FG buildup

[dhackney]

We are pulling out to put the rig on the ship to Chile in a couple of days. I am still working down the last items on the endless "to do" list.

Today I discovered that the spare main circuit board for our refrigerator we've been carrying around for the last six months is the wrong part. It was fortuitous to discover it here in San Diego instead of Bolivia or Cambodia.

Nevertheless, I've completed all the major fabrication and modifications I needed to do prior to shipping overseas.

I posted the final fabrication and modification photos in Album 27 on the project design and build site here:
http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/index-buildup-photos.htm

I updated the home page of the site to reflect the final project data. Click here and scroll down: http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/

 

[Scott Brady]

We are pulling out to head for Houston to put the rig on the ship to Chile in a couple of days.

Awesome Doug!

Stephanie and I will be thinking of and routing for you all the way. :jumping:

 

[canucksafari]

Today I discovered that the spare main circuit board for our refrigerator we've been carrying around for the last six months is the wrong part. It was fortuitous to discover it here in San Diego instead of Bolivia or Cambodia.

Don't know about Cambodia, but I can tell you it is truely amazing what you can find in some places in Bolivia and the capacity of the locals to fix what they do not have replacements for. Just be real careful while driving there. It is common for drivers to be DUI and then to chew coca to try to keep themselves alert.

Your rig is a real dream build and an inspiration to us would be world treckers. I wish you both a safe great adventure.

 

[kcowyo]

Bon Voyage!!



:lurk:

 

[dhackney]

I would also like, at this time, to acknowledge the significant contribution you have made to "the community" in chronicling this build up.

Your generosity of spirit and time shown by your postings shared here and elswhere is commendable. Countless hours must have been spent on your detailed website. For the benefit of others, you have created an informative and substantial legacy.

I'm sure I speak for many others in saying "Thank You" for all your effort. Know that it is appreciated.

Happy journeys!

Thanks for your kind words, they are very much appreciated.

I invested the time and energy into the web site to provide as much information as I could for anyone interested in building an expedition vehicle. I hoped they could learn from our experiences, challenges, setbacks and small triumphs.

 

[dhackney]

Due to the focused nature of the forum during our buildup I did the majority of my posting, Q&A, etc. on the Expedition Campers forum. ExCamper has been closed for posting and it is planned that the threads will eventually be integrated here into ExPo.

For those who are researching FGs Chip Haven, one of the founders of ExCamper, was kind enough to gather links to my ExCamper threads for our build and related topics. I am posting these links so all of the information will be in one thread here at ExPo.

Some of these will be duplicate initial posts to those here at ExPo but will contain unique comments, Q&A, etc.

FG Expedition Vehicle Buildup
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=200

shipping term glossary
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=428

3 point pivot frame info
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=402

Core-Trax / Quick Fist Clamps mod
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=405

factory camper tie down to storage box seal solution
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=404

Stock Yokohama vs. Michelin XZL
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=237

FG Tire Tools & Wheel Nut info
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=281

FG / cab over air seats > SOLVED <
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=207

Stereo/GPS wiring loom color codes & stereo install info
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=318

FG chassis lighting & van body dome light wire colors
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=317

The Fuso Dream...
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=243

2007 FG chassis photos
http://www.expeditioncampers.com/php...opic.php?t=191

 

[dhackney]

I posted the final photos of preparing the rig for shipment and delivery to the docks at: http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/photos/buildup_album_28/index.htm

The entire collection of rig buildup photos is here: http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/index-buildup-photos.htm

We are currently in Santiago, Chile awaiting arrival of the ship carrying the rig. We are taking care of final logistical and procurement items and enjoying exploring the city. We plan to visit some of the local wine producing areas while we wait for the ship to arrive, then move down to Valparaiso for the customs clearance process.

We created our overall framework for exploring South America yesterday with Jorge Valdes, a South American overland expedition guide who was referred to us by ExPo major domo Scott Brady. More on Jorge here: http://www.terraultimaexpeditions.com/main.html

To create the framework we used a hand drawn map, a few guidebooks, a highlighter, some red wine, a little food and lots of conversation. It's the Chilean way. I like it. Especially the wine and conversation components.

Assuming the rig arrives, and arrives intact, we should be on the road in a few weeks.

Once we get going I'll start a thread in the In Progress Expeditions topic.

 

[dhackney]

Hackney Fuso photo albums

I created some photo albums of our Fuso in action here: http://www.hackneys.com/gallery/v/travel/fuso/

 

[mwoods]

Hackney Fuso items

I created some photo albums of our Fuso in action here: http://www.hackneys.com/gallery/v/travel/fuso/

Doug, thanks for sharing your BEV photos and your invaluable advice!

Best regards,

 

[dhackney]

I get asked about these a lot so I created overviews of the water and electrical systems on our rig.

They are located here: http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/index-buildup-photos.htm

 

[dhackney]

Maintenance and Fuel Log

I added our maintenance and fuel log data to the route map.

The route map is here: http://www.hackneys.com/travel/index-routemap.htm

 

[nonamegiven]

Doug,

Although it's been a while since your last post, I just found ExPo a week ago and while searching the forums I came across your FG. I saw it in a thread of pics and couldn't find it again. I asked about it and somebody ended up posting a link to it.
I knew I had recognized it, as my brother and I had met you and your wife while camping on the Oregon coast a couple of years back.
Not sure where you are right now, I'm assuming exploring the globe, but just thought I would say hi again.

Brian

 

[dhackney]

Brian,

Good to hear from you. My wife and I were just discussing Oregon yesterday. Great area.

Our expedition thread here on ExPo is here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10616

Our travel web site is here: http://www.hackneys.com/travel/

The Fuso Build site is here: http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/

Doug

 

[dhackney]

The end of a chapter: Hackney Fuso For Sale

After much consideration, we've decided to sell our Fuso.

We are not currently using it, and we'd rather see it out there exploring the back roads, being used for what it was built for.

The sale site is here: http://www.4x4camper4sale.com/


Many thanks to everyone here in the Fuso forum.

Since the very early days of Chip's Expedition Campers, this has been a special place full of supportive people.

It's been a pleasure to add to the knowledge base of all things Expedition Fuso related.

And, it's been a special pleasure to meet a few of you in person.

I look forward to the next time I see you all again, virtually or in person.

Oh, and BTW, I've got three pallets of spares and parts that are included with the Fuso. I don't mention that for the casual RV buyers, but I know the people here know what to do with that stuff...

 

[SkiFreak]

Let me be the first to say that at $60K this vehicle is a steal. :Wow1: