Family Friendly 4x4
Adventurer
I am exactly where you are right now.
Been very happy with my Fuso FG around Southern Africa but we would like more space and more carrying capacity for our upcoming trip around the world.
All the postsers above have very valid points.
In the end it is about what you want from your expedition truck, and what you can afford to make your dream come true.
We decided to upgrade to the Iveco ML150 4x4 mainly because I got a bloody good deal on a brand new unit LOL.
But also because the only 4x4 model truck other than a Unimog available from MB South Africa is the Actros 1832 and I hate the look of the cab. A vehicle has got to have curb appeal for me also.
As for the Unimog, firstly I cannot afford it and secondly, you cannot put a big box on these vehicles. My main priority is improving my living space for increased comfort of a family of 4.
The most popular make of truck for expedition vehicles out of Europe is of course MAN thanks to ze Germans! But this brand is too expensive in SA and I really wanted a brand new truck.
Also as with most expedition trucks you are probably only ever going to need basic 4x4 through some sand, mud or some in/declines occassionaly. I would however make provision for decent approach and departure angles no matter which vehicle you choose.
I have crossed the Sahara on a motorcycle, travelled 10x countries in Africa and been on enough sand dunes between South Africa and Namibia with our Fuso to know that if you cannot go over a sand dune then go around it. I could have done these trips in any decent 4x4 driven truck no matter big or small. I travelled 13x countries by road in Europe and never went anywhere a delivery truck could not get into.
It really is just down to what you want from an expedition truck and your intended use of it.
The Iveco ticked all the boxes for me. Size, capability, reliability, curb appeal and cost.
We had the chassis lengthened by 1,100mm between the axles to cater for a 6,200mm box and still have legal overhang available for a motorcycle lift.
I can carry 135 gallons of diesel and 185 gallons of water. AND I can add a washer/dryer to please the missus. These are the things we want from our upgrade to a larger truck for an upcoming 4 - 5 year stint around the world.
You can go small and compact to fit it into a shipping container. Or you can go large and spacious and ship Ro-Ro between continents. It really boils down to how you want to travel. On the open road it makes little difference.
Our Iveco ML150 4x4.
Been very happy with my Fuso FG around Southern Africa but we would like more space and more carrying capacity for our upcoming trip around the world.
All the postsers above have very valid points.
In the end it is about what you want from your expedition truck, and what you can afford to make your dream come true.
We decided to upgrade to the Iveco ML150 4x4 mainly because I got a bloody good deal on a brand new unit LOL.
But also because the only 4x4 model truck other than a Unimog available from MB South Africa is the Actros 1832 and I hate the look of the cab. A vehicle has got to have curb appeal for me also.
As for the Unimog, firstly I cannot afford it and secondly, you cannot put a big box on these vehicles. My main priority is improving my living space for increased comfort of a family of 4.
The most popular make of truck for expedition vehicles out of Europe is of course MAN thanks to ze Germans! But this brand is too expensive in SA and I really wanted a brand new truck.
Also as with most expedition trucks you are probably only ever going to need basic 4x4 through some sand, mud or some in/declines occassionaly. I would however make provision for decent approach and departure angles no matter which vehicle you choose.
I have crossed the Sahara on a motorcycle, travelled 10x countries in Africa and been on enough sand dunes between South Africa and Namibia with our Fuso to know that if you cannot go over a sand dune then go around it. I could have done these trips in any decent 4x4 driven truck no matter big or small. I travelled 13x countries by road in Europe and never went anywhere a delivery truck could not get into.
It really is just down to what you want from an expedition truck and your intended use of it.
The Iveco ticked all the boxes for me. Size, capability, reliability, curb appeal and cost.
We had the chassis lengthened by 1,100mm between the axles to cater for a 6,200mm box and still have legal overhang available for a motorcycle lift.
I can carry 135 gallons of diesel and 185 gallons of water. AND I can add a washer/dryer to please the missus. These are the things we want from our upgrade to a larger truck for an upcoming 4 - 5 year stint around the world.
You can go small and compact to fit it into a shipping container. Or you can go large and spacious and ship Ro-Ro between continents. It really boils down to how you want to travel. On the open road it makes little difference.
Our Iveco ML150 4x4.
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