Fuso, International or Cummins
- Thread starter garybo
- Start date
Fuso has a dealer presence in more than 150 countries. That doesn't mean that they would have the right parts for a USA version of the Canter, or even that they would be willing to help order the parts. But you'd find people who are familiar with Fuso engines. Cummins and Caterpillar are used in so many ways (generators, stationary pumps of all kinds, marine applications, as well as construction machinery) that there is likely to be service available in any major town. It will be expensive, but available. I don't have any experience with International/Navistar in faraway places.
The best bet for global service of a truck is Mercedes. Older Mercedes products, pre-electronics era, would be more common in developing countries.
Here's an example, a Mercedes 1017 4x4, outfitted with a Global Expedition Vehicles camper
And here's a link to Bill Caid's Mercedes 1017A with Hi-Lo camper
http://www.billcaid.com/2010/1017ACamperConstruction20100921/TripMain.html
The best bet for global service of a truck is Mercedes. Older Mercedes products, pre-electronics era, would be more common in developing countries.
Here's an example, a Mercedes 1017 4x4, outfitted with a Global Expedition Vehicles camper
And here's a link to Bill Caid's Mercedes 1017A with Hi-Lo camper
http://www.billcaid.com/2010/1017ACamperConstruction20100921/TripMain.html
thanks, I paraphrased your comment at
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/84733-Small-camper
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/84733-Small-camper
westyss
Explorer
Wow, it sounds like that thing is falling apart, what items have failed on you or broken? I have been using mine hard, 07 FG but only have 40,000km on it and nothing has come up at all! Please let us know what has failed, I have yet to hear from anyone about the FG having major breakdowns, any Oz folk have some input here? Fuel injectors sounds like poor fuel, no?
I would have to have on a bullet proof vest if I suggested living in a Landcruiser with a roof top tent! We're just not that tough. We need a "box" of some sort on back. Trying to classify traveling rigs, for us, and in consideration of the above, there's "Offroad", "Onroad", and "City" rigs. Offroad would be Merc 1017 and MANs, Onroad includes poor roads, more for civilized areas, without the abuse of offroad, and City for smaller streets in European city areas. For our thinking, I think the Fuso is an Onroad rig. One can put their rig into these categories as they wish at their own risk, but the above info forwarns of moving up into the Offroad category.
From experience, in the Onroad category, would the Toyota Tacoma/Hilux or just Landcruiser parts and service be available in most world areas?
From experience, in the Onroad category, would the Toyota Tacoma/Hilux or just Landcruiser parts and service be available in most world areas?
Hi Garybo
Been lurking for awhile . Good forum.
Hasn't your FUSO already been around the world once already? I thought it had done it's fair share of "offroad" too. Can't imagine Terra Del Fuego being a cakewalk. Do you know what troubles the Greene's had getting service in more remote areas or what mechanical issues the truck had?
Been lurking for awhile . Good forum.
Hasn't your FUSO already been around the world once already? I thought it had done it's fair share of "offroad" too. Can't imagine Terra Del Fuego being a cakewalk. Do you know what troubles the Greene's had getting service in more remote areas or what mechanical issues the truck had?
biggoolies
Adventurer
I suppose as with those travelling with heavy Mercedes or other heavy trucks, you will want to bring the parts that have a possibility of breaking down. I know before I take the great journey to other countries with little Fuso service, I am going to know my drivetrain inside out, bring parts that have the possibility of breaking and a full set of appropriate tools and diagnostic equipment. Relying on an unknown service center your taking a chance. What do you do if you are 300 miles away from any service? Perhaps a list of parts we can carry along would be a good thing to put together as a group? I know that a set of injectors and a spare alternator is a start. A spare clutch. Brake parts. What else?
Darcy
Darcy
Last edited:
gait
Explorer
Just some experiences of world wide parts availability.
Aus Canter in UK. Local Merc dealer had to ask Germany for part numbers and price for leaf springs (10 days for reply). Delivery where from and date needed an order placing. To place an order dealer wanted payment first (for unique vehicle). I imported from Aus myself so I could predict and track delivery. I had time to sea freight. Upgraded to parabolics at the same time. All up similar cost to UK dealer original springs.
