4x4 DAKAR Support Vehicle/Camper wanted

[cb2boxi]

Hi, Am new to this site so forgive me if my etiquette is lacking!!

Am looking to buy a suitable, 4x4 or 4x6 Diesel Truck type Camper vehicle to use in South America for the 2014 Dakar. Should be able to accommodate at least 4 people in separate beds/singles, and have adequate storage and other facilities. Thanks.

 

[haven]

Welcome to ExPo, cb2boxi. Are you looking for a vehicle that is already located in Argentina or Chile? And tell us how you plan to participate in the rally. Participant? Journalist?

 

[cb2boxi]

Hi Haven,

Our ideal vehicle doesn't have to be necessarily located in Argentina or Chile, we are prepared to look at anything anywhere at this stage. We have a short time until we have to confirm vehicle details to the ASO.

We are going as a support team for a group of 4 South African and Zambian entrants in the Motorcycle and Quad classes.

 

[haven]

A USA company called Rally Management Services has prepared Ford F350 trucks to support independent Dakar motorcycle racers. The F350 is smaller than most support vehicles, but that can be an advantage. The Dakar rules allow the smaller support vehicles to travel at a faster speed on the course. And the modified F350 costs far less than the 6x6 monster trucks from Mercedes, Iveco and Kamaz.

More information here
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23083-F350-as-Dakar-support-vehicle
http://www.rallymanagementservices.com/

 

[cb2boxi]

Thanks Haven,

I will check those links out. I agree with you on the smaller vehicles, having their advantages. Also ASO seems to have changed entry costs and rules for Campers and Assistance vehicles for 2014. E.g. Campers over 8.5 meters in length must be 4x4 it seems. The bigger the team we have, the bigger the Camper we need.
We will see what is available on line, before we start builds of any sort. Hopefully we will be "rescued" by someone on this site!!??

 

[Toby2]

Understand from someone who had taken support vehicle out there that whilst you used to need full on truck supporting African Dakar, you can now do it with 2 wheel drive vans. Might be worth looking into if you want to keep costs down. if you do want one, see attached link - this one was used on African Dakar and south american one. Its a good truck, been to see it. Bit small for what I want but does look very cool.

http://www.edmondson-racing.co.uk/prods/ubs00103-mercerdes-917-dakar-truck.html

 

[mhiscox]

A USA company called Rally Management Services has prepared Ford F350 trucks to support independent Dakar motorcycle racers. The F350 is smaller than most support vehicles, but that can be an advantage. The Dakar rules allow the smaller support vehicles to travel at a faster speed on the course. And the modified F350 costs far less than the 6x6 monster trucks from Mercedes, Iveco and Kamaz.

There doesn't seem to be much Chip doesn't know something about, does there? :sombrero:

 

[cb2boxi]

Thanks Toby,
Whilst this Merc is a wonderful looking Vehicle, and seems a bargain at the price, its not a Camper van like we need. We already have a vehicle for service with the Orange Service Team.
Now we are looking for accommodation vehicles with a few small comforts e.g. a table so our Riders an do their daily Road Book preps out of the sand. Decent beds. Washing Machine.etc

 

[derjack]

Hi, Am new to this site so forgive me if my etiquette is lacking!!

Am looking to buy a suitable, 4x4 or 4x6 Diesel Truck type Camper vehicle to use in South America for the 2014 Dakar. Should be able to accommodate at least 4 people in separate beds/singles, and have adequate storage and other facilities. Thanks.

Out of an European pov the dakar and rally trucks are mostly ex military ones. Like the perfect MAN KAT 1. They are available in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8- so it just depends on how much space you need.

See:
http://www.derjackistweg.de/wp-content/gallery/le-deux-cheveaux-cherchons-a-faire-marokko/2cv3.jpg

http://www.derjackistweg.de/2013/05/17/lkw-truck-trial-2008-und-2009/

First for any suggestion we should know how
Much budget
How much weight
How long must be could be
International support needed
Only us cars
Want to keep the truck or sell after the rally