Tombies Fuso

[Tombie]

Sometimes you just need something a little bigger [emoji41]

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Towbar being fitted as a priority, throw on some window tint to get us going.

Then the build begins in Ernest.

This thread will chronicle the build and any adventures.

[Slunnie]

What in gods name.....

.... are you building! :lol2:

[123rover50]

Would look better with super singles on the hubs[bigwhistle]

[RANDLOVER]

Does it have an exhaust brake like a RAM 2500?

[Tins]

Would look better with super singles on the hubs[bigwhistle]

Definitely. Knowing Mike, kinda, I imagine they're on the list. Duals are useless off road.

[Tins]

Does it have an exhaust brake like a RAM 2500?

Not as loud.

[Tins]

Only a "little" bigger?

195396

[Tombie]

Only a "little" bigger?

195396

Hahaha no

[Tombie]

Would look better with super singles on the hubs[bigwhistle]

They aren’t far away [emoji41]

[chuck]

Tombie

Thanks - will look forward to the build storey

[Tombie]

Placed a small order for some upgrades today:

Full suspension upgrade with remote canister shocks,
Set of Super Singles - 35x12.5x17 (retains gvm)
Bullbar with 20,000lb winch
Rear winch cradle and 17,000lb winch
Roof rack with wind deflector and scrub bars
Full radiator/AC and steering protection
Breather extension kit
Secondary battery tray (3x100ah lithiums)
2x250w 24v solar panels and Victron controller

Tinting is booked in to be done [emoji41]

Tow bar and EBC (Tow Pro Elite) are fitted

UHF, Cellfi and antennas on their way

Pics to follow after installation.

[RANDLOVER]

I was hoping you were going to mount a spare wheel (or two) on the bullbar, pumped up to 100psi to act as an airbag if you hit something like my mate's dad used to reckon about his VW Combi van.

[Tombie]

When you go to buy a new vehicle it can be a multitude of different experiences.

This one has been one of the most fun.

My sales girl is a lovely young lady with the most outstanding bubbly personality.

Most days she just “sells a truck” to someone wanting a delivery/tipper etc. tells me most customers just “want a truck”, sign the paperwork and it’s done.

We’re a little different… it’s getting a heap of mods blue plated before delivery so won’t be the usual “Council truck” when we get it.

The suspension and Super singles are a few days from arriving and I mentioned I was going to pick the truck up once fitted and then head to my guy that does my tint work and has for years.

Next thing I know, she’s got his details, moved my appointment forward and the truck is being delivered to him - so it’ll be done when I get it - all at no extra cost to me (I’m paying my stint guy directly).

Well today was that day - and I get this on my phone!

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Loving the energy she shows, and her customer service is first rate.

[RANDLOVER]

We can see her sunnies are tinted, not so much the windows.

The most important consideration when buying a "council truck" is how many guys can sit in it while watching one bloke work. [bigrolf]

[scarry]

As i said before we have been looking at a 2WD similar vehicle,or "Concreters truck" as the boys call them, for work.

The guy at the Isuzu dealership mentioned that councils,mines,large companies,usually have a budget,for accessories and mods,which is normally pretty tight.

But when private buyers purchase them,they often start with a budget,but it usually blows out considerably.
He has seen many that go well over the $400K mark,which include full canopies,etc,etc,on top of the cost of the base vehicle,which are usually 4WD.

Anyway,it will be good to see this one once it is all finished.
But,yes i know,the build will probably never be completely finished,there is always something that needs adding or modding as time goes on.[biggrin]

[Tombie]

Mining companies are usually very predictable in their add-ons. [emoji41]

I’ve allowed $100k for what I add to the truck.
Won’t exceed that.

As much as i like boats (got one), i wont be dragging it around the country - ill pay at each location should i wish to fish and if there isn’t hire/charter available, then ill pass.

I was hoping to get some pics back this afternoon of it all tinted up… seems not!

[Tombie]

Tint completed. It’s the little things[emoji106]

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Ceramic tint… yes it’s Dark! No it won’t pass scrutiny (but then neither will the D4)

15% front doors, 5% rear and back.

