All Terrain Warriors campers

[engineer]

Just some more recent shots of that SWB FG Scout posted earlier. Should be finished in a couple of days.
The new tube bullbar worked out really well. Bars that you have to undo before you can tilt the cab are a real pain. From plenty of the ones I've seen, it's only a matter of time before a mechanic somewhere forgets and before you know it, you'll have a dented front panel. So easy to do when you aren't in that habit.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4520295480_185b7b8ed8.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4519658435_19b79c9fec.jpg
I'm seriously in love with this truck, How good would it look with a bus on the back!!!!

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Chocko,


I'm seriously in love with this truck,

I'm starting to worry about you, man. You've been living in FNQ for too long. It must be about time you came back to the Sunny Coast. Haha.

BTW The next one we're halfway through is on a new NPS 300 with big side tanks and parabolics. Really looking forward to this.


How good would it look with a bus on the back!!!!

I agree. We haven't done a SWB bus since the one for Tri State Safari's. BTW did you see the article on them in the last 4wd Custom magazine?

http://www.allterrainwarriors.com.au/images/stories/tri-state-3-warrior4x4.jpg

Here's some more anyway.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4534250946_e2a5a4e5a0.jpg

If anyone's interested, the bars on the roof are for canoes and the little blue boxes on the rear are to lower the spare wheels. Something new, gearboxes that you can plug into with a battery drill, rattle gun, air ratchet spanner or just a plain crank handle and the wheels swing out to the side and lower right to the ground so it doesn't matter if you're towing anyway. I was away when they tested them but they tell me they work well.

The checker plate bin holds the battery's and tools.

This truck has plenty of air too for fast tyre pumping, air tools, jacks, etc. About 13 to 15 CFM depending on the engine rpm and coupled to a 20litre tank.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4533616455_37ef6c8f64.jpg


But seriously, what can you tell us about these black lift supports...Any at the back?
Thanks

Hey Davo, yep, 4 of them. BTW I'm not that grey either ...... or that tall.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4534251654_a2545cdb37.jpg

[nugget]

Yeah they are excellent. I have had really good reports from a couple of ARB stockists who carry them that I was checking them out with as well. Seem to be the best of the double din options and a damn sight better than my Pioneer Over priced AVIC!

The other weekend we were jsut the other side of Beaudesert..less then 2 hours from Brisbane and it recognised where I was going but wouldn't navigate to it!



Thanks mate. Yeah, Should have gone the Gateway but wanted to take the new tunnel.

BTW Wayne, Remember we talked about Nav once before. That bus has a new VMS unit in it. Really cool, double DIN touchscreen with "turn by turn" 3D street nav as well as Hema offroad maps, various trip computers, plus blue tooth to your phone (with a remote mic too) , DVD, multiple camera inputs, Ipod, USB, AM/FM, bla, bla. Even can have built in tyre monitoring. Super user friendly and everything in one box.

[whatcharterboat]

I noticed that on that LWB NPS scout you guys did the pop roof struts were not the (4) exterior mounted type like on this new SWB FG.

Is the difference because you had more length to be able to have them open at an angle next to the cross braces?

Hi Leon. How's your camper plans progressing? And hope you don't mind me asking but...
Leon, how much are the Toyo M608Z's in the USA?

Anyway we think in the long run 4 will give a smoother operation. One is certainly trick though. In an early Scout we had 4 but had a real drama achieving synchronization. Once we got that nailed ........... well especially on this FG as it will nearly always have a load of canoes on the roof so if it's unevenly loaded it won't matter with 4. One actuator would probably not work reliably in that case. Note the roof lift on the "FG in a Box" thread too. Same quad setup.

The next step will be to conceal them all. Probably on the next generation Scouts. The hydraulic rams on that big MAN Scout worked well too. They could lift 250kgs each. So effectively 1000kgs of boat, bikes or whatever.

[john101477]

amazing looking rigs in here. really wish I had the $$$ to do this to my NPR. unfortunately it is not 4x4 and I am unsure what the process is to make it 4x4 much less the issues of getting the camper portion of the machine.

[whatcharterboat]

The toyo m608z's cost $367 + tax per tire.

Amazing. Never ceases to amaze me how much import duty we must pay here in Oz. Even on raw materials. Most of the tyre shops here have them for around the AuD equivalent of $575 USD per tyre. (based on the today's exchange rate)


Thanks for the info on the roof lifts.
No problem. I've seen guys here use Sat TV dish actuators too but ours have custom gearing for the right speed and load rating.


Have you guys ever installed run flat inserts on any of your trucks?

Only inflatable bead locks with big Michelin 16" XML's.

[justduck]

the little blue boxes on the rear are to lower the spare wheels. Something new, gearboxes that you can plug into with a battery drill, rattle gun, air ratchet spanner or just a plain crank handle and the wheels swing out to the side and lower right to the ground so it doesn't matter if you're towing anyway. I was away when they tested them but they tell me they work well.


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4534251654_a2545cdb37.jpg

Can you tell us more about the spare mounts. Maybe some pics showing how they mount and where to get them?

Thanks, Earl

[The Adam Blaster]

Can you tell us more about the spare mounts. Maybe some pics showing how they mount and where to get them?

Thanks, Earl

I would also be EXTREMELY interested in those as well.

[Peter_n_Margaret]

This was my solution.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/ee425900.jpg
The central curved derek has a cable running thru inside it. It can swing to either side wheel. The cable is driven by a 5:1 boat winch and powered by a drill or the wheel brace.
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg120/Peter_n_Margaret/83eb03e3.jpg

Cheers,
Peter

[justduck]

Peter, that's a nice simple solution.

Earl

[gait]

I'm in the process of copying Peter's elegant solution. Using a brake winch - looks like a hand ratchet winch but needs to be wound down as well as up and stays where it is when handle let go.

[whatcharterboat]

Can you tell us more about the spare mounts. Maybe some pics showing how they mount and where to get them?

Hi Earl,

They aren't actually something you buy off the shelf. With the exception of the gearboxes, we did all of the development / machining / fabrication of these wheel lifters in house. I was away when this pop top went out the door and so didn't get any detailed pics. We have a new NPS pop top Scout with the same lifters going out the door in a few weeks so I'll try to get a youtube clip happening to show how they operate.

The next pop top NPS Scout will use the bigger size Scout body, (same as the first NPS) but it will have the new parabolic spring packs front and rear, Roboshocks, really big side water / fuel tanks, HF comms and an even bigger air supply.

Possibly a hydraulic winch too.

John.

[alan]

Hi Fella's,
I just found a hydraulic truck spare wheel holder, it operates with a hand pump, lowers and lifts the wheel off the rear, I'll try and post a pic later today.

[alan]

Here's the pic of the carrier.

[whatcharterboat]

Here's the pic of the carrier.
Thanks Alan. Pretty nifty.

A shot of the latest coil conversion. Not quite done. Needs front shocks, guards and then out for some dialing in. It has to carry either 6 pallets of tomatoes or 2 quads and camping gear. ' Know what I'd rather be carrying.



http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4586341856_eb74216c40.jpg

[dzzz]

Here's the pic of the carrier.

Do you have a link?

[DzlToy]

that thing looks way too tall in the front? does it have or does one need that much wheel travel? The back looks about right, but the front, especially the cab height, appears to be all wrong.??

[whatcharterboat]

that thing looks way too tall in the front?

Maybe this is a better angle. The camera has a really wide lens. Remember it's a SWB too so they look a bit like there on steroids anyway. I think it looks really good up close. If it is too high after we test drive, we plan to drop in some shorter coils allround. That was what I meant by "dialing it in".
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4586341524_6280bf14db.jpg


If the front was 2" lower the wheels would almost rub on those stock plastc fender parts, and they would for sure on a bump.


It will probably end up with flaired guards too. Like I said it's not finished. The guy wants plenty of articulation for 4wding so it's obviously a little higher than a standard touring / camper suspension setup. It'll be used mainly around his farm and then for weekend getaways with the quads and gear.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Leon,


what is the highest clearance at the transfercase that you guys have yielded?

I haven't got that measurement for any of the FG's we did on those big XML's. I doubt we'll ever fit any more of those anyway now that the M608Z's are proving themselves here. On that SWB coil truck as it sits now we are looking at about 18.5". Found this pic to show that clearance is alot more important as you get longer in the wheelbase. This one is 3900 compared to your 2860mm wheelbase.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1261/4607235489_6369cc2dbd_o.jpg


Are the front driveline u-joints stock? Looks like a pretty good angle.


The uni's are standard and the angle is slightly more than we've done before.

John

[whatcharterboat]

Went for a test drive last thing today with the boss. Very, very happy. It felt really confident doing some high speed forestry roads but we have to get up to the test track on the weekend for a proper offroad run. This truck has the new front 5 link coils but with the 4 trailing control arms attached to the front section of the chassis. This has eliminated some bump steer issues we got on the last couple of trucks with more conventional leading control arms mounted back near the transfer case.

The rear watts link is unchanged.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4618420748_f7d9f8b2dd.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4665805188_37824e75b4.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4665180809_4af95d8786.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4665180403_5bcf67fcb3.jpg

[PKDreamers]

Looks pretty cool guys, nice work

[outbackjack]

Coils look good

What sort of cost would it be for a dual cab 637 or 639? Front and rear?

[skysix]

This truck has the new front 5 link coils but with the 4 trailing control arms attached to the front section of the chassis. This has eliminated some bump steer issues we got on the last couple of trucks with more conventional leading control arms mounted back near the transfer case. The rear watts link is unchanged.

Not sure what a Watts link is..

Ever look at / try the suspension locating system used by the Bucher Duro?

[Lynn]

That's some crazy articulation!

One thing that strikes me is that the photos seem to show next to nearly no frame flex compared to other crossed-up Fuso photos I've seen...

[haven]

Watts linkage controls the side-to-side movement of the axle.
It performs the same function as a Panhard bar

[outbackjack]

Coils look good, but not sure if its worth the 18k+ AUD though

[engineer]

Writing from experience, theres a truck load of Labour in that, and if they are cheap, then i'd be worried.
I think 18k is pretty fair, considering it will be top shelf stuff and not some butchered mild steel crap.

[whatcharterboat]

considering it will be top shelf stuff and not some butchered mild steel crap.

H Chocko, Yeah, virtually everything is hand made. If you were doing this for a F250, or a Nissan Patrol you could just walk in to a custom 4x4 shop and buy everything over the counter. Because it's a 6 ton Fuso nothing was heavy enough.

All the rod eyes are machined from billet and then the urethane bushes were specially cast to fit, obviously the coils were designed from scratch, same with the shocks and they are simply a work of art. As for the chrome-moly tube in the size we needed , well you can't even buy it in the country so we had to fly the first batch in from the States. All stainless braided brake lines, throw in a couple of months of CAD and now we are adding nitrogen/hydraulic bumpstops we've sourced from the USA.......bla, bla. Don't even mention labour at this point till we've got a few more under our belt.....

Is it worth it? The guy who owns the truck in these pics travels on a really bad dirt road down to the Brisbane markets each day. He says he does the trip 20 minutes quicker in the Fuso than in his 100 Series Cruiser. Not that it's supposed to be a race truck but it is just that much better at riding over the bumps. I'm only using this as a scale but the ride over outback corrugations is important for a camper here in OZ and that will be exceptional, so yes, he is 100% happy. As for offroad ability, not everyone wants their camper to be a rock crawler either but having all that smooth travel at hand will keep the wheels firmly on the ground and therefore really reduces the need for diff locks. You just can't lift a wheel. How much would diff locks cost for a FG if you could buy them?

So again is it worth it? Doesn't that depend on what your needs are. If you don't need the truck to be like this, then there are plenty of lesser options that will still be a vast improvement over standard, heh?

[kerry]

Yes. There are two different questions. Is the price fair? Is it worth it? Seems fair to me given the labor and materials. Whether it is worth it depends on lots of factors. I'm a pretty frugal guy at the lower end of the middle class so normally I'd say it's not worth it. But after that day of horrendous road a few weeks back, my opinion would have been different for about 48 hrs.

As to the owner in question, 20 minutes quicker could easily be worth it if the total driving time was an hour to begin with. If it was a 6 hour journey, perhaps not.:)

[kerry]

Not sure what a Watts link is..


Very cool mechanical device which played an important role in industrial design, invented by James Watt to whom us motorheads owe some homage :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt%27s_linkage

[haven]

"Not that it's supposed to be a race truck..."

Today, Queensland, tomorrow Dakar Rally! Go Team ATW!

[outbackjack]

I understand the effort etc that is required to this stage with coils etc.

However after the R&D, one off buys etc. The scales of economy would mean better buy price for components etc.

Will the price come down? I think not.

Dont get me wrong I think it is a great product, however I still think its over priced.

If the price was around the 10k mark, then you would have people knocking down your door.

Special parts could be made with good quality in several asian countries for a small cost.

[outbackjack]

I hear you.

I am not against the coils for the canter or ATW

Mass produced supsensions for a Landcruiser/Patrol will be around 1200 odd dollars. This is for new coils and shocks fitted.

ATW qoute around 8k for new springs fitted and 18k for the coils

SRW are another 8k

So if you wanted the works from ATW, it would be a 26k job. Not sure about others, but thats a lot of coin in my world

Other companies qoute around 2500 to 3k for springs which are just as good as ATW

I am not against ATW, they make some great products.

All I am saying is that their prices are high and if they lowered them a little they might even get a little more work.....

If youre paying 50k odd for a second hand truck and then its going to cost you around the 26k, before any other mods. You may just about get into OKA territory dollar wise.

[engineer]

OBJack, it is a commercial vehicle, and to get second manufacturers certification is alot more difficult than some conversion plate, I can see the value in what they are doing and it is certainly an insurable product with regard to commercial operation and PL.
OKA are OK, but they don't even have a dealer in my part of the world and one guy up here has been waiting since forever for his to arrive, I don't know why he stays devoted to a brand that treats him like dog poo.
Anyway, I can see your point of view in regard to conversion dollars, and there are certainly some cheaper options out there.
If you can get springs fitted for 2500-3k, give up the number!!!