For kingpin bearing and sticky free wheel hub Aus dealer emailed the parts diagram in a few hours, UK dealer didn't have access and would have to ask Germany. I air freighted a replacement after market camber kit from Aus through the wheel aligner that first fitted it. Hub parts from main dealer in Aus. Useful to have someone who understands the problems of long distance support at home to help organise. Of course now I've replaced one side I know the bearing manufacturers part number and size - about $10 over internet with next day delivery!
Standard parts like filters, bearings, seals, belts and hoses from general parts places once the cross reference is found. I expect something like a clutch plate would be easier from Fuso as its probably common to other Canters.
Probably most important thing I did was bring contact details for Mitsi dealer and after market suppliers from home, talk to them before I left about what I was doing, and have a friend close to them. I have only 2wd service manual on computer but a bit of help from friends provided the bit of 4wd manual I needed.
Re-assembly of free wheel hub didn't "feel" right and diagrams unclear. Happened to be the same hub that didn't work when I first purchased the vehicle and I was reluctant to use force. Forum contact from someone in PNG who maintains several Canters provided sensible useful info.
Even something apparently simple like wheel alignment check after king pin bearing replacement needed an understanding of the vehicle and how it was set up before leaving Aus.
Also useful has been a base to head for away from home.
I can do most repairs myself but if I have someone else do them I like to watch so I know what's been done and I know for next time.
Basically I concluded its nigh on impossible to predict what will fail and carry all the "what if" parts. After that its a combination of having reliable info, reliable contacts, a reliable way of delivery, and time. I'd go as far as suggesting carrying information about the vehicle (and camper) is more important than carrying parts.
Aus Canter in UK. Local Merc dealer had to ask Germany for part numbers and price for leaf springs (10 days for reply). Delivery where from and date needed an order placing. To place an order dealer wanted payment first (for unique vehicle). I imported from Aus myself so I could predict and track delivery. I had time to sea freight. Upgraded to parabolics at the same time. All up similar cost to UK dealer original springs.
For kingpin bearing and sticky free wheel hub Aus dealer emailed the parts diagram in a few hours, UK dealer didn't have access and would have to ask Germany. I air freighted a replacement after market camber kit from Aus through the wheel aligner that first fitted it. Hub parts from main dealer in Aus. Useful to have someone who understands the problems of long distance support at home to help organise. Of course now I've replaced one side I know the bearing manufacturers part number and size - about $10 over internet with next day delivery!
Standard parts like filters, bearings, seals, belts and hoses from general parts places once the cross reference is found. I expect something like a clutch plate would be easier from Fuso as its probably common to other Canters.
Probably most important thing I did was bring contact details for Mitsi dealer and after market suppliers from home, talk to them before I left about what I was doing, and have a friend close to them. I have only 2wd service manual on computer but a bit of help from friends provided the bit of 4wd manual I needed.
Re-assembly of free wheel hub didn't "feel" right and diagrams unclear. Happened to be the same hub that didn't work when I first purchased the vehicle and I was reluctant to use force. Forum contact from someone in PNG who maintains several Canters provided sensible useful info.
Even something apparently simple like wheel alignment check after king pin bearing replacement needed an understanding of the vehicle and how it was set up before leaving Aus.
Also useful has been a base to head for away from home.
I can do most repairs myself but if I have someone else do them I like to watch so I know what's been done and I know for next time.
Basically I concluded its nigh on impossible to predict what will fail and carry all the "what if" parts. After that its a combination of having reliable info, reliable contacts, a reliable way of delivery, and time. I'd go as far as suggesting carrying information about the vehicle (and camper) is more important than carrying parts.
JRhetts
Adventurer
Amen! There have to be some high-probability parts, such as belts, and the like, that are a no-brainer to carry, but after that.... I called 3 active dealers' shop managers about a likely-to-fail parts list, and got non-overlapping suggestions. Seems to me knowledge about the vehicle and preparation for procuring and shipping are likely to be more useful.
As an illustration: no one suggested drive shaft u-joints. What was the first and major failure on my FM260? Yep, drive shaft u-joint on one end of the transmission-to-transfer case drive shaft. I bought 2 and carry the extra — but I am also sure that this is superstitious behavior [like pressing the elevator button more than once.]