Best way to get a Fuso 4x4 in the US

[mhume802]

Hey all, I'm looking to build a camper on a Fuso 4x4.
(More specifically I want to build on a 4x4 cabover truck, with minimum cab size, leaving the most room for the camper box on the back, while still keeping the overall length down. It seems that Fuso FG 4x4 was about the only 4x4 cabover offered in the US.)

Now I am under the impression that the Fuso FG 4x4 has been discontinued in the US, and looking around for them, it is very hard to find any in good condition.
Does anyone have any resources on the best way to get one of these trucks in 4x4 in the US? As far as I can tell, my options are:

1.) Hope a used one comes up online (not my favorite option).
2.) Buy one from overseas (also has it's downsides).
3.) Convert a new Fuso to 4x4 (I'd like this option, but I'm not aware of anyone offering this).

It looks like Earth Cruiser is doing the conversion, but I can't find anybody offering the conversion as a service in the US, and I'm not interested in taking on the conversion part myself.

I am not limiting myself to the Fuso. It seemed like a good option as it was available in 4x4, but now they seem to be very hard to find.
I did find that some people converting the Isuzu NPR, but I'm yet to get a price on this.
I'm also curious about some of the European cabover 4x4s (Mercedes, Iveco, MAN, Steyr) but importing plus parts availability makes it seem less appealing.

Curious to hear some ideas, Thanks!

 

[yabanja]

Hey all, I'm looking to build a camper on a Fuso 4x4.
(More specifically I want to build on a 4x4 cabover truck, with minimum cab size, leaving the most room for the camper box on the back, while still keeping the overall length down. It seems that Fuso FG 4x4 was about the only 4x4 cabover offered in the US.)

Now I am under the impression that the Fuso FG 4x4 has been discontinued in the US, and looking around for them, it is very hard to find any in good condition.
Does anyone have any resources on the best way to get one of these trucks in 4x4 in the US? As far as I can tell, my options are:

1.) Hope a used one comes up online (not my favorite option).
2.) Buy one from overseas (also has it's downsides).
3.) Convert a new Fuso to 4x4 (I'd like this option, but I'm not aware of anyone offering this).

It looks like Earth Cruiser is doing the conversion, but I can't find anybody offering the conversion as a service in the US, and I'm not interested in taking on the conversion part myself.

I am not limiting myself to the Fuso. It seemed like a good option as it was available in 4x4, but now they seem to be very hard to find.
I did find that some people converting the Isuzu NPR, but I'm yet to get a price on this.
I'm also curious about some of the European cabover 4x4s (Mercedes, Iveco, MAN, Steyr) but importing plus parts availability makes it seem less appealing.

Curious to hear some ideas, Thanks!

By their very nature converted vehicles will be less reliable and difficult to repair. Particularly if you plan to travel internationally. The work of hundreds of engineers at an OEM manufacturer just can't be duplicated in low volume manufacturers and parts availability for aftermarket parts is difficult. I would really only recommend using a converted truck if you do the conversion yourself as then you will have the skills to repair it on the go. This doesn't sound like it is your cup of tea. Therefore, your best option if you are set on a medium duty truck in the US is to purchase a used truck. The FUSO's that use DEF fluid are highly questionable so I recommend pre 2008. Wish it weren't the case.

Take care

Allan

 

[yabanja]

Here’s one for you, right up the road! Still available as of today. (not mine)

View attachment 584613

YES! This is a great example. Ours is short wheelbase. It still leaves room for a 12 foot long box which is perfect for our needs. This thing will perform like a jeep off road and with 37" tires cruise on the freeway at 70. For $8000 you will have a lot of $$$ left over for a mechanical refresh if necessary. The second gear grind is common. You just have to be patient when shifting. We use redline MT fluid in ours which helps.

 

[mhume802]

By their very nature converted vehicles will be less reliable and difficult to repair. Particularly if you plan to travel internationally. The work of hundreds of engineers at an OEM manufacturer just can't be duplicated in low volume manufacturers and parts availability for aftermarket parts is difficult. I would really only recommend using a converted truck if you do the conversion yourself as then you will have the skills to repair it on the go. This doesn't sound like it is your cup of tea. Therefore, your best option if you are set on a medium duty truck in the US is to purchase a used truck. The FUSO's that use DEF fluid are highly questionable so I recommend pre 2008. Wish it weren't the case.

Take care

Allan

Thanks Allan, this is a really good point. At the end of the day I am way more interested in something stock if I can get it, unfortunately there's just not a ton of options out there!

What are your reasons that the FUSO's on DEF fluid are no good? I've heard mixed things, but always interested to hear more.

Cheers,

-Miles

 

[mhume802]

OOh that is a pretty damn good option ^^^. I was really hoping for a long wheelbase, as I had a 14' box in mind. I do a lot of winter camping, so extra space inside is nice.

I was also hoping for something a little newer, but admittedly, for the price this one leaves quite a bit of money left over for an overhaul.

Anybody have any reasons to prefer the 90's ones?

 

[gregmchugh]

Thanks Allan, this is a really good point. At the end of the day I am way more interested in something stock if I can get it, unfortunately there's just not a ton of options out there!

What are your reasons that the FUSO's on DEF fluid are no good? I've heard mixed things, but always interested to hear more.

Cheers,

-Miles

2012-2016 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Diesel Truck Canadian Class Action | Consumer Law Group Class Actions Canada

CONSUMER LAW GROUP is investigating a Canada wide class action lawsuit against Mitsubishi Canada Limited and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc Mitsubi

www.clg.org

 

[gregmchugh]

Thanks Allan, this is a really good point. At the end of the day I am way more interested in something stock if I can get it, unfortunately there's just not a ton of options out there!

What are your reasons that the FUSO's on DEF fluid are no good? I've heard mixed things, but always interested to hear more.

Cheers,

-Miles

Mitsubishi Fuso BlueTec Engine Class Action Settlement

Learn more about Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Truck engine defects.

classactionsreporter.com

 

[JDMBrian]

Hey all, I'm looking to build a camper on a Fuso 4x4.
(More specifically I want to build on a 4x4 cabover truck, with minimum cab size, leaving the most room for the camper box on the back, while still keeping the overall length down. It seems that Fuso FG 4x4 was about the only 4x4 cabover offered in the US.)

Now I am under the impression that the Fuso FG 4x4 has been discontinued in the US, and looking around for them, it is very hard to find any in good condition.
Does anyone have any resources on the best way to get one of these trucks in 4x4 in the US? As far as I can tell, my options are:

1.) Hope a used one comes up online (not my favorite option).
2.) Buy one from overseas (also has it's downsides).
3.) Convert a new Fuso to 4x4 (I'd like this option, but I'm not aware of anyone offering this).

It looks like Earth Cruiser is doing the conversion, but I can't find anybody offering the conversion as a service in the US, and I'm not interested in taking on the conversion part myself.

I am not limiting myself to the Fuso. It seemed like a good option as it was available in 4x4, but now they seem to be very hard to find.
I did find that some people converting the Isuzu NPR, but I'm yet to get a price on this.
I'm also curious about some of the European cabover 4x4s (Mercedes, Iveco, MAN, Steyr) but importing plus parts availability makes it seem less appealing.

Curious to hear some ideas, Thanks!