This website is no longer being updated, but I have decided to keep it online for anyone that may be interested in reading how I did things.
Much has changed since I started this build and quite a bit of information found in the technical articles may no longer be current or valid.
Anyone reading those articles should definitely take this into account.

 


 

2010 FG CanterOne of the driving forces behind putting this website together was to document my expedition camper build process, from the start to its ultimate completion; whenever that might be…
In doing so, maybe I can also inspire other people that might be considering building their own expedition vehicle. Just remember, to start you must take that first step! Buy a truck and begin the journey…

I have tried to make this website layout logical and easy to follow. My intent is to include information I believe may be useful to others; however, it is impractical for me to try and include all of the detailed technical information about everything I have done. To that end, if you have any questions regarding any specific part of this build, feel free to contact me. I will try and help wherever I can.

 

Build Overview
The starting point for this build was a new 2010 Fuso Canter FG84D 4×4 cab chassis truck.
One of the first challenges was to make the truck as comfortable as possible to ride in. The original leaf spring suspension was completely replaced with a five link coil setup and the wheels were replaced with 19.5″ singles. The addition of suspension seats and in cab control for the shock absorber stiffness completed the core truck ride modifications.
The camper body will be a custom designed, molded FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic), hard sided poptop. Although technically much more difficult to build, this design should be light, very strong and allow the camper body, when in the lowered position, to be no higher than the roof of the cab. Keeping the height of the camper roof low has many advantages, a few of these being:
A lower centre of gravity, access to more areas and less drag, which will assist with fuel economy.