perentie 4x4 vs 6x6

[Mick91]

Hey guys, ive got a td5 disco, but im looking at getting an ex army 110 or 6x6, but the problem being i cant decide between the two, anyone had any experience with both?

Basically i hear that the 4s are able to maintain a higher cruising speed than that of the 6s. And i was wondering how the 4x4 compares to a 6x6 offroad.
And ofcourse was wondering what the fuel consumption of the 2 are like.

if anyone knows, please enlighten me :)

[Homestar]

Not familiar with both, but I am a little familiar now with the 6x6's as I've been pawing over one all weekend hassling the owner about almost every detail.:D

The 6x6 is a lot wider, taller and heavier, and I found with my short drive off road that it would be limited I tight terrain. It also has the turning circle of the QEII...

Power wise, the turboed Isuzu is well suited to the final gearing and it gets along fine - a bit slow off the mark, but adequate for what it is. It will do 100 without issues all day, but hearing protection would be required. I would think this would be the same in the 4x4 as well though.

On road and off road manners are very good, and the brakes work great. For me personally, I would love one, and I'll be saving up for one - absolutely no doubt in my mind now, although it will be close to the end of the auctions before I think I may be able to land one.

I think the owner said the fuel economy was around 18 to 20LPH. Could be wrong though, but that's not too bad for dragging around the 3.5 tonnes it weighs as it sits...

That's only half the story though - I'm sure someone will pitch in some info on the 4x4's. :)

[spudboy]

I bought a 110 FFR, so I can comment on that.

Fuel consumption around Adelaide city with one longish trip from Adelaide to Victor Harbor and back, (a mix of hills, flat country, tight corners and long staights) saw it return just over 10L/100Km. I was pretty happy with that. We only drove at 90Km/h though, so I'd expect it to drop if you fang along at 100 or 110.

It would do 110, but the noise level (from wind/canvas shake) was not the best.

HTH
David

[weeds]

I have spent many hours in both.........would take the 6x6 every chance I could, well it was nearly a given I had the 6x6 as it had all my tools and spare parts.

To me a rag top 110 is the pits....sure it's got the Isuzu which apparently will never die and sure the 4 speed is tough but no power steering, drum brakes, canvass flapping, lack of vision for those that cannot drive with out mirrors, noisey...........I cannot remember how many l/100km, the suspension is well set up for no load or maybe a few hundreds kg.......load em up they need stiffer rears springs...I avoided driving them as much as I could.

The 6x6, 20L/100km is what we used to burn, this was at GVM or slightly over. When Ours was tweaked, had the muffler removed and only running one air filter it was very drivable but than the the fun police came along and made us return it to stock. You soon get used to driving them in tight conditions.......I had no real problems following 110's and could negotiate surburn car parks alright. Mine would sit on 110 on the flat all day but it squashed any chance of conversation.....seriously it's quite load, I used to pull a set of headphone one once over 80km/hr. I think the suspension works quite well, once again I could follow the 110's everywhere and drive the local beach with tyres at psi. It will be interesting to see what happens to the intermediate tyres once they are in civvies hands. At GVM we used to destroy intermediate tyres I.e. half the life of the other four tyres. Overall you have to drive them pretty hard to keep up with traffic....I just drove them hard all the time. The wide can is great, we pulled the middle seat and had a drop In console with stereo and UHF. I had a GMV which meant only one spare.......when traveling up the hi-way we used to winch up two spares, yep just looked like a 100 series cruiser with a spare hanging at diff height, we would offload once in exercise area. Most of the 6x6 have two additional spares on the roof. Due to the weight have a winch was handy......which would overload the clutch thingy in the winch drive, we quite often had to engage the transfer case to take a bit of load off the winch so it would engage.

Overall I'm a fan of the 6x6 but doubt I would buy one.

If I had dollars to throw around I would buy 202045 as it was looked after pretty good while i had it, it never really let us down, the one and only time was when the dumb arse greaser forgot to refill the intermediate diff with oil after a service.

[303gunner]

Basically i hear that the 4s are able to maintain a higher cruising speed than that of the 6s. And i was wondering how the 4x4 compares to a 6x6 offroad.
And of course was wondering what the fuel consumption of the 2 are like.
I can't dispute that the 4x4 could maintain a higher cruising speed, but respond that the 6x6 would have better cruising comfort. The lower gearing means that it holds torque better and has little need to change down a gear on hills. The ride and handling really are surprising for a leaf sprung, load-carrying vehicle and would very easily compare to my other 4wd wagon. Coming back from Corowa, I didn't want to stop when I arrived home. I could have kept going to Cairns. Cruise speed was about 100Km/h, but I do admit I had earplugs in. I would look into an intercom like those used on touring bikes where you can feed in FM/CD/MP3/UHF inputs while talking to your passenger.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1020.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/303gunner/media/IMG_5941-2.jpg.html)


Off road, I've found no limitations beside the physical size of the vehicle. The turning circle is wide, but you do get power steering (which I would definately fit to a 4x4). The articulation of the rear axles could be much better, but a diff-lock or two in the back would overcome that.