[outbackjack]

I want to make it clear, I am not against ATW in anyway and think they make good products. I am just being open minded and looking at what options there are.

Point taken about the OKA, I have always been hot and cold on them.

If you modified the Canter with the ATW suspension and if you where somewhere other than SE QLD, you may run into problems if you need spares in a hurry. As the suspension is not standard.

The Ultimate Suspension mob, do modify the rear springs for around 400 per corner, front around 400 per corner with new springs and about 50mm lift.

Shocks around 160 and are rebuildable

[63tlf8]

I want to make it clear, I am not against ATW in anyway and think they make good products. I am just being open minded and looking at what options there are.......

If you modified the Canter with the ATW suspension and if you where somewhere other than SE QLD, you may run into problems if you need spares in a hurry. As the suspension is not standard........

I don't own a Canter and I'm not a customer of ATW so maybe that disqualifies me from comment! In the end every product is the sum of its components and good design includes choosing those components wisely and INTEGRATION into a harmonious package.

So, for ATW, all the hours on CAD, the time at the track and the mass of equipment has to be paid for. You can get springs anywhere but how many have been tested to the satisfaction of the Transport Department. I don't hear anyone out there offering to work in the commercial world for nothing, which is essentially what is being asked if the product costs more than what you want to pay.

The flip side, You can't make a UNIMOG out of a Canter. The Double Dutch couple in South Africa aren't having the run they expected with some mechanical difficulties. I have no basis to suggest that they are influenced by the modifications but the outcome is a highly bespoke and expensive new truck in a country where the base vehicle warranty is not honored and the custom bits for the camper body aren't available in country.

The Canter as delivered is suitable for its intended market. The drive train articulation matches the suspension travel etc. The ATW suspension package is, I'm sure, as good as you will get. As we move to the extremes in suspension packages, the integration with the standard drive train becomes tenuous and so the secret is knowing when to stop.

Personally, I'd line up at ATW for their earlier Canter suspension packages as I consider them solid and effective improvements to the base design. If I really needed that:Wow1: much more than that (and long distance expedition type reliability) I'd put that 25 odd K into a chassis that came with that level of suspension integrated into the design. Whilst ATW could probably turn out a completely bespoke vehicle in time, they will never have the customer base to amortize the millions in development costs spent by the major players.

Tony

[whatcharterboat]

Wow. Lots of action going on here. I'm certainly not going to go on about defending ATW's prices on the forum. It's not my place.

So all I'll say is we are always trying to cut labor costs wherever we can. Somehow we managed to cut more than 60 hours labor off the last one and we hope to keep cutting the labor cost down in big chunks until we break even. We just finished another coil conversion this week on a MWB Canter and we've got our engineer working hard on the new parabolic spring designs to send overseas. (No one in the Southern hemisphere can make them for us). One plan is to drop the old long span spring conversion due to the high labor content involved moving all the cross members, etc and probably the standard length highset springs that we use on the beach buses and only offer the parabolics as a simple and lower cost bolt-in kit. Front only or all round.

AND the coils as the ultimate setup for a Canter.

BTW the shocks are a big part of all our suspension setups which no one really mentioned above. I can't even begin to express how well they work compared to everything else on the market that we tried. Even 2 of the previous best shocks we could buy (much, much more than $160 BTW) on each corner don't come close.

BTW2 Tony, I couldn't agree more with you on the Unimog wannabe comment. There is only so far you can take a Canter before you ask yourself about whether or not you need to look at a different truck. For this very reason, we have a huge direction change for us planned this summer. I'll post an announcement about it in a month or so.

In the Canters favor though is that they have very little to compete with in that GVM class. One of our customers does really heavy duty outback tours. He used to run a fleet of those .......'s and said that they would spend 4 days putting them back together after each trip. He has completely changed over to Canters and now says after each trip , they spend 4 hours walking around them looking for something to do. His words , not mine, but you get the idea. Sure they aren't ideal but they're much tougher than many realize.

[alan]

I have just finished reading the doubledutch diaries, I am surprised they have had so many problems in such a short time, and his lack of 4wd knowledge is a little worrying.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Allan, How are you mate?

Fuso are being EXTREMELY helpful I believe. So are the guys who supplied the other rooflifters. They are an International company and have promised to look after him no matter where he is on the planet. Their tech support guy was on the phone to an auto leccy in South Africa on and off till midnight recently in his own time at home. Unfortunately the builder of the camper module did not design the roof to suit these so it was a retrofit but it was still much better than any of the alternatives.

There is a couple of other issues with some equipment and unfortunately everything was rushed before shipping and could have been better trialled before such an epic adventure. I believe some of the issues were to do with the way some of the gear was installed but the manufacturers are behind him all the way regardless.

BTW, Robert is one of the most experienced and gutsiest offroaders you will ever meet (and certainly one of the most travelled in OZ) but he will be the first to admit he has the mechanical skills of a lemur. It is however his first proper truck so there maybe a little adjusting to do but I'm sure he's on top of it.

[engineer]

In reply to the Mog comment, For a camper/expedition vehicle, great.
But someone like me who needs parts TODAY, NOW etc etc, the mog is no solution, as I have to wait for freight, or airbag (still next day).
The canter is a great little 5 year, throw away package.
I'd love to put a bus on this though....
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa129/f1engineer/Trucks/u20d2VsY29tZXNjcmVlbi5TaW5nbGU-4083.jpg
How much John???? (he'll get sick of me asking for prices one day......)

[whatcharterboat]

How much John???? (he'll get sick of me asking for prices one day......)


Chocko, we just drew up a massive 8.5 m body for the back of a 18T 4x4 Mercedes Axxor . 350hp, 16speed Intelli-Shift, Parabolics. It's you all over.

[engineer]

Chocko, we just drew up a massive 8.5 m body for the back of a 18T 4x4 Mercedes Axxor . 350hp, 16speed Intelli-Shift, Parabolics. It's you all over.

Hehehehe...:victory:
Do you know who does the mogs now?
It used to be that W.A. mob that imported them and not Merc??
Last pricing I had on a mog was around 2-300K + GST
Pinz was 250k+gst+delivery from UK (cab chassis only)
Axor would be a bit better price-wise, but not as capable.
Did you know that benz are the only ones to my knowledge that will do a 7 year lease on their own machinery, may have changed though.

[whatcharterboat]

Do you know who does the mogs now?
It used to be that W.A. mob that imported them and not Merc??
Last pricing I had on a mog was around 2-300K + GST

Yep. It's still the WA guys. I'm not 100% on this but I believe the 500's are about $250k and the 5000's are well over $300k. I'll double check tomorrow and edit if I'm wrong or maybe someone else knows the exact prices. The Axxor are only around the $170K mark depending on the spec. Actually we looked the big Scania and the 18ton military style MAN as alternatives and they were all within $10K of each other so the final cab/chassis decision will be tough. They are all so good for the money. A new 13Ton Isuzu FTS 800 is $150K!!

Hey CHocko , you'll love this. The smaller TGM 13/15.290 MAN can only be stretched to a 5500 wheelbase because of a software issue. You have to nominate the wheelbase into the computer to program the braking system. The program only has fields up to 5500mm. Probably long enough anyway but that's not the point. Software restricting the build. So 8.3 is the max body possible for that truck with our overhang laws.

[engineer]

That would actually make a nice 20-25 seater day tour truck!!!
as you know, I love the "short" look!!!

[kerry]

I have just finished reading the doubledutch diaries, I am surprised they have had so many problems in such a short time, and his lack of 4wd knowledge is a little worrying.

Where did you find the doubledutch diaries? I'd like to read them.

[1Engine]

Where did you find the doubledutch diaries? I'd like to read them.

Hi Kerry,
You can find it here
www.doubledutchworldsafari.com

Dave Wade

[63tlf8]

In reply to the Mog comment, For a camper/expedition vehicle, great.
But someone like me who needs parts TODAY, NOW etc etc, the mog is no solution, as I have to wait for freight, or airbag (still next day).
The canter is a great little 5 year, throw away package.
I'd love to put a bus on this though....


I'll never say that a MOG is the the answer to everything and its overkill for most, just a great example of an integrated engineering solution for an off road chassis. It's the way of the world but most new vehicles are less expedition friendly due to software and blue technology or ULSD requirements in their countries of origin, so it becomes harder to select something suitable with each passing year.

Pragmatically I'm still in the dark ages for this application where self repair is a possibility so the U1300 / 1700 series is my ideal compromise solution between ability and serviceability. Equally, the old 911 MB Trucks and even old Bedfords and the like do the job, but without the panache of later vehicles. If you get 5 years out of a Canter under those conditions then you have little to be concerned about.

Tony

[kerry]

Hi Kerry,
You can find it here
www.doubledutchworldsafari.com

Dave Wade

Thanks Dave, don't know why that wasn't showing up on a google. I'm sorry to hear of their problems, especially dealing with warranty issues on a relatively new vehicle. Having never owned a new vehicle, it's something I'm not familiar with.:)
I've sometimes questioned my own decision to buy a used Fuso, but it's arguably a viable alternative to buy a used non-computerized vehicle, do a lot of maintenance and carry a lot of spares. Of course that could all be a rationalization related to my economic condition.

[1Engine]

Thanks Dave, don't know why that wasn't showing up on a google. I'm sorry to hear of their problems, especially dealing with warranty issues on a relatively new vehicle. Having never owned a new vehicle, it's something I'm not familiar with.:)
I've sometimes questioned my own decision to buy a used Fuso, but it's arguably a viable alternative to buy a used non-computerized vehicle, do a lot of maintenance and carry a lot of spares. Of course that could all be a rationalization related to my economic condition.

I am a bit the same way as with an older truck, mine is a 2002 Isuzu NPS. When I was in at the local Isuzu dealer the other month, they were telling me of a few of the electronic issues they were having in this area with the 4x4's (the power company has about 25 in the area & using them in the remote areas) 7 having to drive 300+kms in limp home mode due to a speed sensor. In the long run we will use more fuel.However I only dream of doing 64mph.
You do have to admit they are easy to work on, no guards to lean/ reach over etc
I prefer the KISS principle.

[engineer]

Hey Wadey,
If you put in a rebuilt Isuzu 3.9 in that, it'll go like a cut snake!!!!
I'll keep an eye out for a low K 3.9 turbo intercooled.....
Chock

[1Engine]

Hey Wadey,
If you put in a rebuilt Isuzu 3.9 in that, it'll go like a cut snake!!!!
I'll keep an eye out for a low K 3.9 turbo intercooled.....
Chock


I am currently looking at putting a Turboglide setup on it.
Started chasing around on who will give a Qld Mod plate for the Air Intake (A2),Turbo(A3), & Exhaust Mods(A4) - My engine only has 142000kms on it.
Any Suggestions for an authorized officer, as the car guys as soon as they find out it is bigger than a cruiser they don't want to know me

[engineer]

Try Lindsay Stone in Townsville
Livingstone automotive
Mt Louisa Townsville
(07) 4774 8807
He's done alot with our 6 wheelers, they tried to pin us on adr80 when we converted the cruisers from car to bus which was an ME, but I told him to do a conversion rather than a second manufacturer and we reatined the 2002 build.
He is one of the best out there, and easier to get a hold of than Bleakley.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi. If anyone's interested there is an article on the MAN we built a few months back in the current "Caravan & Motorhome" magazine (Issue 146, p.167 -170, 211).

John.

[DzlToy]

How about a link for those who cant get that mag? (or the MAN) :D

[haven]

I think the magazine doesn't put its content online. You can order
a copy of the issue here http://candm.com.au/

[whatcharterboat]

Thanks Chip .

[whatcharterboat]

Just a couple of jobs that have gone out recently.

A coal mine bus

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4992654742_2efb5bd9e2_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4992046319_cda114ea39_z.jpg

This one went out today. For Fraser Island
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4992008861_a0f4738d23_b.jpg

A general work truck with an alloy tray and front bar, flares , etc.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4992654572_3f68126760_z.jpg
A tube front bar for that SWB coil conversion. By the way we just finished another coil conversion MWB chassis last week. Now using pneumatic bump stops too like the ones they use on the big Baja race pickups.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4992616500_bc7c6a0579_b.jpg

Single wheel conversion on an older tour bus that we sold to a tunnel construction company secondhand. Needed a catalytic converter and extra lights for the construction site of course.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4992654820_ac40f43e71_z.jpg

John

[alan]

Hi John did you get my PM?

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Alan. Yes. Thank you very much. I was going to reply to you this week but I've just had so much going on. I helped manage a HPV team in a 24hr race over the weekend so there hasn't been much time for anything else
.

I will definitely send those guys an email tomorrow and see if I can get some product brochures in English. It looks fantastic. Better than some similar gear we've been buying from the UK.

Thanks again!!!! Don't spose you're going to Canton next month?
John.

[FSH00]

G/Day John,
I've been lurking around this site for a while and drooling :drool: over all the pics you's guys put up of the canters & isuzus, allso all the info on the camper builds & mods you guys do on these trucks is great reading, thanks for sharing.
Just wondering (without me having to run arround and get quots) if you would have a ball park figure of what the work trucks would cost as set up in your pics as i may be looking at somthing like that in the next year or two.

Did this one have any suspention work done?
A general work truck with an alloy tray and front bar, flares , etc.

A tube front bar for that SWB coil conversion. By the way we just finished another coil conversion MWB chassis last week. Now using pneumatic bump stops too like the ones they use on the big Baja race pickups.

Send me of a PM if you like.
Thanks again for the time & effort you guys put into posting on this site.
Cheers,
Pete.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Pete.

Welcome to ExPo. Good on you for posting and thanks for the comments. I certainly like to show the Canters and NPS's as viable off road trucks by showing pics what can be done with them; especially for the guys overseas who've only had them for a few years and where they are more of a rarity.

