Reliability power and maintenance versus small engine Euro motor homes
Vanderee said
04:20 PM May 11, 2018
I hear so often that American imports are not suitable for Australian conditions. A joke a load of hype.
The Euro imports however; from what I read; can cost you fortunes in replacement parts, and services,
and stuck on the road waiting for import parts. Common sense that a 2.3 liter engine pushing 4.5 tons has
a very limited life span, no matter how many turbo's you strap on the side, it's a toy engine, drowning in sensors and anti pollution sensors
let alone towing a vehicle. Suitable for Australian conditions ? Built for European conditions ? Suspension systems are too light for rough roads.
Fiat front struts fail often.Some have had better luck than others. I have driven all over Alaska in my import, the roughest roads on the planet without a hick up.
I have friends stuck in NSW waiting for Euro parts for 6 weeks, my Import Chevy 7.4 Litre has parts on the shelf at Repco.
Our import (engineer complied ) Airstream ( 6 tons on a 10 ton truck chassis) on LPG tows a car at 120 KPH over hills ,and maintenance during the past ten years has only been
tire and battery replacements, consumption 22 liters per 100 klm, comfort and power.
USA invented motor homes if you own one you will know. Next in line is Toyota for durability up to 500,000 kms.
As for the Euro imports : Viva la France ". And.....good luck.
-- Edited by Vanderee on Friday 11th of May 2018 04:21:43 PM
-- Edited by Vanderee on Friday 11th of May 2018 04:25:53 PM
Kebbin said
04:45 PM May 11, 2018
I hope you feel better now that you got that of your chest.
iana said
06:33 PM May 11, 2018
I agree with you, I heard that suppliers are only interested in getting you past the warranty period, and then you are on your own. I big plodding engine feels more comfortable.
Greg 1 said
01:07 AM May 12, 2018
No substitute for cubes when you are hauling a load.
Aus-Kiwi said
11:06 AM May 12, 2018
The high output new Diesel engines . Especially the 4 cyl diesels are high stressed . Oil changes and servicing IS critical . I would change oil much more often than recommended by manufacturer if I owned one . Had them as work trucks . Toyota , Isuzu , Mitzi etc . For towing ? Imo under powered !! They havnât replaced to Cruiser or Patrol with single rail diesels . Long term . Euro vehicles wouldâve worse !! Service, cost wise !!
KJB said
11:23 AM May 12, 2018
Isuzu NPS300 4x4 (4 cyl., 5.2 litre, turbo diesel, 3.5 tonne towing cap. ) with single wheel conversion and after market suspension appears to be a good alternative to a LandCruiser . Have not had one (have owned other Isuzu trucks - all excellent ) but looks good on paper . Engine capacity ,towing capacity and Isuzu's historic durability all in its favour. It is not a toy.
KB
Aus-Kiwi said
11:49 AM May 12, 2018
Yep had the bigger Isuzu as gang work truck . 6 to 12 ton in this case 6 cyl . Very comfy ride for a truck . Some where duel cab ? Ideal ! Just MR licence .
Yuglamron said
02:54 PM May 12, 2018
My experience is the same. My MH is around 8.5 Tons Loaded. Built on a MAN truck/bus chassis. 4.6 litre Turbo diesel. OK on the flat but a tortoise on hills. Chassis was Built in 98 First registered in 2001.
I recently drove from the Snowy Mountains to Hervey Bay.
Hit a roo near Dubbo. Smashed my headlights indicator and broke my Fibre reinforced Plastic bumper.
Now I'm off the road until I have a custom Alloy Bumper built. Not a cheap option but no original bars available anywhere in the world.
So I would agree somewhat with Vandaree. My MAN is a mainstream brand but after a few years lots of parts become unavailable.
I wish I had the Moolah to re-engine the MH. The new MAN 4.6 engine is 46% more powerful and 48% more fuel efficient and 39% more torque than mine.
