mitsu fuso fg with a fwc?

[Gold Boy]

i was thinking of the fwc keystone (http://www.fourwh.com/keystone.htm) model.

opinions please.

:drool:

[haven]

I think you'll have a clearance issue between the top of the truck cab and the camper cab-over.

The Four Wheel Camper is designed to fit in the bed of a pickup. The Fuso FG's cab is taller than a typical pickup's cab. So you'll need to do some careful measuring to see if the camper's cab-over section will extend far enough above the truck cab. Here are a few notes that may help.

The Mitsubishi Fuso USA web site has a pair of PDFs that provide information for aftermarket upfitters of the FG. You can find the files here
http://www.mitfuso.com/mitsubishi-fuso/pages/bodybuild.html

Drawings showing body dimensions of the FG cab/chassis are found on pages 25 and 26 of the file called "FE-FG Part 2." Page 25 is for the short wheelbase model, and page 26 is the long wheelbase FG.

The drawings show that the distance from the frame rail behind the cab to the top of the cab is 59.6 inches (61.5 inches to the top of the marker light on the roof of the cab.) So let's say it's 62 inches from the frame to the top of the cab.

You'll need to mount a flatbed or some sort of sub-frame on top of the truck frame to give the camper a place to sit. Let's assume the flatbed is 8 inches thick. That makes the distance from the top of the flatbed to the cab roof (62 - 8 ) = 54 inches.

the Four Wheel Campers web site says the height of their camper with the top down is 58 inches. This is to the top of the camper. The bottom of the cab-over section is lower. I'm taking a guess that it's about 48 inches above the bottom of the camper.

So my flying guesstimate is that the camper would have to be raised at least six inches to make the cab-over fit above the roof of the cab.

This is not all bad -- you could make a big storage compartment for the camper to sit on. Or you could raise the flatbed so the storage drawers fit underneath. That way the storage would stay with the truck even when the camper is removed.

One additional consideration: The Fuso is a medium duty truck with an 8000 lb cargo capacity. The Four Wheel Campers models are particularly light, barely 1200 lbs. The result will be a very uncomfortable, stiff-legged ride. If you do go this route, I'd recommend putting softer springs on the truck, or always carrying an extra 200 gallons (1600 lbs) of drinking water!

The Alaskan Camper is another alternative. It's a hardwall popup, and its construction makes it considerably heavier than the Four Wheel Camper. It might be a better match to the Fuso.

Chip Haven

[Gold Boy]

Chip, thanks for your very informative replie. :iagree:




I think you'll have a clearance issue between the top of the truck cab and the camper cab-over.

The Four Wheel Camper is designed to fit in the bed of a pickup. The Fuso FG's cab is taller than a typical pickup's cab. So you'll need to do some careful measuring to see if the camper's cab-over section will extend far enough above the truck cab. Here are a few notes that may help.

the cab-over part would be set back a little from the cab.

The Mitsubishi Fuso USA web site has a pair of PDFs that provide information for aftermarket upfitters of the FG. You can find the files here
http://www.mitfuso.com/mitsubishi-fuso/pages/bodybuild.html

thanks

Drawings showing body dimensions of the FG cab/chassis are found on pages 25 and 26 of the file called "FE-FG Part 2." Page 25 is for the short wheelbase model, and page 26 is the long wheelbase FG.

The drawings show that the distance from the frame rail behind the cab to the top of the cab is 59.6 inches (61.5 inches to the top of the marker light on the roof of the cab.) So let's say it's 62 inches from the frame to the top of the cab.

You'll need to mount a flatbed or some sort of sub-frame on top of the truck frame to give the camper a place to sit. Let's assume the flatbed is 8 inches thick. That makes the distance from the top of the flatbed to the cab roof (62 - 8 ) = 54 inches.

yes, with 3 point linkage.

the Four Wheel Campers web site says the height of their camper with the top down is 58 inches. This is to the top of the camper. The bottom of the cab-over section is lower. I'm taking a guess that it's about 48 inches above the bottom of the camper.

So my flying guesstimate is that the camper would have to be raised at least six inches to make the cab-over fit above the roof of the cab.

the camper will be set back as in the dhackney's big foot.

This is not all bad -- you could make a big storage compartment for the camper to sit on. Or you could raise the flatbed so the storage drawers fit underneath. That way the storage would stay with the truck even when the camper is removed.

exactly.

