eBay brush truck

[Haf-E]

This think looks completely awesome, and in the past, that sort of thinking has got me in trouble, both with vehicles and, well, I am just going to try to stay on topic as this is a vehicle forum.

Therefore, a sanity check requested, offer advice, share some experience or flame away .


I ( think I ) am looking for something to build up for overland travel and am trying to sort out a good vehicle for a family of 5. Based on limited research, it is best to have all up front, so the crew cab appeals. Mogs scare me due to the costs and uncertain history, I love my Sprinter but I got it new.


After many years of living mostly abroad, I gotta admit that I like the idea that this is an American truck and, hey, it looks like it has the right design, but that is a glib assessment, I know nothing about it, other than a supposition that most fleets are well taken care of and that a lot of gear can be stripped off and a box built ( with a large pass through).


Any guesses for mileage?

Any guesses for weight and capacity?

I figure my budget for this would be 50-60 K including base purchase price.

If it is a MACK and parts are available easily, that certainly reduces the concerns I have.

Intended Uses:
Long term
AlCan highway from the PNW
Intended trip to S America

and Near Term / Frequent recreational use such as Skiing, Beach, camping and biking base camp vehicle.

So, crowd sourcing experience and insight, is something like this for a man of soundly mediocre technical skills too much to consider or is something like this likely a good solution or should I just buy a minnie winnie and call it a day?

Oh, budget would be 50 - 60K total to finish including purchase price and a 4 month time line to take it to serviceable status ( not necessarily final).

Thanks for the insight - damn good looking vehicle, could this Brush truck be a practical and reliable solution or is considering it a complete folly?

Thanks

This is not an American truck - its a french truck that was sold here briefly. I wonder if the drivetrain is truly a MACK engine and tranny or just something they used for a while as well. The rest of the drivetrain (axles, xfercase, brakes) is almost certainly the same as the European version.

I am a fan of odd foreign vehicles (I have several citroens, a haflinger and a pinzgauer) but I would say they are not something I would pack up my whole family in and go on an adventure in. I do it myself - somewhat frequently - but I am prepared to not have all of the creature comforts and unplanned events involved with using these vehicles for travel. Also - the lack of modern safety features is a significant concern that should be considered - ABS brakes and airbags can come in really handy.

I think the sprinter (or other similar offerings coming from ford, dodge etc.) are a better choice. MB is saying they might offer a AWD version of the sprinter - which you already have - so I would trade that in and add the additional money on preparing it. Or take your existing sprinter to Upscale Automotive in Oregon and have them do a 4x4 conversion on it (which is a better idea since you already own it and wouldn't have to worry about the warranty issues with converting a new van).

Being able to get parts quickly and even being able to pay someone to work on it can be very handy when traveling - its hard to keep the family happy when you have to wrench on something on the side of a road or while camping. Another issue is the challenge of insuring high-dollar odd vehicles - many of the affordable plans are for hobby use not extended road trips.

Best of luck!

 

[Lynn]

modern safety features is a significant concern that should be considered - ABS brakes and airbags can come in really handy.

I certainly agree, but do modern medium-duty trucks, like the popular Unimog and Fuso, have ABS and airbags? Or were you referring to the Sprinter?

 

[Haf-E]

Referring to the sprinter and similar lighter duty trucks. Few people need a unimog for travel- even to south america. 4x4 is nice to have to allow getting to a nice beach or up to ski without chains.

I think a 4x4 sprinter would be sweet expo vehicle as long as its reliable.

 

[peneumbra]

I know that you can get a 4x4 conversion for Sprinters in Red Bluff, CA from the company that used to be Salem - Kroger; is there another outfit in Oregon that does this?

 

[NMC_EXP]

Didn't early Power Wagons have an articulated frame, something like described for these trucks?

The Dodge Power Wagon articulation was an aftermarket retrofit.

Regards

Jim

 

[The Toy Guy]

Hi Peneumbra

There is another spot in Oregon that does the conversions, Upscale Automotive in Tigard, as I understand, their approach is significantly different from what Whitefeather / Salem Kroger alum do down in N. Ca - here is a link

http://sprinterstore.com/sprinter_store.htm


My issue is that my current sprinter just might be a bit small for the purposes I am considering. At this point, when I called Quigley back east they had a new Ford Transit in to research the conversion. Perhaps a long wheelbase High Roof 4X4 Diesel Transit ( out, when?) might be the direction I go ( again, 3 active kids + a desire to do extended trips means more gear and more room needed, I do love that Sprinter however.

Thanks guys for the other comments on the Brush Truck. It really looks great but the French aspect gives me the chills, memories of a Saab with a transmission out and a 73 Suzuki Jeep with a Mazda rotary engine that I secretly bought at 16 only to have to tow home, my Dad cursing most of the way

With that in mind, thanks Lynne

1. I've got no business even thinking about this project

2. I've got no business even thinking about this project

3. I've got no business even thinking about this project

4. I've got no business even thinking about this project

I know that you can get a 4x4 conversion for Sprinters in Red Bluff, CA from the company that used to be Salem - Kroger; is there another outfit in Oregon that does this?

 

[joshuakampa]

1. I've got no business even thinking about this project

2. I've got no business even thinking about this project

3. I've got no business even thinking about this project

4. I've got no business even thinking about this project

Often times the things we decide not to do are more intelligent decisions than the things we decide to do. I've been reminding myself of this fact daily as my fiancee and I hunt for the right expo rig base.

 

[Haf-E]

The longer wheelbase sprinter with the even higher optional roof is a pretty huge vehicle internally. Its relative narrow width make it attractive for off road use. If they offer it in AWD or 4WD that would make it ideal - even for two adults and three growing kids. If that was not enough - a small trailer might be worth considering when needed.

What sprinter model do you have? Mine is a 2002 158" lwb hightop cargo with two added windows - seats 5 adults and sleeps two adults and three kids well with plenty of room for most trips (except when hauling bikes inside). Full queen sized bed and separate table dining area so it doesn't have to be switched around for sleeping. I have a roof tent also but rarely have used it (sits in the garage) as its a a bit high up there on the sprinter - gets kinda windy!

This ebay Brush truck also wasn't a great option for you as it only seated 4 people - and even then it looked like it was tight seating.

 

[Lynn]

It's Back!! Guess he didn't accept the offers. Now re-listed.

Here's a pic, just for reference...

 

[toylandcruiser]

I can't seem to find a video on these trucks or really any info on it.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

 

[lrover52]

More info on "Brimont"

Here's a bit of information on the (short) history of the company "Brimont"
http://landroamer.blogspot.ch/2008/05/historique-de-brimont-sa_25.html

I have the small Brimont Brutt and I'm converting it to camper-truck, see my blog here:
http://landroamer.blogspot.ch/

... This fire truck is in a very good condition!