truck advice

The Doms · Member

truck advice

Cloak · Guru

I have Isuzu experience and they are tough and reliable. Make sure you get suspension seats because the ride is harsh and painful at times.
The 4x4 is quite high and is a difficult climb to get in so be prepared for that. The Mitsubishi and Toyota products are similar to Isuzu I have driven all of them
but reckon the Isuzu is a better option because of the numbers out there.Plenty of mechanics and service depots know the product. Same could be said for other brands I guess but
you see more Isuzus on the road than any other.

I'm looking for a dual cab Isuzu with a tray and not too much overhang to fit out with water tanks, batteries, pumps, generator and supplies. That kind of light truck has the
capacity to carry plenty for a few months outback camping.

As for comparing the brands I guess you may need to visit a truck sales yard and go for a drive in them. I couldn't really tell the difference in them once on the road but the Isuzu stood out as far as reliability was concerned.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

I go with Steve on the Isuzu. Ive got a DMax and by choice picked the base model (SX) as 2 of their salespeople recommended them for van towing. They have rubber floors mats (no mud or sand on carpet), stiffer rear suspension in rear compared to the up-market models.

We tow up to the rated weighted - 3.5 tonne and it goes like the clappers (have to watch we're not speeding) and fuel economy is good. But do get an auto - not a manual - that way you wont damage the motor, drive train etc.

DMax is not the most popular 4x4 dual cab on the road - Hilux is - but Isuzu truck dealers are all round Aust and the DMax has a light truck motor - so easy to get fixed/repaired in most provincial areas

Price is also very attractive:)

The Doms · Member

Thanks guys.I do like the Isuzu myself and the fuso yard has a new 2013 4x4 crewcab truck that works out to be 20k cheaper than the Isuzu equivalent (though 2015).I guess I could do a lot with 20k though a little concerned that its only a 3 litre motor and 375 nm ot torque . So I guess thats why the post, just wanted to know if anyone had thoughts on the fuso's power.Going for a test drive without a loadÂ might not give me a true idea of performance but I will nevertheless.I have driven a 2011 isuzu npr and that went like a little rocket. Once again thanks for the input much appreciated.

Cloak · Guru

To be honest Doms the Fusos we had in the fleet ( some 50 trucks) were better in the MR format. The LR, which is the size I presume you are after, were the worst in the fleet no-one wanted to drive them.

The order was:-

1. Isuzu
2. Hino (Toyota)
3. Fuso (Mitsubishi)

Tthe reverse order in MR and HR.

That is a couple of years ago so still current.

Now we have a 100 truck fleet all HR and the preference is:-

1. Kenworth
2. Mack
3. Iveco
4. Isuzu - they have a rubbish HR offering which is in contrast to their LR range which are the best.

We never worry about 4WD and do go off road into paddocks and unmade tracks just use diff locks if required. As I said before 4WD is very hard to climb into and the suspension compromises make long distance open road travel something to be endured rather than enjoyed, not to mention the added expense and running costs. Also against 4WD is one ( and I mean someone else not you) can get into serious deep trouble that is fregging hard to get out of with a 4WD. One day you might feel you can pull the van along that muddy track and end up bogging it 20Km up the track where rescue can't even get to.

Keep looking around that $20K can be made up somewhere.

Cheers

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

These trucks (I am not talking about the "toy" DMax and the like) are designed to get in and out of tough building sites and the like. They are not designed for long stretches of corrugated roads or sandy tracks.
The suspensions and tyres are simply not suitable.
Suspension seats will just camouflage what is happening to the vehicle.
On the black top, they are a good alternative to other towing vehicles.

They can be "fixed" though.
This involves changing the suspension and fitting "super singles" wheels and tyres. The 'masters' of this conversion are "All Terrain Warrior" in Yandina Queensland.
www.allterrainwarriors.com.au/
Once converted, they make excellent 4WD motorhomes and you will go places where a caravan simply won't go.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Saturday 14th of February 2015 11:15:57 PM

Cloak · Guru

Better duck for cover Pete... The Dmax toy comment... lol

Bruce and Bev · Guru

no.......I'm not going to react to the toy comment - its just the tall poppy syndrome LOL

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

The OP was about "Trucks".
Trucks have a GVM in excess of 4.5T.
Nothing to do with tall poppies or DMaxs which are simply off topic.
I was addressing the OPs question as opposed to simply saying "what I have is the only answer" to fill up space.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome.

