ersatzknarf
lost, but making time
Excellent question ! ! !
new GXV on Freightliner chassis
- Thread starter haven
- Start date
WhereTheHellIsJames?
Explorer
I had a look at the GXV M2 at Overland Expo this year, and can confirm that it does have a walk/crawl through between the cabin and camper.
I spent some time talking with Mike about his company (GXV)- it seems like they're on the right track with their intentions, and the build quality appears to be top notch.
dzzz
™
Some states may require CDL for air brakes. I took the CDL-A test based on Charlie's advice that some countries may not recognize CDL-B. I received different answers from different DMV employees regarding air brakes requirement. In my state CDL does not require private training so getting it has not been difficult.
All U500 have air brakes, I believe.
A Freightliner dealer told me that the M2 is not nearly as robust as a U500. But the U500 is overkill as an expedition camper. The U500 is not a choice for a family or six. That GVX vehicle seems like a great choice.
charlieaarons
Explorer
In my state a Class B CDL is for straight trucks, a Class A is for tractor trailers. The nomenclature probably varies depending on the jurisdiction.
At any rate, for a Unimog, one needs a straight truck licence for trucks with air brakes, unlimited weight (over 26000 lb/12000kg). Outside North America.
Charlie
At any rate, for a Unimog, one needs a straight truck licence for trucks with air brakes, unlimited weight (over 26000 lb/12000kg). Outside North America.
Charlie
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teamtrailrunner
New member
Thanks for the insight. We are avid outdoors people (very involved in Boy Scouts also!) and have many years in the great outdoors.
YES...On the walkthrough from the cab to the box. The opening is about 4 ft wide and 5 ft high. We are going to order the Crew Cab so that it can seat 2 upfront with air ride seats and the 4 across bench seat in back, which we will have the center section modded to fold flat for easy access to the box...but still allow for 6 passengers upfront.
Mike has some exciting new additions to the box (sworn to secrecy by Rene) that will be a big plus for sleeping areas. I'll let you know as we are building. I use to own a big tech company (and now heavily into real estate and finance...and the company now allows some time freedom) so we are going to keep a detailed build website and the family is going to chronicle our overland adventures. We have actually been planning this for a number of years and the kids are now old enough to let us start. They are 14, 12, 9 and 4! Whew.
We are going to build put the chassis as stout as possible. We are also looking at the 6x6 confiquration. We have lots of outdoor equipment (i.e. mtn bikes, hiking gear, possible BMW 1200 GS, etc.) to add different mods to the frame. As a life long entrepreneur I've always felt that a strong base and/or foundation is the most critical aspect to building anything...whether in business or pleasure. So even through it may seem like a lot of dollars...we are talking about a platform that will still be viable in 25 years and a million miles. And you add in the stability, ease of service and most importantly the SAFETY aspects...well it is really a great value.
And as an added bonus...I put myself through college driving big rigs...so I've got the CDL covered:smiley_drive:
Really look forward to meeting some of you at events and sharing insight on this forum.
YES...On the walkthrough from the cab to the box. The opening is about 4 ft wide and 5 ft high. We are going to order the Crew Cab so that it can seat 2 upfront with air ride seats and the 4 across bench seat in back, which we will have the center section modded to fold flat for easy access to the box...but still allow for 6 passengers upfront.
Mike has some exciting new additions to the box (sworn to secrecy by Rene) that will be a big plus for sleeping areas. I'll let you know as we are building. I use to own a big tech company (and now heavily into real estate and finance...and the company now allows some time freedom) so we are going to keep a detailed build website and the family is going to chronicle our overland adventures. We have actually been planning this for a number of years and the kids are now old enough to let us start. They are 14, 12, 9 and 4! Whew.
We are going to build put the chassis as stout as possible. We are also looking at the 6x6 confiquration. We have lots of outdoor equipment (i.e. mtn bikes, hiking gear, possible BMW 1200 GS, etc.) to add different mods to the frame. As a life long entrepreneur I've always felt that a strong base and/or foundation is the most critical aspect to building anything...whether in business or pleasure. So even through it may seem like a lot of dollars...we are talking about a platform that will still be viable in 25 years and a million miles. And you add in the stability, ease of service and most importantly the SAFETY aspects...well it is really a great value.
And as an added bonus...I put myself through college driving big rigs...so I've got the CDL covered:smiley_drive:
Really look forward to meeting some of you at events and sharing insight on this forum.
mhiscox
Exp. Leader Emeritus
No more than we are all looking forward to ongoing reports about the truck and your use of it. Very exciting stuff that we'll all be interested to hear about.
Overland Hadley
on a journey
I am looking forward to watching your build process. Keep us posted!
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Yes, please do keep us posted!
ersatzknarf
lost, but making time
Has anyone seen any photos of the interior, by chance ?
(tomorrow is lottery ticket day
)
(tomorrow is lottery ticket day
)Larry - KB0HIB
New member
Sorry, I missed Lottery Day but there are photos of the GXV Freightliner interior on the GXV website. http://globalxvehicles.com/patagonia-expedition-chassis-vehicle-92/
Larry
Larry
Attachments
ersatzknarf
lost, but making time
Hi Larry,
Great ! Don't worry, today is lottery day, too
Thanks for posting this. I have been checking the site almost daily. I now know better what I am going to be buying the next ticket for, today...
Great ! Don't worry, today is lottery day, too
Thanks for posting this. I have been checking the site almost daily. I now know better what I am going to be buying the next ticket for, today...
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Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Hey, just a thought, in the case that you have not already thought of this... I have seen Unicat trucks in which the rear bench seat can fold out into a twin size bed. If you are going to have six people in that truck you may want to consider doing that with yours as well. It would make for a nice "bedroom" for your oldest kid perhaps, or a spare bed for someone who tags along in some fashion.
Anyhow, I really like the idea, so I figure I will go for it if ever I am afforded the opportunity to have a nice heavy truck expo rig.
Very kind of you to be willing to share your experience with us. Many of us have to live vicariously through others until we can afford to spend years at a time traveling the world ourselves! haha
Cheers
Brian