Capt Eddie
Adventurer
Please tell me that there is a 20000lb PTO winch hid somewhere on the rig? If not, I would think that you have greatly limited the places that you would like to take offroad.
Our GXV Build
- Thread starter Blackeye
- Start date
GR8ADV
Explorer
haha, like it can possibly matter? :bike_rider:
impressed on several fronts. congrats and enjoy.
4xdog
Explorer
Followed this thread since the concept was laid down. The finished product is imprssive beyond all expectations. Congratulations to Blackeye and to GXV. Have fun with it, and hope to see you on the roads.
Nice to know MO can contribute to overlanding with somethng like this. Those of us living here take a little special pride thanks to the guys in Nixa.
Don
Nice to know MO can contribute to overlanding with somethng like this. Those of us living here take a little special pride thanks to the guys in Nixa.
Don
GlobalMonkey
Adventurer
"pass through"
The "pass through" in Blackeye's expedition truck is actually bigger (taller) than usual. The entire floor plan was based on the fact that Andy wanted to be able to move between the camper and the trucks cabin without crawling on his knees.
I am 6' tall and about 160 pounds (yes, I know, I need to eat more....) and it was very easy to go through the "pass through". The width was just fine.
Tomas
The "pass through" in Blackeye's expedition truck is actually bigger (taller) than usual. The entire floor plan was based on the fact that Andy wanted to be able to move between the camper and the trucks cabin without crawling on his knees.
I am 6' tall and about 160 pounds (yes, I know, I need to eat more....) and it was very easy to go through the "pass through". The width was just fine.
Tomas
Blackeye
Adventurer, Overland Certified OC0008
It looks like you opted to pass on the "Natura Opening Wall" option. I always thought that looked a little goofy, but I'm curious what your reasoning was to skip it?
We decided that with the placement of the largest window offered, we would accomplish basically what we wanted in view and ventilation. It turns out that we are very pleased with the window at the Dinette. The “Natura Window Wall” would be nice, but not necessary for us.
I saw in the first shot the fuel tank looks like a flat oval configuration. Is that IH standard? How many gallons of fuel does she carry?
That is the 70-gallon tank in what is called a “D” shape. This tank holds 70 gallons. Since we were unsure where the optimal placement of the generator would be, we held off on a second fuel tank. Now that the Fisher Panda generator is located rearward of the fuel tank on the driver's side, we will likely add another matching 70-gallon tank on the passenger side and relocate the air compressor, battery box and air tanks as needed.
I've also never seen an inside shot of the compartment on the back (under the slope). Is that storage or is that support equipment (tanks, pumps, heater, etc)?
The rear storage area contains the 125-gallon water tank, water filtration system and the water heater. Additional storage is also available under this area. I have not yet determined exactly what we will store under this area.
How hard is it to go through the pass through?? It just looked a touch narrow, but I could be deceived by the overall size of the vehicle.
I am really pleased with the height and width of the cab-to-cabin pass through. I am 6'0” and 230lbs. (I should eat a little less.) I am able to go back and forth with ease.
What's wrong with the Ford F550?
I think that the FORD F550 platform is great, especially if your plan is to keep the total mileage under 250,000. Since our plan is to “roll” for an extended amount of miles, we opted for a chassis rated for 1,000,000 miles. The cost differential between the Rugged Duty International Workstar and the up-fitted F550 was minor when you consider the extended mileage chassis.
Agree with your assessment of the UNIMOG but think you may look back and think perhaps the International is just a bit too wide for small mountain villages especially on market days. Would be interested in your experiences.
Our experience so far (albeit very limited) has been that we can access the outskirts of the very small towns and villages. From there, we will utilize mountain bikes and or foot travel to further explore and interact with the people, culture and scenery. We have found that when we can simply drive through a small town, we end up not interacting with the local people and we miss out on the real flavor of the place.
Please tell me that there is a 20000lb PTO winch hid somewhere on the rig? If not, I would think that you have greatly limited the places that you would like to take offroad.
We are still considering the self-extraction options. For now, I will implement the “think, plan, scout and be smart” option. Every rig has limitations on where it can safely go.
Again, many thanks for your support and kind words.
We decided that with the placement of the largest window offered, we would accomplish basically what we wanted in view and ventilation. It turns out that we are very pleased with the window at the Dinette. The “Natura Window Wall” would be nice, but not necessary for us.
I saw in the first shot the fuel tank looks like a flat oval configuration. Is that IH standard? How many gallons of fuel does she carry?
