Hey all,
Heather and I have been about the forum for awhile, you can see our build here
Our composite camper is close to being finished, but we are really considering switching out our base vehicle for something less extreme. We love the Mog and we've gotten it into amazing condition, but our lives have changed (Just bought an farm/orchard!) and we are looking at shorter trips over the border and more domestic trips. For that, I want something built to drive 65-70 all day long, that is still capable off road. The Mog will do it, but thats not what its made for. We will likely toss a flat bed, with frame flex provisions, on so that it can serve dual duty on the farm.
We'd considered an f550, but we'd be insanely long (25ft) and I worry about the serviceability and reliability of that platform. Seems like I see too many trucks with engine rebuilds floating around..And, after the MOG, I just really prefer cab-overs.
So, we are thinking more about an FG. Few specific questions
1) Which years and engines are best?
2) Which trannies? Manual preferred?
3) How many miles is too many on a used truck?
4) We'd planned on buying a new fuso initially, but the combo of USLD and the duonic gave us a cold feet. With the exception of USLD, do the new truck pass muster?
5) Are there many wheel base options in the FG?
6) Our camper is 12' and I am considering building a mold for a composite cab extension to make a doorless crew cab (doorless = entry through the front doors and then pass through middle seat) so that we can carry friends etc in the rig (bench seat in back). What wheel base is best for a 12' camper and a 2-2.5' cab extension?
7) With a little bit of sound deadening effort, how quite can you get your fuso at 65-70mph?
Really appreciate any advice.
-S
Heather and I have been about the forum for awhile, you can see our build here
Our composite camper is close to being finished, but we are really considering switching out our base vehicle for something less extreme. We love the Mog and we've gotten it into amazing condition, but our lives have changed (Just bought an farm/orchard!) and we are looking at shorter trips over the border and more domestic trips. For that, I want something built to drive 65-70 all day long, that is still capable off road. The Mog will do it, but thats not what its made for. We will likely toss a flat bed, with frame flex provisions, on so that it can serve dual duty on the farm.
We'd considered an f550, but we'd be insanely long (25ft) and I worry about the serviceability and reliability of that platform. Seems like I see too many trucks with engine rebuilds floating around..And, after the MOG, I just really prefer cab-overs.
So, we are thinking more about an FG. Few specific questions
1) Which years and engines are best?
2) Which trannies? Manual preferred?
3) How many miles is too many on a used truck?
4) We'd planned on buying a new fuso initially, but the combo of USLD and the duonic gave us a cold feet. With the exception of USLD, do the new truck pass muster?
5) Are there many wheel base options in the FG?
6) Our camper is 12' and I am considering building a mold for a composite cab extension to make a doorless crew cab (doorless = entry through the front doors and then pass through middle seat) so that we can carry friends etc in the rig (bench seat in back). What wheel base is best for a 12' camper and a 2-2.5' cab extension?
7) With a little bit of sound deadening effort, how quite can you get your fuso at 65-70mph?
Really appreciate any advice.
-S