As for this one, it was a standard truck one of the Fuso dealers brought to us to dress up before heading to the Bundy Agfest. So we did the bull bar, flared guards , single wheels. They already had the alloy tray on it. We'll only build our own trays if we have time.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4992654572_3f68126760_z.jpg

This was one of our trays and to answer your other question>> this one was the truck a couple of pages back that had the Coil Conversion done on it. So extensive suspension mods. When it came back, we fitted a new air compressor system with in-cab ride adjustment, pneumatic bump stops and the tube steel bar. This truck was the model just before the air bags came out .

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4992616500_bc7c6a0579_b.jpg

[FSH00]

Thanks John,
So it's supply your own truck and get in touch withyou guys for quotes on what mods you want done?
Can you recomend any good fuso dealers down that way?
Cheers,
Pete.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Pete.

A couple more of the same trucks.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4994710033_f65180d185_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4994709139_90ff043506_z.jpg

A new hydraulic levelling and jacking system we developed. This is the second installation.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4995317884_a7204727cd_z.jpg

Another older tour bus in for a 19.5" conversion. Swapping over from the old military type single tyres that used to be on it.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4995337480_f4698c1295_z.jpg

And a new NPS crewcab. Yummm
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4995337930_c08cb81012_z.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

And Pete. I'll send you a PM about dealers if you like.

[alan]

Hey John,
Are they your donut marks in the bitumen!!












Hi Pete.

A couple more of the same trucks.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4994710033_f65180d185_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4994709139_90ff043506_z.jpg

A new hydraulic levelling and jacking system we developed. This is the second installation.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4995317884_a7204727cd_z.jpg

Another older tour bus in for a 19.5" conversion. Swapping over from the old military type single tyres that used to be on it.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/4995337480_f4698c1295_z.jpg

And a new NPS crewcab. Yummm
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4995337930_c08cb81012_z.jpg

[Amesz00]

Hey John,

Are they your donut marks in the bitumen!!

Ahahahaha!
looks like a relatively stock canter coach from the outside, but underneath- sporting compound turbos, 45psi boost, water-air intercooling, EGR delete, fully custom engine management system, big alison auto, 330rwkw... ok maybe not quite...

[FSH00]

Your just teasing me now,they realy look good :Wow1:

Is that a mid wheel base with the ally tray?

How long an over hang can you have past the chasis with these trays?

Piked up my car today after getting the windscreen replaced and wouldn't you know it across the road was 3 isuzu 4wd's 2 by 300's and a larger one.
Getting mine complianced i think, trays,bullbars,rollover bars & on the front wheels bolted on the outside painted in yellow were somthing resembling drum ends you find on boats, is that what they are used for?

Any way i took it as a hint i should pull my finger out and start looking into this a bit more :smiley_drive:

Pete.

[alan]

There's a warrior just listed on ebay! its got your name on it.

[PKDreamers]

Hey Alan i just posted in it FGsfor sale

[FSH00]

Yeah that would be nice, not ready yet though, all in good time.

[alan]

It's nearly christmas!

[alan]

That sounds fair to me!:)

[FSH00]

Sorry about that had to repost,wrong user name, on mates computer.

Mmmm, birthday soon maybe if i combine both :wings:

[whatcharterboat]

Just more pics of trucks going through the workshop.

3 0f these. All identical. A variation of this wouldn't look to bad as a camper , I don't think.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5116475319_a3e05d5ef8_z.jpg

A couple of Isuzu NPS and one FG fire truck in last week too for some single wheels. The FG is a '98 model with 1300kms and both the '02 Isuzu's had less than 3000km's between them on the clock. They keep them in a sealed shed over on the island too so there was very little corrosion under them even though they live at the beach. Unfortunately they keep them for 20 years so they won't be coming up for sale anytime soon. Yeah >> Had to ask. Absolutely pristine vehicles.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/5116475801_9145ea6e1b_z.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1371/5116474881_7b5da097ec_z.jpg

And this just came in too . Very slick NPS crewcab motorcross transporter. Hoping to do some mods to it soon. It tows a big sprint car trailer behind too.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/5117077696_153d59d8c4_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5116474419_dc1cd62b73_z.jpg

[paddlepop]

hi john, don't suppose you could tell me who made the motorcross body?

pete

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Pete. Welcome to Expo, or welcome to the world of posting anyway. You've probaby been looking in for ages. Haha.

Sorry. Mate, not sure. The truck's from the Gold Coast I think. Try ExPo member "Mickldo" though if you're after something similar.

[paddlepop]

thanks John, yes i've been in the background for ages just waiting for a Lotto win to upgrade my rig. love your work by the way

pete

[Mickldo]

Hi Pete. Welcome to Expo, or welcome to the world of posting anyway. You've probaby been looking in for ages. Haha.

Sorry. Mate, not sure. The truck's from the Gold Coast I think. Try ExPo member "Mickldo" though if you're after something similar.

Hi John,

I'll have that quote for you finished soon. That one is an interesting build. Catch up with you soon.



Hi Pete,

If you want a quote on a body like that give me a PM or check out the links in my sig.

Cheers
Mick

[whatcharterboat]

4 page review just came out on this Scout in the current (issue 152) Caravan & Motorhome magazine if anyone's interested.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5335730096_df5ca44ae2_z.jpg

[alan]

So it only just passed!:smiley_drive:

[whatcharterboat]

So it only just passed!

Hi Alan.

Mate, you should see how heavy the rain is here. Some of the roads around here are cut and Gympie and Maryborough really copped it today and last night . Watch the news tonight. I saw footage of a really nice bay cruiser , 'bout a 30 footer floating down the Mary still tied up to the jetty. The whole lot going by. Then another beautiful thing with just the flybridge sticking above the surface went past. The loss is just incredible. We're so lucky the human toll hasn't been higher.

Anyway, did you see the full C&M article? The journo , David loves coming up to see us. In his words , my boss "certainly doesn't hold back on the test drive....ever". David's always "white knuckles" on the dashboard. Haha. I'm almost used to his driving. Almost.

Actually, can't wait to go for a drive in our own demo truck (when it stops raining). We'll really cut loose out in the bush. Believe it or not, it's going to be our first ever demo vehicle. Never had time to build one before. The cab / chassis turned up last week. Going to go all out with a Fuso Scout on coils and throw every accessory we can at it so it will be a good thing to take around to the shows. Would like to have it ready for Tuff Truck this year but that might be pushing it.

[Witchdoctor Oz]

Grabbed the Mag today, had a read.
That is one very impressive setup indeed, good to see that it gets used for what it was built for. The NPS is also a good looking truck.
I’m looking forward to seeing the demo rig on show.

You turnout a very impressive product John.

[haven]

"Going to go all out with a Fuso Scout on coils and throw every accessory we can at it so it will be a good thing to take around to the shows."

Bring it to the Overland Expo in Arizona in April, please!!

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Chip ,

Best wishes for the new year mate.


Bring it to the Overland Expo in Arizona in April, please!!

Don't think we haven't thought about it but we are talking about coming over in some capacity though Chip. Just have to see how the present flooding pans out. As you may know, mining vehicles are a big part of the business here and we aren't sure how this will effect existing contracts. The coal basin just north of us is one of the worst hit areas. We've also got so much else going on this year (other than directly building campers) that OvEx would be a good break away from it all.

One of the Californian ExPo members has made us a tremendously generous offer of hospitality that will make an OvEx visit very easy indeed and we wanted to catch up with Chris Scott too who'll be there to launch his knew Overland Handbook. There'll even be a small section on the Fusos and Isuzu's in it. Yahoo.

'spose you'll be there Chip? Do you camp out there? Is it right next to a town for meals etc or are you on your own?


That is one very impressive setup indeed................The NPS is also a good looking truck.

David, thanks for the comments.


good to see that it gets used for what it was built for.

Yeah. They all do. Some of the trips these guys do are amazing. Coming out the marine / yachting industry , you see alot of your hardwork forever tied up in a marina somewhere. Nothing worse. The owner of that truck in the article, literally took initial delivery the day after we brought it back from the Brisbane Caravan & Camping Show and drove it straight across the centre to the Kimberlies, and then followed the coast all the way over the top and back to us and then on home to Victoria. Nearly 20,000k on the clock (virtually all off the blacktop) when we saw it back in the workshop 3 or 4 months later. Talk about a shakedown trial.

[alan]

Hi John,
The floods are bad, but as you say lose of life is very low we'll keep our fingers crossed!

Do you fit any tyre monitors to your vehicles?

[whatcharterboat]

Do you fit any tyre monitors to your vehicles?

Hi Alan. Yep. Sure. The nav units we do alot of have an inbuilt tyre monitoring option but they only go up to 65 psi so we often fit a separate commercial unit from the trucking industry which can monitor the spares and trailer as well. Even the bikes.


The floods are bad, but as you say lose of life is very low we'll keep our fingers crossed!

Used to live in Rocky and can tell you that there are alot of people there that do it tough and don't have much .............but as you've probably already seen, now they've lost everything...right down to the family photos on the wall.....It'll be tough alright.

[alan]

Hi John,
I can organise a sensatyre kit for your demo model if your interested, I done the original design and developement with the company in Taiwan, but have since sold that part of the business to Hannibal RTT in queensland, they are years ahead of any other brand on the market.

Ozzies have a way of head down arse up when things are bad so I'm sure things will be back to normal asap.

[whatcharterboat]

I can organise a sensatyre kit for your demo model if your interested, I done the original design and developement with the company in Taiwan, but have since sold that part of the business to Hannibal RTT in queensland, they are years ahead of any other brand on the market.


Thanks Alan. PM sent.

[Mickldo]

Hi Alan.

Mate, you should see how heavy the rain is here. Some of the roads around here are cut and Gympie and Maryborough really copped it today and last night . Watch the news tonight. I saw footage of a really nice bay cruiser , 'bout a 30 footer floating down the Mary still tied up to the jetty. The whole lot going by. Then another beautiful thing with just the flybridge sticking above the surface went past. The loss is just incredible. We're so lucky the human toll hasn't been higher.

Anyway, did you see the full C&M article? The journo , David loves coming up to see us. In his words , my boss "certainly doesn't hold back on the test drive....ever". David's always "white knuckles" on the dashboard. Haha. I'm almost used to his driving. Almost.

Actually, can't wait to go for a drive in our own demo truck (when it stops raining). We'll really cut loose out in the bush. Believe it or not, it's going to be our first ever demo vehicle. Never had time to build one before. The cab / chassis turned up last week. Going to go all out with a Fuso Scout on coils and throw every accessory we can at it so it will be a good thing to take around to the shows. Would like to have it ready for Tuff Truck this year but that might be pushing it.

Hi John

The floods have been pretty bad hey. There were 4 boats that broke free in the Mary River here. We copped another storm here this arvo, about 2" in an hour. All the creeks were back up again when I went into town this arvo after the storm. I am still off work as we can't get any vehicles delivered to us due to the floods.

I'll have to get the mag to have a read.

You just going to display the demo truck at Tuff Truck or are you going to compete? My mate is building a Nissan Patrol for Tuff Truck and wants me to navi for him. I might see you down there.

[trek 4wd safaris]

i took my isuzu out to spring 4x4 park for the winch comp on the weekend and it got some strange looks, shame i dont have a whinch yet....:wings:

[whatcharterboat]

shame i dont have a whinch yet....

Not sure I understand but I see little happy guy jumping around so it must be good.

While I'm on , here are some recent pics of a multicab model we just released for the mines, council road crews, prisons, etc. I know...not a camper but you guys may find it interesting anyway. There is 5 seats across the back row (one is just out of the view of the pic) so it turns these FGs into a 10 or 11 seater or a 14 or 15 seater in the next size up. Different , heh?

In case you were wondering about all the pretty yellow everywhere....all mines here require all entry / egress steps, handles, etc to be coloured "safety yellow" and must have 3 points of contact at all times. Heaps of other requirements.....separate starter isolator and battery isolator, must have a proper jump start receptical (no alligator clamp leads allowed), internal and external emergency engine stops, rear tow hooks removed (no towing and definitely no kinetic tow straps allowed on site ....they have to call a recovery truck if they get stuck on some sites.....actually some won't even let them carry a jack or change a flat tyre, again call a recovery truck), all signal lighting repeated up high, white noise canceling reverse squawker, dual view reverse cameras, yellow diamond grade side tape, loose wheel nut indicators, massive "triage" type first aid pack, bla, bla, bla.....it just goes on and on. Some of the ones we build that go underground are insanely spec'ed up by comparison to this and ..... Oh yeah....we have to make these so they can get in there with a Gurney to clean them out...true story....that's what the spin-out drain is for in the corner.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5546257766_a54261d8da_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5546265226_f088e91286_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5545689039_0e0cf30d09_b.jpg

[DzlToy]

In case you were wondering about all the pretty yellow everywhere....all mines here require all entry / egress steps, handles, etc to be coloured "safety yellow" and must have 3 points of contact at all times. Heaps of other requirements.....separate starter isolator and battery isolator, must have a proper jump start receptical (no alligator clamp leads allowed), internal and external emergency engine stops, rear tow hooks removed (no towing and definitely no kinetic tow straps allowed on site ....they have to call a recovery truck if they get stuck on some sites.....actually some won't even let them carry a spare or change a tyre), all signal lighting repeated up high, white noise canceling reverse squawker, dual view reverse cameras, yellow diamond grade side tape, loose wheel nut indicators, massive "triage" type first aid pack......it just goes on and on. Some of the ones we build that go underground are insanely spec'ed up by comparison to this and ..... Oh yeah....we have to make these so they can get in there with a Gurney to clean them out....that's what the spin-out drain is for in the corner.

sound like Big Brother and probably the Democrats have made it to Oz. Damn safety nazis.... god forbid someone uses their brain or thinks for themselves or does something logical..... nope, wont have any of that going on here, not on my watch we wont, no sir..... :victory:

[engineer]

Nice looking machine John, does the cabin roof need to be that high though? just a thought,
Chock

[whatcharterboat]

does the cabin roof need to be that high though?

Hi Chocko, How'd you fare after Yasi and the last few weeks of wet?

