not too short, not too long.

Thanks. Yea I agree with the length, I really like it and the turn radius isn't too bad either.

I started building the interior of the sleeper today as I don't have much else to work on. I also am trying to figure out what I am going to do the red SMD led's and how to set them but ideas are flowing so I'll eventually come up with a plan.

Here's where I'm at in the sleeper. His the battery tray put up some walls and hung a flat-screen TV lol

[Just_Build_It]

Originally Posted by Supermario

The truck is looking great so far. Your doing a fine job.
Playing catch up here but, I have to agree with truck maker. I was real happy with the concealed rod for the fifth wheel but as time went on I realized it's a bit of a pain and wish I had a manual release for those times when you want to uncouple and not have to power up the truck. That idea was short lived and I never bothered because I discovered another PIA. All my trailers have SS Tronix wireless systems with motorized support legs. I didn't want the manual toggle switch to run the legs and never installed so even if I can release the trailer, if the legs are up, I can't run them down without powering the truck up.
It's a bit annoying but Not bad enough to revamp the set up.

Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Sir
It sounds like you have quite a debacle on your hands and changing, building and creating is the best part about this hobby. For the fifth wheel I'm going with the braided steel wire so I don't run into the problems previously mentioned.

How do you like that wireless system for your trailer? Eventually I would like to use a wireless trailer system when the time comes.

[Supermario]

I've been happy with the system. Plug n play, very reliable , but expensive compared to other systems out there. Another issue is only having one aux channel for the trailer. What I mean is, if you have a dump trailer you need that channel to run the dump box which means you can't run motorized legs also.
That's how my dump trailer is set up with manual legs. Once trailer is hooked up and dumping, who cares about the legs anyway.

The other nice thing about SS tronix is capacity. can handle 120 LEDs on trailer and another 120 on the truck.

...before I forget, SS Tronix system is designed to work with a MFU. If your going to use any other ESC set up, this system isn't right for your build.

[Just_Build_It]

Originally Posted by Supermario

I've been happy with the system. Plug n play, very reliable , but expensive compared to other systems out there. Another issue is only having one aux channel for the trailer. What I mean is, if you have a dump trailer you need that channel to run the dump box which means you can't run motorized legs also.
That's how my dump trailer is set up with manual legs. Once trailer is hooked up and dumping, who cares about the legs anyway.

The other nice thing about SS tronix is capacity. can handle 120 LEDs on trailer and another 120 on the truck.

...before I forget, SS Tronix system is designed to work with a MFU. If your going to use any other ESC set up, this system isn't right for your build.

Good info to have since I do want to get and/or build a dump trailer. I haven't really decided on a particular mfu or esc yet. I'm also thinking about getting a 9 channel radio for this truck and future trucks. Right now I'm running a cheapo hobbywing esc with only forward/reverse before I spend money on something that is programmable like a Holmes or a Tekin. So I want everything wireless so I don't have to touch my truck while operating it.

[Just_Build_It]

Started painting the interior and need to make a bench/bed cushion, I think I need to head over to the fabric store and pick out some fabric for the sleeper.

[Just_Build_It]

Making some progress. Sprayed the first color of the body. I have to wait for the fenders, grill and single headlight buckets and air cleaners. Thinking about adding a tinted window in the rear of the sleeper. Still have alot more to do but it's taking shape.

I'm not liking the cut lines on the hood. I need to fix that.

[Just_Build_It]

Started on lighting up the cab.

[Just_Build_It]

95% done with painting just waiting on fenders. I cut out better hood walls that sit a little lower but will be trimmed. I also started on the fifth wheel hook release and will probably finish that tomorrow since its pretty straightforward.

[Kausekaos]

Comin along nicely

[Just_Build_It]

Originally Posted by Kausekaos

Comin along nicely

Thanks!
I started working on wiring the clearance lights and I might have to steal the tlu-01 from my Unimog for now to keep everything simple.

[Just_Build_It]

Yeahhh....I'm definitely going to need eye protection when these UV bulbs are lit, and I'm not joking.

[Just_Build_It]

Hooking up that remote trailer release was pretty simple and it will work without power if needed.

[Just_Build_It]

Hooked up my driver with a brand new mud duck SSB CB radio.

[Just_Build_It]

Since I'm finied building for the most part, I'm undecided about which lighting and sound unit would be best for my truck. I'm looking for something that is versatile and has options. There are a few out there and I just can't make a decision.

[TRUCKMAKER]

The trucks looking good but you might ask your shop foreman there he's kinda interested in some thing on the back of the truck, you can see the gears turning

[Just_Build_It]

Originally Posted by TRUCKMAKER

The trucks looking good but you might ask your shop foreman there he's kinda interested in some thing on the back of the truck, you can see the gears turning

Thank you! Haha I think he's curious as to where the trailer is, he can be a little catty when stuff is missing.

[Just_Build_It]

Uploaded a video today

https://youtu.be/BClDzoydY4I

[up9018]

Very nice, truck is looking great.

[Cossett]

Love that video
What is the camera your using to take the video on and have you got a pic of it ?

Cheers Tracy