Help with small pickup choice

Service networks need to be setup.

A REAL marketing mystery is why Ford is NOT importing the Transit without the diesel. It has a proven record around the world. A bit small but a great concept. I've talked with a few people who have them. They like them a LOT!

Not getting the Hilux is a mystery since Toyota has a network in place.
 
After spending some time sketching out the dimensions for the camper I'm thinking that the compact pickup might not have enough deck space.

Since I have a crowded van that I can't stand up in I don't want to go into a crowded camper that I can stand up in.

Mileage is a consideration too.

I found this site:

http://www.fuelly.com/car/

The numbers for my Safari van are pretty close to what I get. How do they compare for your vehicle?

Now I'm looking at F150s to see how the dimensions work.
 
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Pretty low...why?

Until I get a new job this might just be a fantasy build.

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Just to get an idea of what is a reasonable suggestion. What about a Hilux from Mexico?
 
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Good idea but the logistics are too complicated.

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Tom, I could put you in touch with someone that may be able to help with this. He had a business in MX and brought in used, hard to find (in MX) US cars and marked them up. I am sure he knows about the reverse process if there is one.

-Tom
 
Tom,
My favorite truck of all time was my 1987 Mitsubishi Mity-Max (it was also made for Chrysler, called the Dodge Ram D50). It was a 4 cylinder with a manual 5 speed (2.6 L 4G54 I4, SOHC, 105 hp (78 kW)) and the optional load/towing package.

1st gear was a granny gear and top speed in 1st was like a quarter mile per hour and if the road was dry you could pull stumps (okay, small ones ;). It was a true One Ton Mini, with a 7' 6" bed. I used to haul the Vermeer 630 stumper to and from the job sites AND fill the bed to overflowing with grindings for the ride home, no problem.
Take a look at it here:

http://www.whizbark.com/MMax.jpg

That is a nine foot long green oak log sitting in the back of the Mity-Max and it's still practically sitting level. I know of only one other in this area and the fellow will not even speak about considering selling it.

I gave in to old-treeman-syndrome, got tired of no a/c and vinyl seats, and bought a 2008 Ranger with a 7' bed and luxuries like cloth seats and air conditioning (the truck I picked you up in at the airport in Kentucky).

I put air springs on the Ranger to help with the loads but it will NEVER match the Mitsubishi for its hauling capability.
 
There sure are some fabled vehicles in our past!

When I look at what is available it seems like the GVW has gone down over the years. That makes sense too. In order to get MPG weight needs to go down. Since most pickups don't even haul groceries or a FULL case of beer, two 12 packs don't count ;), who really needs GVW?

Since I've had such good luck with Astro/Safari vans I'd like to find something like this:

http://www.usedcarsforsalein.net/buy/Other-TIGER-PROVAN-16-1990-ApizppiOdvyzvXOzyvi

The catch is that most of them need rebuilding because of rot.

Today...it might change tomorrow...I'm leaning towards Toyota pickup w/extended cab. It would be nice to find a long bed but unlikely since the frame isn't made that long.
 
There are some amazing expedition vehicles out there. I wonder...where are they exploring?!

This body design is interesting.

After looking at Frontier pickups I'm finding a challenge. I want an extended cab with a long wheelbase. The 4 door comes on the long WB. The EXT cab is on the same WB as the normal cab, they shorten the bed. Why not put the EX cab on the long WB?

Now...to find a smashed cab four door with a diesel and swap an EXT cab onto the frame.

Frame stretching happens all of the time in big trucks. This isn't that complicated on a smaller vehicle.

Cut frame
Insert stretch piece
Fabricate double frame channel
New driveshaft
Extended gas lines/electrical

A winter build :)
 

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I did a long time ago. Ambulances are an amazing creation. The chassis are rebuilt and made extra heavy duty to haul the weight and sustain the loads put on the frame from high speed turns. The brakes are different too. They wouldn't be a good choice for camperizing. Differential gear rations favor moving heavy loads not gas mileage.

Plain old cube vans are a good launch pad though. Inexpensive, stealth and they are already 'standies'. No pop top needed.

I found this on CL this morning.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/pts/2650323889.html

I want a vehicle that can be an everyday drive but still convert to a camper easily. The Frontier extended cab seems like a good choice right now.
 
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