2012+ Fuso FG (US Spec) Expedition Vehicle Platform

[causa]

Hello All,

This past summer my wife and I began the process of vetting a suitable live-in (As apposed to live beside) expedition vehicle. Our intent is to return to our favorite remote places in CA, NV, UT, CO and enjoy lengthy expeditions exploring Canada and Alaska. Knowing there would be an obvious trade off in off-road ability for comfort, the choices narrowed to XP, EC, and ATW. Due diligence led us to visiting the manufacturing facilities of XP, EC, and pondering the latter while behind the wheel of an ATW.

Getting close to a year later… we are no closer to a decision. For months I have been intently following postings from US Fuso FG owners. Thank you Howard70, Czechsix, and other 2012+ US/NA FG owners who have taken the time to share their first hand experiences.

The decision on which turn-key “box” best suits us has become overshadowed by my reluctance to commit large sums of money around the current Mitsubishi offering. Candidly speaking, a 2012+ Fuso FG is still unproven in my mind in terms of ability and reliability. Again, I can accept the fact that a Fuso FG will not take us to all the remote trails we currently venture in the Land Rover.

Perhaps this thread can become a repository for 2012+ US Spec Fuso FG owners (Regardless of camper make) to share their real world ownership experiences. I am certain the current FG will evolve for the better as owners share their trials, tribulations, and solutions. For now, I will have to keep my Fuso Envy in check. No interest in a used 2007 or earlier FG.

 

[pugslyyy]

Not intended to be comprehensive (or even capture the last thought of those listed), but makes an interesting comparison.

• Bandicoot - "changing down is seamless...a joy to drive in sand" "potential in the USA to fit an after-market transfer case with low range in it" "an outstanding option for a 4WD truck"
• lehel1 - "the newer 2010 and on are almost a joke. with the fiat motor and completely bad transmissions, no low range and all wheel drive system you could almost say they are not 4wd vehicals at all"
• Ian Smith - "In the US market the Fuso Canter is junk. First they take an underpowered 3.0 liter and hang on the US EPA emissions, then team it up with the Duonic. All 4000 Canters sold with the Duonic are having the transmissions replaced and rebuilt."
• whatcharterboat - "the best thing by far about the current FUSO is the 3.0 litre engine and it's incredibly wide power curve and rpm range"
• pajero4u - "these trucks are RUBBISH under power and the duonic gearbox is crap"
• McCulloch - "Fix the DPF, transmission and electrical gremlins and this will be a great truck for urban use. Would I take one off road or more than 50 miles from a dealer? Not a chance in hell."
• Howard70 - "I couldn't be happier with the transmission and the rear limited slip differential...The Fuso in first is about equal to the Tacoma in low range 2nd in real world driving which is fine for every place I've wanted to camp...We bought it for long, unsupported trips into remote areas and the transmission has been perfect for that."

 

[Michelle@EarthCruiser]

Not intended to be comprehensive (or even capture the last thought of those listed), but makes an interesting comparison.

Bandicoot - "changing down is seamless...a joy to drive in sand" "potential in the USA to fit an after-market transfer case with low range in it" "an outstanding option for a 4WD truck"

lehel1 - "the newer 2010 and on are almost a joke. with the fiat motor and completely bad transmissions, no low range and all wheel drive system you could almost say they are not 4wd vehicals at all"

Ian Smith - "In the US market the Fuso Canter is junk. First they take an underpowered 3.0 liter and hang on the US EPA emissions, then team it up with the Duonic. All 4000 Canters sold with the Duonic are having the transmissions replaced and rebuilt."

whatcharterboat - "the best thing by far about the current FUSO is the 3.0 litre engine and it's incredibly wide power curve and rpm range"

pajero4u - "these trucks are RUBBISH under power and the duonic gearbox is crap"

McCulloch - "Fix the DPF, transmission and electrical gremlins and this will be a great truck for urban use. Would I take one off road or more than 50 miles from a dealer? Not a chance in hell."