I had the opportunity to drive a 4x4 at Corowa and found the suspension to be much harsher and jarring over ruts and potholes than the supple 6x6 suspension. Even when moving, the 4x4 steering was much harder than the 6x6 power steering.


On paper, a comparison between the 4x4 and 6x6 is useful. The approach (45 deg) and departure (33 deg) angles on both is identical, and although the 6x6 has a longer wheelbase, the ramp over angle on both is also the same at 133 deg. This would back up Weeds' experience in being able to take a 6x6 anywhere a 4x4 went. The significant difference between the 2 is the track, with the 4x4 being 1500mm F+R, and the 6x6 being 1700mm. This not only greatly improves side slope stability, but means you're following wheel tracks (and ruts) of vehicles like 100/200 Series Land Cruisers and GU Patrols. It's this wider track and overall length that affects the turning circle. It's handy if you want to tow a camper trailer or van designed for a late model 4wd wagon, but not so good if you like a No5 trailer!


And one final point. A 4x4 can be driven on a regular car licence, but the 6x6 requires at least a Light Rigid truck licence in all states.

[JDNSW]

I think the key point is that the 4x4 is the same size as a conventional four wheel drive - the 6x6 is a medium sized truck (and needs a truck licence to drive in at least some states). Which is the best is simply a matter of what you want to do with it.

John

[weeds]

i believe you can downgrade the GVM to 4500kg to avoid a truck licence and the higher rego

[123rover50]

And you can convert one to a camper:)
These dont need a heavy licence either.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/660.jpg (http://s939.photobucket.com/user/123rover50/media/6x6/DSC01282.jpg.html)

[Mick91]

Hey Guys, thanks for the info, i really appreciate it.

I really really like the 6x6 but I've done some working out and i am probably financially better off getting the 4x4. Im only an apprentice at the moment and i guess beggars cant be choosers. I was looking at the current crop on grays at Minto, however ill probably wait till the next crop. although still weighing up my options between FFR or the cargo(i'd like having the tail gate lol) are there any other worthy variants that might pop up?

[Kegr]

after many Kms in both on and off road it will depend on where you live more than anything (and how much $$$ you have spare)
a 4x4 as previously mentioned is a standard size 4x4 a 6x6 is approx 500mm wider.
fuel con add 25% to 30% more on a 6x6 over a 4x4 the army type manuals that are around on the net give accurate fuel con figures for both types.
they both will sit on 100 on the highway but you will be yelling in both to have a conversation. the current in service 6x6 are speed limited to 80km due to excessive noise above 80km (95db+)at 100. all the current 6x6 i have seen at auction will only get a 2 seat rego. if your serious there are some 6x6 duel cabs in the system that have not hit the market yet (ps there are not many approx 20 in all that i know of)
the 6x6s that are still to appear are all flat tray tops not the special body ones that are currently on the market. All the duel cabs have trays and empty they have no problem keeping up in traffic, loaded different story.
we generally run them with a 2.5 to 3 tonne load and they do have a habit of killing intermediate tyres and clutches when loaded. In the bush a 4x4 will go much further than a 6x6 mainly due to the rear axle config and the turning circle. if you want a truck that will go anywhere get a unimog. if you want to get a around aus tourer for a family wait for a 6x6 duelcab and add sound deadening to it. there is enough room between the front seats for a 40l fridge and seating for 5 big blokes plus you get a sunroof (roof hatch)
they are still a landrover solid roof or not they all leak in the rain

[Kegr]

kegr again
FFR vs GS
if you want to set up the ultimate single mans tourer FFR
if you want to use it as a ute GS

the FFR has 2 electrical systems in them 1 for the car 12v and a 2nd for the communications gear that is fitted in the back (remove before sale) 24V

you also get a storage bin inside the rear in a FFR
if your handy with a welder it would not be hard to make a tailgate for a FFR

A GS is just a 2 seat ute

[Barefoot Dave]

G'Day Mick, welcome to AULRO.
I have driven a few different types.
Spent many years poking around FNQ in an RFSV (Truck, Surveillance, LtWt, with winch). Long range 4x4 soft top with power steering.
Spent a couple of years driving an IIMV (6x6 troop carrier)
Bought and then onsold an RFSV late last year.
Currently driving a Perentie Carryall (5 door Station wagon) with armstrong steering.

Soft tops are noisy, but correct fitment and tensioning of the canvas helps HEAPS. You can also fit a hard top or strip it to a 'bikini' top if you like. Both will lessen the noise.
Power steering is nice. Juddy (another AULRO member) prefers his RFSV to his 2012 130!
My wagon is a lot quieter than the soft top, but still needs some sound deadening. no great issues, most panels are flat and easy to get to.
Standard tyres are shocking for resisting steering at low speeds.
I have recently put 245x 15 tyres on as a test and halved the force required to park with double the contact patch. Put directional tyres on!
PAS kits are available for around $1500 or can be assembled for less than half that using 2nd hand stuff.

There were 26 dual cab 6x6s supplied to the Army, the first has reached AFM in Minto. They will NOT be cheap, I predict $30-35K, as they make a great work ute or family tourer.

