With tongue firmly placed in cheek, let me propose that since Toyota doesn't import the Troop Carrier to USA, we should construct a pop-up expedition camper using the new diesel-powered Mercedes GL 320 CDI.
Since Scott is finished with his Taco, converting the GL 320 CDI would make a great project. I'm sure Mercedes will be eager to provide a donor vehicle.
Here's the tale of the tape:
Toyota Land Cruiser..........Mercedes GL320 CDI
HDJ78R Troop Carrier.........w/ Off Road Package
199..........length..........200 in
125.........wheelbase..........121 in
58..........front track..........65 in
66.5.........width..........75.5 in
83..........height..........75.5 in
9.25 in...Ground clearance...12 in
44 ft.....turning circle.....40 ft
??........max cargo volume...83 cu ft (w/ seats in place)
turbodiesel...engine.......turbodiesel
4164......Displacement....3200 cc
167..........HP..........224
280........Torque..........375
15......estimated MPG.......24
47.........Fuel Tank........26
7.50R16.......tires......265/60 R18
4 wheel disc.....Brakes....4 wheel disc
5speed manual...Transmission....7speed auto
Limited Slip....Differential...Electronic traction control
Part time..........4WD..........Full time
Dual range.....Transfer case......Dual Range
front and rear...Locking diffs ....Center and rear
4993.......Curb Weight......5250 lbs
7055..........GVWR.......... ?? lbs
2060..........Cargo capacity... ?? lbs
440..........Max roof load... ?? lbs
7716.......Max towing.......7500 lbs
82........max load length.... ?? in
59.5......max load width .... ?? in
50........max load height ... ?? in
Mercedes has not released GVWR values so far.
The primary dimension where the Troopie exceeds the GL320 is in interior height. So when installing a pop-up top, we'd have to add a raised roof too.
While the Troopie uses ox-cart springs and simple locking differentials to provide traction, the GL320 uses modern electronics and air suspension.
The GL320The standard GL320 CDI includes a variety of traction aids:
..downhill speed regulation
..Anti-lock braking system
..4 wheel traction system
..electronic stability program
..off-road driving profile
The $2250 Off Road package adds:
..Center and Rear locking differentials
..Adaptive Damping System
..skid plate protection
..Air suspension with up to 12 inches of ground clearance
..19 or 20 inch wheels with more aggressive M+S rated tires
..e.g., Dunlop Grandtrek MT2
What do you say, Scott???
Chip Haven
Since Scott is finished with his Taco, converting the GL 320 CDI would make a great project. I'm sure Mercedes will be eager to provide a donor vehicle.
Here's the tale of the tape:
Toyota Land Cruiser..........Mercedes GL320 CDI
HDJ78R Troop Carrier.........w/ Off Road Package
199..........length..........200 in
125.........wheelbase..........121 in
58..........front track..........65 in
66.5.........width..........75.5 in
83..........height..........75.5 in
9.25 in...Ground clearance...12 in
44 ft.....turning circle.....40 ft
??........max cargo volume...83 cu ft (w/ seats in place)
turbodiesel...engine.......turbodiesel
4164......Displacement....3200 cc
167..........HP..........224
280........Torque..........375
15......estimated MPG.......24
47.........Fuel Tank........26
7.50R16.......tires......265/60 R18
4 wheel disc.....Brakes....4 wheel disc
5speed manual...Transmission....7speed auto
Limited Slip....Differential...Electronic traction control
Part time..........4WD..........Full time
Dual range.....Transfer case......Dual Range
front and rear...Locking diffs ....Center and rear
4993.......Curb Weight......5250 lbs
7055..........GVWR.......... ?? lbs
2060..........Cargo capacity... ?? lbs
440..........Max roof load... ?? lbs
7716.......Max towing.......7500 lbs
82........max load length.... ?? in
59.5......max load width .... ?? in
50........max load height ... ?? in
Mercedes has not released GVWR values so far.
The primary dimension where the Troopie exceeds the GL320 is in interior height. So when installing a pop-up top, we'd have to add a raised roof too.
While the Troopie uses ox-cart springs and simple locking differentials to provide traction, the GL320 uses modern electronics and air suspension.
The GL320The standard GL320 CDI includes a variety of traction aids:
..downhill speed regulation
..Anti-lock braking system
..4 wheel traction system
..electronic stability program
..off-road driving profile
The $2250 Off Road package adds:
..Center and Rear locking differentials
..Adaptive Damping System
..skid plate protection
..Air suspension with up to 12 inches of ground clearance
..19 or 20 inch wheels with more aggressive M+S rated tires
..e.g., Dunlop Grandtrek MT2
What do you say, Scott???
Chip Haven
