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Fully loaded numbers My fully loaded 2004 FG camper (weight between 12000 -13000 lbs) gets 9-11 mpg at highway speed (62mph -- 100kph) depending on the number of big climbs and wind conditions. On improved dirt roads (like the Dempster HWY) at moderate speeds the mileage jumps to 12-14 mpg...

Details Mine has a pass through. See the RUF site for pictures. It is useful, but because the box is on a torque free subframe the cab and box move independently and the bellows must be attached with tape (I use black 39 tape that looks decent). The reason people build custom boxes is because...

How often are folks disassembling and repacking the front hubs/bearings on their FG's (mine is a 2004 with 35K miles). The user manual says the service interval is 18K miles and includes replacing oil seals. Seems complicated. Tom

different types Look on the Timbren web site for part numbers. The heavy ones used to be the recommend ones now it looks like the "regular" one is the mid weight.

Used them for 4 years I started with the heavy duty (set recommended by manufacture) but changed to the mid weight when I removed the heavy bumper and winch. The company provided the mid weight set for free. They seem to help stop the truck from bottoming over cattle gates etc. My FG is...

Georgian Bay We stay on an island near Pointe au Baril north of Parry Sound. We do day and multi-day trips. My wife's family owns a cottage there. Tom

The tires are the same as the OEM -- 235/85 R16 10 Ply E load. I was very neglectful this year and has no pics. The FUSO looked good with two 17 ft plus sea kayaks on top. The Georgian Bay is a premiere kayaking spot. 1000's of islands and a choice of sheltered water or big water depending...

Returned from a XC trip from WA state to northern Ontario. This was a highway trip to get us to a month plus of kayaking on the Georgian Bay. I fitted new tires which were a definite improvement over the OEM Yokohamas. No more pulling and no more weird wear or vibration. The new tire are...

Limited slip and tires I have found the stock limited slip to work well in all the conditions I have run my camper. Climbing in loose gravel or slick dirt have never been a problem. Of course my rig has lots of weight on the rear as well. I have not used the rig in ice and snow. I fitted a...

2004's In the 2004 models first gear is a non synchro'ed crawler gear. 2nd thru 5th are the road gears. Tom

more on the RUF frame There is no damper system. I have never noticed any sway. I find the ride very controlled and safe at all speeds. The biggest issue is the overall stiffness of the FUSO suspension forcing careful, slow speeds over rough roads. Darrin's subframe is very heavy duty which...

biggest trouble The big trouble with the FG is their Transmission Syncros. Mine came with no 2nd gear syncro and I have heard some losing 4th. Tom

late reply I have been catching up with this discussion. I thought I would share my experiences with Darrin Fink's FG. He used full length boxed rails on top of the frame to which the pivots are welded. The system is a three point system. Two mount points in the front with silent bushings...

Mpg Your figures are consistent with mine over the 20,000 miles I have driven the FG through Alaska, Canada and the northern US. I find speed the determining factor. 60+mph means 11 mpg. slow down to 50 mph (35mph on the Dempster hwy) and I average 13+mpg. I usually average a little under...

solution I ended up installing two red tops. My use of the truck in remote areas of northern Canada convinced me that "better safe than sorry" was the best approach. Also potential winch use was a consideration. Fabricating and installing the smaller optimas was easy using the existing...

I need to replace the truck batteries. They are large batteries that are a little hard to find. I am thinking of replacing the two stock lead acid batteries with only one red top optima. The truck starts fine with one (800 CCA, 100 reserve) and I could save 40 pounds. I don't really use the...

glow plug light I have never seen the light come on and when I bought the truck Darrin said he never saw it come on either. Tom

Seats and Misc. Kerry, the seats I took out were not suspension and are too thin and stiff. You don't want them. I replaced them with Corbeau BAJA seats. No air or hydraulic dampers but soft enough to take the edge off. My wife and I were surprised at how comfortable they were on our last...

Lug nuts The wheels were rotated at a local shop a couple of years ago and I can only guess what they tightened them too. I was totally unable to loosen them. I bought an special impact socket and the problem was easily solved. I use a very small (cheap) compressor and it seems really...

Krzyanowski's comments FYI: Michel has never talked to me -- I own Darrin's FG Camper. Virtually none of his criticisms are true for the FG model. The camper has lockable compartments all around. The propane tank in in a locked under camper box. The water tank never leaks even on the...