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We switched over to the Volvo HDT after years of pickups in 2007. Our MS was around 18K loaded at the time and was over every capacity including the rear tires on our Chevy SRW. We were shopping for a Dually like 450 and with it being around $75K loaded here in Canada we opted to go the HDT route. $30K plus about 2K to get rolling we were set. We did use it for daily driver when traveling too. No issues for what we were doing. We tow about 8-10K per year.
In 2009 we added the Smart car on the back. So now the truck just tows. We spend 6 mo snowbirding and love the setup. We are glad to have the Smart.
We get between 8.5 and 10 MPG depending on terrain. Jake brake and auto shift tranny. Easy as driving a Minivan. So much more comfortable than any pickup we had. No fatigue from driving and we never even feel the trailer at all.
Repairs from failures have been very minimal. A shifter unit for the tranny was around $350 and a tranny oil cooler was around $400 with fluids. I do most my own work as well. I get wet service (oil, filters all including fuel, lube and insp once a year for $220.
Rest has been preventative work that is done on all vehicles. Costs are reasonable and not any more for the most part than pick up work I have done. Like complete front brakes all parts incl drums was $350. I did the work.
I love pickups and would have one again if it can tow the rig safely and not be overloaded, if we ever get tired of the HDT but that won't be anytime soon. At least the lasted offering in the Heavy PU market looks promising.
Tow with whatever floats yer boat!
Bill
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