That is the 70-gallon tank in what is called a “D” shape. This tank holds 70 gallons. Since we were unsure where the optimal placement of the generator would be, we held off on a second fuel tank. Now that the Fisher Panda generator is located rearward of the fuel tank on the driver's side, we will likely add another matching 70-gallon tank on the passenger side and relocate the air compressor, battery box and air tanks as needed.
I've also never seen an inside shot of the compartment on the back (under the slope). Is that storage or is that support equipment (tanks, pumps, heater, etc)?
The rear storage area contains the 125-gallon water tank, water filtration system and the water heater. Additional storage is also available under this area. I have not yet determined exactly what we will store under this area.
How hard is it to go through the pass through?? It just looked a touch narrow, but I could be deceived by the overall size of the vehicle.
I am really pleased with the height and width of the cab-to-cabin pass through. I am 6'0” and 230lbs. (I should eat a little less.) I am able to go back and forth with ease.
What's wrong with the Ford F550?
I think that the FORD F550 platform is great, especially if your plan is to keep the total mileage under 250,000. Since our plan is to “roll” for an extended amount of miles, we opted for a chassis rated for 1,000,000 miles. The cost differential between the Rugged Duty International Workstar and the up-fitted F550 was minor when you consider the extended mileage chassis.
Agree with your assessment of the UNIMOG but think you may look back and think perhaps the International is just a bit too wide for small mountain villages especially on market days. Would be interested in your experiences.
Our experience so far (albeit very limited) has been that we can access the outskirts of the very small towns and villages. From there, we will utilize mountain bikes and or foot travel to further explore and interact with the people, culture and scenery. We have found that when we can simply drive through a small town, we end up not interacting with the local people and we miss out on the real flavor of the place.
Please tell me that there is a 20000lb PTO winch hid somewhere on the rig? If not, I would think that you have greatly limited the places that you would like to take offroad.
We are still considering the self-extraction options. For now, I will implement the “think, plan, scout and be smart” option. Every rig has limitations on where it can safely go.
Again, many thanks for your support and kind words.
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Blackeye
Adventurer, Overland Certified OC0008
Charlie, I can see how the additional weight can easily happen.
Our “weigh in” was really unrealistic, as we didn’t have any tools, recovery gear or toys. It merely gave us an indication of the accuracy of our planning. We targeted the 24k weight for chassis and camper.
Thank you again for sharing your wisdom and experience. I always welcome your input.
trailsurfer
Explorer
Earthromer and GXV together at last
Andy was nice enough to swing by and show me his new GXV. This will be the first of many get togethers for the rigs!
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It was like a we were a traveling side show in the parking lot where we met. We had a steady stream of people checking out the trucks. It was a lot of fun to meet and talk to all of the interested folks.
Andy was nice enough to swing by and show me his new GXV. This will be the first of many get togethers for the rigs!
It was like a we were a traveling side show in the parking lot where we met. We had a steady stream of people checking out the trucks. It was a lot of fun to meet and talk to all of the interested folks.
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matthewp
Combat Truck Monkey
I assume the popularity is something you have to live with owning vehicles like these... I know I would say hello with some questions for you! Very nice vehicles gentlemen.
Blackeye
Adventurer, Overland Certified OC0008
It was great to see you! Sorry we didn't have time to hang out longer. We look forward to adventures together. Safe travels to you!
Blackeye
Adventurer, Overland Certified OC0008
Will do. I've been to the South Island a couple of times but have yet to explore the North Island. It will be fly fishing that will bring me down for now. NZ is high on the list for overland adventures though.
Thanks for your kind words.
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Thank you Blackeye! Very kind of you to answer all of our questions.
I think that this may well be the best production rig for an American overland company yet! It really looks like it would rival the Unicat in ability and quality. It is so nice to see that someone has managed to make a serious go of it, and appears to be in a place where we can hope to have serious overland vehicles of all sizes available (in a way) to Americans!!
Thanks for Sharing! This is my new dream truck!! (in the crew cab and lift roof, I have a family with small kids after all)!!
Thank you so much for your willingness to let us dream and live vicariously through your build process.
Regards,
I think that this may well be the best production rig for an American overland company yet! It really looks like it would rival the Unicat in ability and quality. It is so nice to see that someone has managed to make a serious go of it, and appears to be in a place where we can hope to have serious overland vehicles of all sizes available (in a way) to Americans!!
Thanks for Sharing! This is my new dream truck!! (in the crew cab and lift roof, I have a family with small kids after all)!!
Thank you so much for your willingness to let us dream and live vicariously through your build process.
Regards,