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08/01/02... The Volvo pictured below has been SOLD. I will have another one just like it for sale in about 30 days. So, if you are going to be in the market for a tow vehicle, please continue and look at this one.
This is a 1999 Volvo VNL610. It has only 359K miles and is covered by an extensive warranty. This Volvo is licensed and registered as a Motorhome. A CDL is not required to drive it.
Power is provided by a Cummins 400 HP M 11 Plus Electronic Celetec Engine. It produces 1450 pounds of torque. The transmission is a 10 speed direct drive Rockwell. The rear axle is also Rockwell with a ratio of 2:93. Tires are 295/75 R 22.5s.
This unit is triple air ride. Chassis, sleeper and seat all ride on air. There is an air dump, an air slide 5th wheel hitch, and a quick disconnect air line for running air tools or just airing up tires. 
The average M11 engine has an inframe overhaul at 800,000 miles. Some go more, some go less, but keep in mind, the 800,000 miles distance is for an engine that would be operated at full load most of the time.
For RV use, the load is negligible. The mileage to overhaul should be extended beyond 800,000 miles. This one still has 441,000 miles to go before reaching 800,000 miles.
The air slide hitch in the above picture allows for motorcycles to be carried behind the sleeper. Simply load the bikes with the hitch slid all the way to the end of the frame. You can tow any size trailer with the hitch in the full rear position, full forward position, or anywhere in between.
This engine has been dynoed and inspected by Cummins Engine Company. It has been certified for Generation 2 Warranty coverage. This warranty is good for 6 months or 60,000 miles. The warranty covers all lubricated engine parts including the injectors. It also covers the turbo, all pumps, the air conditioner, the air compressor, the starter and alternator. Wear out of parts is also included in this warranty.
When the Generation 2 warranty expires, the engine is still covered for all major parts until July 2003 by Cummins. (5 year 500,000 miles) In addition, the transmission and rear axle are covered under warrant by Rockwell until July 2003.
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This 99 Volvo rides and handles better than either of my other Volvos. They both handled fine, but this one is a step above.
I picked the 99 Volvo up in SLC, fueled up at Flying J just down the street. Then I headed for Oregon. Traffic narrrows to one lane and just stops going through Provo. I drove about three hundred miles then stopped for the night at a flying J 101 miles from Ontario. I slept in the sleeper. It was cool, so I didn't need to run the engine on high idle.
There was a nice breeze so I opened both sleeper vents and went to bed. I slept till 5:30 AM, showered, had breakfast, then headed to Ontario. I went to Walmart in Ontario and bought a microwave and refrigerator which I installed in the sleeper. I then went to the DMV and registered the Volvo as a Motorhome.
I left Ontario about 11:AM and headed East. The speed limit across most of the West is 75 MPH Nebraska has a 75 MPH limit also. Missouri is 70. I set the cruise on 77 and let her roll. I didn't stop at any weigh stations. I passed through heavy thunderstroms in the Mountains just outside SLC.
I drove on the the Flying J in Rawlings Wyoming, and stopped for the night. It was a cool night, in the 50s which is great sleeping weather. I slept till about 7:AM had breakfast, and drove to Cheyenne Wy. where I stopped for fuel. I had driven 1,255 miles at that point and it took 103 gallons to fill her up. 11.7 MPG
average at that point.
From Cheyenne I drove on to KC, arriving about 10: PM Wednesday night.
The Volvo Road Relay computer says I drove a total of 1,880.4 miles in 32 hours and 12 minutes, got 11.63 MPG, I averaged 58 MPH, and used 161.6 gallons of fuel.
The truck did not use any oil. It is tight. There is no play in the driveline and no rattles. The fit and finish is very good. Handling is great. No bouncing or jouncing. Very quiet comfortable ride.
The price as it sits is $32,900. I don't plan to do any further conversion work for about 10 days in case anyone wants to buy it as is.
Lastly, keep in mind this is a 99 Volvo. It only has 359K miles and it comes with a great warranty. If you know where you can get more truck for the money let me know.
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