After 60,000 klms travel in my Isuzu FTS700, I managed to get hold of a 2011 MAN TGM 4x4 truck with low klms fitted with a beaver tail body.
View attachment 677387
Sold my FTS700 at the start of the COVID epidemic and started a new build.
Completed in 6 months.
View attachment 677388View attachment 677389
Used lessons learnt from the first build in second build. Without the rooftop air conditioner truck is 300mm lower, a bonus for treed tracks.
I wanted to build a vehicle that didn’t use gas for cooking (external bbq excepted), heating water etc, so opted for 100% electric.
48v system, 9.6kw lithium battery, 4000w inverter, 2.4kw solar system.
View attachment 677390View attachment 677391
We have travelled around 9000 klms since completion September 2020, most recently to central Australia.
MAN vs Isuzu
The MAN drives like a car. Suspended cab, parabolic springs and it actually has lots of torque, almost double the Isuzu and from 1200 rpm.
I like the 12 speed ATM gearbox, but it has taken a little to master.
The MAN is full time 4wd with hi/Lo range and front,centre,rear diff locks. The Isuzu was part time 4WD with a no spin ( Detroit locker) rear diff and centre lock transfer case. Open front diff.
The MAN is a heavier truck so it has ended up around 2 ton heavier than the Isuzu.
the Isuzu is a cheaper truck to Own. Cheaper parts and service costs and a being older a simpler truck without all the electronic‘s
We have travelled around 10000 klms since completion, the most recent to central Australia
Upgrades.
CTIS. So many times that changing tyre pressure would be an advantage, but stopping for 20 minutes to deflate, and 40 minutes to re-inflate 6 tyres is a PIA.
Single tyres. We want to do a Simpson desert crossing next year so want a second set of tyres.
Can‘t decide between 385/65r22.5 super singles or 365/80r20 XZL type tyres.
Will Keep my original tyres for a lot of other trips where there is no sand involved.
View attachment 677387
Sold my FTS700 at the start of the COVID epidemic and started a new build.
Completed in 6 months.
View attachment 677388View attachment 677389
Used lessons learnt from the first build in second build. Without the rooftop air conditioner truck is 300mm lower, a bonus for treed tracks.
I wanted to build a vehicle that didn’t use gas for cooking (external bbq excepted), heating water etc, so opted for 100% electric.
48v system, 9.6kw lithium battery, 4000w inverter, 2.4kw solar system.
View attachment 677390View attachment 677391
We have travelled around 9000 klms since completion September 2020, most recently to central Australia.
MAN vs Isuzu
The MAN drives like a car. Suspended cab, parabolic springs and it actually has lots of torque, almost double the Isuzu and from 1200 rpm.
I like the 12 speed ATM gearbox, but it has taken a little to master.
The MAN is full time 4wd with hi/Lo range and front,centre,rear diff locks. The Isuzu was part time 4WD with a no spin ( Detroit locker) rear diff and centre lock transfer case. Open front diff.
The MAN is a heavier truck so it has ended up around 2 ton heavier than the Isuzu.
the Isuzu is a cheaper truck to Own. Cheaper parts and service costs and a being older a simpler truck without all the electronic‘s
We have travelled around 10000 klms since completion, the most recent to central Australia
Upgrades.
CTIS. So many times that changing tyre pressure would be an advantage, but stopping for 20 minutes to deflate, and 40 minutes to re-inflate 6 tyres is a PIA.
Single tyres. We want to do a Simpson desert crossing next year so want a second set of tyres.
Can‘t decide between 385/65r22.5 super singles or 365/80r20 XZL type tyres.
Will Keep my original tyres for a lot of other trips where there is no sand involved.
