riptilyaflip
New member
Looking to build my expedtion vehicle. After much research I've come to the same conclusion as RUF Inc. in that the Fuso FG is too small of a platform for a 16' camper body. However, unlike Ruf, I'm thinking 26,000 gvw is bigger than I need and that an 18,000 gvw vehicle would be good. (Not to single out Ruf, he's just the only one I've seen to convert the FM into a 4x4) I actually looked into converting the FK with Tulsa Truck, as they only work with air brakes. I think the smaller cab of the 18,000 gvw vehicles will be much nicer to drive both on and off road, as Baja is a main staple. This will be used to travel throughout the US, Baja, and Canada.
So, my question to the knowledgeable folks out there is; Would you prefer the Fuso FE180 or Isuzu NQR platform for a 4x4 conversion/expedition camper? Which truck is better and why?
I'm looking at a 2005 -2007 for the obvious emissions issues, and I want the Aisin 6 speed auto transmission, which is available on either truck.
To me the primary chassis considerations would be brakes; which the FE is disc front and rear, NQR is disc up front only. Suspension/ride quality, frame strength, occupant comfort, and serviceabilty.
My other question, is for a 16' camper body, what would be the prefered wheel base, 152" or 164". I was thinking 152" for the turning radius, but maybe 164" for the amount of rear overhang?
Atlas will have a divorced 2 speed transfer case available by the end of the year, so looking to use that with a 3.8:1 ratio. A Dana 60 up front should work just fine. Might go to a Dana 80 for the rear, to illiminate the single rear wheel issue, get matching lug patterns so I would only need 1 spare, as well as have the ability to get a good LSD and ARB lockers.
Any and all thoughts are welcomed.
Thanks,
Rob
So, my question to the knowledgeable folks out there is; Would you prefer the Fuso FE180 or Isuzu NQR platform for a 4x4 conversion/expedition camper? Which truck is better and why?
I'm looking at a 2005 -2007 for the obvious emissions issues, and I want the Aisin 6 speed auto transmission, which is available on either truck.
To me the primary chassis considerations would be brakes; which the FE is disc front and rear, NQR is disc up front only. Suspension/ride quality, frame strength, occupant comfort, and serviceabilty.
My other question, is for a 16' camper body, what would be the prefered wheel base, 152" or 164". I was thinking 152" for the turning radius, but maybe 164" for the amount of rear overhang?
Atlas will have a divorced 2 speed transfer case available by the end of the year, so looking to use that with a 3.8:1 ratio. A Dana 60 up front should work just fine. Might go to a Dana 80 for the rear, to illiminate the single rear wheel issue, get matching lug patterns so I would only need 1 spare, as well as have the ability to get a good LSD and ARB lockers.
Any and all thoughts are welcomed.
Thanks,
Rob