Desert Camper's Mitsu FG 4WD

[ Pictures | Camper Specs | Mitsubishi FG 4WD Specs ]

This is my attempt to build an expedition camper based on the Mitsubishi FUSO Model FG truck. The camper was built by Callen Camper, of El Cajon, Ca. I used Auto CAD to draw the camper, and Callen Camper built it exactly to the drawings. They used steel tubing (as opposed to alum) for the frame, and alum siding.

When I started to seriously think about an expedition camper in 1999, I couldn't find much of anything to go on. I was aware of the various incarnations of the Turtle, but I didn't want to spend $150,000, nor did I have the knowledge or skills to follow in their foot steps. I did a lot of research into the various models of medium duty 4X4 trucks. One big reason why I decided on the Mitsu FG is because the overhead cab style affords maximum Cab-to-Axle distance for a given wheel base, thereby allowing a larger (longer) camper for a given bumper-to-bumper length. My bumper-to-bumper length is 20 feet.

The truck weighs about 10,000 lbs. With a GVWR of 12,000 lbs, that gives me a margin of 2,000 lbs. The truck has a 5.71 axle gear ratio, which is good for getting off-pavement. The downside is that it maxes out at about 60 mph. But, that's okay because I didn't get the truck for a freeway cruiser. I get about 15 mpg on the highway.

So far, the FG has performed quite well -- the quality is very good. I do just about all of my camping in the mountains north of Boise. I would like to go on a longer trip someday, but I guess I will have to wait until I retire in a year or so.

[ Pictures | Camper Specs | Mitsubishi FG 4WD Specs ]