Fingers crossed for Saturdays $20 Million Lotto.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Saturday 12th of May 2018 02:57:59 PM
Aus-Kiwi said
09:03 PM May 12, 2018
Adding a turbo to N/A Diesel engine helps. Keep boost under 10lb . Youlll be FINE !! Pull an extra gear higher on hills . MAN engines are tuff as they come . Fitted TD07 size turbo to 1985 7.5 Fuso . Gained heaps in fuel economy . Little to no smoke . Exhaust temps where way under anything near max . 6 years ago still going strong . New owner tells me it runs 12lb the last 2 years .
dorian said
07:53 AM May 14, 2018
This is what I would be looking for:
- motorhome
- Japanese chassis (Isuzu, Toyota)
- engine capacity 4l+
- auto trans
- swivel seats, access to living area from cabin
- shower, instant hot water
- toilet
- grey water tank 80l+
- fresh water tank 80l+
- bed
- gas stove
- electric/gas fridge
- 240Ah house battery (-ies)
- 400W solar
- 1500W+ inverter
- class C driver's licence
- diesel heater
- air con
- < $200K
KJB said
08:34 AM May 14, 2018
4 x4 ...?
Aus-Kiwi said
09:00 AM May 14, 2018
Some are front wheel drive . Ok if on tarmac . At times you need to pull off the road. Even then some have issues with traction . 4 WD is nice . Never really needed it where we want to go . Suspension travel and body clearance limits where we can go . Too old for heavy duty 4WD stuff these days . My daily driver is AWD tho . Subaru .
I hear so often that American imports are not suitable for Australian conditions. A joke a load of hype.
The Euro imports however; from what I read; can cost you fortunes in replacement parts, and services,
and stuck on the road waiting for import parts. Common sense that a 2.3 liter engine pushing 4.5 tons has
a very limited life span, no matter how many turbo's you strap on the side, it's a toy engine, drowning in sensors and anti pollution sensors
let alone towing a vehicle. Suitable for Australian conditions ? Built for European conditions ? Suspension systems are too light for rough roads.
Fiat front struts fail often.Some have had better luck than others. I have driven all over Alaska in my import, the roughest roads on the planet without a hick up.
I have friends stuck in NSW waiting for Euro parts for 6 weeks, my Import Chevy 7.4 Litre has parts on the shelf at Repco.
Our import (engineer complied ) Airstream ( 6 tons on a 10 ton truck chassis) on LPG tows a car at 120 KPH over hills ,and maintenance during the past ten years has only been
tire and battery replacements, consumption 22 liters per 100 klm, comfort and power.
USA invented motor homes if you own one you will know. Next in line is Toyota for durability up to 500,000 kms.
As for the Euro imports : Viva la France ". And.....good luck.
-- Edited by Vanderee on Friday 11th of May 2018 04:21:43 PM
-- Edited by Vanderee on Friday 11th of May 2018 04:25:53 PM
Isuzu NPS300 4x4 (4 cyl., 5.2 litre, turbo diesel, 3.5 tonne towing cap. ) with single wheel conversion and after market suspension appears to be a good alternative to a LandCruiser . Have not had one (have owned other Isuzu trucks - all excellent ) but looks good on paper . Engine capacity ,towing capacity and Isuzu's historic durability all in its favour. It is not a toy.
KB
My experience is the same. My MH is around 8.5 Tons Loaded. Built on a MAN truck/bus chassis. 4.6 litre Turbo diesel. OK on the flat but a tortoise on hills. Chassis was Built in 98 First registered in 2001.
I recently drove from the Snowy Mountains to Hervey Bay.
Hit a roo near Dubbo. Smashed my headlights indicator and broke my Fibre reinforced Plastic bumper.
Now I'm off the road until I have a custom Alloy Bumper built. Not a cheap option but no original bars available anywhere in the world.
So I would agree somewhat with Vandaree. My MAN is a mainstream brand but after a few years lots of parts become unavailable.
I wish I had the Moolah to re-engine the MH. The new MAN 4.6 engine is 46% more powerful and 48% more fuel efficient and 39% more torque than mine.
Fingers crossed for Saturdays $20 Million Lotto.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Saturday 12th of May 2018 02:57:59 PM
- Japanese chassis (Isuzu, Toyota)
- engine capacity 4l+
- auto trans
- swivel seats, access to living area from cabin
- shower, instant hot water
- toilet
- grey water tank 80l+
- fresh water tank 80l+
- bed
- gas stove
- electric/gas fridge
- 240Ah house battery (-ies)
- 400W solar
- 1500W+ inverter
- class C driver's licence
- diesel heater
- air con
- < $200K
4 x4 ...?