I am not sure that the Fuso 4x4 truck would meet all of your requirements but check out this site if you want http://michsulhkrzyzanowski.blogspot.com/ for a look at one that has been done. Lorne 00, 2430 Safari Trek
Posts: 4 | Location: Redlands, CA | Registered: February 02, 2005
Several of the class 8 makers have AWD units available; Freightliner can do it easily as they make them for the military (likewise Western Star, which if they are not made on the same line as the Freightliners would be my choice). There was a discussion of this on the TC forum some time back. Not cheap, but if you need it, you need it.
You will be better off and safer if you have more capacity than you need - a class 7 or smaller is likely to frustrate you no end, especially with a trailer or other weighty stuff. Given what you want to do, I would go class 8 so you have a real powertrain - the C13 is a bit small, but adequate, but we will go with the C15 probably - the big bore motor loafing along is an aid to longevity. Likewise, there is no such thing as too many gears - an 18 autoshift is a good choice as long you don't have problems with a driver not having the muscle for the clutch; due to my wife's back, we will probably have an Eaton LHP 14 speed.
Well due to some lifestyle changes I have put the conversion route on hold for a while. I am sticking with the 5th wheel as it makes more economic sense at the time. From all the research I have done though, 4X4 chassis the size to handle what I was looking to do was way too expensive. When the time comes I will probably just settle for the 2X and tow a 4 wheel drive toad.