D4 for comparison..
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[DoubleChevron]

Tint completed. It’s the little things[emoji106]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260114/33aa0cc7efbf4fcd60124d3f63649310.jpg

Ceramic tint… yes it’s Dark! No it won’t pass scrutiny (but then neither will the D4)

15% front doors, 5% rear and back.

D4 for comparison..
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260114/a8dee66c75054f373021c203b83a29fe.jpg

Gee's, you don't believe in doing things by halves :). How will singles go on the rear? Won't it mess up the gearing and require a different tray to clear them?

seeya
Shane L.

[Tombie]

Gee's, you don't believe in doing things by halves :). How will singles go on the rear? Won't it mess up the gearing and require a different tray to clear them?

seeya
Shane L.

Gday Shane

Singles are rated at 2,300kg each, no problems up the back.

Gearing changes around 14% which helps cruising speeds.

Tray has been designed to clear 37’s and I’m only running 35s in my build.

Plus the suspension is good for about a 4” lift [emoji106][emoji1787]

[Slunnie]

As much as i like boats (got one), i wont be dragging it around the country - ill pay at each location should i wish to fish and if there isn’t hire/charter available, then ill pass.

Tombie what the plan behind this build? Is it to do the big lap? I wasn't sure with your recent caravan purchase also. Or will you tow the van with this?

[Tombie]

Tombie what the plan behind this build? Is it to do the big lap? I wasn't sure with your recent caravan purchase also. Or will you tow the van with this?

This is the mothership to tow the van.
Theres plans for short and long trips, the truck is the key to longer periods off grid.

Water is always a limitation, and the truck frees up the ability to carry significantly more.

Truck has 300l of diesel and 330l of water on board when full tanks.

[Slunnie]

This is the mothership to tow the van.
Theres plans for short and long trips, the truck is the key to longer periods off grid.

Water is always a limitation, and the truck frees up the ability to carry significantly more.

Truck has 300l of diesel and 330l of water on board when full tanks.

It'll be a weapon for offgrid touring!

[V8Ian]

This is the mothership to tow the van.
Theres plans for short and long trips, the truck is the key to longer periods off grid.

Water is always a limitation, and the truck frees up the ability to carry significantly more.

Truck has 300l of diesel and 330l of water on board when full tanks.
195529

[Tombie]

Airsafe Class 6 hitch is on its way.
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Trucks can give caravans a bit of a beating with their suspension stiffness.

This effectively decouples the truck and van preventing damage.

[V8Ian]

Hopefully more isolated, rather than decoupled. [wink11]

[Tombie]

Hopefully more isolated, rather than decoupled. [wink11]

Decoupled is correct

Defn; separate, disengage, or dissociate (something) from something else.
"the mountings effectively decouple movements of the engine from those of the wheels"



Disconnected would be a completely different story

[RANDLOVER]

Tombie are you going to fit a on the fly air up or down system like this....Traction Air CTI System, Central Tyre Inflation System | TRT (https://www.trtaustralia.com.au/traction-air-cti-system?utm_campaign=Search&keyword=central%20tyre%20inflation&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22547702286&gbraid=0AAAAAC3YeO9_8zuiXdKDH_npH4m0-ksSB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlP_fhfeVkgMVsyR7Bx2vaxRXEAMYASAA EgKc1PD_BwE)

IIRC Daryl Beattie had one on his support truck for his bike tours across the desert.

[Tombie]

Tombie are you going to fit a on the fly air up or down system like this....Traction Air CTI System, Central Tyre Inflation System | TRT (https://www.trtaustralia.com.au/traction-air-cti-system?utm_campaign=Search&keyword=central%20tyre%20inflation&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22547702286&gbraid=0AAAAAC3YeO9_8zuiXdKDH_npH4m0-ksSB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlP_fhfeVkgMVsyR7Bx2vaxRXEAMYASAA EgKc1PD_BwE)

IIRC Daryl Beattie had one on his support truck for his bike tours across the desert.

Not on the cards, stopping to air down or up has never been a problem for me. I use the time for a leg stretch and a check over of the gear.

[RANDLOVER]

Yes it's probably more important on a truck in the desert where motorbikes are leaving you for dead.

