Author Topic: Garbage truck RV conversion (Read 19143 times)

Reddog · « **on:** January 17, 2008, 12:31:01 PM »

I had heard of this, but never seen an example. Pretty nice!
http://www.itsjustabitoffun.com:80/date/2007/8/20/
Doug Engel, Gunnison, CO (warmed up to -22 so far)

HB of CJ · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2008, 01:34:16 PM »

Great post. I love the pictures. Thank you. Got drunk once (only?) and had a dream where I converted an old surplus P4 type airport crash truck into an expedition motorcoach. Bet the formentioned trash truck can go...just about anywhere...and when he finally gets stuck...he just hops on his cool dirt bike and continues on...to where he wants to go. Hugh?

tekebird · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2008, 01:37:56 PM »

thats not really a garbage truck. there are several manufacturers of these things in Europe, Tatra, KAMAZ and a few others

not sure what their normal usage is outside of running around out in the wilds of the third world...but they are raced in their own class while acting as Support Vehicles in The paris Dakar ralley as well as a few other races around the globe.

I have also seen a few in Southern CA that were brought over for exended vacationing in the SW and Mexico by Euro Types

buddydawg · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2008, 02:38:10 PM »

It has a nice tall ceiling that allows for the loft. That would free up a ton of space.

Dallas · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2008, 02:39:30 PM »

That looks like an Australian conversion done some years ago.

I think it started out as an ex-military and went from there.

I use to have a link to the fellows website that actually did the work, but over the years I've lost it, along with other important stuff. Like my lighter, my teeth, my mind....

If I remember correctly, (Don't take this as gospel), the whole thing expands out to make about a 20X28 footprint which would make for a nice off road conversion.

Dallas

Lee Bradley · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2008, 03:38:35 PM »

Quote from: tekebird on January 17, 2008, 01:37:56 PM

thats not really a garbage truck. there are several manufacturers of these things in Europe, Tatra, KAMAZ and a few others

not sure what their normal usage is outside of running around out in the wilds of the third world...but they are raced in their own class while acting as Support Vehicles in The paris Dakar ralley as well as a few other races around the globe.

I have also seen a few in Southern CA that were brought over for exended vacationing in the SW and Mexico by Euro Types

Did you see that this year's Dakar was cancelled; terrorist concerns.

Kristinsgrandpa · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2008, 03:48:57 PM »

The first time that was on here it was pointed out, through a link to the mfgr., that it wasn't a garbage truck, it just had brush guards on and above the cab.

The second time it was on here someone brought to our attention the neat drawer latches to keep the drawers closed.

Great boondocker (if it had a genset)

I believe it is Australia, these photos look like the last set.

Ed

FloridaCliff · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2008, 04:26:12 PM »

Wasn't this thing in its first life a rescue vehicle at an airport?

That stands out for some reason....

Cliff

kyle4501 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2008, 04:37:16 PM »

From what I remember of the website, these are custom built to order on a new chassis & are usually used for remote areas (in the USA, think mineral exploration & scouting movie locations)

The top raises when parked to give more room inside. It is lowered to protect the windows while traveling in the brush.

kyle4501 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2008, 04:42:23 PM »

See:

http://www.unicatamericas.com/index.html

for the real story.

tekebird · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2008, 05:00:02 PM »

http://www.tatra.cz/en/spodek_en.asp
http://www.renault.lt/skuba/nauji/kerax/

Tatra, LIAZ, Kamaz, Hino, MAN, DAF, Mercedes-Benz Unimog, Renault Kerax, SCANIA, IVECO, and GINAF. In the 1980s, a strong rivalry between DAF and Mercedes-Benz led to vehicles which had twin engines and more than 1000 hp (750 kW). Later Tatra, and Kamaz took the race up. After 2000, renewed competition started in the truck class between DAF, Tatra, Mercedes-Benz and Kamaz.

here is a video of a kamaz Race Truck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUj6VQTVndU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgZq3u3Q_7M

this is a good one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gUMFN8JPpU&feature=related
at the end ther eis video of one jumping some 4 foot or so off the ground

