All Things Hino

[muddyrabbit]

The Isuzus are easy to get parts for, and pretty easy to work on.

[dirtydeeds]

An update to my MDT affair.

I've been down in AZ and CA for a month now. I see where all the fuss regarding the NPR comes from. They're everywhere! Alas, as I mentioned they are not as common around my place. I saw a nice 4 door version, too.

I found a Hino FB1715 for a reasonable price, in reasonable condition with a reasonable amount of miles on it. It's at my place now.

She runs nice but starts a bit rough. Under the windshield has rusted out (typical Hino problem.) It's an exciting project.

It'll get used for a move and if all goes well - I'll mod it into a basic toy hauler/camper.

[dirtydeeds]

I'll also add:
It's got heated mirrors.
Has room for me in the drivers seat, barely. I'm 6'5". This is great.
Has room for 2 small people on drivers side or 1 big person.
Has 16" tires - common to find.
The PO has a power tail gate for it too, I hope to pick that up at some point.

[papaduc]

Looks like it'll be a fun project.
Keep us up to date on it.
Um, please...

[dlearl476]

Originally Posted by JamesG

Yeah but "end of life" for an NPR is just an engine overhaul and some new shocks from being good for another hundred thousand miles.

I've been trying to talk my retired carpenter brother into helping me design and build a self-contained box of a camper that folks could slap on the rails of a Hino/HD/GMC cab over delivery truck. I was looking to find one as a tow vehicle /Moto garage and there were PAGES of them on TruckTrader.com.

[muddyrabbit]

There's a great place in Carolina that specializes in cabover parts, Bussbee Truck. Excellent service.

[vtwin]

Glad you updated this. Yes, NPRs are everywhere and come in all kinds of lengths and load heights. I was looking at a short wheelbase low boy. Would make a nice camper and easy to load a bike on it. Plus I wouldn't have to watch the low hanging trees as much. Decided against it in the end. I have enough projects.

[Motornoggin]

I had a Mitsubishi COE back in 96' or so. Can't remember the exact model, though it had a GVWR of 14.5k#, had the 3.9l 145hp diesel and Allison 4spd auto. It was fantastic! So much so that I often think about finding another one to turn into a camping rig.

It was bulletproof. Allison transmission, Eaton drive and steer axles/ suspension, boxed frame, dedicated separate heat exchangers for the transmission, A/C, intercooler and of course cooling. First generation of electronic controlled injection that was flawless. It would start without glow plugs down to 20* f, and would go without block heater down to zero and still start every time.

It weighed 7300# unloaded with the extra height/length Timpte box. It was governed to 78mph which is not great, but certainly livable.

It was worlds better, tougher, well engineered than the Isuzu it replaced.

I only put about 30k miles on it before I sold the business, but I did average 15mpg in mixed driving, and delivery. Not too bad considering the size and weight.

[HalcyonDaze]

I own a Mitsubishi Fuso FG (the 4WD version of cab over one tons). It is as reliable as an anvil, and handles about like one too Very rough ride, as are all cab overs and here's why: By nature of design you sit very erect, directly over the wheel. Your spine is in a straight line with the shock waves coming from the wheel, and even the slightest bumps feel huge. You have to come to a near full stop then roll over speed bumps to keep from having your head pile driven into the ceiling. Believe me, I know.

The best way around this is to lean forward over the steering wheel, putting your spine out of line with those shock waves, and allow your lower body to move with the shock while your upper body remains relatively stationary in space, your spine flexing like a spring.

I love the practicality of my truck and it looks pretty mean too. I plan to retire it from being a work truck and outfit it as some kind of exploration rig for camping and travelling.

[dirtydeeds]

Cool. We have similar plans then. I should have time to compile a list of mods that would be suitable. I'm also thinking it may be best to build a deck for it and slide a truck camper onto it. Then finishing that somehow.

[dirtydeeds]

So I put together a list of things that should/could/need to be addressed for such a project. It's a partial list and I'd love any input regarding any number of the topics and any additions that I have not thought of.

In all honesty, I'm not sure how dedicated I'd like this truck to be. Some ideas are temperary so I could sell the truck again. Others assume keeping the vehicle awhile. Necessity, cost, function and convenience will all be factors.
I threw in a couple ideas that I have, some pieces that I have laying around and some wish list ideas.

The other 'Build' threads of similar scope will be vital resources as well.

Iirc, the box is 18'L x 7'h x 8'w. I believe this is substantial space. The cab has room for 3, so I'd like to build it with room for 3. Lets say 2 adults and a child. Room for 3 bikes.

I'll be checking the classifieds for stuff. If anyone knows a good source for any pieces -please mention it. If I have a bad idea, please tell me. Sometimes I have a problem 'keepin' it real'.

So here we go:

Living Area

Bed
-folding? Cots? Upper bunk?
Table
-Folding?
Kitchen
-Dedicated stove or camping gear type stuff?
-shelving/drawers
Heat
-outfitters wood stove
-electric heater
Water
-bladder, black to put on roof, PVC piping
-small pump, RV
Washroom
-interior? From RV
-black/grey water storage
-exterior facility?
Food Storage
-Fridge?
-icebox?
Power
-solar panels
-Power inverter, 400 amp, marine spec
-120v wiring for light, tools, etc
-storage batteries
CO alarm

Shop

Bike lift
Wheel Chocks, anchors/D-rings
Tool storage
-garage type unit?
-service van type storage?

Chassis

Energy
-large solar panels -450w
Fuel Storage (Gas and Diesel)
-Jerry cans?
-tidy tank?
-saddle tanks?
General storage
-belly boxes
Circulating heater/block heater

Cab

Communication
-am/fm/iPod
-CB, hand held portable
-GPS
Seating for 3
Document storage
-roof console

[dirtydeeds]

Just picked up my first Hino bling at Harbor Freight.



I'll be installing them at the back of the box. Any suggestions as to whether they face forward, back or sideways?


Also, there was a little stove in the aisle, too. Anybody know if they're any good?

[HalcyonDaze]

WAAY too big for such a small space, plus too many air gaps between the bolted together panels. I'd make a tiny stove of plate steel with fire brick in the bottom, able to close it off very tightly.

[dirtydeeds]

Originally Posted by HalcyonDaze

WAAY too big for such a small space, plus too many air gaps between the bolted together panels. I'd make a tiny stove of plate steel with fire brick in the bottom, able to close it off very tightly.

How small are you thinking? I'd like to be able to boil water on it, too.
It will have to keep the space warm in winter too. (Ice racing season)

On another note, I was looking at deep cycle batteries. I'd get 2 - charged partly with solar equipment. That system is very pricey. I could get a small gen set for the same price. Any advice, either way, regarding power? I'm leaning toward the generator now with one battery for back up.

[HalcyonDaze]

Originally Posted by dirtydeeds

How small are you thinking? I'd like to be able to boil water on it, too.
It will have to keep the space warm in winter too. (Ice racing season)

Something about the size of that outfitters stove, maybe a foot square looking at the face, a foot and a half long, capable of stuffing it full of 3" or so pieces of wood. Flat topped for cooking on. With legs, bolted securely to the floor.