One additional consideration: The Fuso is a medium duty truck with an 8000 lb cargo capacity. The Four Wheel Campers models are particularly light, barely 1200 lbs. The result will be a very uncomfortable, stiff-legged ride. If you do go this route, I'd recommend putting softer springs on the truck, or always carrying an extra 200 gallons (1600 lbs) of drinking water!

or fuel.

The Alaskan Camper is another alternative. It's a hardwall popup, and its construction makes it considerably heavier than the Four Wheel Camper. It might be a better match to the Fuso.

true.

Chip Haven

[OutbacKamper]

Something like this, but with storage space where the back half of the crew cab is located (Hackney style)???
http://www.freedomoffroad.com.au/gallery/data/upimages/Canter.jpg

I think that you would be better off with a slightly larger and better equiped camper on a Fuso/canter chassis. The one in the pic is from Northstar. Also I would think long and hard before buying a soft side pop-up camper unless all you camping will be in warm & fairly dry weather.

Cheers
Mark

[Gold Boy]

Something like this, but with storage space where the back half of the crew cab is located (Hackney style)???
http://www.freedomoffroad.com.au/gallery/data/upimages/Canter.jpg

I think that you would be better off with a slightly larger and better equiped camper on a Fuso/canter chassis. The one in the pic is from Northstar. Also I would think long and hard before buying a soft side pop-up camper unless all you camping will be in warm & fairly dry weather.

Cheers
Mark

thanks Mark

:drool: over that crew cab.......

Northstar, ummm certainly a consideration.... :beer:

mild climate temperature, i hope.

:26_7_2:

[kerry]

I found this one for sale a few days ago but it was already sold by the time I contacted the owner. I think the ad was quite old. I only talked to the guy's wife but I was curious as to whether the sleeper behind the cab was capable of providing seating capacity for additional passengers.

http://www.arizonaworktruck.com/4x4%20Fuso%20Diesel%20Flat%20Bed%20with%20a%20Camp er%2007-13-06%20inf.htm

[Gold Boy]

I found this one for sale a few days ago but it was already sold by the time I contacted the owner. I think the ad was quite old. I only talked to the guy's wife but I was curious as to whether the sleeper behind the cab was capable of providing seating capacity for additional passengers.

http://www.arizonaworktruck.com/4x4%20Fuso%20Diesel%20Flat%20Bed%20with%20a%20Camp er%2007-13-06%20inf.htm

thanks Kerry

was just thinking about the behind the cab sleeper idea ..... could be used for extra storage, or for a friend to sleep in.

i would imagine there could be a lot illegality's for seating use..... ummm

awesome!

[OutbacKamper]

Thanks kerry, that is a good example of how an additional storage (or passenger?) space could be added to a stock Fuso and leave space for a stock camper (although I think this one is a custom job).

From the pictures it sure looks like the box behind the Fuso cab was designed for additional passengers.

http://usedmotorhome.com/ADimages/UMH_ID_8540_2_Image_number_150982098.jpg

Cheers
Mark

[kerry]

I found it on an ad for sale in N. California by a guy named Ron Miller. Phone number had been disconnected but I was able to track down another number in Mexico. I only talked to his wife but I may call back and try to talk to him about who built it. I guessed from the wording of the ad, that he was not the original owner, but I could be wrong.
It seems like a possible solution to the lack of a crewcab 4x4 Fuso in the US.

Here's the ad:

http://www.wheelbynet.com/docs/auto/view_ad2.php3?ad_ref=autoT3D1HUS3I7J0&state=CA

[dhackney]

One additional consideration: The Fuso is a medium duty truck with an 8000 lb cargo capacity. The Four Wheel Campers models are particularly light, barely 1200 lbs. The result will be a very uncomfortable, stiff-legged ride. If you do go this route, I'd recommend putting softer springs on the truck, or always carrying an extra 200 gallons (1600 lbs) of drinking water!

I recommend custom springs to match your weight regardless of what you build. The stock spring packs & overloads are one-size-fits all. Aftermarket shocks also make a huge difference in compliance and handling.

As usual, Chip provides a very important insight about the FG: 8k capacity.

Add lightness. It's a great chassis, but if you pork it up as much as we did I think you compromise a lot of its best qualities.

A basement storage compartment is very, very handy. Makes a great wine cellar.

Big fuel range is very handy. Lots of water is very handy. But remember, add lightness. Do as I say, not as I did. :)

I also agree with the comment regarding soft side pop ups. If you will always be in the desert, probably not an issue. Anywhere with rainfall, etc., probably an issue. In our proof of concept test we watched a couple with young kids struggle to set up a soft side camper in the rain. Everything in the interior got soaked. Not happy campers. That ended any thoughts on our part of a soft side popup solution.

[boblynch]

Mark's correct - Northstar will build any of their popup or hardsided TCs as a flatbed model (see Laredo model on a Ford). I've also included a few photos of a Fuso FE 2WD model with TC. This guy enclosed the area below the TC himself to create a clean looking rig with lots of storage.

If the TC extends over the cabover I'd be concerned about frame flex and clearance (see Doug's test photo). If you went with the FWC TC I'd consider a short wheelbase Fuso for maximum mobility.

A series of roll out drawers could also be used to increase storage and/or raise the height of the TC (http://www.tuffyproducts.com/truckbox/115.html).

Good luck,
Bob

14170 14171 14172 14173

[Bajaroad]

Doug - the deserts may be no place for pop-ups either. We camp in California's Mojave desert 3-4 times per year (dirtbike riding), and it can be one of the most windy places around. I can handle cold and the worry of leaks, but the noise of a flapping tent wall all night can drive one crazy. Even our 25klb Bluebird sways.
When it's not windy it's one of the best places to camp and find some elbow room.

-Brent

[Gold Boy]

Doug - the deserts may be no place for pop-ups either. We camp in California's Mojave desert 3-4 times per year (dirtbike riding), and it can be one of the most windy places around. I can handle cold and the worry of leaks, but the noise of a flapping tent wall all night can drive one crazy. Even our 25klb Bluebird sways.
When it's not windy it's one of the best places to camp and find some elbow room.

-Brent

Brent, i would imagine the Alaskan camper would be ok, in the situations you have mentioned?

[jhrodd]

Here's a shot of my camper taken last week in S.California. It still fits in a normal parking space with the scooter on the back. S & S finally updated their website to show this model : www.s-scamper.com/ponderosa.php

Jeffrey

[Gold Boy]

Here's a shot of my camper taken last week in S.California. It still fits in a normal parking space with the scooter on the back. S & S finally updated their website to show this model : www.s-scamper.com/ponderosa.php

Jeffrey

that is very cool setup!

however... for my off road requirements a lower profile would be much more advantageous.

[dhackney]

That is a great setup!

I think the side entry camper has some advantages compared to our rear entry design.
1. Less or no dust / dirt / etc. buildup on and around the doorway.
2. Clears the rear for cargo / bike attachment as in this example.
3. More compact camping area, living space and entry are all on starboard side.
4. No need for rear awning = less weight, less top weight

A possible disadvantage could be ingress / egress blockage in situations such as the parking space shown if your neighbor pulls in tight. This would mostly be an issue in parking lots when you're buying groceries, etc.

Very well done. Congrats.

[boblynch]

Doug, based on your travels and frame testing what overcab allowance would you recommend to someone planning on installing an extended cabover truck camper on an FG (either popup or hardside)?

Bob

[ckkone]

Here's a shot of my camper taken last week in S.California. It still fits in a normal parking space with the scooter on the back. S & S finally updated their website to show this model : www.s-scamper.com/ponderosa.php

Jeffrey

Welcome to the portal, excellent setup!

[jhrodd]

Thanks for the compliments. We use the jack next to the door as a step to climb inside at grocery stores or when stealth camping. Even Mary, height challenged as she is, can climb in this way. I am planning on adding a proper step to the jack base.

Jeffrey

[kerry]

I've wondered for a number of years why US class C motorhome manufacturers are not building motorhomes on the Fuso chassis. Down under they do it. Why not here?
I wonder how the class C motorhomes down under deal with the engine access issues when the camper can't be removed to tilt the cab?

[jhrodd]

The Fuso crew cab doesn't tilt it has engine access under the front seats. Maybe that arrangement can be retro fitted to the single cab. We stopped and got an oil change on our way down to California and it only took about 5 minutes to take the scooter and the camper off. We did it right in the shop bay.

[Gold Boy]

took about 5 minutes to take the scooter and the camper off. We did it right in the shop bay.


that is fast.... very doable.

:cool:

[Carlyle]

Awesome setup! have you considered a tilt on the camper for engine access, an Alaskan on a Fuso out there somewhere has this set up.

[Gold Boy]

Awesome setup! have you considered a tilt on the camper for engine access, an Alaskan on a Fuso out there somewhere has this set up.

if you had a jack system on the front of the camper, which would lift the camper up whilst its was still on the flat deck, then you could tilt the cab for engine access .... maybe.

[jhrodd]

Actually it has 4 remote controlled electric jacks. I could just pop the hold downs loose and jack it up high enough to tilt the cab by putting blocks under the camper jacks. The hold downs are Torklift Fast Gun Derringers and are very quick and easy to release.
http://www.torklift.com/images/derringer.jpg

[Gold Boy]

Actually it has 4 remote controlled electric jacks. I could just pop the hold downs loose and jack it up high enough to tilt the cab by putting blocks under the camper jacks. The hold downs are Torklift Fast Gun Derringers and are very quick and easy to release.
http://www.torklift.com/images/derringer.jpg

awesome, sounds good to me....

:beer:

[dhackney]

Doug, based on your travels and frame testing what overcab allowance would you recommend to someone planning on installing an extended cabover truck camper on an FG (either popup or hardside)?

Bob

Bob,

I think the required radius clearance is in the builder's drawings. PDFs are available here: http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/index-chassis-photos.htm.

I think you'd lose a LOT of room and end up very tall if you left empty space adequate to clear the tilt cab.

I think the way Jeffrey has gone about it is probably the best route using a factory cabover camper. The electric jacks are quick and easy and worth the weight in that scenario.

You might want to include a lip on the tray that you had the camper mounted on. The lip would be a great help for alignment when lowering the camper back down on the tray.

It takes three guys to drop our camper and get a perfect alignment, but we're trying to line up with boxes and things that are mounted on our tilt frame, so that makes it more critical. If you keep everything on the camper and the tray empty, it wouldn't be such a big deal.

Service intervals on our 2007 are every 6k miles for an oil change, so you won't need to pull it that often. I don't know if the 2008s have a different interval.

Doug

[boblynch]

Doug,

Thanks for the link. Sorry, but I probably didn't phrase my question correctly. If someone were to use a camper that extends over the Fuso cab, what camper to cab clearance should they allow to prevent the camper from hitting the top of the cab when the frame flexes during offroad travels? See the picture of your rig earlier in this thread. It looks like about six inches. In your extensive buildup did you determine a more accurate number?

Thanks and enjoy your trip.
Bob

[dhackney]

Doug,

Thanks for the link. Sorry, but I probably didn't phrase my question correctly. If someone were to use a camper that extends over the Fuso cab, what camper to cab clearance should they allow to prevent the camper from hitting the top of the cab when the frame flexes during offroad travels? See the picture of your rig earlier in this thread. It looks like about six inches. In your extensive buildup did you determine a more accurate number?

Thanks and enjoy your trip.
Bob

Bob,

OK, sorry for the misunderstanding, I thought you were asking about cab tilt.

If you were mounting a camper nose over the cab then a couple of things are determined.

1. You would need to have the rigid end of the 3 point pivot frame behind the cab. That would match the front of the camper, to the greatest extent possible, to the cab's rotation.
2. You need to allow for the frame flex between the front 3 point pivot frame attachment point and the cab hinges. That's quite a long distance in the universe of Fuso frame flex.

The Fuso frame is very, very flexible. The rear of the cab is going to flex on the rubber rear cab latche points. The front of the cab will twist with the front ends of the frame rails, which extend past the front axle springs attachment points. Let me reiterate, the distance you are talking about here is about 1.5 light years in the universe of Fuso frame flex.

We never tested and measured that frame point to cab flex because we were not putting anything over the cab. The only thing I can offer is what you can see in our full articulation tests and the amount of flex you can see in the garage in those shots. The garage flex is happening in less than 4 longitudinal feet of Fuso frame. And part of that 4 feet is our box section frame extensions that flex a LOT less than the stock frame.

I wish I could offer a more detailed assessment or empirical data.

I would recommend that if you are considering that design it is imperitive that you build a test box outlining the camper dimensions, mount it on the frame as you intend to mount the camper and take the chassis out and put it through full articulation in both axle rotations.

That test would cost you a few hundred in channel and some welding time and could save you a very expensive broken camper nose and tweaked cab.

Until this community builds up a more extensive set of test data on the Fuso and its frame this world is all about physical testing.

Speaking of which, Darrin may have done this cab flex test. It would be worth contacting him. The worst he can say is no.

Doug

[boblynch]

Doug, thanks again for the extended and very informative post. Have a wonderful trip.
Bob