I think we need to keep things in context. I remember many of these quotes and some of them are from the days when the Fuso's had obvious problems. Many if not all (save the lack of a low range gearbox) have been long remedied here in the US--(Mercedes Benz the parent company is not going to walk away from their issues). The question is really what do you want to get from your travelling experience? We (EarthCruiser)would guess that we have more experience with this platform as a camper, around the world than anyone else from the zero emissions available in some markets (which although they are unbreakable most people who drive long highway distances wouldn't spend 5 minutes in one and would not be making friends with anyone who is concerned about the environment) to the automatics-which the US is the only country to have an auto in a 4x4. We've had European customers who do have a low range gear box (and are under even more stringent emissions rules) drive one of these autos and wish they had access to them. The dutronic (same engine and transmission) is sold around the world in the 4x2. These little trucks haul some insane weights and are reliable and efficient. The world is changing and true "expedition" vehicles that can be registered in a western country and still use high sulfer diesel are just not available any longer--soon we won't even remember that ULSD was ever a problem. The Fuso is a tried and tested platform. It is a competent off road offering that can handle weight so that one can live comfortably and still meet the new and growing length restrictions for access to remote lands. It's also relatively affordable, has a long term warranty and large number of dealers and service centers worldwide. These little trucks are not intimidating and are relaly fun to drive once you get the hang of them. So it boils down to what is most important to you (and your partner)and what do you want your experience to be both on and off road?

 

[SkiFreak]

The way I see it is that buying any vehicle is a personal choice and is predicated on the person's own preferences.
As has been expressed... some love the duonic and some... not so much.

In Australia FGs have always come with a 5 speed manual gearbox; there has never been an option for an OEM automatic. Trust me, if there was I expect I would have got one for myself. That said... there is a significant difference between a double clutch setup and a torque converter. As I see it, one of the biggest advantages of an auto in a 4x4 is what a torque converter can do for you when crawling at low speed on a tricky surface. I have never driven an FG with a duonic, but I expect that you would not get the same driveability as you would with an auto with a torque converter, but maybe I am wrong.

ATW offer us (Australians) an aftermarket auto conversion with an Alison, but the cost is a bit above my budget. If what I have been told is true, I don't think that I ever want to drive one of these vehicles, as I would be depressed with my manual setup thereafter and need to go into debt to resolve that issue.

The bottom line here is that people like Howard, who do have first hand experience with the current model Fuso, are obviously happy that it is a capable vehicle for their needs. If you come from a 4x4 background then maybe you will expect more out of the duonic with no low range than it can deliver. I guess that it comes down to where you want to go and what you want to do.

 

[calicamper]

Hello All,

This past summer my wife and I began the process of vetting a suitable live-in (As apposed to live beside) expedition vehicle. Our intent is to return to our favorite remote places in CA, NV, UT, CO and enjoy lengthy expeditions exploring Canada and Alaska. Knowing there would be an obvious trade off in off-road ability for comfort, the choices narrowed to XP, EC, and ATW. Due diligence led us to visiting the manufacturing facilities of XP, EC, and pondering the latter while behind the wheel of an ATW.

Getting close to a year later… we are no closer to a decision. For months I have been intently following postings from US Fuso FG owners. Thank you Howard70, Czechsix, and other 2012+ US/NA FG owners who have taken the time to share their first hand experiences.

The decision on which turn-key “box” best suits us has become overshadowed by my reluctance to commit large sums of money around the current Mitsubishi offering. Candidly speaking, a 2012+ Fuso FG is still unproven in my mind in terms of ability and reliability. Again, I can accept the fact that a Fuso FG will not take us to all the remote trails we currently venture in the Land Rover.