Yeah...made it bus height and kept the same old ROPS tested frame. The big air con keeps them pretty cool with the higher roof too. Actually we just had to come up with a new alternator upgrade (makes 120 amps @idle) cause some of the miners have been sitting in them parked for 2 or 3 hours at a time with the air on flat out and the batteries have been going flat. Derrrrr!!!!!

[kerry]

If I were imprisoned for a capital crime, it would make my ride to the death chamber a little more pleasant.:)

[alan]

Hi John,
So you use 12/24 volt airconditioners?

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Alan.

No ....we've get our own air-con units made especially for our 4wd buses. They aren't something you can buy over the counter. Heaps of stainless , all composite construction so no corrosion on Fraser, made to handle Cape York corrugations, really high ambients, etc...... has a secondary engine compressor with big electric condensor and blower fans. Not a 12/24 volt compressor though.

How's your truck coming on.....looking good last time I saw pics. I'll send you a PM about the other stuff we were talking about too...gotta catch up with one of the NTH QLD guys on here so maybe tonight.

[Mickldo]

Hi John

How did you go down at Tuff Truck?

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Mick,

Ahhhhhh.......Not good.

I was planning to do a big report/ post here on Expo all about Tuff Truck.....one of our NSW agent that we were going to share our display with said it was huge....really big interest in the trucks and not just the normal 4bies................. buuuuuuut we didn't actually get there.

We're going through Stanthorpe early Thursday morning to make Tuff Truck that night.... highway speeds, with a bare FG cab chassis covered with all our accessories and had a bit of a tangle with a semi panic braking hard right in front of us.....very, very greasy surface and our rear brakes locked up and we shot sideways and off the road ...front right wheel caught a culvert and flipped us in the air (more like a cartwheel) before the rear of the chassis speared upside down into the grass. So we ended up wrong way round, about 4 metres off and parallel to the road, upside down and hanging in our seat belts. Man...those Stratos seats are so good at holding you fast.

Don't ask for pics...and the driver (not me) wasn't speeding. Just one of those freak things that could have been so much worse when I look back at it. Not sure if you believe in God but I do and I know he had his hand on us. Neither of us had a scratch. There was a workshop across the highway....all the guys heard the screeching, looked up and saw the whole thing....they thought for sure we'd bought it.

BTW my eldest daughter was on a United Airlines flight from New Orleans to San Francisco only a couple of hours before this....they lost almost all systems on takeoff and made an immediate emergency landing with the tower talking them in....lost the front nose wheel in the process...safety shutes deployed... the whole bit. No one hurt. I was reading the email from my wife about it as we crashed. Cool huh?

[Amesz00]

Just one of those freak things that could have been so much worse when I look back at it. Not sure if you believe in God but I do and I know he had his hand on us. We didn't get a scratch.

definitly John- i could say you were both very lucky, but we both know its got nothing to do with luck ;) that sorta crash is not the sort of thing you walk away from, and these canter cabs dont have the best rollover structural integrity if you catch my drift....

[kerry]

Glad to hear your ok.

[haven]

John, I'm happy you made it through OK. You have to be badly bruised! I'm glad the Fuso engineers spent time re-designing the cab with safety in mind not long ago.

[SkiFreak]

Just wondering John.....
Did the air bags deploy?

[whatcharterboat]

No mate. Never did.

And thanks guys for your thoughts.

[SkiFreak]

That's a bit disconcerting, given that this was no small accident.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Owen.

The cop that turned up said he rarely sees them go off...... I just think the chassis took far more impact than the cab. We didn't even break the front screen. The airbag sensors are up the front on the cab too and I have no doubt the bags would be invaluable in a head on.

BTW the mines won't let you carry 3 guys up front of a Canter anymore cause they only have 2 airbags. Wonder if they'll ever put a 3rd one in?

Got to try out our Fuso dealers new static brake tester today. Very interesting. Not as much fun as 3 days on the drag strip though.Haha.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5621608006_f98eeb911f_z.jpg

[FusoFG]

Did the air bags deploy?

What air bags? I don't believe the FG sold in the US has air bags.

[DzlToy]

Please explain the static brake tester. If its like a chassis dyno, I have always been told not to use the brakes on a rolling road or chassis dyno as the drums are typically massive and one could damage the car driveline trying to slow it. Maybe that is just CYA for the shop running the dyno test...

thanks

[whatcharterboat]

Please explain the static brake tester. If its like a chassis dyno, I have always been told not to use the brakes on a rolling road or chassis dyno as the drums are typically massive and one could damage the car driveline trying to slow it. Maybe that is just CYA for the shop running the dyno test...

No. It is purely a brake performace test machine and gives a reading for each brake drum. They have a seperate suspension shaker and possibly a dyno as well. I will try to get the model number of the machine if you really want to know. It's a brand new machine and is the only one in our area. The next closest one is down in Brisbane in a big council bus workshop.

Our local Fuso dealer is the busiest rural dealer in the country and they have just moved into this purpose built and state of the art facility. Even the self serve esspresso coffee machine in the waiting lounge is high tech. They've got accomadation upstairs if drivers need to stay while their truck's being fixed......but the first thing you realize when you go in the workshop is how quiet the noise levels are and then how bright the lighting is. Really obvious to me. No oil on the ground. Everything is pumped around in special lines under the floor. All purpose built gearbox jacks and cradles, etc. Mobile hoists that go on each wheel to lift the truck up............I should just make time to do a post on it, heh?

[1leglance]

John very glad to hear you are ok...
Me & my family are moving to Brisbane next year so I can take a nursing contract and your shop is somewhere I plan to visit over and over....
and I fully believe the hand of God rested on you & your daughter!

[whatcharterboat]

What air bags? I don't believe the FG sold in the US has air bags

Yep. The NPS 300 got them in 2008 and the FG84 got them in 2010. The bulk of these trucks are sold into mines , rural fire services, parks and wildlife services, city councils, etc.......all these corporates require airbags as a minimum OH&S requirement and they are the main drivers when it comes to what specs we have on our Australian models.



Me & my family are moving to Brisbane next year so I can take a nursing contract and your shop is somewhere I plan to visit over and over....
and I fully believe the hand of God rested on you & your daughter!

Lance....that's awesome. I'll send a PM.

Yep. We are about an hour North of Brisvegas.

[bptp7270]

What air bags? I don't believe the FG sold in the US has air bags.

The canter have had airbags and pretensioners for over 12 months in Aus. I think the mine sites require them these days and it has forced vehicles like these and the toyota commercials to install them. There is an option to delete from the factory, I think the rural fire sevices may not want them?

[Mickldo]

Hi Mick,

Ahhhhhh.......Not good.

<snip>................. buuuuuuut we didn't actually get there.

<snip>

Oh crap, that's not good. I'm glad you are OK.:Wow1:

[Mickldo]

Just wondering John.....
Did the air bags deploy?

Airbags are designed to protect the occupant from hitting the steering wheel or dash. Basically if you have an accident and didn't smash your face into the steering wheel you haven't had a bad enough accident for the airbags to deploy. If the airbag was to go off when it wasn't required it would cause more damage than it was supposed to prevent. An airbag will cause minor injuries like black eyes and the like but that is better than head butting the steering wheel. The airbag has actually inflated fully and has started to deflate by the time your face hits it. It is the deflating bag that absorbs the impact. Forget everything you have seen in the movies. Most people think an airbag should go off even in minor fender benders when it is really the last thing you want to go off unless it is a really major prang.

[Ford Prefect]

Airbags are designed to protect the occupant from hitting the steering wheel or dash. Basically if you have an accident and didn't smash your face into the steering wheel you haven't had a bad enough accident for the airbags to deploy. If the airbag was to go off when it wasn't required it would cause more damage than it was supposed to prevent. An airbag will cause minor injuries like black eyes and the like but that is better than head butting the steering wheel. The airbag has actually inflated fully and has started to deflate by the time your face hits it. It is the deflating bag that absorbs the impact. Forget everything you have seen in the movies. Most people think an airbag should go off even in minor fender benders when it is really the last thing you want to go off unless it is a really major prang.

YouTube - Mercedes Air-Bag

;)

[SkiFreak]

Funny.
Maybe she had a brick in her bag.

Hang on.... the compliance plate in my Fuso says that it is a Mercedes Benz. :Wow1:

[haven]

The ATW web site has a nice photo spread showing their Scout camper with soft-sided popup, on a MAN dual cab chassis. Nice stuff!

http://www.allterrainwarriors.com.au/scout.html

This video shows the MAN camper inside and out, plus construction details.

Jh5IuZOnRzM

[whatcharterboat]

haven
The ATW web site has a nice photo spread showing their Scout camper with soft-sided popup, on a MAN dual cab chassis. Nice stuff!



Thanks Chip. Hope you're doing well........... seems like we haven't spoken in ages.

That clip was taken from a lifestyle TV program last year............. the big MAN XL Scout mainly gets used for family getaways in the school breaks.

I took some pics of a MWB Scout we just finished today........the new owner has Round The World trip planned for next year and specifically mentioned being set up to handle a Patagonian winter............actually, there are so many of our clients waiting for new trucks and a flood of interested parties in general , all intending global vehicle travel for 2012. The last few months have been crazy and I can't explain why. One guy even ordered a truck last week and intends to travel overland back to France with his wife and 4 kids under 10. How cool is that?

This truck has our latest parabolic suspension and so far it's really encouraging......it is so sweet to drive but now we need to get some heavy off road miles on the clock to get a complete picture. It has 280L of fuel, 280L of drinking water, 60L of black water, 60L of grey water, 22L of hot water with dual hydronic heating & engine heat exchange circuits with engine pre-heat for sub-zero starting and engine protection, 272W of solar laminates and new insulated soft sides on the poptop roof, absolutely cavernous storage...........overall, a really nice truck and IMO the owner made very wise choices on the specifications and gear he ordered (and didn't order!!) but no doubt he will make a few additions along the way.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6030806738_d5c604a94d_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6030805576_e1772b5863_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6030805080_b3fe40f717_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6030804522_6a90c27bca_z.jpg

[bptp7270]

Just read a nice write up on the ATW product in this weeks Queensland Country News. Talks mainly about the practicalities of the Canter as a farm ute and makes reference to the availability of the new suspension options from ATW.

[gait]

just a thought John. With the use of black water tanks has much thought been given to the practicalities of emptying them in countries where sewage facilities are at a premium? I'm not averse to digging a hole for my 14 litre cassette (actually 2 cassettes) but getting it big and deep enough for 60 litres would challenge me. All but twice in the last 4 months I've found public loos etc. but probably impractical with a tank.

[whatcharterboat]

gait

just a thought John. With the use of black water tanks has much thought been given to the practicalities of emptying them in countries where sewage facilities are at a premium? I'm not averse to digging a hole for my 14 litre cassette (actually 2 cassettes) but getting it big and deep enough for 60 litres would challenge me. All but twice in the last 4 months I've found public loos etc. but probably impractical with a tank.



Hi Julian,

We reckon having a tank of 60 litres is a plus.

If you look at it this way.................with the big black tank, you only need to spend 23.3334% of the overall time digging !!!! :archaeolo And in loose soil the hole won't need to be much bigger anyway .....remember it has been macerated and is mainly liquid.

You can still pump out if you pull up next to a dunnie too but how easy that is may depend on how much layflat you carry. I guess public RV dump points wouldn't be too common were you are now, heh?

BTW, done any more oil changes in China??

Regards John.

[gait]

I suspect a few tests may be useful - finding loose soil may not be that easy, macerated just means its finer, and waiting for liquid to soak into the ground may take a while. It would have to be a very long hose for most public loos, and they may not be the sort of loo one would wish to spend much time in ......

But as I said, just a thought ....

Currently in Mongolia - camped on a 7,500 ft (2300 m) saddle (48.29192 N, 99.38495 E) headed North to Jargalant. Next oil change in Europe.

[whatcharterboat]

I suspect a few tests may be useful - finding loose soil may not be that easy, macerated just means its finer, and waiting for liquid to soak into the ground may take a while.

Guess I spend too much time camping near or on the beach .....haha. Can we change the subject? .........

Safe travels Julian.

Regards John.

[landcruiser2001]

I've just read every page and all I can say is wow John the work you do is amazing. One question I have is can you fit the Isuzu or Mitsubishi Crew Cab onto the SWB Chassis. If not is is possible to cut the chassis or is this a big no no. I would love to one day sell the Landcruiser and set up a crew cab with storage on back for remote camping.

[DzlToy]

I will let John chime in and explain what he does, but in the US, truck frames and lengthened and shortened on a regular basis at heavy truck shops. Care must be taken if you are dealing with frame rails that have been heat treated and many have. Huck bolts are used instead of welds, fish plates are also often used.

always liked the look of the tray back trucks in Oz, we dont get those here. IMO, a crew cab FE/FG with a 6-8 foot long bed would be a great work truck/shop truck.

cheers

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Landcruiser 2001,


I've just read every page and all I can say is wow John the work you do is amazing. One question I have is can you fit the Isuzu or Mitsubishi Crew Cab onto the SWB Chassis. If not is is possible to cut the chassis or is this a big no no. I would love to one day sell the Landcruiser and set up a crew cab with storage on back for remote camping.

Thanks for the comments. I'll pass it on to the guys.

We are doing plenty of neat crewcabs these days......the 2 in the pics below were for 2 different customers and built last week........very nice things. The Fuso was setup up to take a slide-on camper.......twin 200litre alloy fuel tanks, alloy tray, Stratos driver's seat, overhead console, etc and the Isuzu was setup as a dual purpose work truck....dropside tray, Hiab crane, heavy rated tow bar, etc. Both trucks got GME radios, winches, bullbars, spotlights, wheels and will probably be back for suspension work soon too.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6160912937_e670ded8d1_z.jpg

My own personal opinion though is that I would need an extremely good reason to loose the ability to tilt the cab to access the engine. Turning the rear of crewcab into storage wouldn't be one of them. There are a few other reasons for sticking with a single cab but I believe you could setup better custom storage at the headboard of the tray on a single cab......different story if you need to carry passengers.

Also there are a couple of threads discussing the possibility of converting a FG84DEW (or crewcab) down to the same wheelbase as an FG84DC6 (or SWB)..............The FG would be the easiest truck in the world to do this to.....in fact I believe the SWB chassis is actually a converted LWB chassis anyway......and the LWB chassis is an FE cut in half with the "step" added. Once you see them side by side you'll see what I mean. Anyway, it would be very easy and cheap to do compared to stretching or shortening a conventional chassis, tailshaft , etc. You don't even need a welder!!!

Thought I'd put some pics up of our own new front diff too...... Auto Torque Bias (ATB) type so virtually nil steering effect and with a lifetime warranty.....should be available in about 8 weeks. Can't wait........we've been trying to come up with a more tractable FG front diff for years now. I'm betting they will really excell in sand and mud and should be about 4 hours labour to retro-fit. Where's Chocko when you need him???

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6160914541_c6ac6d134b_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6161400682_f658b71763_z.jpg

[landcruiser2001]

The dual cab with slide on camper sounds perfect will it have a roof top type tent or will it be similar to a conventional hard side camper

[whatcharterboat]

The dual cab with slide on camper sounds perfect will it have a roof top type tent or will it be similar to a conventional hard side camper

Hey mate.

Not sure what type this one's having......not our job. We don't do slide-ons ourselves but we do build a few base trucks for other slide-on manufacturers and home builders.

Regards John.

[bptp7270]

Hi Landcruiser 2001,



Thanks for the comments. I'll pass it on to the guys.

We are doing plenty of neat crewcabs these days......the 2 in the pics below were for 2 different customers and built last week........very nice things. The Fuso was setup up to take a slide-on camper.......twin 200litre alloy fuel tanks, alloy tray, Stratos driver's seat, overhead console, etc and the Isuzu was setup as a dual purpose work truck....dropside tray, Hiab crane, heavy rated tow bar, etc. Both trucks got GME radios, winches, bullbars, spotlights, wheels and will probably be back for suspension work soon too.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6160912937_e670ded8d1_z.jpg

My own personal opinion though is that I would need an extremely good reason to loose the ability to tilt the cab to access the engine. Turning the rear of crewcab into storage wouldn't be one of them. There are a few other reasons for sticking with a single cab but I believe you could setup better custom storage at the headboard of the tray on a single cab......different story if you need to carry passengers.

Also there are a couple of threads discussing the possibility of converting a FG84DEW (or crewcab) down to the same wheelbase as an FG84DC6 (or SWB)..............The FG would be the easiest truck in the world to do this to.....in fact I believe the SWB chassis is actually a converted LWB chassis anyway......and the LWB chassis is an FE cut in half with the "step" added. Once you see them side by side you'll see what I mean. Anyway, it would be very easy and cheap to do compared to stretching or shortening a conventional chassis, tailshaft , etc. You don't even need a welder!!!

Thought I'd put some pics up of our own new front diff too...... Auto Torque Bias (ATB) type so virtually nil steering effect and with a lifetime warranty.....should be available in about 8 weeks. Can't wait........we've been trying to come up with a more tractable FG front diff for years now. I'm betting they will really excell in sand and mud and should be about 4 hours labour to retro-fit. Where's Chocko when you need him???

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6160914541_c6ac6d134b_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6161400682_f658b71763_z.jpg
Hi Mark,

Will this be available as a fitted option through the dealers like your SRW's and have you got pricing for it yet ? Hopefully it will be, as I have already indicated to the finance minister that we wont get the truck across Bass Strait without it.....and a set of the soon to be available (??) parabolics.

Anthony

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Anthony,

Mark is the big ugly dude, You won't find him here..........and the answers are "yes" then "almost". We've got a bit of testing first before Mark starts any marketing.

Regards. John.

[whatcharterboat]

A couple of pics from last week of the diff centre going in.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6327662019_cb790d77ea_z.jpg

End play on the pinion set.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6327661649_a3de6735b1_z.jpg

There is a bit of work to do though as the axles have to slide out first.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6328415058_74587646be_z.jpg

[syche]

Hi All

Nice to see an open axle:ylsmoke:.

Do you guys know the splines count and shafts diameter on front and rear axles of this Isuzu or Mitsubishi light trucks?

Cv joint outer diameter:)?

So far i could find, teh ring gear is about 300mm diameter, much bigger than dana 60 axles:).

Regards

I am really curious about the strength of this axles:ylsmoke:

[Amesz00]

I am really curious about the strength of this axles

i second that. still wondering whether it might be an issue for me, but the old fella rekons the Transfer-case or gearbox would go before the axles...

[engineer]

I've never seen one broken...Transfer is the weak spot, but even then.... I've only ever seen clutches fail (pressure plate), Transfers just start making heaps of noise.

[syche]

From what i have seen in china, this size of small light truck come with very similar diffs and axles.

Shafts are usually 36 to 40mm for the rear and 33 to max 36 for the front.

I know some company make some with double U joints but so far i did not find them, only single u joints.

I am looking for this axles for some special built with big tires, but so far they are all with narrow read width for twin tires.

Might be possible to cut them off and extend them, but i need longer shaft so i need to find a company for that.:chef:.

I found a small one who can make what ever i want but based on carriere that take 275 mm ring, 38mm shafts and traditionnal design i would say, as toyota. No front opening as on GM14 bolts or isuzu, that's a shame because it offer goor opportunities for boltign a transfet PTO for driving an second rear axle:ylsmoke::bike_rider:

Could be quite easy to make difflocks on those actually, similar to mercedes axles, just need a proper welding on the diff carrierer with a claw sleeve, plenty of room for that:ylsmoke:

[DzlToy]

not to hijack the ATW thread, but I may be able to shed some light on the axle issues being discussed here.

A Dana 60 has come in many versions over its long life, you can read all about it here:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/60_front/index.html

Its a light duty truck axle that is only rated about 5500 pounds in a steering application, though there are exceptions like Super 60s in a Kodiak 4WD or a fully custom front end from Dynatrac or Spider, etc.

An FG truck has a factory GAWR of about 10,000 pounds on the rear axle. This is comparable to a Dana 70 or an AAM10.5, which are both rated around 10,000 pounds and have ring gears in the 10.5" range (265mm). A Dana 60 will be fine in the front of a FG if built with good parts and king pin knuckles (not ball joints). You could expect a 6500 pound GAWR. Axle shafts and lockers are available upto 40 spline (1.7 inches/43mm) for Dana 60 axles as well as 300M axle shafts in 35 spline with CTM u-joints or an RCV u-joint, you would have some trouble breaking front axle components. A Dana 60 can be built to be VERY strong. An open knuckle design is more popular in the US on 1 ton - 2 ton trucks with closed knuckle/CV style housings being reserved for smaller trucks like Landcruisers and Land Rovers. These axles do not compare to a Dana 60 or Dana 70 in strength.

Using Dana, Sterling or AAM axles in the US makes a lot more sense to me, as there are tons of choices for things like brake upgrades, gear ratios, hubs, lockers, high/low pinion, link/tab and spring mounts, etc... None of this is available in the US for Isuzu or Fuso axles. Im not sure why you would want a double u-joint in an axle, though they are available for driveshafts and are typically referred to a double cardan joints. High Angle Driveline can build these for your application.

Popular with the off roading and rock crawling crowds for years, these axles (D60/D70) are almost unbreakable in a FG type truck, even with large tires. Rockcrawling with huge tires and high HP is much harsher than you would ever be in an RV/Camper/Expo rig. I would not consider custom axles for a larger wheel and tire unless the truck is going to be very heavy or the tires are going to be huge. You would be amazed at what a well built Dana 60 or 70 will hold up to.

Cheers

[syche]

Hi Very interesting thanks:ylsmoke:.

I do know this dana are good, i also like the GM14 botls, but this axles are almost none existing in europe and asia or north africa, and that is where i am:bike_rider:.

I have no idea about australia but i doubt they would be very common down there too.

Isuzu on the other end is all over the place, seals and bearing available almost anywhere.

The rear diff carrier i saw could take shafts up to 45mm, side gears of course need to be matching this but it is possible. Probably un necessary as over 38mm it is really getting tough already.

And what i really like is the possibility to bolt a box in front of the 3rd member, 6x6, 8x8:wings: all doorsa re opened :sombrero: .

Anyway, if you have any idea of shaft diameter and splines count:chef:, please let me know.

Now i look forward to see this new truck and torsen diff on wheels, i used to own a double torsen landcruiser, it was unstopable in sand and mud, always crawling out no mater how bad it looked and cornering was never an issue as well as climbing side slopes on slippery surface, used to do a lot of hard stuf with that toy.:smiley_drive:

[Witchdoctor Oz]

John,

How's the testing going on the parabolic suspension on the NPS? Any thing to tell?

Pics please :drool:!

Cheers
David

[whatcharterboat]

Hi David,

Nothing new really. All I can say is the 3 prototype NPS trucks we set up worked very well. We made some very slight changes to the prototypes and production has been underway for a few weeks. We expect to be doing alot of these conversions and are getting them made in large batches for the NPS and FG. Don't ask me when though (Mark at work handles all the accessory sales and marketing). One of the trucks was a camper around 5.4 ton and we set it up with 4 leafs at the front and 4 plus a parabolic overrider at the rear........it was simply too stiff.....beautiful on the highway but not good on the dirt. Dropped it back to 3 front and 3 plus overrider rear and it was perfect. The best thing about them seems to be their ability to allow the axle to move very rapidly while still maintaining load carry ability. So now corrugations should be a dream by comparison to OEM. For pics, The camper on 37 of this thread was one of the first ones.
78667

We are pretty confident we'll be able to fit parabolics to the earlier NPS as well.

As a matter of interest, I have just started the R&D on a Torsen front diff for the current model NPS. It should be 5 or 6 months away having just done the first FG diff and knowing what we do now . The first batch of the new FG Torsen diffs have been ready for ages but we've only just got around to shipping them and they should be available in about 5 weeks. We're giving them a lifetime garauntee too.

Regards John.

[gait]

what's roll like with the increased height/travel?

[Overland Hadley]

We have a really tough new motorhome model coming out in a couple of months...

When do we get some teaser shots of this?

[whatcharterboat]

Overland Hadley

When do we get some teaser shots of this?



Hey Nathanael,

Man, we haven't spoken for a long time....... always see you posting though. Hope you are well.

I'll let you know. One thing .......ExPo will be the first to know.


what's roll like with the increased height/travel?

Hi Julian,

Roll will depend on shock absorber settings. They are only about 40mm higher so they aren't really effected so much by height.
I haven't driven a Fuso on parabolics yet but will later this week. I've been off work crook but heading back tomorrow. We just put them on one of our Fuso mine buses weighing around 4600kg. This vehicle will have a higher CoG than a typical camper and won't have that in-cab ride control we offer so it should give a good indication of roll.

Regards John.

[whatcharterboat]

Interesting job that just went through the workshop if anyone wants to see some pics.

Handed it over to the new owners, Santos yesterday. It will be used for the transportation of pipeline construction staff and then double for VIP / CEO tours along the jobsite. So they intend to throw a BBQ in the back and use the 100litre fridge, etc for catering and the interior is virtually like a passenger aircraft fitout.

82277 82278
82282 82283
82284 82285
82286 82287
82289 82294

[DEFENDERBEAM]

sweet.

[LukeH]

Impressive

That thing is so clean it actually hurts to look at.

Disgraceful! Go and get it dirty at once!
I wonder how long we have to wait before the next economic downturn forces them to put it up for sale.
I for one will be looking forward to that day.
Well done!

[blackduck]

[QUOTE=LukeH;1028481]That thing is so clean it actually hurts to look at. Disgraceful! Go and get it dirty at once!

DITTO
nothing worse than a truck just screaming to get dirty
cute though in a blokey sort of way

[PKDreamers]

WOW nice truck great workmanship guys.
Kel loves the look of the loo lol.

[HumphreyBear]

Mate that is a very nice piece of work, congratulations. Looks great. You guys really are world class, I hope to get up and see some of what you do in person before too long.
.
humphrey

[Overland Hadley]

You guys really are world class,....

No kidding. The interior is amazing. Nice job!

[whatcharterboat]

When do we get some teaser shots of this?

Here you go Nathanael....well it's a start anyway. This truck will eventually be our new motorhome demo and we've already had the floor panel / subframe on for a trial fitup.

It's almost time for Tuff Truck again and a couple of the guys from the workshop are going to take the cab / chassis down cause we were asked to put something in on display. We were just putting the cab back together after the fresh desert-coloured paint over the weekend..... should have the big wheels on next week and I'll post some more pics.

89469

Planning some big things for it eventually .... if we can make them happen that is .... a central tyre inflation system, 6 speed auto conversion for starters. It's already got that new Torsen type front diff, full coil suspension with in-cab ride control and engine-driven compressor. I guess we're hoping to use this truck to prove new concepts and for long term testing. Should also be a good demonstrator once the camper module goes on the back too.

89470


I hope to get up and see some of what you do in person before too long.
.
humphrey

Mark, just don't come without your bike. Haha.

And for those that made comment about the MAN ...thank you. I will pass them on.

[bptp7270]

Hi John,

The color looks great, better than boring refrigerator white! They really do need something like that cab guard to protect the "A" pillar's because they cop a hammering on our narrow bush tracks. Does the same thing work on the dual cab roof?

Oh, and the coil springs made me think to ask how are the parabolics coming along?

Anthony

[whatcharterboat]

Here's a shot after tonight's effort.

89923


The color looks great, better than boring refrigerator white! They really do need something like that cab guard to protect the "A" pillar's because they cop a hammering on our narrow bush tracks. Does the same thing work on the dual cab roof?

Yeah ... the colour looks a bit yellow in these pics cause of the low light but it's really a tan colour. It'll look better once we get it outside in the daylight.

And re: barwork .... sure, you could do the same with a crewcab. Just have to make the bars longer.


Oh, and the coil springs made me think to ask how are the parabolics coming along?

