KMR said:
The pony express and a few other US companies linked to on rv.net are very interesting, it is nice to see that there are other options. However, I personally still think the only practical way to go is a cab over. The Fuso, in your case the Hino as well) just get rave reviews and that for sale link you posted is great, to small for this, but great.
When I was drawing up the "requirements" for the chassis, the biggest items were:
- Global serviceability / dealer network for the engine & parts
- Under load rather than overload the weight capacity
- Full crew cab with 4 doors (for the kids)
- Must be 4x4 (obviously)
Based on those criteria we thought:
- The Hino has got the global network (Toyota) but the 4x4 is only sold in Australia, and no other country had seen them and would be willing to sell/service them.
- The Mitsubishi FG has got the global reach and is reliable, but as Doug and others have found out, it's pretty small for a full-time living arrangement. There is the FM that looks interesting, but I've yet to see anyone ACTUALLY convert one. (RUF claims they do, but no photos)
- While I was not a big fan of the GMC/FORD option, (the 6.0L diesel problems were a big part of our ruling out an earthroamer) the Medium Duty trucks (F-650, Topkick 6500) are available with the Caterpillar C7 engine, that can be serviced ANYWHERE, and Allison transmissions that are also in busses around the world. The GVWR's are huge too, and you can get a long chassis right from the factory without stretching it. Lastly, the crew cabs are huge and quite plush. Having the engine out front adds length, but I think the GMC has massive front wheel angles to gain back some of the turning circle loss. (53' for a 34ft circle - apparently)
- The last option was the International, which is what Unicat uses. We even considered the small one, which is pretty cool (
MXT) - but they are only available with their own engines, and while they're dealer network is pretty good, it has some real holes in South America and Africa, whereas CAT is just everywhere.
Hope that helps...
KMR said:
I gotta ask, are you kidding? About the scissor lift that is, could be very cool, you sure would need a stable campsite.
HaHaha... I'm not entirely sure myself. It seems like just a crazy, flamboyant idea, but at the same time could actually be pretty cool. The cost/weight is not that bad (about 2,000lbs for everything) and it certainly would give a great view.
You just have to remember not to step outside...
Actually, on that note. I kind of like the idea of building in a fold-down deployable deck to sit on... available on the Unicat, the new HOST Motorcoach, and Rob Gray's WOT:
Cheers,
Jay.
PS - I'll post some Land Cruiser pics soon, my Blog site is down!