Kerry's Fuso FG

[whatcharterboat]

Wow Kerry, You have been busy. Maybe a tip with regards to the household AC unit. We fit quite a few domestic split systems of different brands and go for the stainless steel cabinets when we can get them, but with the compreessor/condensor unit we always pull them aprt and do our best to beef up all of the bracketry and throw in a lot more zip ties on the cables and pipework in an attemp to make them ready for corrugated roads ,etc.

Just a thought.

At least the this advice doesn't depend on which side of the road you drive on. LOL.

Take care, mate. The truck is really starting to take shape.

[kerry]

Thanks for the advice on the AC. I knew I would have to fabricate my own bracket to secure it in place, but I'll also take apart the housing and see what I can do to strengthen it. Although at $75 it's almost a throwaway device compared to the cost of typical RV AC's. The part I like about it the most is that it will run off a 2k Honda generator.

[kerry]

Finally had a chance to get the FG out today. I was a little concerned about how difficult it might be to load a canoe on the canoe racks I installed. Turns out it was quite easy, in fact probably easier than loading on a car. I load from the back, pick up one end of the canoe, rest it on the back load bar, then pick up the bottom of the boat and push it on top. I was able to load my solo whitewater canoe easily.
I took it to the South Platte river to test out a number of things. I was concerned about my turnbuckle mounting system and how secure it would be. Turns out it seems to be holding well. I drove it over about 15 miles of badly washboarded dirt road and everything stayed in place. The trip included a 15% grade, up and down and it did both in fine form. I climbed over a pretty steep blacktop road (CO 67 from Sedalia to the river) and it pulled the grade very well. I wasn't completely loaded but the water tank was full. At one point where I typically drop my Mercedes 300TD into 1st gear, the Fuso was pulling easily in 3rd.
My exhaust brake is cutting out intermittently. I must have a poor wire connection somewhere or something like that. When it's operating, it's great on the steep downhills.
The best part was using the outside shower on the camper when I got off the river. (which was only after a few minutes because the river was up and pushy today and the students I was instructing were intimidated).
There was some very uneven ground at the put-in and I watched the service body twist. I don't think it is moving as much as what I've seen in the Aussie pictures. If I'd have had someone else with me, I'd have video'd it.
All in all, a good little shakedown ride.

[kerry]

Finally got a picture of the roof racks with boats on them. Racks are 1 1/2" steel tubing coated in Plasti-Dip with Quickn'nEasy feet and Yakima (?) artificial gutters through bolted to the sides of the pop top. Had to put on 4 racks to fit different length boats and raft frames.

[kerry]

Weighed the truck today. Weights include camper, full water and fuel, generator, camper jacks, tools, one canoe and gear for a weekend trip, plus me.
Total= 11340
Front axle= 4760
Rear axle= 6780

I was surprised I am that heavy. I weighed the truck with the service body with oil tanks and pumps with oil in the tanks and it was 6920. Camper info says it weighs 1840 (I think). So I wasn't expecting the miscellaneous extras to weight that much. I'm still under the 12k GVW. Add a couple more people, another canoe, and some more camping gear and I'll be right around 12k.

[Ford Prefect]

I have a question about 4X4

As your truck is a 4x4 I wanted to ask if you feel like it is all that important, or could you have been fine with a 2wd?

IE I am considering a build of a fuso/npr style truck and I personally do not think I need the 4x4 all that much. I do enjoy going on 4x4 trails, so I know I will take my truck in places most people will not take a 2wd truck, but it seems it should be able to get around well enough in 2wd, hence the question. Do you think a 2wd could go most if not all of the places you take your FG?

Thanks a lot, and sorry for bringing up such an old thread, but as you referenced it recently...

Cheers

[SkiFreak]

I don't know if it is the same over your way, but here in Australia there are quite a few roads that are classified as "4WD Only".
If you are not driving a 4x4 you may not be able to go where you might like.

[kerry]

I have a question about 4X4

As your truck is a 4x4 I wanted to ask if you feel like it is all that important, or could you have been fine with a 2wd?

IE I am considering a build of a fuso/npr style truck and I personally do not think I need the 4x4 all that much. I do enjoy going on 4x4 trails, so I know I will take my truck in places most people will not take a 2wd truck, but it seems it should be able to get around well enough in 2wd, hence the question. Do you think a 2wd could go most if not all of the places you take your FG?

Thanks a lot, and sorry for bringing up such an old thread, but as you referenced it recently...

Cheers

Most of the places I have gone so far 2wd would be fine. 2wd with a low range would be better. A few places 4wd has been necessary. A few places I intend to go will also require 4wd. For instance, Mineral Bottom on the Green River has a steep road down into it. I've driven it in 2wd cars but in a truck like this low range would probably be necessary. I'm at Mineral Bottom a few times every 5 yrs or so.

[Ford Prefect]

I guess I could put a transfer case in at some point without putting in a front drive axle.

Thanks, I figured I could go most of the places I would like without any concern, but one never knows. Perhaps I can find an ARB for that rear end or something. Thanks for the thoughts!

Brian

[DzlToy]

Unless you swap a rear axle out, you will only have one wheel drive. There are no lockers that I am aware of for the Fuso or NPR in America, though you may be able to get something out of Oz.

Would not feel comfortable with much over a dirt road without at least adding a locker. A winch with straps and ground anchors and such could be a big life saver too.

Personally I would rather have 4WD and never need it or use it to be safe than to need it in some situation and not have it. Only you know your rig and your terrain though.