Fuso FG 4x4 Custom Expedition Vehicle Build

[jetstreamin]

Real progress on the build this week, kinetic sub frame in place, body mounted, and new seat mounts almost complete. Still lots to do but getting there

 

[Marko1960]

Top notch build, makes mine seem pedestrian! Any info on planned systems...power, refrigeration, water etc?

 

[glennm01]

Beautiful stuff. I'm curious -- not critical, really just curious -- what led you to go with having the shape of the box accommodate the FG's stepped frame? (i.e. instead of just going with a "regular" box that sits at the level of the FG frame's top step) Is it just to keep the overall height down, or is their another good reason to go this route?

 

[Third]

Lowering the CG would be my thought. A lot of folks mount their boxes high on the rails but given the nature of the beast, I want to sink my amob box down as far as I can get away with doing.

 

[jetstreamin]

Top notch build, makes mine seem pedestrian! Any info on planned systems...power, refrigeration, water etc?

More details to come for sure as the build unfolds, next step is wiring, we are installing 720Watts of solar with a Full Victron System and Lithium Battery bank ;o) Will post more as we progress ;o)

 

[jetstreamin]

Beautiful stuff. I'm curious -- not critical, really just curious -- what led you to go with having the shape of the box accommodate the FG's stepped frame? (i.e. instead of just going with a "regular" box that sits at the level of the FG frame's top step) Is it just to keep the overall height down, or is their another good reason to go this route?

No problem at all and the box actually started out that way on Rev 1.0 of the drawings and although it was more complex and costed more to add the step it is 100% worth it in my view to keep the all-important centre of gravity low and also the overall height. The stepped area with reduced headroom is where the dinette seating is so no drama on the lower height there ;o) Athletically having a lower step up from the cab roof to the living area roof works and once the cab roof rack is mounted with fuel cans and the aluminium expedition boxes it will look the part ;o)

 

[jetstreamin]

Lowering the CG would be my thought. A lot of folks mount their boxes high on the rails but given the nature of the beast, I want to sink my amob box down as far as I can get away with doing.

100% on the same page and the reason for adding the step ;o) to further aid this my grey tank is actually going to be mounted between the chassis rails under the box in a heated insulated basement box ;o)

 

[jetstreamin]

More details to come for sure as the build unfolds, next step is wiring, we are installing 720Watts of solar with a Full Victron System and Lithium Battery bank ;o) Will post more as we progress ;o)

PS i would not call your build Pedestrian!! i just took a look at your threads and it looks amazing!

 

[jetstreamin]

Latest build pics updates.... Arctic Turn Windows fitted, new seat mounts in place, rear bumper with swing arm a 2" receiver added.

Next steps: The articulated passthrough, wiring for lighting and heated seats, entry door and roof escape hatch fitting.

Watch this space......

 

[Marko1960]

Looking good.....very neat and tidy. What will the overall height be...3.1 m or so?

 

[jetstreamin]

Looking good.....very neat and tidy. What will the overall height be...3.1 m or so?

Based off drawings it should be 3.103M but will be double checking on the real thing to program the GPS for low bridges etc..... The truck will likely get a little higher when the Australian SSA shocks, springs and bushings get added ;o) See https://ssa.com.au/solutions/japanese-truck-suspension for info ;o)

 

[Marko1960]

Mine comes in a tad under 3.1m.....I've put a sticker on the windscreen as a reminder.....arbitrarily chose 3300 as a "safe" height....all will depend on dips etc.

 

[Victorian]

Digging the rear bumper! What a beauty. I'm at 3.10m also. Haven't had any issues yet with that clearance.

 

[jetstreamin]

A few more pics of the build with the entry door in place and the start of the cutout for the articulated passthrough tunnel.

 

[NYON]

Started following your build from the beginning! It's coming along fast and looks great! Was wondering...was the composite box and subframe at ITB designed at the same time to work together or was the composite box designed first and subframe designed by ITB independently after the box was designed?

Also, were there some type of "anchors" embedded in the composite box to allow it to be attached to the subframe? Thanks in advance for any light you shed on this!!