Family Truck Expedition Examples on FUSO/ISUZU/ETC.

Maninga

Adventurer
I considered this as an option early in my design process, but quickly ruled it out for the reasons I have given above.

In a couple of weeks I'm going to have a look at a hydronic in-floor heating setup being prototyped at the moment using Styromax panels. Having a warm floor would be rather nice on non-warm days (given it doesn't get cold here in Aus)
 

Maninga

Adventurer
Is that what you meant by clearance Joe?

Not quite. I'm designing new fuel tank and storage boxes to be mounted against the subframe at the moment. Originally had planned for 500mm clearance from the bottom of these to the ground, but may need to make it 450/400 to get the fuel tank size I want. Just curious if you'd thought about building the body down to enclose these as per Earthcruiser/Global Warrior, and if so how far down. Probably thinking a bit far ahead, but was a detail I'd been thinking of a lot.

What's peoples thoughts on ground clearance?
 
Hey EarthCruiser... I have seen that video in the past thanks, shows that you have a good diesel heater! Do you make use of a similar insulated fabric as ATW? Care to comment on what brand it is, or is it a trade secret (I understand if it is)?

Cheers

We use a fabric made by Ferrari for the express purpose of being insulative in both hot and cold. We've now got a lot of experience with cold!
 

chosen

Observer
Not quite. I'm designing new fuel tank and storage boxes to be mounted against the subframe at the moment. Originally had planned for 500mm clearance from the bottom of these to the ground, but may need to make it 450/400 to get the fuel tank size I want. Just curious if you'd thought about building the body down to enclose these as per Earthcruiser/Global Warrior, and if so how far down. Probably thinking a bit far ahead, but was a detail I'd been thinking of a lot.

What's peoples thoughts on ground clearance?

I quite like the idea of the fancy fuel tanks being on display. Certainly the higher sides above mean less mucking around for people who aren't pro's, but it also may mean more access and visibility to see what is going on under there? It's cheaper for me to replace or repair a damages fuel tank or storage box than it is perhaps to repair damaged side panels, should the unthinkable happen and it hits a large protruding rock or branch at the wrong angle.

The more clearance, within reason... the better where I want to take it. Seeing as I do not own the vehicle yet though, there is a fair bit of speculation as to its shape underneath and clearance - only going off photos from the internet, etc. so please keep that in mind from my photos.
 

chosen

Observer
Thanks to everyone for their comments thus far... I have a vehicle specific questions and thought I would place it here, rather than starting a post or digging through the archives to find a suitable thread. Although some digging will occur to find more info no doubt.

I have the opportunity to inspect and possibly buy a NPS300 with 312,000 km on it. 1993, single cab (so would need to build a camper back with compliant seats in the back for the family). Apparently it is in really good condition as it was an ex-govt. truck from Kangaroo Island. No rust, body good, some interior wear.

Needs tyres, suspension looks soft and sagged... all this for $15000 AU. I'm thinking it is a bit high, so might offer lower... any thoughts? Are the KM's too high? Still need to inspect it myself as it is 500kms away from my place.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew
 

SkiFreak

Crazy Person
Seems like a lot for a truck that old with that many Ks on it.
The biggest problem with buying a truck with a lot of Ks is that you could be looking at some expensive driveline repairs sooner, rather than later.
 

Maninga

Adventurer
Is it this truck?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wing...ture-equipment/isuzu-nps-300-truck/1085441101

Cosmetically it doesn't look bad, but it's still a 22 year old truck with fairly high ks. Probably the bigger question, if it's got a 11ft tray, probably 13 ft if rebuild. Is that going to be enough room for 3-4 to sit/sleep in? Does it have a turbo? might be a bit slow otherwise, they're no speed demons.

Here's another one that might be of interest.
http://www.trucksales.com.au/buy/used/OAG-AD-2704595/2007-Mitsubishi-FG649
 

chosen

Observer
That's the one... yeah figured as much about the price. Was going to offer closer to $10k but with the points mentioned, probably not worth it. It is just pretty rare to find one of these vehicles within a weekends drive (back) of my place. Flights from Mt Gambier are ridiculous, especially at short notice so I get excited when I see something as close as 500kms. I've also seen the FG649 you showed me there Joe, side by side the resale value alone makes for a better buy than the one I asked about I guess.

Cheers guys!
 

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