Perhaps this thread can become a repository for 2012+ US Spec Fuso FG owners (Regardless of camper make) to share their real world ownership experiences. I am certain the current FG will evolve for the better as owners share their trials, tribulations, and solutions. For now, I will have to keep my Fuso Envy in check. No interest in a used 2007 or earlier FG.

I've read some interesting comments from folks who've spent time in the commercial cabs and one that stands out and was one that I was curious about was about crash safety. These tip up cab over commercial cabs have little to zero requirements to meet much of any sort of crash standard for passenger safety. Which one of the comments I found was a person who bagged the commercial cab over for a Ford Super Duty platform in the end he pointed out that he got a much better platform with more capacity and power but also gained a large portion of passenger safety he didn't have in the cab over rig. He mentioned more comfort also

I thought that was interesting given I had always wondered about this but never really heard anyone mention it till I read that thread. I can't find it anymore but it was interesting. The FG's are so unique looking but I'm not convinced they are better than going with a really heavy Super Duty truck especially given the number of miles the Expo type folks can rack up especially covering roads they are not familiar with and in many cases can be pretty challenging terrain also.

 

[pugslyyy]

The bottom line here is that people like Howard, who do have first hand experience with the current model Fuso, are obviously happy that it is a capable vehicle for their needs. If you come from a 4x4 background then maybe you will expect more out of the duonic with no low range than it can deliver. I guess that it comes down to where you want to go and what you want to do.

Ah, not sure how I missed Howard - I added in a sound bite from him as well.

 

[Jsnable]

Don't want to derail this thread, but it would be great to hear your impressions of all 3 platforms camper-wise as I have the same list...

Jay

 

[pugslyyy]

I think we need to keep things in context. I remember many of these quotes and some of them are from the days when the Fuso's had obvious problems. Many if not all (save the lack of a low range gearbox) have been long remedied here in the US--(Mercedes Benz the parent company is not going to walk away from their issues). The question is really what do you want to get from your travelling experience? We (EarthCruiser)would guess that we have more experience with this platform as a camper, around the world than anyone else from the zero emissions available in some markets (which although they are unbreakable most people who drive long highway distances wouldn't spend 5 minutes in one and would not be making friends with anyone who is concerned about the environment) to the automatics-which the US is the only country to have an auto in a 4x4. We've had European customers who do have a low range gear box (and are under even more stringent emissions rules) drive one of these autos and wish they had access to them. The dutronic (same engine and transmission) is sold around the world in the 4x2. These little trucks haul some insane weights and are reliable and efficient. The world is changing and true "expedition" vehicles that can be registered in a western country and still use high sulfer diesel are just not available any longer--soon we won't even remember that ULSD was ever a problem. The Fuso is a tried and tested platform. It is a competent off road offering that can handle weight so that one can live comfortably and still meet the new and growing length restrictions for access to remote lands. It's also relatively affordable, has a long term warranty and large number of dealers and service centers worldwide. These little trucks are not intimidating and are relaly fun to drive once you get the hang of them. So it boils down to what is most important to you (and your partner)and what do you want your experience to be both on and off road?

Believe me, I have nothing but love for the new platform and want to be able to buy one. I just have to see that the dpf delete is viable - I'm sure that the duonic issues can be worked through.

 

[causa]

Ah, not sure how I missed Howard - I added in a sound bite from him as well.

Actually, it was multiple viewings of the video Howard posted showing his FG on a “real” trail that made me doubt a new Fuso FG would work for us. Howard shows the skill necessary to bully his Earth Cruiser up a rock strewn trail. But that's my point. For me, off-roading is about driver control, using finesse driving to enjoy the scenery along the trail. Seems rather abusive longterm (To both vehicle & passenger) having to constantly charge rocky ascents and obstacles at 4-5mph.

Mitsubishi's Duonic transmission gives new meaning to the old off-roading adage “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary”. That said, maybe it's possible to regain some of that control. The optional factory 5.71 gearing upgrade and intended mechanical advantage is diminished when oversized tires are fitted. Could the solution be as simple as going to a 6.16 R&P?