Not real sure ... not my section but I keep asking too. I know we've been waiting for this shipment for ages. Have had to fly more than a dozen sets of springs out for the urgent mining contracts which is a killer for the budget. For some strange reason , the container is coming through the Suez then via Singapore and apparantly have to now go via Sydney then Brisbane !! I got my FG Torsen diffs early this week which I'm happy about and they left before the springs and had to travel even farther.

[bptp7270]

Hi John, I am certain that the springs and diffs will be of excellent quality, but I was just thinking what a shame it is that we cant manufacture this stuff competitively here. Do the coils lift the ride height substantially, as it seems to sit a fair bit taller than the white truck next to it? Is that a steel or aluminium bull bar on that truck, I notice you putting the winch cradle in the previous shots?

Anthony

[SkiFreak]

Anthony,

I can answer some of your questions, given that my 2010 FG has the ATW coil conversion.
Yes, with the coil conversion the whole truck is definitely sitting higher than the standard FG. If you want to compare to yours, the bottom cab step of mine is 670mm off the ground.
It is a 15,000 lb winch capable, air bag compatible, alloy bullbar and it is made by Custom Alloy in Qld. The bullbar/winch mount, as you have correctly identified, is steel. Mine has the same bullbar.

As to making stuff here... I will leave that one for John to answer.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Anthony,

The angle is a little decieving ...the FGB 71 cab next to it is only 120mm lower. Remeber that the 71 is on the OEM wheels too.



BTW The bullbars have our own design features incorporated and are not the same as what is available over the counter from that supplier.



The diffs are of the highest quality. The guys who cut the gears for us even supply F1 teams.


As far as coil spring technology goes, we have arguably the best coil manufacturer in the world right here in Queensland and as an example, they make them for many of the European Factory Motorsport Teams as well as supplying many OEM springs but when it comes to parabolics, this is a whole different ballgame ..... I don't know of parabolic tapering machine in the entire Southern Hemisphere.

Regards John.

[bptp7270]

Hi John,

Since distance doesn't seem to be a problem for the captain of the container ship, perhaps you could get him to pull in to Bell Bay and I could whiz across the river in the tinny and grab a set of of springs. Freight down here is a killer.

Anthony

[Thespoon]

G'day all

Drove up to Yandina the other day to see Mark at ATW about the parabolics. They are expected to land in Brisbane in a couple of weeks, so there is a chance to have them fitted to my NPS by the end of the month, just in time, as we intend to leave end of March/early April for the Kimberleys for the start of the Whale Shark season.

Also met John (whatcharterboat) Although I did not have a appointment, he made time available to take me for a quick tour through the workshop.....very impressive. Thanks John....was good to put a face behind "whatcharterboat"

Regards
Adrian

[Amesz00]

The angle is a little decieving ...the FGB 71 cab next to it is only 120mm lower. Remeber that the 71 is on the OEM wheels too.

hey john, about that.. we just got in a new FGB71 today, the cabs almost 4" taller than my stock FG84... things almost as high as my green truck :S

that one you have the same??

Andrew

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Andrew.

FGB 71 cabs sit 85mm higher than the FG 84 cabs. The extra height seems to be all in the new 6.5ton springs and packers. BTW Have been desperately trying to sort a dual range conversion for the 71 single range transfercase...but it's not easy !!!!

[whatcharterboat]

Thanks John....was good to put a face behind "whatcharterboat"

Regards
Adrian

Likewise Adrian .... ExPo members always get the red carpet. Thanks for stopping by.

I really liked your truck too . If you have the time, it would be great if you could do a thread on it like Stu just did or post a batch of pics in the "Mitsibishi Camper Examples" thread.

[Ford Prefect]

Some days reading this thread just makes me happy! I mean wow what cool stuff people are doing these days!

Other days it just makes me sad. I mean, awe, why can't we get those trucks here! Why can't we have some decent trucks and overland builders here?

[blackduck]

[QUOTE=Thespoon;1065292]G'day all

. just in time, as we intend to leave end of March/early April for the Kimberleys for the start of the Whale Shark season.

Adrian
we will keep an eye out for you
we head off in ernest today after seeing out summer in the south west for whale sharks, the kimberley and darwin
am interested in checking out ATW's parabolics and hearing how well they perform

[Thespoon]

I
really liked your truck too . If you have the time, it would be great if you could do a thread on it like Stu just did or post a batch of pics in the "Mitsibishi Camper Examples" thread.

John......there is a bit of a thread I started some time ago......its "Another NPS300 4x4".....I'll try and post some more pics.


Stu.....yea....I hope Mark (ATW) will put me on the top of the list and supply me with a kit before we head off. I'll let you know if everything worked out allright and where we will be at certain times.
Regards
Adrian

[whatcharterboat]

John......there is a bit of a thread I started some time ago......its "Another NPS300 4x4".....

Sorry...had a case of "brain fade".

[Thespoon]

Sorry...had a case of "brain fade".

Yes John......it happens to the best of us..........at my age.....my mind wanders, sometimes it leaves me completly :):)

Regards
Adrian

[Ford Prefect]

Yes John......it happens to the best of us..........at my age.....my mind..uhh, what were we talking about?


Fixed it for ya... ;)

[whatcharterboat]

91644

91111

91112

91113

91114

[bptp7270]

Hi John,

Every time I see one of these my brain says parabolics...... but boy they look good with coils under them!!!!
As mentioned before, the tan one looks great with the bar work. Well done

Anthony

[whatcharterboat]

Thanks Anthony.......... so that tan truck will be at Tuff Truck this weekend. Not sure if any of the Expo members are interested in that sort of thing but I was always keen to check it out. I'm hoping the guys bring back plenty of pics. Actually Anthony, it's my daughters wedding this weekend which is why I couldn't get down there and they are spending the honeymoon down your way ..... based in Launie for a week anyway. Regards John.

[bptp7270]

Well the weather is absolutely perfect at the moment and the wineries are bursting with fruit, so they should enjoy a great time on the Tamar...

[mab]

91113

91114[/QUOTE]

Awesome!!! thats my truck. looks great. will be down on 26th to check it out in person.
MAB

[whatcharterboat]

Awesome!!! thats my truck. looks great.

Yeah...OK. I didn't know. Afraid I haven't had anything to do with your job. When we put these 2 trucks together for that photo, we all wanted to know why your crewcab looked tougher than our demo truck? Well that was the general opinion anyway. I agree with you .... the 649 does look great.

I saw one of the guys throwing a box of Dynamat at it. Wow, doesn't that make a difference. Should be really interesting to see how much heat it keeps out of the back half of the cab......but it seems very good as far as noise goes. The doors make a real dull thud when you close them now.

Looking forward to meeting you on the 26th.

Regards John

[engineer]

Hey John,
In your opinion, is it easier to put a dual cab onto a SWB or cut the chassis on a LWB, I'm not sure with the new exhausts.
Thanks,
Chock

[bptp7270]

91113

You lucky duck. It does look great!91114

Awesome!!! thats my truck. looks great. will be down on 26th to check it out in person.
MAB[/QUOTE]

[whatcharterboat]

Hey John,
In your opinion, is it easier to put a dual cab onto a SWB or cut the chassis on a LWB,.
Thanks,
Chock

Hi Chocko .... still doing the aviation thing?

Cut a LWB dual cab down ... very easy for a man of your talents. The alternative would be considerably more work and dollars.



I'm not sure with the new exhausts

Are you refering to the new FGB ??? Mate ... they are a very different thing to the previous 84. They may not look too different but wow, so much to learn. We were really lucky...I made sure we got the first one in the country so we could get a good head start on the development path. We've already done a few buses on them.....have one going out next week and will post some pics if you like.

While the exhaust may look like it's from another planet, that would be the least of your worries.

[engineer]

I've heard that they cut them down on the isuzu's and had great difficulty with the gas flow meters...
I never believe everything i hear though...LOL

[whatcharterboat]

I never believe everything i hear though...LOL

Know what you mean. Haha.

I've heard that they cut them down on the isuzu's and had great difficulty with the gas flow meters...

Yeah... well I only heard of one body builder ggetting into trouble with the DPD on an NPS tipper in the begining but we took that lesson from Isuzu on board at the start and have never had any dramas. We've been certainly OK with the new Fuso DPF's and the exhaust mods we've had to do.

You driven a new B71 one yet? Gee they motor along OK.....will pull up to 100kph in 4th on singles , no problem and so much power down low too. I think max power comes in around 1450rpm right through to 2650rpm and redline is way up at 4250rpm....I think that's right....anyway, the gear splits are great on hills, hauling loads, etc. Not sure how they'll go on sand yet ...... that's always the test for me.

[1leglance]

Hey John...we are looking at coming over to Australia for a 2 month holiday instead of a work contract (could not get insurance coverage on my fake leg) and I would really like to tour your shop if that is allowed.
We are planning on doing 1 month of 4wd camping and then 1 month of train travel/hotels. Our 4wd camping will focus on Coffs Harbor in the south up to the Dantree up North...basically enjoy Queensland to know if we want to make the move after I get my next leg built.

Looking forward to seeing these builds in person, cracking a cold one with you and if you partake we can share a good cigar :)
Also I really want my family to see these since we used the have a Sportsmobile, it will be cool to compare/contrast the platforms.

[whatcharterboat]

Hey John...we are looking at coming over to Australia for a 2 month holiday instead of a work contract (could not get insurance coverage on my fake leg) and I would really like to tour your shop if that is allowed.
We are planning on doing 1 month of 4wd camping and then 1 month of train travel/hotels. Our 4wd camping will focus on Coffs Harbor in the south up to the Dantree up North...basically enjoy Queensland to know if we want to make the move after I get my next leg built.

Looking forward to seeing these builds in person, cracking a cold one with you and if you partake we can share a good cigar :)
Also I really want my family to see these since we used the have a Sportsmobile, it will be cool to compare/contrast the platforms.

Lance, I'd be offended if you didn't drop in. I'll give you the heads up on a trip to Fraser when you come by and my family were early pioneers in the Daintree so could probably tell you a thing or two about that too. Actually I'll bet there would be quite a few Expo members between Coffs and the Daintree River that would be happy to have you camp in the back yard for a night or two if you put the word out !!! Sorry about the beer and cigars ... don't touch the stuff ...thanks anyway ... how about my shout for caffiene?


could not get insurance coverage on my fake leg Mate, you must come up against all sorts of dramas. PM me if you need any help with the planning for the trip anyway. Also while you're here, I want to introduce you to that ER nurse from SOS I told you about. Regards John.

[whatcharterboat]

So looks like they made it down OK!!!! Can't wait to see the new motorhome on this chassis ... is going to be a real offroad performer.

BTW Toyo Tyres want to borrow this truck to have on their stand at the Brisbane 4wd Show next weekend..... if any wants to chat, I was going to try to make it there myself on the Friday or maybe Saturday ..... that's on the Toyo stand. Regards John.

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[1leglance]

Thanks John for the offer of trip advice, I will pm you soon on that...

Speaking of the Brisbane Show do you know of any shows in June or July around the country...I tried searching but didn't come up with much. We will be train hopping in late June & July so easy to make something cross country. Late May & June will be Queensland.

I will be starting a new travel thread soon so as not to clutter up this on too much...

Oh and just to keep this post on track with your thread....that platform is amazing with the articulation. I am sure the coils ride nice but I am curious about the final road wgt when a camper is built? How many kilo's do these end up being?
Also kudos on the Toyo tire thing...that is great extra exposure for you guys.

[whatcharterboat]

Speaking of the Brisbane Show do you know of any shows in June or July around the country...I tried searching but didn't come up with much. We will be train hopping in late June & July so easy to make something cross country. Late May & June will be Queensland.


Are you kidding.....start of June is the Brisbane Caravan & Camping Show. June 6 - 12 th. That's a long weekend here with the last Monday being a public holiday. . Some of the suppliers that go to all the shows say it's the one to go to. Scott Brady did a thread on the 2011 show and I did one on the 2009 and another on the 2010 shows . Have a search.


I will be starting a new travel thread soon so as not to clutter up this on too much...

Yeah....do that.


Oh and just to keep this post on track with your thread....that platform is amazing with the articulation. I am sure the coils ride nice but I am curious about the final road wgt when a camper is built? How many kilo's do these end up being?

Good question. I don't think it would add much to the rear , coils only weigh a fraction of what a leaf spring pack with over riders would but there is a bit in all the bracketry. I'll see if I can work it out and get back to you.


Also kudos on the Toyo tire thing...that is great extra exposure for you guys.

Yeah ... free too. Although so they should ...... Canter drivers buy enough of them.

[Ford Prefect]

91767

Wow that is amazing articulation! Congrats John, it looks really spectacular.

I have to tell you though, you can not imagine just how strange this photo looks to the Americans. I mean if you showed this to 99% of the country they would wonder why in the heck you would EVER do that to that truck, and what the heck the purpose could possibly be. Then they would be equally shocked upon hearing your retort!

It looks great! I just wish we had the infrastructure to get people interested in this type of vehicle. Of course we only have three or four hundred different models of vehicles being made every year for this country already right. sigh

Really jealous of what yall do down there, congrats again and thanks again for sharing the photos!

Regards,
Brian

[klahanie]

Well, "I am the 99%" and I say...

madness,... pure and simple.

[whatcharterboat]

looks like a military version of one of these

http://web.iveco.com/uk/Products/Pag..._benefits.aspx

according to our iveco dealer in perth they are importing them soon. gotta say they look sweeet.. parabolics all round, standard diff locks and standard XZLs.. oh yea and it has a 6sp gearbox with maybe a splitter and 2 low ranges.. anyways total 24 forward gears if the cab didnt still look like a van id have one straight up.. the new eurocargo 4x4s also look pretty mean.

Hi Andrew,

You guys looked at these yet for campers and buses? I talked to Craig (in Perth) about 18 months ago regarding these but obviously it's taken them far longer than expected to get RHD and ADR compliance. They look OK.....no passenger / driver airbags though which is a big thing here in commercial applications. Everything else looks good. John.

