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Thread: Troop Carrier for USA is a GL320 CDI!!

  1. #1
    haven is offline Expedition Portal Moderator Expedition Leader
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    Default Troop Carrier for USA is a GL320 CDI!!

    With tongue firmly placed in cheek, let me propose that since Toyota doesn't import the Troop Carrier to USA, we should construct a pop-up expedition camper using the new diesel-powered Mercedes GL 320 CDI.

    Since Scott is finished with his Taco, converting the GL 320 CDI would make a great project. I'm sure Mercedes will be eager to provide a donor vehicle.

    Here's the tale of the tape:

    Toyota Land Cruiser..........Mercedes GL320 CDI
    HDJ78R Troop Carrier.........w/ Off Road Package

    199..........length..........200 in
    125.........wheelbase..........121 in
    58..........front track..........65 in
    66.5.........width..........75.5 in
    83..........height..........75.5 in
    9.25 in...Ground clearance...12 in
    44 ft.....turning circle.....40 ft

    ??........max cargo volume...83 cu ft (w/ seats in place)

    turbodiesel...engine.......turbodiesel
    4164......Displacement....3200 cc
    167..........HP..........224
    280........Torque..........375

    15......estimated MPG.......24
    47.........Fuel Tank........26

    7.50R16.......tires......265/60 R18
    4 wheel disc.....Brakes....4 wheel disc

    5speed manual...Transmission....7speed auto
    Limited Slip....Differential...Electronic traction control
    Part time..........4WD..........Full time
    Dual range.....Transfer case......Dual Range
    front and rear...Locking diffs ....Center and rear

    4993.......Curb Weight......5250 lbs
    7055..........GVWR.......... ?? lbs
    2060..........Cargo capacity... ?? lbs
    440..........Max roof load... ?? lbs
    7716.......Max towing.......7500 lbs

    82........max load length.... ?? in
    59.5......max load width .... ?? in
    50........max load height ... ?? in

    Mercedes has not released GVWR values so far.

    The primary dimension where the Troopie exceeds the GL320 is in interior height. So when installing a pop-up top, we'd have to add a raised roof too.

    While the Troopie uses ox-cart springs and simple locking differentials to provide traction, the GL320 uses modern electronics and air suspension.

    The GL320The standard GL320 CDI includes a variety of traction aids:
    ..downhill speed regulation
    ..Anti-lock braking system
    ..4 wheel traction system
    ..electronic stability program
    ..off-road driving profile

    The $2250 Off Road package adds:
    ..Center and Rear locking differentials
    ..Adaptive Damping System
    ..skid plate protection
    ..Air suspension with up to 12 inches of ground clearance
    ..19 or 20 inch wheels with more aggressive M+S rated tires
    ..e.g., Dunlop Grandtrek MT2

    What do you say, Scott???

    Chip Haven

  2. #2
    haven is offline Expedition Portal Moderator Expedition Leader
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    Default photos

    Here's a typical pop-top Troopie camper



    and here's the Mercedes GL 320 CDI



    Just remove the Mercedes interior, insert camping gear, and add a pop-up roof. Voila, an expedition camper!

    Mercedes does plan to sell the GL series worldwide, so service will be available in many areas. The 3.2L CDI engine is the one they're putting in the Sprinter van, so parts should not be a problem.

    Chip Haven

  3. #3
    pskhaat's Avatar
    pskhaat is offline Expedition Portal Moderator 2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
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    The Benz is independent rear though, no?
    Pskhaat (Scott)
    UZJ100 "Mama Kuiser" built to look cool for the soccer mom
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  4. #4
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    Hey Chip,

    As always, you are the master at finding the new/cool stuff.

    While the GL is a very classy SUV, it could never make it into the Scotty garage.

    I am just too much of a functionalist.

    Sure would make a great family transport though...
    Scott Brady
    Overland Journal
    D1 | LJ78 | LR4 | MKIII | J8 | G-Wagen |

  5. #5
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    If I could have either the white Troopy, or a fully loaded GL, I would take the keys to the LC Troopy any day, even if it were worth half the value (assuming I could register it in Prescott )
    Scott Brady
    Overland Journal
    D1 | LJ78 | LR4 | MKIII | J8 | G-Wagen |

  6. #6
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    That there troopy is my dream truck.

    I've seen some legalized 70 series in the US. I never understood how they got them registered here. Is it even possible to federalize a troopy? If so, what would it take?
    Kristian Saile
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  7. #7
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    My friend Seth imports these, he is the guy that imported our subtanks for us.

    Check out his DIESAL troopies for sale at:

    http://www.pvcruisers.com/catalog/

    A little pricey for my blood, but he is as straight of a shooter as they come!
    O.G. Portal Member # 183
    2012 Toyota Tundra 5.7L (Bike Caddy)
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  8. #8
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    Hope you don't mind posting these in your thread - I found this while searching for a camping spot up in Inuvik NWT - it was about 1 AM otherwise I would have engaged with the owner





    Pasquale - KE7GVY

    DesertDude Films, LLC <> DesertDude Music.com <> 110 Project Group, Inc

    "Taking the path less credentialed"

  9. #9
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    Is PV Cruisers based out of Canada or the USA? I link to their site at their request a while ago, but I just assumed they were one of several Canadian importers that are able to bring in Cruisers and 4 door Hiluxes over from Japan that are more than 15 years old. Which of course, aren't legal in the USA unfortunately...technically.

    If they got USA registered 70 series Land Cruisers, I may have to sell a Kidney or two see about getting one.

    Edit: Oops, I see that they are in fact USA based and have one Canadian BJ70 for sale. Interesting...but I think i hold out for a troopie....after I win the lottery..hee, hee.
    Last edited by Brian894x4; 08-09-2006 at 01:34 AM.
    Brian McCamish
    In Search of History Expeditions
    Gresham, Oregon
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    1989 Toyota 4x4 truck w/SAS (retired expedition rig)
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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brian894x4
    Is PV Cruisers based out of Canada or the USA? I link to their site at their request a while ago, but I just assumed they were one of several Canadian importers that are able to bring in Cruisers and 4 door Hiluxes over from Japan that are more than 15 years old. Which of course, aren't legal in the USA unfortunately...technically.

    If they got USA registered 70 series Land Cruisers, I may have to sell a Kidney or two see about getting one.

    Edit: Oops, I see that they are in fact USA based and have one Canadian BJ70 for sale. Interesting...but I think i hold out for a troopie....after I win the lottery..hee, hee.
    There is a real informative thread regarding importing over at ih8Mud.

    Good reading if you are remotely interested in a diesel LandCruiser.
    http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=10164

    Bob

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