The Doms · Member

Thanks Cloak and Peter for your input. I know if I go the 4x4 route the upgrades to the suspension and wheels are probably stretching the budget for the tow vehicle. The other reason for the truck is to be able to take a decent size tinny and hobie kayak with me otherwise id just keep my 2014 defender.So might give the guys a call at allterrain to get an exact figure before pulling the trigger.

The Doms · Member

Hi Cloak just to clarify you think anything under 8tonne Gvm I should consider Isuz, hino and fuso with the reverse order with trucks over 8 tonne gvm.Does length of tray make any difference to that list.I was trying to get a crewcab with just over 5 mtr tray to fit my kayak.Though might need to get a little creative with the rack design to try get a shorter tray and be able to fit the kayak( which is 5.2 mtr long x 1 mtr wide and about 100kg) and tinny.Going to have storage boxes below but plan on having kayak in the middle and maybe angled up over the cab area . Anyway that is sort of the plan.

The Doms · Member

Hi Cloak just to clarify you think anything under 8tonne Gvm I should consider Isuz, hino and fuso with the reverse order with trucks over 8 tonne gvm.Does length of tray make any difference to that list.I was trying to get a crewcab with just over 5 mtr tray to fit my kayak.Though might need to get a little creative with the rack design to try get a shorter tray and be able to fit the kayak( which is 5.2 mtr long x 1 mtr wide and about 100kg) and tinny.Going to have storage boxes below but plan on having kayak in the middle and maybe angled up over the cab area . Anyway that is sort of the plan.

Cloak · Guru

Sounds like you are after the same sort of config as me.

We need a LR - 4.5 - 8 Tonne although we will be under that max by some margin. A dual cab absolute must so we can climb in the rear and have a stretch and some lunch for those times when the Van is not with us. We intend on carrying about a Tonne of water beneath a rack for the aforementioned tinny etc.

I haven't driven 2014 model of LR trucks but a couple of years ago did drive just about all of them. The LR Isuzu was way ahead of the others in performance and reliability but the Hino was a little bit more comfortable, however it's poor reliability took it out. We used to have about 7 Fusos parked up, no-one wanted to drive them and I know why they were a pig of a thing.

We need to keep the length down to a minimum so won't have such a long rear overhang - I don't want the missus to drag out gates and parked cars.

As I said once you go over the LR into MR and HR the Isuzu just falls away although I did note they just released a new range which are supposed to be quite ok. We have about 20 HR Isuzu 1400's and they are an utter pig of a thing to drive. I guess they just focussed on the bottom end of their market where the big numbers are.

I've been looking around at used ones and there are dozens for sale ATM and a good one with lowish K's for under $50K is easy. Another $15K to fit it out and there ya go.

John Heddles · Member

4T van. Thoughts are toward MR tray long enough to take one of the smaller 4wd cars on the back, along with bulk water and diesel as well as the usual other bits and pieces.

Would appreciate any comments from those who have gone down this sort of path.

The Doms · Member

Thanks cloak for the info.Thats what I was afraid of regarding the fuso.People have told me they dont drive well.I had an npr275 in the past and was real happy with it but as I have two kids I need to get the crewcab which means a longer tray to compensate. What size tray are you looking at for your truck?

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

The modified Fusos and Canters are well respected in these roles.
I had some good drives of this one in the bush and took it up Big Red.

This is a short video clip.

Cheers,
Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Sunday 15th of February 2015 11:36:50 PM

The Doms · Member

Thanks for he footage Peter.Good stuff.

banjo · Senior Member

I use an Isuzu NPR 250 to tow my 5'er, does it easily and have heaps of capacity and storage. Fuel consumption averages 20-21/100klm. Not 4x4 which was my initial worry, but never had the need as yet.

They have a nice big 5.2ltr TD motor with plenty of torque and cruise comfortably at 95/100klm/hour at around 2100 rpm which I find is the sweet spot for best fuel economy.
Mine is the Auto/manual box which I find nice and relaxing to drive.

