charlieaarons
Explorer
A very well thought out vehicle. “Bulletproofed” by non-abusive use. And able to use high sulfur fuel.
Simple, worldwide available drivetrain parts.
Simple, worldwide available drivetrain parts.
Fuso FM260-Based Expedition Vehicle
- Thread starter JRhetts
- Start date
JRhetts
Adventurer
My rig is SOLD … to an adventurous couple with plans to drive around the world. I got so much out of designing, building, and driving this rig that it has been very hard for me to move on, but life forces that even when you are reluctant.
I offer SINCERE, heartfelt thanks to the many sources of help and inspiration I got: including from ExPo members, but perhaps even more so, ironically, from two of the really big European builders.
Back in 2008-09 I found that both Unicat and ActionMobil published on the www drawings with dimensions of each new vehicle they delivered.
I became mesmerized, and my wife [at the time] chided me many times late at night [lovingly] for indulging myself in "RV-porn".
One upshot was that I got ideas about actual realizations of many layouts I could not have otherwise imagined. Deeper into the project, I called one of the "big 2" to ask if they would object to my using some of the layout sub-features in the drawing they had published. They said "That would be fine, as long as you are not going to build commercially" - which I had no intent or interest in doing. This source of 'engineering perspective and experience' was invaluable to me.
The rig leaves a big hole in my barn, but it was spending too much time there of late.
I offer SINCERE, heartfelt thanks to the many sources of help and inspiration I got: including from ExPo members, but perhaps even more so, ironically, from two of the really big European builders.
Back in 2008-09 I found that both Unicat and ActionMobil published on the www drawings with dimensions of each new vehicle they delivered.
I became mesmerized, and my wife [at the time] chided me many times late at night [lovingly] for indulging myself in "RV-porn".
One upshot was that I got ideas about actual realizations of many layouts I could not have otherwise imagined. Deeper into the project, I called one of the "big 2" to ask if they would object to my using some of the layout sub-features in the drawing they had published. They said "That would be fine, as long as you are not going to build commercially" - which I had no intent or interest in doing. This source of 'engineering perspective and experience' was invaluable to me.
The rig leaves a big hole in my barn, but it was spending too much time there of late.
JRhetts
Adventurer
Because a number of people have asked:
CLEANLINESS-
We all know organization is important, esp. to find something vital in the heat of an emergency.
And while I am not at all convinced that cleanliness is in fact a path to religious salvation, it too can be a matter of safety as well as preference.
I have long carried a two-purpose external water pump: a) to replenish my potable water from a flowing stream or clear lake through high-quality filters into my on-board tanks; and b) to wash my vehicle when conditions and my determination to get somewhere have conspired to add a thick layer of mud to the sides and undercarriage.
This was "us" on the top of Keno Hill in the Yukon, a very remote place where I spent a week exploring multiple old mines on foot and motorcycle. Getting in and out of the vehicle was perilous due to the slippery mud on steps, and the mess would inevitably find its way inside the moment I opened a door or hatch - a dismal prospect.
Just behind me there were some pocket-puddles of fresh rain water.
And among my gear was the aforementioned pump, plus hoses and washing gear.
In less than 20 minutes "we" looked like this [and could have been even cleaner if I had chosen to use one of my brush heads in addition to the spray nozzle]:
A much safer and more pleasant home to work around and live in.
On many occasions I have used the external filter set I carry to replenish my potable tanks from running/clear water.
I had giardia once and fiercely do not want it again, so I am very happy to double-filter my water when it could be contaminated by wildlife.
CLEANLINESS-
We all know organization is important, esp. to find something vital in the heat of an emergency.
And while I am not at all convinced that cleanliness is in fact a path to religious salvation, it too can be a matter of safety as well as preference.
I have long carried a two-purpose external water pump: a) to replenish my potable water from a flowing stream or clear lake through high-quality filters into my on-board tanks; and b) to wash my vehicle when conditions and my determination to get somewhere have conspired to add a thick layer of mud to the sides and undercarriage.
This was "us" on the top of Keno Hill in the Yukon, a very remote place where I spent a week exploring multiple old mines on foot and motorcycle. Getting in and out of the vehicle was perilous due to the slippery mud on steps, and the mess would inevitably find its way inside the moment I opened a door or hatch - a dismal prospect.
Just behind me there were some pocket-puddles of fresh rain water.
And among my gear was the aforementioned pump, plus hoses and washing gear.
In less than 20 minutes "we" looked like this [and could have been even cleaner if I had chosen to use one of my brush heads in addition to the spray nozzle]:
A much safer and more pleasant home to work around and live in.
On many occasions I have used the external filter set I carry to replenish my potable tanks from running/clear water.
I had giardia once and fiercely do not want it again, so I am very happy to double-filter my water when it could be contaminated by wildlife.