[Tombie]

Not a lot to update at the moment.
3x Pallets of gear are leaving AAV in Queensland today.

This includes all the suspension and Super Singles so now it’s a waiting game.

UHF, Cellfi, Antennas, a significant amount of high current cabling, two 20,000lb winches and a couple of Lithium Aux batteries an MPPT charger, 2x solar panels and a DcDc charger have been ordered.

In the meantime, it’s just sitting at the dealer.

I’m loving the dark tint contrast [emoji41][emoji48]

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[DieselLSE]

Tombie, why install Cel Fi when you have Starlink?

[Tombie]

Tombie, why install Cel Fi when you have Starlink?

Back up [emoji851]

I use 5G for everything, streaming audio etc until I cannot.

I only fully activate SL when travelling places that cannot access 5G. Otherwise it’s in standby mode and only does limited text etc.

[DoubleChevron]

How does the boss women go climbing in and out. Mine complains the ****box range rover is too high. And its a standard height range rover classic [bigrolf]

[Tombie]

How does the boss women go climbing in and out. Mine complains the ****box range rover is too high. And its a standard height range rover classic [bigrolf]

Mine is more athletic than me by a long shot, she’s fine with it.

[Tombie]

After a bit of a wait the pallets have landed at the workshop.

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Now the installs begin.

First things first
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And a quick reminder of how it sits now….
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[RANDLOVER]

That really is a truck load off stuff.

[scarry]

That really is a truck load off stuff.

Shed looks nice as well.[smilebigeye]

[Tombie]

Shed looks nice as well.[smilebigeye]

I wish it was mine… it’s the dealership workshop.

Mine looks more like an explosion of
Tools, projects, reloading gear and storage.

[Slunnie]

Tombie, I hope you follow the Cartwrights on Youtube!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTW1ZRWUqPw

[Tins]

I wish it was mine… it’s the dealership workshop.

Mine looks more like an explosion of
Tools, projects, reloading gear and storage.

Apart from the ballistic stuff, I'd feel right at home, although I bet you can find stuff[bigsad]

[Tombie]

Tombie, I hope you follow the Cartwrights on Youtube!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTW1ZRWUqPw

Thanks for the suggestion, however I cannot stand that couple.

I have plenty of expedition truck channels I follow - but that one is blocked for several reasons.

[Slunnie]

Thanks for the suggestion, however I cannot stand that couple.

I have plenty of expedition truck channels I follow - but that one is blocked for several reasons.

You must have hated them to actually block them! :lol2:

[Tombie]

You must have hated them to actually block them! :lol2:

The Elnicks are a good watch..

[Slunnie]

The Elnicks are a good watch..

Oh yep, they're ok. I've watched them before too.

[Tombie]

Not much to post yet…

New shoes today and the suspension has been fitted.
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Extended wheel flare for compliance on the front doors.

[4runnernomore]

Hi Tombie,

Are you going the whole hog with the hero bar windscreen bar work and front diff bracing protection? I know the canter was the original and has a crap load of mods and looks good to boot once done.

Did you consider the Toyota Hino 300? From all the hype when they were getting ready to release it seemed like a slam dunk over the other two, especially with drivetrain and disc brakes all round.

can’t wait to see the beast evolve.

[Saitch]

Not much to post yet…

New shoes today and the suspension has been fitted.
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Extended wheel flare for compliance on the front doors.

I'm enjoying this, Tombie. Just an observation, based on these pics. The exhaust system is going to cop a flogging on outback roads, with rocks coming up from the front wheel.

[4runnernomore]

I'm enjoying this, Tombie. Just an observation, based on these pics. The exhaust system is going to cop a flogging on outback roads, with rocks coming up from the front wheel.

“STACKS”, that ,lol fix it and look cool to boot . If you could just get that little 3 litre to sound like Kenny how cool would that be .

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/blob:https://www.aulro.com/965b97bb-bd90-4a20-9f2b-53053e89cef2

[Tombie]

We did look at the Hino, a mate here has one. The 4L was appealing.

Unfortunately Hino stopped bringing them in, Isuzu did the same with their 5.2.