My SIL is a motor mechanic and he says the mechanics love them as they are so easy to work on, but mine has only ever needed a service so far in 3 years, very reliable.

The downside is the seats, well the passenger seat anyway, I fitted two suspension seats from new which improved things no end, and when brand new the suspension is hard ! but after 25,000klms mine is softening up nicely. I looked at the Road Warriors parabola spring set up and single wheel conversion, but at 10K plus, was not an option for me.

The other thing is they are a truck not a racehorse, so you learn to slow down and smell the roses, rather than rush anywhere.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

The Doms wrote:
Thanks for the footage Peter.Good stuff.

I don't know if a caravan has ever made it to the top of Big Red behind anything. Certainly not without screaming engines and spinning wheels and track damage.

A properly configured 4WD motorhome (irrespective of make) on the other hand will walk up these dunes (and most other places).

This is the reason that those of us who have them would never swap for towing our accommodation.

And the total investment is much the same as others spend on tug plus van.

Cheers,

Peter

The Doms · Member

I understand that Peter.My circumstance requires space for 4 and as it will be a lengthy trip around I need the vehicle to be more than just offroad.I dont plan taking a large van on tracks like that but want a truck that can should the opportunity arise.

The Doms · Member

Hi Banjo.You say you havent needed 4x4 as yet.Is that because you keep it on bitumen only? Would be good to get an appreciation of what a 4x2 truck could handle in regards to terrain or should I just presume it would be much like comparing 4x4 and 4x2 car.

Footprints · Senior Member

I have an 2014 Isuzu NPR 275 short wheel base manual, towing a 22' foot Seabreeze Offroad Van with a tare weight of 2840kg. The latest model trucks are no comparison to earlier model Japanese trucks which were really harsh in the ride, comfort Dept. After 10,000 klms. around Tassie I am convinced that this truck is one of the best value Bang for your Buck tow rigs available for hauling the larger size caravan. Most forward control vehicles tend to exaggerate road surface conditions through the seat ride however the NPR ride smooths out nicely with approx. 800 kgs. weight on the tray. With the Caravan hitched the ride is very smooth and compliant indeed. I have towed over roads as rough as guts, dusty sandy roads and sealed roads. One thing that I will say is, what you feel in the seat of your pants in a truck is exactly what is going on in your van so you will drive accordingly however some drivers when towing on rough or corrugated roads in the smooth comfort of their smart new 4WD are oblivious to their van being shaken to bits behind their tow vehicle.

Reasons for;

Isuzu reliability, and National network of Dealers

At $45,000 Cab chassis and a GCM of 9000 kg means fully loaded it is still loaded at about 2/3 capacity. for free camping theoretically it would be possible to carry 2000 litres of water!.

Fabricate tray configuration to suit your own requirements, I have a generator Insulated storage compartments, Two water tanks With room for two more on rack above the storage compartments, and a kayak 4.9 metres long mounted on rack and frame on top of storage area. Total load height barely above cabin height.

Ample power coupled to a 6 speed box with beautifully spaced gear ratios, the maximum torque is at 2600 Rpm. and every upshift puts the engine right at the beginning of the torque band and turbo boost. Fantastic!

Easy to enter cabin with the wide opening doors and low entry step.

Short wheel base models are easily parked in any normal car parking space.

Nice roomy cabin with seating for 3.

Economy, generally when towing around Tassie with a variety of terrain, hills etc. 19.3 lit/100klms.

When not towing, e.g. Touring, sight seeing and my daily use which is continually in hilly areas, 13.2 lit/100 klms. I would anticipate approx. 11 lit/100klms in easier localities.

An incredibly tight turning circle (can U turn easily in most suburban streets) making a very manoeuvrable rig when parking or positioning on site. 4wd lacks this ability.

Engine braking is so strong, as yet I have never needed to apply truck brakes when descending Tassies many mountainous hills fully loaded with van in tow, simply select the next lower gear and apply the engine brake and it holds the whole rig under control effortlessly.

Rear visibility is very good with large heated mirrors clearly able to see to rear of caravan.

Isuzu options e.g. Sat Nav. and Reversing camera and multi function centre on dash.

Reasons against;

I can not think of any.