 

[causa]

Don't want to derail this thread, but it would be great to hear your impressions of all 3 platforms camper-wise as I have the same list...

Jay

PM sent.

 

[Czechsix]

Actually, it was multiple viewings of the video Howard posted showing his FG on a “real” trail that made me doubt a new Fuso FG would work for us. Howard shows the skill necessary to bully his Earth Cruiser up a rock strewn trail. But that's my point. For me, off-roading is about driver control, using finesse driving to enjoy the scenery along the trail. Seems rather abusive longterm (To both vehicle & passenger) having to constantly charge rocky ascents and obstacles at 4-5mph.

Mitsubishi's Duonic transmission gives new meaning to the old off-roading adage “as slow as possible, as fast as necessary”. That said, maybe it's possible to regain some of that control. The optional factory 5.71 gearing upgrade and intended mechanical advantage is diminished when oversized tires are fitted. Could the solution be as simple as going to a 6.16 R&P?

I think, and possibly Howard will agree with me here, that not airing down on that particular trail made the traverse look much worse than it could have been.

One of these days we'll get some footage of multiple trucks with different setups going over the same trail. I'll bet there'll be a huge difference in trail behavior.

For me, once I get the on board air installed, I'll be playing around with tire pressures. I'll bet that on that section of trail, with the tires that I have, I could run 20# without issues. Of course, the truck is very light right now, things will change once it has close to full GVWR loads.

Regarding the R&P swap, maybe it is that simple...if it's available. I don't know if it is, haven't seen any mention of it anywhere.

Personally, I think we'll be fine with the higher ratio in our truck. From past experience, the reality of travel here in the states often translates to long distances on tarmac to get to interesting areas. I like having the capability of high speed travel, not having to live in the slow lane at all times, and being able to pass...at least on flats. LOL. Then there's the whole issue of taking your quarter million dollar rig on rough trails, usually with some kind of risk. Which is one reason I'm going to have a bike on board, to do potential investigative rides before getting too deep into a situation and having to call Mog at 0300 to come pull me out.

 

[riptilyaflip]

I have recently purchased a 2004 Isuzu FRR that I will be converting into a 4x4 expedition camper.
I have owned a 4 door long bed Duramax since 2004 and had an F-250 before that.
Prior to the diesels, I owned a VW Sycro AWD camper. I love my Duramax and drive it to Baja every year. It's like riding in airplane. However, the VW was hands down the most comfortable and easy vehicle to drive long distances in. Having the no hood, cab foreword design, makes for great visibility, which totally changes the driving experience, not to mention turning radius.
The Isuzu or Fuso can become a VW on steroids, everything is just bigger, badder, and better.

To get the same size camper in a F-550 that you can get in a COE, would require a ridiculously long wheel base, which is not very practical in even moderate off pavement travel.

As far as tranny/transfer case; there is not substitute for gearing when it comes to safely controlling a heavy vehicle in a steep up or down off road situation. If you've ever had an opportunity to drive a Jeep Rubicon in with a 4:1 transfer case in Moab, you will understand; it makes something that would be scary into a non-issue! Add the weight of one of these trucks and everything is compounded. That's why the gearing in the Mog's is so advantageous, although a bit overkill for a camper.
You don't need the low gears for rock crawling, you need them to control your speed.

That's my 2 cents

 

[GR8ADV]

One of these days we'll get some footage of multiple trucks with different setups going over the same trail. I'll bet there'll be a huge difference in trail behavior.

.

That's the plan at the nw overland in June. It will depend on how many rigs we can get to show up.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/139595-FUSO-meet-and-greet

 

[mog]

.......having to call Mog at 0300 to come pull me out.

No problem with a manual transmission and a Hi/Low transfer case :sombrero:

 

[Czechsix]

No problem with a manual transmission and a Hi/Low transfer case :sombrero: