brut4s
Adventurer
Found this on the web not sure if this is the right place for it, but tahe a look. www.tigermotorhomes.com
anyone know anything about this company?
- Thread starter brut4s
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tamangel
Adventurer
I have a 1996 Tiger CX, the layout is identical to the current production model.
The layout is very usable but I would hesitate to call it expedition class. The cabin (Fiberglass roof with aluminum framed/skinned sides) is integrated solidly with the cab to the point of having the main cross bars welded to the truck frame (No three point mounting here). The build quality on mine was pretty good holding up well after 190K miles (yes one hundred and ninety thousand). It is at the point that the cabinets all need to be re built as the squeak pretty bad on rough roads. The interior is the standard RV industry press board and staple construction... A few more dollars spent there would have helped a ton.
Chassis clearance is way better than typical RV's but you still have plastic tanks and valves that are the first point of ground contact in some situations.
These make a great rough road capable motor home and with a bit larger tire than stock might surprise you. Most places between Mexico and Alaska would be doable.
Mine is unique as it is built on a K2500 diesel 5 speed chassis (6.5/NV4500).
I have started down the path of "Expeditification" on mine. Think mini Earthroamer and you are close. The propane appliances have been removed and replaced with 12V (for the fridge) and diesel for the heating and hot water. (Marine water heater and two webasto units, one for air the other for water) The electrical system was re-done with all marine grade stuff including a 5000 watt inverter, 4 batteries, and 2 large solar panels (Sorry Mike). Next up is an Air-Bag rear suspension for this summers trips. Long term plans include going to a cartridge toilet re doing the at risk holding tanks in the process.
I have owned (or currently own) the following off road camping set ups:
Early Bronco Four Wheel Pop-Up (66 Bronco, gone)
Full Size Four Wheel Pop-Up (1978 F250, gone)
1984 BJ60 with sleeping deck (gone, miss it alot)
1989 FJ62 (with above sleeping deck, gone, don't miss it at all)
1996 FZJ80 (with various sleeping set ups, lockers, M1200, 39 gallon tank, 285/75-16's, etc) Your standard cookie cutter 80 build which I daily drive and use for some of the light and fast trips that the Tiger doesn't get hauled out of winter storage for.
1978 F250 Crew Cab Short Box Wildernest Pop Up shell. Currently getting a 4BT cummins. (and by currently I'm heading to the shop after submitting this reply) Bought this to build my dream expedition truck then stumbled onto the Tiger. Not exactly sure what form the build is going to take now with the Tiger in the family.
1996 Provan Tiger 4x4. The Tiger stands out for its drive ability, ease of use and comfort. We really really like the large walk through from the cab to the coach. This is vastly superior for our usage than the truck and camper(crawl through) configuration. My wife also really appreciates having a "close the door" bathroom.
I really think Provan would have an expedition player if they optioned an "E Spec Tiger" with a 12V compressor fridge and cartridge toilet. Leave the propane stove and heat as they are expensive to replace correctly and call it good. They do sell every one they have the capacity to build however so why fix whats not broke.
Cheers
Chris
The layout is very usable but I would hesitate to call it expedition class. The cabin (Fiberglass roof with aluminum framed/skinned sides) is integrated solidly with the cab to the point of having the main cross bars welded to the truck frame (No three point mounting here). The build quality on mine was pretty good holding up well after 190K miles (yes one hundred and ninety thousand). It is at the point that the cabinets all need to be re built as the squeak pretty bad on rough roads. The interior is the standard RV industry press board and staple construction... A few more dollars spent there would have helped a ton.
Chassis clearance is way better than typical RV's but you still have plastic tanks and valves that are the first point of ground contact in some situations.
These make a great rough road capable motor home and with a bit larger tire than stock might surprise you. Most places between Mexico and Alaska would be doable.
Mine is unique as it is built on a K2500 diesel 5 speed chassis (6.5/NV4500).
I have started down the path of "Expeditification" on mine. Think mini Earthroamer and you are close. The propane appliances have been removed and replaced with 12V (for the fridge) and diesel for the heating and hot water. (Marine water heater and two webasto units, one for air the other for water) The electrical system was re-done with all marine grade stuff including a 5000 watt inverter, 4 batteries, and 2 large solar panels (Sorry Mike). Next up is an Air-Bag rear suspension for this summers trips. Long term plans include going to a cartridge toilet re doing the at risk holding tanks in the process.
I have owned (or currently own) the following off road camping set ups:
Early Bronco Four Wheel Pop-Up (66 Bronco, gone)
Full Size Four Wheel Pop-Up (1978 F250, gone)
1984 BJ60 with sleeping deck (gone, miss it alot)
1989 FJ62 (with above sleeping deck, gone, don't miss it at all)
1996 FZJ80 (with various sleeping set ups, lockers, M1200, 39 gallon tank, 285/75-16's, etc) Your standard cookie cutter 80 build which I daily drive and use for some of the light and fast trips that the Tiger doesn't get hauled out of winter storage for.
1978 F250 Crew Cab Short Box Wildernest Pop Up shell. Currently getting a 4BT cummins. (and by currently I'm heading to the shop after submitting this reply) Bought this to build my dream expedition truck then stumbled onto the Tiger. Not exactly sure what form the build is going to take now with the Tiger in the family.
1996 Provan Tiger 4x4. The Tiger stands out for its drive ability, ease of use and comfort. We really really like the large walk through from the cab to the coach. This is vastly superior for our usage than the truck and camper(crawl through) configuration. My wife also really appreciates having a "close the door" bathroom.
I really think Provan would have an expedition player if they optioned an "E Spec Tiger" with a 12V compressor fridge and cartridge toilet. Leave the propane stove and heat as they are expensive to replace correctly and call it good. They do sell every one they have the capacity to build however so why fix whats not broke.
Cheers
Chris
The owner was a founder of 4 wheel camper and his son is the owner of Phoenix/Coyote campers. Don't know much about the build quality but have not heard great things about Phoenix. I think the Tiger Pro-Van is a great option. I really like it and the price is a little more reasonable. Reminds me of the old Chinook 4x4's made on a van chassis. I wish there were more options in this category.
suntinez
Explorer
I have a 2005 Tiger GT (the astrovan popup version), it's been a lot of fun so far.
This couple has been on the road for the past seven years, their current vehicle is a 2007 Tiger CX. They have a nice website documenting their travels and vehicle.
Provan was sold last year, the new owner is Mark Guild. I haven't had any interaction with him, but the previous owner was very helpful when sorting out some questions during my purchase (bought mine used) and shortly afterwards. It seems to be well constructed, but I've only had mine a few months and it was barely used when I got it. There's a known design problem with the fuel fill line, I had to have mine replaced. Squeezer, that's cool that yours has been on the road for 190K miles - impressive!
There is a user group for Tiger owners and wannabes here. They recently moved from MSN groups to Yahoo groups so some of the technical info/pictures previously posted are missing (or I haven't found them yet) but I think are will be transferred at some point.
This couple has been on the road for the past seven years, their current vehicle is a 2007 Tiger CX. They have a nice website documenting their travels and vehicle.
Provan was sold last year, the new owner is Mark Guild. I haven't had any interaction with him, but the previous owner was very helpful when sorting out some questions during my purchase (bought mine used) and shortly afterwards. It seems to be well constructed, but I've only had mine a few months and it was barely used when I got it. There's a known design problem with the fuel fill line, I had to have mine replaced. Squeezer, that's cool that yours has been on the road for 190K miles - impressive!
There is a user group for Tiger owners and wannabes here. They recently moved from MSN groups to Yahoo groups so some of the technical info/pictures previously posted are missing (or I haven't found them yet) but I think are will be transferred at some point.
DiploStrat
Expedition Leader
Solid Truck
To echo the previous post, the Howe's have been in their Tiger for a year or so, been from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego and are on their way back up. Is that “expedition ready?” Probably not for Central Africa in the rainy season and I can’t comment on Asia.
http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Home_Page.html
Couple of years ago Provan moved from the ¾ ton to the 1 ton Chevrolet and Ford chassis and since that time I haven't seen any more owner posts about springs/air bags/Tiger Traks/other suspension mods. Neither have I seen any threads about body/frame problems. If it takes 190,000 miles to shake up the cabinets on a ¾ ton chassis, that is better than most.
Dave, the previous owner had a bit of a Henry Ford attitude - any color as long as it is black. He spent years refining the Tiger and he stood behind a five year warranty. He built his vision of a 4x4 camper, not yours. He was, however, willing to tell you why he made the choices he did to get the product out the door at a price point. He stressed to me that he always chose "industry standard" products if he could so that the owner could get a Tiger serviced at any RV dealer. Owner's group threads note that he was extremely generous about simply paying any bills you incurred and did not always require that you bring the camper back, send him the broken unit, etc. Never seen a "I can't wait to sell this piece of XX thread." He was not interested in running a custom shop. That said, he was willing to do “delete” options. (The Howe's left off the A/C and I have read threads about people using cassette toilets.
The company was bought at the end of last year and so we will have to see what the new owners do. I note that the “What’s new?” portion of their website is empty.
To echo the previous post, the Howe's have been in their Tiger for a year or so, been from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego and are on their way back up. Is that “expedition ready?” Probably not for Central Africa in the rainy season and I can’t comment on Asia.
http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Home_Page.html
Couple of years ago Provan moved from the ¾ ton to the 1 ton Chevrolet and Ford chassis and since that time I haven't seen any more owner posts about springs/air bags/Tiger Traks/other suspension mods. Neither have I seen any threads about body/frame problems. If it takes 190,000 miles to shake up the cabinets on a ¾ ton chassis, that is better than most.
Dave, the previous owner had a bit of a Henry Ford attitude - any color as long as it is black. He spent years refining the Tiger and he stood behind a five year warranty. He built his vision of a 4x4 camper, not yours. He was, however, willing to tell you why he made the choices he did to get the product out the door at a price point. He stressed to me that he always chose "industry standard" products if he could so that the owner could get a Tiger serviced at any RV dealer. Owner's group threads note that he was extremely generous about simply paying any bills you incurred and did not always require that you bring the camper back, send him the broken unit, etc. Never seen a "I can't wait to sell this piece of XX thread." He was not interested in running a custom shop. That said, he was willing to do “delete” options. (The Howe's left off the A/C and I have read threads about people using cassette toilets.
The company was bought at the end of last year and so we will have to see what the new owners do. I note that the “What’s new?” portion of their website is empty.
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Just to be clear I REALLY like our Tiger. They are a very unique traveling solution out of the box. Looking at one through the filter of "Expedition Portal" there are a few simple changes that could make them more suitable for expedition type work. Compressor fridges work better than absorbtion fridges on or off road so that would be my #1 change. The black water tank and associated plumbing is very exposed behind the drivers rear wheel. A cassette toilet would take care of that really easy. For 99% of how most people (even those on this board) will use a camper nothing else needs to change. We talk about 100% diesel appliances and such but a hard mount 15 gallon propane tank will last a long time. Adding solar is easy and the new ones have more than enough battery capacity. The new Ford and GM chassi are much better than my 1996. And lets not even get into comparing the 6.5 diesel to the current crop...
I have yet to see anyone who owns a Tiger speak poorly of the rig or the service.
Cheers
Chris:victory:
I have yet to see anyone who owns a Tiger speak poorly of the rig or the service.
Cheers
Chris:victory:
Ironduff
Observer
I'm another very happy Tiger owner. Mine's an '06 CX on a Chevy 2500HD std. cab 4x4 chassis with the 8.1 and Allison 6-spd. Equipped with Onan, roof A/C, awning, oven, and tank heaters. Haven't had any serious problems, but only have about 27,000 miles on it. I did have to chase a water leak for a long time, but it was simple to fix once found.
I bought it as a higher-mobility RV, not an expedition vehicle. I've owned 7 4x4's since '72, and a Baja Bug. I've owned 2 other RV's in the past 6 years, both 19' Roadtrek Class B vans. The Tiger combines the virtues of both. It could even be an 'only' vehicle. The Tiger fits in the same-sized parking spots as the RT's, and has a heck of a lot more mobility. I've done a 500+ mile day in it, and regularly use it for day-trips. I've had it over 90 mph once briefly, and the 8.1 was nowhere near out of breath. I've added a Hellwig rear bar and Air Lift bags. Handling's pretty darn good; you don't even feel truck wind. Mine returns 11.5 mpg at 70+, 13.5 at 60-65... sort of useless info, since GM doesn't offer that drivetrain anymore.
Excellent factory service (I live 180 miles away). Everything is 'fixable' by any RV shop, as mentioned. They're now available on Ford chassis, too.
If I wear it out, I'll get another, unless there's some other option in the niche by then. I'd skip the oven, and do a solid floor instead of carpet. Add a few more 12V and 110V outlets (a summer project).
Jim H.
I bought it as a higher-mobility RV, not an expedition vehicle. I've owned 7 4x4's since '72, and a Baja Bug. I've owned 2 other RV's in the past 6 years, both 19' Roadtrek Class B vans. The Tiger combines the virtues of both. It could even be an 'only' vehicle. The Tiger fits in the same-sized parking spots as the RT's, and has a heck of a lot more mobility. I've done a 500+ mile day in it, and regularly use it for day-trips. I've had it over 90 mph once briefly, and the 8.1 was nowhere near out of breath. I've added a Hellwig rear bar and Air Lift bags. Handling's pretty darn good; you don't even feel truck wind. Mine returns 11.5 mpg at 70+, 13.5 at 60-65... sort of useless info, since GM doesn't offer that drivetrain anymore.
Excellent factory service (I live 180 miles away). Everything is 'fixable' by any RV shop, as mentioned. They're now available on Ford chassis, too.
If I wear it out, I'll get another, unless there's some other option in the niche by then. I'd skip the oven, and do a solid floor instead of carpet. Add a few more 12V and 110V outlets (a summer project).
Jim H.
DiploStrat
Expedition Leader
Welcome!
One should know that "IRONDUFF" was a prolific poster at the old TigerMotorHome Owners group on MSN and has undertaken a lot of projects/upgrades on his Tiger. We have a real pro in our midst.
Given the demise of MSN groups, maybe we should ask the moderators to open a Tiger thread here and stop fooling around with Yahoo, Multiply, etc.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I have a vested interest in learning more about the Tiger as it looks to be ideal for what my wife and I want to do when we return to the US, so the more Tiger owners I can bring to Expo, the better.
Old Tiger thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9066
There has been a lot of viewing-with-alarm that the Tiger does not have a suspended camper. At the same time, I have not seen any Tiger owners complaining of broken campers. This may mean that the Tiger's "rigid" as opposed to suspended construction is appropriate for the roads most owners use them on. In that case, that means that the Tiger is adequate for the entire western hemisphere. (And, by extension, Europe and North Africa as far as Tamanrasset as long as you stay on the main road.) I have no idea how it would hold up to African washboard, but then nothing can stand that and a three or four point suspension isn't the answer either.
One should know that "IRONDUFF" was a prolific poster at the old TigerMotorHome Owners group on MSN and has undertaken a lot of projects/upgrades on his Tiger. We have a real pro in our midst.
Given the demise of MSN groups, maybe we should ask the moderators to open a Tiger thread here and stop fooling around with Yahoo, Multiply, etc.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I have a vested interest in learning more about the Tiger as it looks to be ideal for what my wife and I want to do when we return to the US, so the more Tiger owners I can bring to Expo, the better.
Old Tiger thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9066
There has been a lot of viewing-with-alarm that the Tiger does not have a suspended camper. At the same time, I have not seen any Tiger owners complaining of broken campers. This may mean that the Tiger's "rigid" as opposed to suspended construction is appropriate for the roads most owners use them on. In that case, that means that the Tiger is adequate for the entire western hemisphere. (And, by extension, Europe and North Africa as far as Tamanrasset as long as you stay on the main road.) I have no idea how it would hold up to African washboard, but then nothing can stand that and a three or four point suspension isn't the answer either.
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Lutzy48
New member
Another Tiger CX Owner
I just wanted to let you know that I have been following this site for over a year now and also own a Tiger CX. I have mine on an '08 Ford F-350 Extended Cad with a 6.4 L Diesel engine. Also added tank heaters and a 130 watt solar panel for working off the grid. I spent 9 days away from home on a bird hunting trip last fall and had ample power. I did drive every few days, though.
Alan
I just wanted to let you know that I have been following this site for over a year now and also own a Tiger CX. I have mine on an '08 Ford F-350 Extended Cad with a 6.4 L Diesel engine. Also added tank heaters and a 130 watt solar panel for working off the grid. I spent 9 days away from home on a bird hunting trip last fall and had ample power. I did drive every few days, though.
Alan
Attachments
Ironduff
Observer
Why, thank you, kind sir.... but I'm hardly a 'pro'... those are the folks here who are designing and hands-on building their own vehicles, or making heavy mods to factory rides. Me, I'm just a gearhead & wordy old phart who's finally combined two of his favorite interests, 4x4's and RV's, in the Tiger CX.
Jim H.
suntinez
Explorer
Hey Jim, I recall some of your posts on the other site. Since it's gone now, I think we'd all be happy to see pics HERE now. If you would please ... 
Squeezer - you too! Always like seeing what folks have done to these.
There was a guy screename NoNeck who did some great mods to his Tiger, he really turned his white box into an Expo-purty ride.
Squeezer - you too! Always like seeing what folks have done to these.
There was a guy screename NoNeck who did some great mods to his Tiger, he really turned his white box into an Expo-purty ride.
NoNeck's Tiger CX
I have a 1995 Tiger CX that I've modified extensively. I'd post pics but I'm having trouble figuring out how to post. I get an error message when I try to add an attachment. I also tried to copy and paste but that doesn't work either. A little help?
NoNeck
I have a 1995 Tiger CX that I've modified extensively. I'd post pics but I'm having trouble figuring out how to post. I get an error message when I try to add an attachment. I also tried to copy and paste but that doesn't work either. A little help?
NoNeck
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