[bptp7270]

Hi John,

I did a fair bit of investigation into the iveco before buying the FG84. They look ok but they have some drawbacks like being taller overall and the iveco trucks generally are seen to be badly finished. With F & R diff locks, parabolics and a flash dual low range transfer case, they would be capable off road. The dual cab has a maximum tray length of only 2.5m as well. We see a lot of the daily here as motorhomes and they all complain of the interiors falling apart. There are plenty of you tube videos on the net with these trucks.

Anthony

[Amesz00]

Hi Andrew,

You guys looked at these yet for campers and buses? I talked to Craig (in Perth) about 18 months ago regarding these but obviously it's taken them far longer than expected to get RHD and ADR compliance. They look OK.....no passenger / driver airbags though which is a big thing here in commercial applications. Everything else looks good. John.

Hey john

ummm was this meant to go in the other thread perchance?? oh well.
do you mean the daily, or the eurocargo? there has been a 15t one at skippers in perth for quite some time, very impressive looking beast, 3900 WB and 395 XZLs. yea we actually have looked at using them, think itd make a real nice camper. MAN probly still better suited to buses, but like i said i think the new TGMs have too much junk on them for serious offorad use. no airbags.. isnt that a good thing?? :P

Andrew

[whatcharterboat]

Hey john

ummm was this meant to go in the other thread perchance?? oh well.

Hi Andrew,

Nah. Not posting there. Maybe we should start a new Iveco thread.


do you mean the daily,

The new daily. 5.5T.


there has been a 15t one at skippers in perth for quite some time, very impressive looking beast, 3900 WB and 395 XZLs.

Yeah.....I reckon. Saw that a while ago. Very tough.


no airbags.. isnt that a good thing??

Rule number one for mine use here..... I know some special services and military of course would rather not have them but you can't even let anyone sit in the middle seat of an NPS or FG on a Qld or NSW mine anymore cause they only have 2 airbags.....I'm just thinking of overall sales here.....not specifically for sales of trucks for offroad campers.

[Amesz00]

John,


The new daily. 5.5T.

yea we're definelty wanting to do some sort of offroad camper on it. not sure how suited it would be to a bus though, maybe a bit much $$ for not a heavy duty enough vehicle?? wouldnt get too many seats on one. sure thered be a few niche offroad operators who would have a use for them, maybe fraser, etc..


Rule number one for mine use here..... I know some special services and military of course would rather not have them but you can't even let anyone sit in the middle seat of an NPS or FG on a Qld or NSW mine anymore cause they only have 2 airbags.....I'm just thinking of overall sales here.....not specifically for sales of trucks for offroad campers.

hmm yea that is a sad point.. the way i see it, if you're driving a truck and you hit something so solid you need an airbag to protect you, you need a hell of a lot more than an airbag to protect you... just makes it a pain in the bum to mount bullbars to.

btw have you seen the sticker on the drivers door of the new canter?? it reads.. ""This 4wd vehicle is designed for on-road use only. No specific design for offroad use is applied."
what a joke..
Andrew

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Andrew,


yea we're definelty wanting to do some sort of offroad camper on it. not sure how suited it would be to a bus though, maybe a bit much $$ for not a heavy duty enough vehicle??

We'll see soon enough.


sure thered be a few niche offroad operators who would have a use for them, maybe fraser, etc..

I would bet that too.


the way i see it, if you're driving a truck and you hit something so solid you need an airbag to protect you, you need a hell of a lot more than an airbag to protect you

Yeah...know all about that and the airbag still didn't go off ...but I think it's more about ticking all the boxes in a commercial situation re: OH&S.


btw have you seen the sticker on the drivers door of the new canter?? it reads.. ""This 4wd vehicle is designed for on-road use only. No specific design for offroad use is applied."

If you are in the business of modifying trucks I reckon this is a good thing. Bwhahaha. If all trucks were unimogs, where's the challenge in that? Haha. Honestly, we have never had to do so much development in such a short period of time as we have since the introduction of this model. They are so different but the aftermarket gear we're planning for the new FGB71 is certainly "designed for offroad use" .... all the new B71 units we've put into the mines so far are holding up really well ..... and you would know first hand the type of abuse they get there ..... once we address the "low-range" issue, the recreational / general market will be next.

You driven one yet? The power delivery is awesome ..... so good on hills and hauling loads...... You never seem to need to grab gears all the time. They've got a huge payload too.

Andrew, you said you were building a new bus on a B71 .... have you met SAM yet? He lives in the ECU and has a warning light named after him .... I am sure his sole purpose in life is to turn auto-electrician's hair grey !!!!

93199

Regards John.

[whatcharterboat]

2012 Brisbane 4x4 Show.

Our suspension engineer and myself will be on the Toyo Tyres stand this Saturday between midday and 2 pm if anyone wants to drop in. The stand is just opposite ARB and Ironman in building 8 .....you won't miss tan-coloured Canter. John.

[mab]

was at the show today and had a good look at the "yellow" canter. huge show, need a couple of days to see it all. So many cool new gadgets. managed to get out without spending more than $100 for the day, but I've got plenty of online shopping to do when I get time to read all the brochures I picked up. Make sure you get a bag at the gate, you will need it for all the leaflets. and check out the army bushranger. the guys will let you crawl all over it. very tough even without the guns.
92740

[Ford Prefect]

I am surprised that bushranger does not have a more V shaped hull to it. All of the new trucks for the US and British armies have a super sharp V shape hull on the bottom to deflect the effects of an undetected IED.

So back to the topic at hand... A 4x4 for on road only? And no low range? Wow you are hardly better off than we are now. At least you have the front end all set so you can just put on a decent transfercase and should be fine right?

[whatcharterboat]

I am surprised that bushranger does not have a more V shaped hull to it. All of the new trucks for the US and British armies have a super sharp V shape hull on the bottom to deflect the effects of an undetected IED.


Hi Brian....I know they look like a shoe box but the design is predominantly based on a V hull. By chance, I was in traffic today and passed a convoy of 6. You can see the "V-hull" shape in the rear view shown in the pic. All the side boxes, fuel tank, some other ancillary gear and even the mudguards are made so that in a blast it all blows off and looks like a boat I guess. That way the vehicle is far more usable with better storage and carrying ability, lower CoG, etc and in a blast the fuel is on its way to the next country so safer, etc.

93084

I heard that there has been quite of few of these completely destroyed by IED's without serious injury to the occupants ... hope that's true .... but I have only heard good things about them from ADF personnel.

Regards John

[Ford Prefect]

Ok, thank you very much John, I thought the V hull was a Nato wide thing, but was not sure. Thanks for adding that which the 1000 words of the photo did not convey.

Very cool idea, and I like the low COG as well. I fear many of our vehicles are very top heavy. At least we have enough room to sit in them with full battle rattle on now, unlike the old HMMWV. They are also loads more comfortable to ride in which no one is complaining about either!

Regards,
Brian

[whatcharterboat]

Ok, thank you very much John, I thought the V hull was a Nato wide thing, but was not sure. Thanks for adding that which the 1000 words of the photo did not convey.



No worries Brian,

I just thought it was a real coincidence me taking that pic only a couple of hours before your post....they aren't the sort of thing you see every day here.

Hey Brian...you know I made the comment about no injuries aafter the IED's.....I just read that there has been 31 of them totally wrecked by IED's with zero fatality.

Found this pic on the net but shows a rare trayback without the side bins,,,you can see the V-hull a bit clearer.
93200

and can pick it out here too.

93202

Hey...this shot really shows it.....especially for the front guards.

93203

And if you are interested, this is what is replacing our ADF landrovers >>> Hawkei's

93205

93206

[SkiFreak]

And if you are interested, this is what is replacing our ADF landrovers >>> Hawkei's
Last time I checked, Land Rovers were not quite that large! :Wow1:

[blackduck]

Big is good
we need something huge to fill the space available in the 2 new "amphibious" (read aircraft carriers) ships the government has signed up to
problem will be I dont think we have landing craft that big
but that has never stopped the powers that be going on a big spend on useless equipment (sea sprites - collins class , etc)

[engineer]

I thought they had a deal with Daimler Chrysler for G series...

[Amesz00]

And if you are interested, this is what is replacing our ADF landrovers >>> Hawkei's


I thought they had a deal with Daimler Chrysler for G series...

they do. i think the hawkie's are more for tactical transport, kinda like the ASLAV. also MAN got a nice big contract for a stack of 4x4s + 6x6s, to replace the mogs and macks.

[PKDreamers]

I seen four 4x4 and a 6x6 G series on the way to home the other night . Not sure if they where RAAF or army both play near our place.
Look pretty cool looking trucks .

[Ford Prefect]

Yes John,

Those photos show it a lot better. That looks like a very nice design for the truck. I also like the rear seating. It looks like a guy might actually have some room to maneuver in there. I personally think that the G and the Landi are not the best choice for much of anything the military has to do. They get places, that is for sure, and that is great for a training environment, but for war times I personally would want something a little more beafy like the last photo you showed. Good clearance, with large tires, yet still a low (all things considered) COG. To me it is akin to when we replaved the venerable jeep with the HMMWVs. The jeep is great in our own country, but the HMMWV was far better for running around in other nations. Now the new JLTV and the ACV are much better than the HMMWV.

Militarily it boils down to the simple truth; those who do not evolve die off.

[Witchdoctor Oz]

Thanks John for the tour around your factory & giving my wife & I the chance to see some of your latest developments.
That grey Hino is very impressive :cool:.
I also got to see a parabolic spring setup on a Mitsubishi :Wow1:, very nice indeed.

Thanks again for your time much appreciated John.

David

[whatcharterboat]

Thanks John for the tour around your factory & giving my wife & I the chance to see some of your latest developments.
That grey Hino is very impressive :cool:.


Hi David,

Yes. Good to meet you and Dee. Also thought your camper was awesome ... certainly one of the best (if not THE best) home made camper module I've seen on the back of 4wd ute.

And wait till you see that Hino sitting on the big singles. It's going to be so tough. I'll definitely post pics then but it has to be finished by next Wednesday which was why all the guys were going hard on Saturday when you showed up.

Regards John.

[blackduck]

Militarily it boils down to the simple truth; those who do not evolve die off.[/QUOTE]

this might be the case if your wearing green cams
but for those uf us that wear grey (that use to be blue) the simple truth is if you cant evolve sell it to the RAN
they'll buy any old rubbish

[whatcharterboat]

Thanks John for the tour around your factory & giving my wife & I the chance to see some of your latest developments.
That grey Hino is very impressive

Here is that Hino as it was finished today. This is the first GT500 we've done. All the tour company drivers are taking it up the beach tomorrow for some initial testing and training. We fitted a really cool automated air inflation system to it too. Has a hose on each corner that you hook up and can inflate and deflate all the tyres or just one axle at once. They do that on the barge on the way over.

Tyres are 425 / 22.5 Kuhmo.....these guys have been getting a good run with the same style Kuhmo tyre fitted on 19'5's on their Fuso Canter buses on Fraser so they wanted to stay with the same thing for the Hino....useless in mud of course which they don't see too much of but a beautiful tyre on the road, very puncture resistant and great in the sand.

94820

94821

94822

94823

[SkiFreak]

Got any more pics of this Hino and some detailed shots of the inflation system you mentioned?

[Amesz00]

Got any more pics of this Hino and some detailed shots of the inflation system you mentioned?

is it a PTG STIS system? my old man's got this system on his MAN. very cool. imo a must have for an large offroad vehicle that regularly deflates/inflates tyres. will do the 365 XZLs on his truck from 70psi-25 then back up to 70 in about 15min. for all four tyres.....
Andrew

[whatcharterboat]

is it a PTG STIS system? my old man's got this system on his MAN. very cool. imo a must have for an large offroad vehicle that regularly deflates/inflates tyres.

Hi Andrew,

Nah but we did the see that system on that MAN that I told you about .... the one the ADF did the initial trials with ..... the one I can't afford too . Haha

We are still developing our system and playing with the software. Ours is more like on that you might find at a BP servo with a LCD display (but we've got an airline clipped to each wheel) that samples air pressure at intervals, to calculate the volume of the tyre (in our case "tyres") then goes flat out for whatever time it thinks it needs to , then rechecks as it gets close to the dialled in pressure, then alarms when it's done ..... maybe one day we will offer it on the campers. We would like to get ours as fast as your dads but are not there yet. It is still much better than bending over tyres for twenty minutes hanging on to a airpump.

425's are big suckers....they take 4 minutes to pump one tyre from 60 psi to 85psi with our huge workshop screw compressor !!

[bptp7270]

Hi John, I could be doing something wrong but I cant seem to open the photo attachments for the Hino?
Anthony

[engineer]

Dammit John, Clear some room in your in box....:steak:

[whatcharterboat]

Sorry Anthony....I can't see the first three pics but I can see the last......don't know what's going on. I reload them from my work computer tomorrow. I was going to throw some more up for Owen.


Dammit John, Clear some room in your in box....

Sorry Chocko. Try again now.

[SkiFreak]

Me thinks that those attachments need reattaching... ;)
Only the last one is displaying an image.

[whatcharterboat]

94923

94924

94925

94921

94922

[bptp7270]

Hi John,

Impressive monster! I don't think I would like to encounter that coming the other way on one of those narrow Fraser tracks.

Anthony

[SkiFreak]

I am guessing that you have someone at ATW that likes to express their artistic skills...
That modified ATW logo being my case in point. ;)

[Amesz00]

Hi Andrew,

Nah but we did the see that system on that MAN that I told you about .... the one the ADF did the initial trials with ..... the one I can't afford too . Haha

yea it is fairly exhorbitant price.. dad got his before they sky-rocketed luckily :)


We are still developing our system and playing with the software. Ours is more like on that you might find at a BP servo with a LCD display

that should be interesting to see. im looking at setting up a system similar to the PTG one for my new canter (and customers who want it i guess). we'll have to put our inflation systems against each other and race em! hahaha :p
BTW did you get my msg last night?
Andrew

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Andrew,

Nah. Never got it. Send t again. I'm heading up the beach Saturday for 10 days so won't be online for that time.

