Stupid to think about converting a Fuso?

[IGBT]

<p>We are just not seeing anything that fits what we want (a lot of garage space, small living area, ability to tow our sailboat).<br /><br />The Funmover 31D class C toyhauler on a Ford E450 chassis is close, but still not quite right.&nbsp; They are about $30K used for a early 2000.<br /><br />What is the general opinion on a Fuso box truck?&nbsp; Reliable?&nbsp; Easy to drive?&nbsp; One thing we wouldn't have to worry about is mold under the showerpan, because they don't have anything in them <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></p>

 

[Journeyman]

Fuso is a good truck but hard to find parts for. Also it feels too weird driving it. JMO

 

[Les H]

Never drove a fuso, but have driven several mid duty iveco trucks. Not much fluff in the cab, and parts can be tough. You'd have to check DOT regs, might have to keep a log book and stop at weigh stations/checkpoints, though I have seen some with "for private use only, not for hire" etc on the doors. If you can work out the legal bugs, it might be worth looking into. Our group owner, Bob, lived in a box truck for 6 years- in Alaska, so it can be done. Another member, "Cubey" lives and travels in a box truck, though I believe it is similar to one of the smaller uhauls.

 

[Guest]

The Fuso is one of the trucks that are used for building an around the world camper rig. Usually they want the Fuso FG which is the only 4wd in the line-up...extremely hard to find used.<br />Here are a couple links...one to the Hackeys build blog and one to the Expedition Portal Heavy truck site:<br /><br />http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/<br /><br />http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/72-Mitsubishi-Heavy-Truck<br /><br />Good choice for a big build....very much overkill for Alaska where the roads are all good. JMHO<br />Bri

 

[IGBT]

Yeah, we looked at some of the FUSO 4wd conversions...very cool but very very expensive.<br /><br />I think we have decided to just keep our 4x4 truck (which holds the two motorcycles and can pull our sailboat) and just use a tent for awhile.&nbsp; The truck gets about 12mpg when pulling the boat, so it is as good as most RVs.&nbsp; I just can't see spending $40,000 to $70,000 on a toyhauler class C or class A...at least not right now.&nbsp; Probably will rent a small house in Alaska, then chase the sun when we head back to the lower 48, so a tent might not be too bad there.

 

[offroad]

Good point about rental, hauling, and sun chasing. Am thinking financially thus might be easier than other plans to buy an RV.

 

[livelyzach]

First and foremost Fusos are trucks....if you are expecting a Cadillac ride...<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" />.I've recently purchased an FG 4x4 equiped with a 16 ft aluminium flatbed .My intent originally was to mount a small camper trailer to the back end ,making the rig into a poor man's expedition hauler.I also considered the box truck option as well.However given the initial high cost of these boxes ,plus the need to retrofit them into something other than a cargo carrier and their substantial weight ,...I've decided to go with a "toy hauler" configured trailer mounted to the flatbed.The basic plumbing /electrical needs are already in place ,yet most of the floor is wide open giving me considerable flexibility .I'm mounting a flip up "murphy" bed (long ways) along one wall,mounted slightly higher up than normal to accomadate a jack knife sofa below it .Theres also room for a lazy boy recliner and when traveling ,our &nbsp;motorcycles fits snugly in back as well.<br /><br />Some one made mention of 4x4 being overkill and/or un-necessary on most roads .I tend to agree there ,however As I intend to spend considertable time boondocking as far away as I can get from others ,4x4 is a necessity.In 2wd mode I'm getting appx 17 mpg ,4wd drops to 13.<br /><br />Parts availability .....Fusos are widely used worldwide ,as mentioned above is the favored platform for "expedition campers"..Fuso is Mitsubishi ,owned by Mercedes ,parts availabilty is not a problem.&nbsp;