ACELA 6X6 WITH SLRV EXPEDITION BOX NEW BUILD

[Alloy]

Yes it is.

To make it streamline or keep it under 8'0 -8'6"?

 

[poohbearusvi]

To make it streamline or keep it under 8'0 -8'6"?

It’ll be streamlined as it is all recessed. The awning is an electric Girard G2000. Measures 11’6” wide and extends 9’9” out.

 

[poohbearusvi]

A couple of update photos. All walls and roof on. Aluminum cab bush guard and roof top storage under way. Windows cut out. Awning recess done.

 

[wfv56]

Great progress!

 

[Fugly]

Looking good....

 

[38snubby]

Did they give you the option to relocate the air intakes on the back of the cab the way that GXV does?

 

[Victorian]

Good sized box!
Please allow me a couple questions:
-How do they compensate for the expansion of the aluminum to the Fiberglass? I can't see any clearances between the components.
-The awning box will be cladded with insulation on the inside? right?
-It's hard to see in the pictures, are there radiuses in the corners of the cut outs? Sharp 90 degree cuts will most likely create stress cracks over time.

Note: In all honesty, I'm just curious. Not critical or picking other companies products apart...

 

[poohbearusvi]

Did they give you the option to relocate the air intakes on the back of the cab the way that GXV does?

The relocated air intakes on the back were done by the chassis converter, Acela.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Awesome work man! Gonna be glorious

 

[Alloy]

Might consider adding another pipe to the rack over the cab to assist branches sliding over the roof of the box.

A rail fitting like this would allow it to swing out of the way

 

[poohbearusvi]

Might consider adding another pipe to the rack over the cab to assist branches sliding over the roof of the box.

A rail fitting like this would allow it to swing out of the way

View attachment 604018

I’ll forward your thought on to SLRV.

 

[tonydca]

Beautiful looking rig! I too am grateful you're taking the time to share your progress and build information. As others have said - that's a very well-thought-out rig, and as a member of the 50+ crew myself, I too find myself shamelessly yearning for more creature comforts as I get older, even if it means a bigger platform.

Curious about a very early comment you made in this thread about not being able to import a MAN chassis - is this an age-related (25-year) issue and you were looking for a newer chassis?

I have to admit that they came up on my radar as well, but in addition to older-only restrictions, I was kind of concerned about knowledgeable service locations plus spares being made out of Unobtanium over here in North America.

Especially for the MAN KAT1 variants...

 

[poohbearusvi]

Beautiful looking rig! I too am grateful you're taking the time to share your progress and build information. As others have said - that's a very well-thought-out rig, and as a member of the 50+ crew myself, I too find myself shamelessly yearning for more creature comforts as I get older, even if it means a bigger platform.

Curious about a very early comment you made in this thread about not being able to import a MAN chassis - is this an age-related (25-year) issue and you were looking for a newer chassis?

I have to admit that they came up on my radar as well, but in addition to older-only restrictions, I was kind of concerned about knowledgeable service locations plus spares being made out of Unobtanium over here in North America.

Especially for the MAN KAT1 variants...

In Australia, SLRV have the choice of every chassis. The MAN, I believe, is their most popular one. Age, parts etc was a consideration. Even though the Acela is an older chassis, the parts are easier to get and is was completely reconditioned here in the US. As I've said before, everything is a compromise. This rig won't get us where our Jeep did, but it will get us in great comfort very close. We intend to bring along our e-bikes and a small motorcycle. I'm an avid mountain biker and it's a great way to explore. I wanted to get an electric motorcycle (ZERO motorbikes) but am concerned about the ability to charge in the middle of nowhere. I've talked to SLRV about that ability and they say it would only work while driving as it would put too much drain and strain on the Lithium batteries. It would take about 5 hours to fully charge. So, I think a small gas bike like the BMW 310. I'm still looking around.

 

[poohbearusvi]

Here are a couple more shots. The first one shows the main electrical looms in and the interior cabinets underway. Next shot is the production line. Ours is the first one on the right.

 

[poohbearusvi]

All the cabinets are now in. We've got tons of storage and a very open space. Wish I could visit the factory every day! On another note, I'm revisiting the electric motorcycle option. We are looking at adding a diesel generator to charge the electric motorcycle. It can of course also be used to charge batteries and as a backup to our solar panels and the engine generator. I've been looking at the ZERO DSR. Once SLRV look at generator options and I talk to the people at ZERO motorcycles, I'll make a final decision.