Regards John.

Hi Owen.....Nah. Wasn't us. The tour guys came up with that. Each bus has a different name and cartoon head .... Warrior, Xena, Junior and now Gladiator. Haha.

[Thespoon]

John....an impressive machine, looks like its ready to compete in next years Dakar:)!!!!
Any reason why you chosen a Hino over say an Isuzu, MAN or Merc?
Any modification to the suspension?

Happy Easter

Adrian
(still waiting for parabolics)

[engineer]

Thanks for Today John, Thats 2 i owe you mate!!!
Hope you have a great weekend
Chock

[whatcharterboat]

Thanks for Today John, Thats 2 i owe you mate!!!
Hope you have a great weekend
Chock

Yeah...no worries Chock. You drive home safe over the weekend mate.....not a good time to be heading up the Pacific Highway.

Regards John.

[whatcharterboat]

John....an impressive machine, looks like its ready to compete in next years Dakar:)!!!!
Any reason why you chosen a Hino over say an Isuzu, MAN or Merc?
Any modification to the suspension?



Hi Adrian,

Price and simplcity are the main factors in a beach bus chassis......if they only get a few years out them on the beach (3 for a Fuso and hopefully 5 for the Hino) then they think twice about buying something loaded with all the bells and whistles....and of course less to go wrong. These chassis are great value. For a private motorhome, there is far more to consider in selecting a suitable truck.

Suspension is standard for now but we will be looking at mods shortly. Due to the big tyres, they tell me it's still pretty comfy in the back.....the tour company staff took it up the North Shore today. Everyone seemed happy except my son ... he cleans the windows on these buses after school. Haha!!

Took this tonight .... amazing difference between a 285/19.5 and the 425/22.5, eh?

94991

[Thespoon]

Thanks John.....yes of course it comes down to dollars and cents as the lifespan for a beach vehicle is obviously very limited. I suppose an operators main focus would be on profitability and not on comfort for tourist bums!!:)

Enjoy your time off

Adrian

[Ford Prefect]

Took this tonight .... amazing difference between a 285/19.5 and the 425/22.5, eh?

94991

How much lift did you have to put on to fit those meats? They look really nice on there! Heck, the entire truck looks amazing!

Mind if I ask what may be obvious to the rest, why do you expect the truck to only last three to five years?

Cheers

[whatcharterboat]

How much lift did you have to put on to fit those meats? They look really nice on there! Heck, the entire truck looks amazing!

Mind if I ask what may be obvious to the rest, why do you expect the truck to only last three to five years?

Cheers

Hey!! How are ya?

1) No lift.
2) The beach is a savage place when you are on it every day. If they get 5 years they will be very happy. A little Fuso or Landcruiser or conventional 4wd is starting to look sad after 2 years. After 3 years they are VERY sad...after 4 years there is nothing left.....that's if they are meticulously washed down every night too. It is much worse than somone heading up to the beach every weekend ...at least then the truck would get a chance to dry out after you wash them down....but these vehicles never dry out. It is only the salinity that changes. It says sometyhing for our bus bodies then I guess if they outlast 4 chassis and they sell them after 12 years service in those conditions.

Cheers back.

[alan]

Hi John,
Have any of these operators tried the U beaut electronic rust preventatives? from what I've seen they don't do a thing, but hey you never know.

[SkiFreak]

Have any of these operators tried the U beaut electronic rust preventatives?
I have it on good authority that these devices were tested by the CSIRO and were found to make no difference at all, other than to your bank balance!

[alan]

I'm not surprised at all.

[whatcharterboat]

I have it on good authority that these devices were tested by the CSIRO and were found to make no difference at all, other than to your bank balance!

I'm not surprised at all.

Hi Owen and Alan

Hmmm....funny you should ask about that. The tour operators all reckon they've tried everything including electronic rust prevention and they now all revert to their secret blend of herbs'n'spices that gets sprayed on every couple of months....ask them whats in it and they all say stuff like "awh, bit a this and a bit a that" or "I could tell ya but I'd ave ta kill ya" and that's about all they let on. Actually their entire maintenace schedules are a bit guarded....it's a competitive business and while they're all mates and help one another on the beach they don't give too much away.

I think they mainly use a blend of Tectyl, Xtrol, Penetrene and bitumen based body deadener but the ratio is important....if it goes off too hard it cracks and therefore doesn't work and if it stays too soft it won't last long enough when they wash them down and makes maintenace really painfull.

Anyway, getting sidetracked there.....this Hino is actually the first one I've heard of recently that's being trialled by ERPS ....they were really keen to offer this and if it works I imagine they could get quite a bit more business out of it. I'm out too lunch on it ... I tried it on an old Pajero I had a few years back and could have sworn it did work but probably didn't have it long enough to make a sound conclusion. I fitted 16 anodes though so it was a bit more involved than some systems that only run 1 or 2 anodes.....the Hino has them plastered all over. The tech spent almost 2 days to do the installation !

Let's wait and see.

[SkiFreak]

Sacrificial anodes are used in quite a few diverse environments and they work exceptionally well. You'd be a fool to argue against that. They even use them in situations where they want to preserve the remains of sunken ships.

As for these electronic versions that are promoted at 4WD shows and the like... I'm not convinced they work the same way.
As I mentioned, I have been told that the CSIRO tested the effectiveness of these devices and could not conclude that they had any beneficial effect.
The problem is that to really test them in "the real world" you would need two identical vehicles that are working in the same environment; one fitted with the device and the other with nothing. That way you could do periodic side-by-side comparisons of the vehicles as time goes by.

My thinking on these devices is that if they were as good as claimed, I would think that some mainstream manufacturers would include them as standard equipment, or offer them as a factory option.
As far as I know, no manufacturer does this. Read into that what you will...

[whatcharterboat]

Sacrificial anodes are used in quite a few diverse environments and they work exceptionally well. You'd be a fool to argue against that. They even use them in situations where they want to preserve the remains of sunken ships.

Hey Owen, I knew a retired CSIRO scientist (from Canberra too) ....among other things he did like adding a cup of metho to every tank of fuel, he actually used a zinc anode (yeah .. the same as you'd find on an outboard) on each corner of his car...reckons that worked.....but hey!! I don't know. One of my old electronics lecturers used to go off on these tangents about the electrical theory behind rust but he was as nutty as they come. Haha



My thinking on these devices is that if they were as good as claimed, I would think that some mainstream manufacturers would include them as standard equipment, or offer them as a factory option.
As far as I know, no manufacturer does this. Read into that what you will...

I think they just want to sell more cars. My old Subaru has panels like paper but I see the later models were at least galvanized like the Jeeps. Not too many car makers do that though do they?

[HumphreyBear]

I knew a retired CSIRO scientist (from Canberra too) <snip> he actually used a zinc anode (yeah .. the same as you'd find on an outboard) on each corner of his car...reckons that worked.....

It worked compared to what? Is there a rampant and renowned problem of corrosion in Canberra due to ... the rising salt table?? ... that I have missed hearing about? ;) And here I have always thought that the Canberra Corrosion that everyone talked about is what happens to the bright and engaging minds who move there and slowly grind to a rusty mental halt after they pass the Public Service entrance exams. :)

I did some IT work at CSIRO a few years back and whilst I usually don't have anything against fat bearded blokes in shorts, long stocks and sandals there were some pretty interesting characters who had been breathing in the fumes too long...

[Thespoon]

Yea.....there must be a rust problem in Canberra....just look at the hair colour of the PM:Wow1:

Now back to the topic....I don't think it would be viable for manufacturers to fit rust prevention devices to all of their vehicles as only a very small percentage are really driven on beaches every day.

Greetings
Adrian

[moose2367]

was at the show today and had a good look at the "yellow" canter. huge show, need a couple of days to see it all. So many cool new gadgets. managed to get out without spending more than $100 for the day, but I've got plenty of online shopping to do when I get time to read all the brochures I picked up. Make sure you get a bag at the gate, you will need it for all the leaflets. and check out the army bushranger. the guys will let you crawl all over it. very tough even without the guns.
92740

These things are currently running a CAT engine, not sure of which one though, but they are in the process of changing over to a Cummins ISB 6.7L. My dad did some work on the transmissions in the prototypes and had 3 of the Cummins sitting in his workshop, one of which i bought at an auction later on, brand new, never run, it's going in my OKA dual cab very soon, along with 37 inch Nitto Terra Grapplers and 17 inch black Moto Metal alloy rims.

I'm leaving in the next day or so from Katherine NT, via Mt Isa, Cairns, Mackay, maybe Brisbane then down to Ballarat, Vic for the conversion. So if anyone sees a white dual cab OKA with no bullbar (got ripped off when i lost forward and rearward momentum for 29hrs :eek:) towing a trailer, i'll be on the UHF (scanning).

Edit: Sorry, no UHF, aerial WAS on the bullbar, now it's just a bit of coax, so no UHF

Sorry for the hijack

[Billysiron]

Great thread! Man I wish we had access to more trucks over here in the states. You guys have all the fun:).
I am ordering a new 2012 crew cab and would like to do the 4x4 conversion. Does anybody know if there are any ABS sensors or roll stability sensors that are going to go crazy if bigger tires are installed? I would like to do the single wheel kit from ATW. Does anyone know what size tires are on the white crew cab that ATW did and posted a great pic of?

Thanks
Billy

[Billysiron]

Great thread! Man I wish we had access to more trucks over here in the states. You guys have all the fun:).
I am ordering a new 2012 crew cab and would like to do the 4x4 conversion. Does anybody know if there are any ABS sensors or roll stability sensors that are going to go crazy if bigger tires are installed? I would like to do the single wheel kit from ATW. Does anyone know what size tires are on the white crew cab that ATW did and posted a great pic of?

Thanks
Billy

[Billysiron]

Sorry about the double post. Won't happen again ;)

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Billy,


Sorry about the double post. Won't happen again

Once you are signed into the forum, you can click on the "Edit Post" tab at the bottom of any post that you've put up. Then follow the directions to delete or edit. Don't worry...took me 12 months before I worked out I could do that.

The tyres in that pic were 285 x 70R x 19.5

Are you saying that you are going to buy a 2wd FE crewcab and convert it? Cool.

[Ford Prefect]

I would love to get your opinion, John...

Does anyone make a locker that would fit into that rear axle? If so do you think it would make an appreciable difference in a 2wd truck? The locker would certainly be a load less than going with a full 4x4 conversion. Obviously it would do less, but I have seen guys put in just a rear locker in 2wd trucks in the past and claim it helps.

Cheers

[Billysiron]

Yes John. Well at first I will get it up on a front axle so that I can get those tires and single rim kit on it. Then after she rolls I can work on the transfer case and hook upnthe driveshaft.

I spoke with Mark earlier today. I will be emailing both yourself and Mark the specs on the North American version. Looks like it will either be the NPR crew cab or the NQR crew cab. Both have the same diesel engines ( larger of the two offered from Isuzu)

I have some figuring out to do though, see the NPR has a 4.555 rear end which means I could build a Dana 60 type axle with 4.56 gears. That would be close enough on off road conditions. But I have to check on the wheel size and bolt pattern. They have to be the same as the NPS 300

The other option would be the North American version NQR crew cab. That comes with a 5.125 rear end. Which means I could ( hopefully) order a front axle from of the NPS 300. That comes stock with the same 5.125. The wheels for that I am sure are the same as the NPS (19.5) 6 lug

Not sure which way to go. The motor does appear to have more power so maybe it can turn the 4.56 just fine.

I will be sending over some pics and facts on the NPR-NQR. Maybe type in the spec sheet for both and see which one would be a better fit

The end result is to get a crew cab rig that looks just like the NPS 4x4 crew cab that you lucky bastards have over there :). When I saw that truck for the first time, I had knew that would be my next truck, one way or another.

Anyway, let me know what you think.

Thanks again,
Billy

[Billysiron]

Oh yes, boy a locker would be a treat.

Do they make one for the rears on the N series?

[whatcharterboat]

Do they make one for the rears on the N series? .

Does anyone make a locker that would fit into that rear axle?

Yes. The NPS comes with a rear locker and guys here in OZ fit them into NPR's.


If so do you think it would make an appreciable difference in a 2wd truck?

I have never driven one like this in anger but I would have to say that it would definitely extend your offroad capabilities BUT nothing is going to help as much as 4wd if you know what I mean.

We are very close to having a front Torsen-stlye diff for the NPS on the market.....similar to the one we make for the FG but the NPS is a bit bigger overall. Hope to have it ready by this August.

I don't know about mixing diffs up on yours (eg: Dana/Isuzu) . Maybe just go all NPS diffs if the price isn't too out of control. I've actually found most Isuzu parts to be quite reasonably priced by comparison. What did you say about a transfer??? Maybe just go with something divorced too....should be cheaper and easier. Converting a FE Crew to 4wd might be easier too. You'd probably find a second hand FG front diff easier than for a current model NPS.

We have a new NPS crew in the workshop at the moment.....Yeah, they are a nice thing. See the pics below>>>
100609
100610

I drove an old NPR around for years in my old job .... had a SWB FE, an FH, an FM and a Hino GT in that job too......liked all of them.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Billy,

I see that you sent an email to work. To avoid any confusion >>>> we just started a new salesman who will be working with Mark in ATW Accessories. His name is John too so to explain: his email is john@allterrainwarriors.com.au but that's not me. OK?? It's going to be confusing I know but John's really suited to the position. Originally from Fresno and then came over here to drive for one of the 4wd Tour companies in a Canter. Plenty of sales and off road experience etc. He'll probably be the one who'll reply to any suspension, wheels, accessories enquiries such as yours.

Regards John.

[whatcharterboat]

OvEx 2012

A couple of us are trying desperately to get away from the workshop for a few days to check out OvEx ...... please say hi if you see us walking around. Very keen to put a face to the guys I've been talking to for the last 4 years or so on ExPo.

Regards John

[1leglance]

John will you guys have shirts, hats or any way we can ID you boys?
Then again you might not want to get mobbed by all the folks who want to pick your brain about the killer builds you guys put together :)