The Mitsubishi Fuso 4×4 has become a popular choice for overlanders, and for good reason. They offer generous load capacity and living space and are less cumbersome and costly compared to larger 7.5-tonne vehicles. It’s a platform that benefits from Japanese reliability, an impressive 4WD system, and access to parts worldwide. Prices for Fuso builds vary dramatically (we currently have an EarthCruiser example listed on the forum for almost $340,000), and whilst you can’t expect the same build specifications, it is a reasonably priced, perfectly functional, go-anywhere home on wheels.
From Taylor:
“This is an incredible overland expedition vehicle. It is a 2001 Mitsubishi Fuso running a turbo-diesel motor, with approximately 198,000 miles on it. The vehicle showcases a 5-speed manual transmission (recently rebuilt at Portland Mitsubishi Fuso), manual locking hubs, 4 High and 4 Low, CD player, idle control, air conditioning, heater, and much more. Everything works. This rig will climb a tree in 4 Low! I’ve owned it for the past four years and driven all over the west to ski hills, camping, beaches, etc.
Now for the RV section. Everything works: AC, heater, fridge, oven, range, shower, etc. I fit a Nature’s Head composting toilet, which means you can go to the bathroom in the middle of winter without having to worry about running water. This toilet is amazing. I redid the interior floors, paint, cabinets, shower, and lights. The only thing left to do is update the upholstery, but there are no rips or tears in it currently.
You will not be disappointed in this vehicle. [It is] roomier and far more capable than a Sprinter or Sportsmobile. You will be the talk of any parking lot. Take it to Baja and live happily ever after or chase powder storms in the mountains. This rig isn’t luxurious; it’s big, loud, ugly, and ready for your life of dispersed camping. When people see it parked in the middle of the desert or forest they don’t tend to camp right next to you. It’s abrasive, sketchy, and screams “give me space.”
I would not be getting rid of it but I recently moved, purchased a farm, and [my] priorities have changed. It’s done almost 200,000 miles, but two separate mechanics, one in Bend and one in Boise, have thoroughly checked it over, and it’s mechanically sound.”
Specifications:
Mitsubishi Fuso FG 639
3.9-liter diesel motor
Original body, gearing, and motor
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission rebuilt at Portland Mitsubishi Fuso less than 1,000 miles ago
New clutch, flywheel, pilot bearing, rear main seal, and transmission fluid less than 1,000 miles ago
Stock suspension (stiff, but manageable)
Stock tire size: 235/85R16
Six new tires with four Yokohama m/s tires on the rear
Two new BFGoodrich KO2 tires on the front, plus brand-new spare KO2
Swing-down spare tire carrier that fits both the front and rear receiver
LED light bar
Upgraded center console
CD player with satellite radio
Batteries installed spring 2017
New starter installed spring 2017
Class 4 receiver on rear
Welded to the receiver is a cargo rack. It is a bit of a tail, and I have considered lifting it a few inches for a better departure angle, but it holds propane tanks and a Honda generator.
Camper
19-foot Fleetwood Wilderness welded onto cross beams to frame
Everything works. Heater, oven, fridge, air conditioning, shower, sinks, hot water heater, all cabinets and drawers open and close as they should.
40-gallon freshwater tank
40-gallon greywater tank
Black tank has been capped
Nature’s Head composting toilet
LED interior lights
Loads of interior storage
Dinette folds down into another sleeping area
Upper cabinet folds out into another sleeping area for a small child
This 2001 Mitsubishi Fuso FG 4×4 Camper is listed for $55,000, and is currently located in Boise, Idaho. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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