Considering U500, registration, commerical driver's license, insurance what do I need

[evilfij]

Well, what do I need? How does one go about taking care of these types of things?

 

[Tennmogger]

Lots of money....

Well, what do I need? How does one go about taking care of these types of things?

 

[evilfij]

Lots of money....

That I have. :victory:

 

[charlieaarons]

I obtained a CDL which was relatively easy. Not needed if it's a camper, but I got it because Australia DOES require a CDL even if it is an RV.
I got insurance thru GMAC. Progressive also will insure but I won't deal with that company.
No problems with registration, it is a DOT/EPA certified vehicle.
If it is 2004 or later (260hp) I recommend blocking off the EGR and discarding the EGR cooler, unless you live in a police state like California. MPG improved in mine by 8% and you remove a major failure mode, the oil lasts longer, etc.

Charlie
PS What options does the one you are considering have?

 

[evilfij]

Frankly, I am not sure. It seems to be a really good deal (for a U500) and I am going to check it out this weekend as it is only a couple hours away.

Before I get too far I wanted to see what the logistics of owning something like this would be.

Ron

 

[Tennmogger]

Hi Ron,

Glad you have a sense of humor! LOL. Where are you located, stateside? You probably know that Freightliner was the selling entity here in the USA but they no longer are involved, so the U500's are orphans. There are several good parts suppliers in the US who can order parts you might need.

With Charlie here as an adviser you're definitely in good hands for advice!

Bob

Frankly, I am not sure. It seems to be a really good deal (for a U500) and I am going to check it out this weekend as it is only a couple hours away.

Before I get too far I wanted to see what the logistics of owning something like this would be.

Ron

 

[evilfij]

I am in PA.

I forgot that was not in my profile. I am a land rover guy at heart (I have 6), but I want to get a "truck" to replace the aged range rover I haul stuff with. I was thinking about a newer range rover, G55 or GL merc diesel and then it occured to me for that money, I could get a mog. I know they are not really comparable vehicles, but the Mog is just so much more useful and I figure between daily driving a lotus or a defender soft top, the mog is no less practical than anything else I own.

Best,

Ron

 

[dzzz]

If you're looking at that U500 in new york be sure it can be registered.

 

[dzzz]

............

Glad you have a sense of humor! LOL. Where are you located, stateside? You probably know that Freightliner was the selling entity here in the USA but they no longer are involved, so the U500's are orphans. ......

With two mercedes employees supporting 180 trucks the U500 is hardly orphaned. The engine is used in other trucks in the U.S. Some of the more exotic systems may confuse mechanics.

But as you said we have Charlie.

 

[evilfij]

If you're looking at that U500 in new york be sure it can be registered.

Please explain.

 

[dzzz]

Let me change that to the Craigslist U500 in NJ
Ask them to fax you the title and registration before you go look at it. There's been one in the Ny/NJ area that wasn't imported in the usual way.

 

[charlieaarons]

Thanks for the compliments, but remember I'm going to be out of the country a lot for the next 2 yrs or so, with my U500.
The best thing is to cultivate a Detroit Diesel, or failing that a Freightliner dealer, who is willing to order ALL parts (not just engine). I have one about 4 miles from my house. I have a comprehensive store of spare parts (not for sale).
Mercedes has guaranteed to support the vehicle till at least 2025 in the US and Canada.

Charlie

 

[evilfij]

Understood. I will confirm about registration and title etc.

Seems just like the land rover world in that regard.