My previous small truck was a Mitsubishi Canter 4WD. and there is no comparison and personally I would not go back to a 4WD however that decision is determined by the circumstances that one expects to encounter on their travel e.g. muddy conditions. Similar limitations apply to the choice of drive as there are limitations to cars however the bulk of the truck in itself precludes it from offroad "Bush bashing" compared to 4WD cars and utes.

I hope my experience is of some help to you in making your decision.

Jaahn · Guru

Hi,

My two cents worth on light trucks. I have not towed a caravan with one though confuse

They are trucks and made to carry a load, not people in comfort. The 4WD ones are worse and hard to get into also. Suspension seats help.They will never be a car or a 4wd !!

As far as traction goes, the 2WD has a lot of clearance and duals at the back and can be pretty capable getting to places. A shorter wheelbase is better here. However traction is dependant on the weight on the back wheels. No load then no traction ! wink So if you want to travel without the van etc then you should consider how you have your truck loaded to give a reasonable grip.

Cheers jaahn

Cloak · Guru

The Doms wrote:
Thanks cloak for the info.Thats what I was afraid of regarding the fuso.People have told me they dont drive well.I had an npr275 in the past and was real happy with it but as I have two kids I need to get the crewcab which means a longer tray to compensate. What size tray are you looking at for your truck?

Hi Doms we don't need a particularly long tray just enough for tool box, generator and a couple of water tanks. Not going to worry about a tinny or Yak as we both have mobility issues and I can't see that getting any better. We'll just do land based fishing. Also I may have to get Judie to drive it on occasions and a shorter truck is easier if you know what I mean. Was thinking of a rack for sola panels and a battery box for those tent camping expeditions. Basically we'll be doing a fair bit of fossicking and gold prospecting.

The Doms · Member

Thanks footprints that was a very insightful post and much appreciated.I think I have decided against the 4x4 truck and will go with an isuzu.I guess its all about comprises to a certain degree and I also want to take a large hobie kayak and possibly a tinny as well so for me its more about carrying the toys so I think I might just forget the whole off road capability part of the equation.You dont have any pictures of your rig by any chance?

Footprints · Senior Member

I don't at the moment however I will endeavour to get some and let you know.
Cheers Allen.

Footprints · Senior Member

Hi Doms, I have attached some pics of my set up. Water tank between chassis rails behind cab and at rear on top of tray.The storage compartment seen on drivers side behind cab was intended to go completely across to other side however the intended ONAN diesel generator which was to be housed between chassis rails at rear is no longer in production so have had to go with 3KVA Honda, the Honda being bulkier had to be placed in a higher position. To be altered at a later stage. I kept the tray at the shortest possible length however it can be longer, 40% of wheel base allowed behind rear axle centre. There is virtually no possibility to fit anything under the chassis due to the bulk and heat of the exhaust ( when the Diesel Particulate Filter activates the exhaust temp reaches 800degrees centigrade and this applies to all modern diesels). I have a longer range fuel tank of 140litres giving a range of 980klms empty and 650 to 700klms towing. A 200 litre tank is an available option. Because of the limitations for storage under the tray I would suggest the possibility of a "false floor" when constructing a tray which would enable storage of items and tanks below the floor of the compartments built on the tray which would house bulkier items. The Short wheelbase is only available as a manual which was my preference however the medium wheelbase "Trade pack" Isuzu has the AMT transmission.

Originally SWMBO was against the idea of a truck however after experiencing this truck she is as satisfied with it as I am.

To load the kayak on top I use a simple set of boat trailer rollers, for a Tinnie a small winch up front should do the trick.

I hope this is of some help to you

Footprints · Senior Member

I am sorry the pics have not come through. I am not too computer literate, all attempts have failed is there anyone who can explain how to get photos from "My Pictures". Thanks in advance!

The Doms · Member

Thanks for that footprints.If its easier you could email me those pics at htmjjd@gmail.com. I drove a 300 series(full auto) hino crewcab today and although I can only recall what my 2011 npr was like I feel the features of the hino were quite impressive. 205hp and 600nm of torque, abs, electronic stability control,170litre fuel tank.So I think I might head that way rather than the Isuzu.Initially I thought id go the isuzu nps 4x4 but as the wife has bad knees climbing in and out of a 4x4 would be too difficult. If anyone has any horror stories regarding late model hinos please share as I have signed anything as yet.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.