1998 Mercedes Benz Actros Project - USA west coast

[sprocket3]

I already bought the custom wheels and tires in 14R20 size. Zero plans to change the wheelbase on this truck, not sure why that's suggested. The sketch even shows that it's about ideal with a 5.2m box installed.

 

[scott_pdx]

Looks cool. Love to see the build progress.

 

[sprocket3]

A little bit of progress this week on the chassis. Custom wheels are mounted with new Continental HCS 14R20s. Fitting an new fuel tanks and the chassis is getting an inspection and service.

Also, settled in on a design for a 5.2m box with some upgrades that should turn out nice.




I played with AI for some paint options, but the colors didn't turn out correctly and I ran out of free edits. Thinking some color like Porsche Chalk, Toyota Cement, or Ford Avalanche.

 

[Channelmarker]

Really looking nice. I like the black bumper. Nice to have another Actros on the roads of America!

 

[charlieaarons]

I do suggest carrying a mounted spare tire on a wheel that will work on either axle, plus a second unmounted spare. Large 20” tires aren’t common anywhere, and if a flat isn’t fixable, the trip mutates from a fun adventure to a anxious search for another tire and fear of another severely damaged tire.
I unfortunately destroyed a near new XZL2 in NW Namibia, but we had an extra unmounted spare tire.

 

[Channelmarker]

Do you carry tools that allow you to mount the unmounted spare to the damaged tire rim so you can do it yourself if you are way out in the bush?

 

[charlieaarons]

Do you carry tools that allow you to mount the unmounted spare to the damaged tire rim so you can do it yourself if you are way out in the bush?

Definitely
But Hutchinson wheels make it easy.

 

[Channelmarker]

What tools do you carry and what are Hutchinson wheels?

 

[charlieaarons]

The usual tire irons, among many other metal objects (chains, pulleys, Pullpal ground anchors) in a large 100kg steel box containing 200kg of various heavy tools attached and braced to the front moose bar and frsme.
Hutchinson wheels are 2 piece DOT rated bolttogether alloy wheels used extensively by Western militaries. They easily accommodate internal beadlocks and can be worked on in the field, as 70+ yo me did in NW Namibia with 3 cowherders as assistance.

 

[Channelmarker]

Thank you. I don't have those kinds of wheels. I need to find a video on how to change a spare that doesn't have a rim on to the rim of the damaged tire. I also need a good list of what tools I need to make this spare change out in the field.

 

[charlieaarons]

Thank you. I don't have those kinds of wheels. I need to find a video on how to change a spare that doesn't have a rim on to the rim of the damaged tire. I also need a good list of what tools I need to make this spare change out in the field.

It’s not as easy, although a 100kg 46” tire is hard to handle. Getting a tire on and off a 1 piece wheel inevitably involves stretching and bending the tire.
An Actros would have 1 piece wheels if it has 22.5s. If 20”, from the factory they’re 3-piece. Which is a variation on “split rims” a la non-USA Toyota Land Cruisers or old US military vehicles that don’t have (bolttogether) “combat wheels”.
One hint: carry a tube of Astroglide silicone lubricant. It won’t damage rubber and is extremely slippery. It’s usually intended for bedroom activities.

 

[Channelmarker]

It’s not as easy, although a 100kg 46” tire is hard to handle. Getting a tire on and off a 1 piece wheel inevitably involves stretching and bending the tire.
An Actros would have 1 piece wheels if it has 22.5s. If 20”, from the factory they’re 3-piece. Which is a variation on “split rims” a la non-USA Toyota Land Cruisers or old US military vehicles that don’t have (bolttogether) “combat wheels”.
One hint: carry a tube of Astroglide silicone lubricant. It won’t damage rubber and is extremely slippery. It’s usually intended for bedroom activities.

Nice to get some double use out the Astroglide. I actually have 48" tires and you are correct, they have a three piece system. I'm looking for a recommendation on the appropriate tire irons package to have just incase I damage my 5th (spare) wheel and I need to remove and put on the 6th unrimmed wheel. Have any suggestions? You seem so knowledgable and like you, I'm advancing in age (62 currently) and want to still change a tire out in the bush if necessary.

 

[charlieaarons]

Nice to get some double use out the Astroglide. I actually have 48" tires and you are correct, they have a three piece system. I'm looking for a recommendation on the appropriate tire irons package to have just incase I damage my 5th (spare) wheel and I need to remove and put on the 6th unrimmed wheel. Have any suggestions? You seem so knowledgable and like you, I'm advancing in age (62 currently) and want to still change a tire out in the bush if necessary.

First of all , obtain and carry several new O-rings that seal the rim piece to the rest of the wheel, along with a big tube of Astroglide. Make sure the O rings are specifically for your type wheel.
Make sure tire is completely deflated!!!
remove valve core with special tool or small needle nose. Wheels will sometimes have the not so familiar large valve core especially if CTIS is optional.
A very large old rusty flathead screwdriver (actually need 2) will pry the locking ring up (after undoing the little retainer usually secured with a cotter pin) and use the second one to put under the pried up end of the ring and encourage it to come off. A set of Six Robblees or NAPA truck or Tractor Supply (gray?) steel tire irons has a straight blade ended one usually that will do the same.
Maybe a heavy brass hammer and another heavy soft headed hammer.
And boots for stomping things back together although many of us have seen people doing it with sandals in Baja or further places.
And 2 short ratchet straps or just short chains with hooks for safety when inflating tire first time. And of course air hose from outlet near air brake tanks. And a little squirt bottle to check for air leaks. And a truck tire plug kit.
Find a YouTube.