The Fuso is a slightly smaller truck at 6.5t and we were cautious, I spoke with lots of owners of them and then went and drove this one in Adelaide - it was their promotional unit, built for the Brisbane truck show last year (hence the over branded tray with Fuso everywhere). They still use it in their promotional videos etc.

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We got a very nice deal on it with 1,700km on the clock.

[Tombie]

I'm enjoying this, Tombie. Just an observation, based on these pics. The exhaust system is going to cop a flogging on outback roads, with rocks coming up from the front wheel.

I agree, was one of my concerns also.

Interestingly they don’t. I have several Canter owning friends, all doing significant offroad and the exhaust seems to be holding up just fine.

I’ll keep an eye on it though.

[Tombie]

Hi Tombie,

Are you going the whole hog with the hero bar windscreen bar work and front diff bracing protection? I know the canter was the original and has a crap load of mods and looks good to boot once done.

Did you consider the Toyota Hino 300? From all the hype when they were getting ready to release it seemed like a slam dunk over the other two, especially with drivetrain and disc brakes all round.

can’t wait to see the beast evolve.

No hero bar for this one. Not willing to risk the LED headlights taking a hit for the sake of not having the hoops.

We have the bracing (which is actually a steering rod protector) and several other bits and pieces here ready to fit.

[Tombie]

Got it… long day.

Drove to Adelaide with Son (pic), collected.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260214/7396b703a28545b21cd1d0b869c7f8b5.jpg

Currently out on the range, Open Prize Meeting
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Tray is still loaded with the accessories yet to be fitted.

[Tombie]

No pretty pics at lovely locations this weekend - it was all mission oriented!

Friday was a long day - adelaide in the morning (son Zac gave me a lift)

Grab truck at regency park.
Then off to Furness Ave (Edwardstown) to get the hitch.
Then to Klemzig to get the fridge (runs on Ryobi tool batteries when not connected to power)

Home at 20:30. Fit the hitch up and pack the truck for shooting competition.

Rolled out of whyalla around 23:00 and finally pulled into Tumby bay at 02:00 Saturday morning.

Fair to say I was exhausted [emoji42]


Some observations:
- not a rocket ship (knew this going in) and 90-95km/h on the undulating hills with the van on was nice.
- on the flat a nice 95-100km/h is possible - 95 is much more pleasant.

- The Airsafe hitch is a true game changer - all the jolts are dampened. The van doesn’t get bounced hard at all - truly worth the price tag.

- It’s noisy, again knew it would be. Carbuilders does a full sound and heat dampening kit - it’s definitely coming!

The commanding driving position is awesome!

More to come [emoji41]

Here’s the combo out the front once I got home today.
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And the hitch
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[V8Ian]

"- The Airsafe hitch is a true game changer - all the jolts are dampened. The van doesn’t get bounced hard at all - truly worth the price tag." Tombie.

Essential IMO, it gets embarrassing pulling into a service station and realising that all you have left of your caravan is part of the drawbar. [bigwhistle]

[4runnernomore]

Looks like some more work for the suspension Tombie with that front to rear rake. Airbags on the cards with parabolic?

are you considering g a tune as well? Should make the beast sit nicer on the highway for you.

looking good so far. Can’t wait for the updated pics with the bar work installed.

cheers Chris

[RANDLOVER]

Wow Tombie, that's a big porta potty you're towing around, I can see why you need the truck.

[Tombie]

Couple of quick fit ups.
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Steering arm protection and Condenser guard.

Tomorrow - onto the Bullbar.

[Tombie]

Looks like some more work for the suspension Tombie with that front to rear rake. Airbags on the cards with parabolic?

are you considering g a tune as well? Should make the beast sit nicer on the highway for you.

looking good so far. Can’t wait for the updated pics with the bar work installed.

cheers Chris

No parabolics on this one - went with multi leaf.
I’m looking at airbags later on if we find the need.

The nature of the road shows that rake - everywhere else I parked it’s sitting level.

