Now full time after 6 months shake down trial living in it and lovin' it.
2014 Isuzu NPR275 5 litre turbo fitted with two extra water tanks, 3KVA Honda generator, insulated storage and kayak rack. Caravan 22' Seabreeze Custom Off-road self contained and fitted with solar.
Thanks Guys. Truck is only a Short wheel base model only slightly longer than a Cruiser, will fit in any Suburban parking space which makes it very practical with its very small turning circle, very manoeuvrable, love it!
The truck only, fully loaded weighing 4 tonne returns 14.3 litres/100klms in hilly Tasmanian country as daily driver, (more economical than my Falcon ute).
Last trip towing caravan in very mountainous and highway travel in Tassie total combined weight 7.5 tonne returned 19.3 litres/100klms. the beauty of this is that the GCM is 9000 kgs. so all done effortlessly with another 1500kg. available legally which equates to no stress on truck what so ever. Tank capacity of 140 litres gives almost 700 klms. range towing and 970 klms. not towing.
For me this outfit has demonstrated that it is the perfect combination, totally stable on the road and a relatively cheap unit at approx. $45,000. cab chassis or about $52,000. with Isuzu tray. (i built all on the cab chassis) 6 speed Transmission, strong Exhaust Brake which holds full load easily on the steepest hills and the bonus of Hillstart Assist to hold on any hill.
This unit has exceeded all of my expectations, and at this price it definitely "won't bend in the middle" as some of the utes do similarly priced.
I am am surprised more people should go medium light truck like yours .. Durability and comfort is way good these days..
The front suspension can be tweaked to have better confort wise .. Softer front springs ( one leaf taken out ) takes the harshness out..
On these later models the ride is firm when empty however once they have 500 kg on tray they are quite smooth. These later models have very long leaf springs with only 3 leafs, not short and harsh like earlier model Japanese Trucks. With the van attached with 240 kg on tow bar this unit travels very similarly to a Coach, another plus is the low easy access to the cabin, no having to climb in. Hill start is a real bonus.