There are plenty of almost all variants left barring the 3 and 5 door hard tops.

4x4 turning circle is 13.7m
Diffs are 3.54:1
6x6 is 17.2m
Diffs are 4.7:1

There are a few of us around that can offer time in a vehicle before you buy. Where are you?

[spudboy]

...
6x6 turning circle is 17.2m
Diffs are 4.7:1
...

Whoa - that's pretty terrible :D

Our 15 tonne MAN 4x4 is only 16.1m TC!

That is enormous for the 6x6! Be fun down at the local Coles carpark.

[4x4 MORE]

I can't dispute that the 4x4 could maintain a higher cruising speed, but respond that the 6x6 would have better cruising comfort. The lower gearing means that it holds torque better and has little need to change down a gear on hills. The ride and handling really are surprising for a leaf sprung, load-carrying vehicle and would very easily compare to my other 4wd wagon. Coming back from Corowa, I didn't want to stop when I arrived home. I could have kept going to Cairns. Cruise speed was about 100Km/h, but I do admit I had earplugs in. I would look into an intercom like those used on touring bikes where you can feed in FM/CD/MP3/UHF inputs while talking to your passenger.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1020.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/303gunner/media/IMG_5941-2.jpg.html)


Off road, I've found no limitations beside the physical size of the vehicle. The turning circle is wide, but you do get power steering (which I would definately fit to a 4x4). The articulation of the rear axles could be much better, but a diff-lock or two in the back would overcome that.


I had the opportunity to drive a 4x4 at Corowa and found the suspension to be much harsher and jarring over ruts and potholes than the supple 6x6 suspension. Even when moving, the 4x4 steering was much harder than the 6x6 power steering.


On paper, a comparison between the 4x4 and 6x6 is useful. The approach (45 deg) and departure (33 deg) angles on both is identical, and although the 6x6 has a longer wheelbase, the ramp over angle on both is also the same at 133 deg. This would back up Weeds' experience in being able to take a 6x6 anywhere a 4x4 went. The significant difference between the 2 is the track, with the 4x4 being 1500mm F+R, and the 6x6 being 1700mm. This not only greatly improves side slope stability, but means you're following wheel tracks (and ruts) of vehicles like 100/200 Series Land Cruisers and GU Patrols. It's this wider track and overall length that affects the turning circle. It's handy if you want to tow a camper trailer or van designed for a late model 4wd wagon, but not so good if you like a No5 trailer!


And one final point. A 4x4 can be driven on a regular car licence, but the 6x6 requires at least a Light Rigid truck licence in all states.

Really!? that sounds bloody good for a factory 4wd!:eek:

[AIF]

Is there any news of when the 4x4's come back in bits from the "sand pit"? Or are they already here waiting auction?

[Will Wallace]

The 6x6 is bloody fantastic in soft loose sand.

Was using the workshop one last year up at cowley beach to get to a front end loader and the thing just kept plowing along.(gvm 6.5t).

Will

[Sprint]

The 6x6 is bloody fantastic in soft loose sand.

Was using the workshop one last year up at cowley beach to get to a front end loader and the thing just kept plowing along.(gvm 6.5t).

Will

I've heard a couple of people mention a 6x6 being used as a demo vehicle on the beaches around mackay in the early 90's, what made it memorable was it was supposedly loaded up with 2 tonnes of water.....

[carlschmid2002]

The 6x6 is an excellent vehicle to drive on corrugations, having driven one to Cape York. Avoid the ones with the fiberglass modules as they are very near to Gross Vehicle Mass without any load. They destroy tyres on the back if turned sharply on sealed surfaces. In my opinion they do need more grunt. I think you will find it very hard to get parts as the were only built for Australian Army

[Perentie Brad]

I drove both when I was in as well as mogs, I have a 6x6 that I bought earlier this year, all the comments above are correct, driving from Sydney back to Perth, won't fit on a standard car carrier too wide :(, on the open road I was getting 17 liters per 100 without pushing too hard, it is happiest at 80 but can do 100 but you pay for the fuel, at 90 al the vibrations start to harmonize and it becomes slightly quieter, not a conversational vehicle. If you want an everyday drive plus off-road go the 4x4, driving the 6 around town requires pre-planning for parking etc, I have mine purely for off road it only travels on bitumen to get off road. For the price they are going for at auction they are good value, basic vehicles that do not have electronics which I prefer easy to work on and almost bullet proof, the only downside I have had is they are treated rough by the ADF members so cosmetically they stink but that is the only fault I have found, mine is currently being transformed to make it a full time camping machine.
Happy motoring :D

[Landybitz]

Cant fault the 6x6 DC. great in town and on the highway.

[robert42]

Hi All , Well our 6x6 has had the works with sound deadening, We can have a conversation easy @ 95. Pulls well and you don't have to change gears much either . Fuel is in range and better than most Tojos with bigger engines . Only use it for fun holidays towing a 21.6 ft. van. Swap the tyres around a little on the back and all's good. Fitted air so the summers are cool , and the tropical roof helps . Love it... Don't go shopping in her , that's done in the disco. They just need plenty of TLC to make them loveable on the road .
Bob...