Tune is on the cards. Unfortunately the 2025 ECU hasn’t been unlocked yet (it’s close). Once that is available I’ll also look to resolve the restriction in the exhaust[emoji6]

[Tombie]

Front bumper off, prep work done.
Tonight I’ll get the lad to pop round and give me a hand lifting the winch cradle / frame into position.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260218/1ca31487f1922dfd64a25096a35a22dd.jpg

Task required 0 dogs. Number of dogs on task 1.

[Tombie]

What an annoying development!

Fitting the mount up and my rear mounting appears to be an update to the vehicle used to create the bar - nothing major except that the bolts supplied won’t fit, causing a delay in the job as I just don’t have that size here!

Anyway, those bolts can be fitted after all the bar work is on so here’s tonight’s progress.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260219/8c7ac4688750bce5d094d0330674afff.jpg

Will grab some bolts tomorrow and continue on.

[Tombie]

Bolts arrived, grab the tools and finish the job.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260227/c584b7ff65af3012bd555c16d5f1cfc5.jpg
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Radiator guard, Condenser guard and steering guard in place. Bullbar installed.

Now to await the arrival of the 20k Winch, 2xEnerdrive HV solar panels etc and then the scrub bars and roof rack can go on.


Booked the truck in to truck builder in Adelaide for its water tanks to be fabricated (under tray) and the larger fuel tank should arrive next week.

[Tombie]

Spur of the moment trip to Adelaide for the Caravan and Camping show (pouring all the way there and back) as the Range was closed today and nothing better to do!

Left at 9:30am, hit the show, grabbed some goodies and back home after a stop at some LR friends in Port Pirie for a coffee and chat. Home at 00:05 [emoji41]

Grabbed a few bits for the truck…

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[RANDLOVER]

A self retracting pneumatic hose reel for your truck, I didn't know they made such a thing. I hope there were good prices at the show, which some vendors will do online as well.

[Tombie]

A self retracting pneumatic hose reel for your truck, I didn't know they made such a thing. I hope there were good prices at the show, which some vendors will do online as well.

Wasn’t too bad. There were some good specials - I didn’t pay those prices either [emoji41][emoji106]

[Tombie]

Youngest Grandson wanted a look at “Poppas truck”

Excuse the Samoyed fur everywhere!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260304/fad4ea3672db865d9ab3a03daf370403.jpg

[Tombie]

Glad the rains are here but it doesn’t make working on the truck friendly.

Larger fuel tank is in transit. Should be here later in the week. Just what I need a bigger tank to help empty the wallet - a fill will be around $560 at current prices for the 200L

In the meantime the rack has been assembled, bolts to hold the solar on have arrived and I’ll be taking it to a mates workshop to fork it onto the roof later in the week.

Lights are on. Limited by alternator output at the moment (several DcDc systems being powered) so will run these until I upgrade the alternator down the track.

Solar is Renogy ShadowFlux 200w x2 into a Redarc Alpha 50 - used because it’s IP rated for external mounting.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260316/b25ebad3018fd0b8b8b4e84ee2febf17.jpg
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[Narangga]

Curiosity finally got the better of me - why the ALTIQ rather than Fyrlyt's?

[Tombie]

Curiosity finally got the better of me - why the ALTIQ rather than Fyrlyt's?

4th paragraph. [emoji851]

Available power at this stage.

I have a new pair of MOFO in the workshop

[Narangga]

4th paragraph. [emoji851]

Available power at this stage.

I have a new pair of MOFO in the workshop

Thanks - that's the way I read it but wasn't 100% sure.

[Tombie]

It’s never fun pulling things apart. Especially when new.

Even worse when you have to cut and tap into the wiring loom.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260321/06c69468d98c8847e22f0f1021395446.jpg

Cruise control kit fitted, system checks complete. Haven’t wrecked it [emoji41]

[Tombie]

Roof rack & scrub bars on tonight after work.
Rack houses the 2x Renogy ShadowFlux 200w panels, the Starlink mini, the comms antennas etc.

In this pic the upper LED bar isn’t fitted

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260325/910cbce4837b47388ecacf7539d4c348.jpg

[Graeme]

I like the advertised beam pattern of the round Altiq lights.

[Tombie]

I like the advertised beam pattern of the round Altiq lights.

I’m still wiring it all up. I’ll provide feedback