cab over truck questions

dawzie · Feb 19, 2012

I need to get a cab over dump truck. Under CDL, 3 yd capacity is plenty. Need to be able to tow a 12k gvw trailer. I know with the trailer I'll be over for non-cdl, thats OK

I would prefer used because it may only see 5-8000 miles a year.
If I go 2wd, stick shift is ok but would like a posi rear
AC is a must

If I go 4wd - I would want to be able to hang a fisher 9' v-plow and be legal axel weight.

My questions
How are these things to plow with?
If I go 4wd, its has to be an automatic
What brand holds up the best
I'm looking for insight to what brands, models, years where the good ones that I should be looking for.

Thanks in advance
dawzie

Bob Rooks · Feb 19, 2012

You're looking at something like an Isuzu. I've never seen one with FWD. Don't even know if any have posi, but most all have A/T. COE w/ FWD in your GVW spec will be pretty tough to find used, if at all. Check your state auctions, they will probably have something with a set back front axle but in a slightly higher GVW, and well used.
Most plow trucks will have a ~12k front axle. How much does your plow weigh?

FWD + COE + A/T + AC = Good luck.

Wnc3 · Feb 19, 2012

I think Mitsubishi / Fuso has a 4wd
Isuzu in 2007 and prior are good.
UD is Nissan and I hear is the best current brand.
Not sure about the plow side of things...

Tags · Feb 21, 2012

Any of em will pull a 12000 gvw trailer, it really depends on how much you plan on putting on the trailer

Seriously though, I've had a few cabover trucks and I will say that they are tough trucks. I've never had a 4wd one but have driven them and it is my opinion that they are grossly under powered and are fairly light in the gvw department. I've had great experience with Isuzu NRR's and Mitsubishi FH's, they are both 18,000 gvw trucks and have good power as well. I used to tow a 10ton trailer with a 17000lb machine with the NRR and it never seemed to mind.

Willl · Feb 21, 2012

Curious as to why the 'cab-over' ?

Something against conventional ?

Bob Rooks · Feb 21, 2012

Mercedes (Diamler-Chrysler) also makes COE's and tilt cabs from class 4 to class 8.
Perhaps what you really want but were afraid to ask, is a Unimog.
Unimog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

shortthrow50 · Feb 21, 2012

Willl said:
Curious as to why the 'cab-over' ?

Something against conventional ?

i agree. cabover is good for tight places but is it really that important when dealing with something as small as to what you looking for? You could almost go with any dodge ram dump or equivelant. h-ell even an old gas 2000 dollar ford dump would work. Cab over tractor trailers and garbage trucks i can understand when your in and out of the city

dawzie · Feb 22, 2012

The reason for my interst in a COE is we added grave digging to our excavation side of the bussiness. Being able to get in tight places will be a plus.

Bob Rooks · Feb 22, 2012

dawzie said:
The reason for my interst in a COE is we added grave digging to our excavation side of the bussiness. Being able to get in tight places will be a plus.

With that small of a truck you'll barely know the difference, Besides, if you get a front driving axle all bets are off on the turning radius, but you already knew that. Your tilt-cab or COE (which aren't the same thing, btw) isn't going to be as manuverable as you think.

flusher · Feb 22, 2012

Bob Rooks said:
You're looking at something like an Isuzu. I've never seen one with FWD. Don't even know if any have posi, but most all have A/T. COE w/ FWD in your GVW spec will be pretty tough to find used, if at all. Check your state auctions, they will probably have something with a set back front axle but in a slightly higher GVW, and well used.
Most plow trucks will have a ~12k front axle. How much does your plow weigh?

FWD + COE + A/T + AC = Good luck.

I like Isuzu's also. Mine is a 2004 NPR/EFI stakebed (8x14 ft by Supreme). Has the GMC/Chevy 6.0L LQ4 V8 gasser, 4 speed auto, PS, A/C, 4.777 to 1 rear end. GVWR is on the small side, 12,000 lb; but I've seen NPRs with 18,000 lb GVWR. GCWR is 18,000 lb for my NPR. I had it weighed on the scale at Petro--7100 lb with 3/4 tank of fuel, my tool box, an 8000 lb winch and me. The wheelbase and overall length are about the same as my 2001 F150 short cab/long bed PU. Gets about 12 mpg unloaded.

NPRs of all kinds (box trucks, stake beds, dumps, utility beds) show up all the time on eBay. That's where I found my NPR (49,500 miles, $11K).

Good luck.