I recall watching coverage of the Dakar back in the late 80's and I think it was a Tatra that was hauling Tacos od the windward side of a huge ( couple undered foot tall) sand dune, only to crest and have the lee side fall away, truck endoed two times if I recall and drove away

Sean · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2008, 05:43:18 PM »

A similar vehicle goes on the block at Barrett-Jackson this Saturday, I'm told between 2 and 3 pm MST:

http://www.steelwheels4x4.com/

I've seen this one in person -- it is impressive. I think Ross' health has deteriorated to the point where they are not getting the enjoyment out of it. Perhaps some day they will build themselves another one.

This one, by the way, is the one that was an airport crash tender, Cliff.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

gumpy · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2008, 08:01:54 PM »

Quote from: Dallas on January 17, 2008, 02:39:30 PM

That looks like an Australian conversion done some years ago.

I think it started out as an ex-military and went from there.

I use to have a link to the fellows website that actually did the work, but over the years I've lost it, along with other important stuff. Like my lighter, my teeth, my mind....

If I remember correctly, (Don't take this as gospel), the whole thing expands out to make about a 20X28 footprint which would make for a nice off road conversion.

Dallas

I think you are thinking of Wothahellizat... http://www.robgray.com/index_files/index_wot.php

I've talked to Rob Gray via email. Nice guy. I'd like to take trip down under to meet him and see his truck sometime. Too bad I can't drive the bus down there

Jeremy · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2008, 02:18:16 AM »

Quote from: tekebird on January 17, 2008, 05:00:02 PM

http://www.tatra.cz/en/spodek_en.asp
http://www.renault.lt/skuba/nauji/kerax/

Tatra, LIAZ, Kamaz, Hino, MAN, DAF, Mercedes-Benz Unimog, Renault Kerax, SCANIA, IVECO, and GINAF. In the 1980s, a strong rivalry between DAF and Mercedes-Benz led to vehicles which had twin engines and more than 1000 hp (750 kW). Later Tatra, and Kamaz took the race up. After 2000, renewed competition started in the truck class between DAF, Tatra, Mercedes-Benz and Kamaz.

here is a video of a kamaz Race Truck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUj6VQTVndU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgZq3u3Q_7M

this is a good one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gUMFN8JPpU&feature=related
at the end ther eis video of one jumping some 4 foot or so off the ground

I recall watching coverage of the Dakar back in the late 80's and I think it was a Tatra that was hauling Tacos od the windward side of a huge ( couple undered foot tall) sand dune, only to crest and have the lee side fall away, truck endoed two times if I recall and drove away

I remember reading a magazine article a few years ago about the history of the race trucks in the Paris-Dakar; originally they were purely support trucks for the cars and bikes (carrying lots of spares, including several complete engines etc), but with the necessity of getting to each service area ASAP the teams began to tune and modify the trucks to go faster and faster - which evolved into the various teams unofficially racing their trucks against each other on each of the rally stages. Because there were no rules restricting what could be done to them, the trucks eventually got so powerful that they regularly got through the stages faster than the racing cars and bikes - at that point the organisers realised things were getting dangerous and added an official 'truck' class to the event so they could control them.

In Iceland incidentally they have tourist buses for use on snow plains etc that are effectively a short coach body mounted on the same kind of off-road 4x4 or 6x6 truck chassis. One of those would make a cool bus conversion, if you could afford the diesel to run it.

Jeremy

Dallas · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2008, 04:35:38 AM »

Quote from: gumpy on January 17, 2008, 08:01:54 PM

Quote from: Dallas on January 17, 2008, 02:39:30 PM
That looks like an Australian conversion done some years ago.

I think it started out as an ex-military and went from there.

I use to have a link to the fellows website that actually did the work, but over the years I've lost it, along with other important stuff. Like my lighter, my teeth, my mind....

If I remember correctly, (Don't take this as gospel), the whole thing expands out to make about a 20X28 footprint which would make for a nice off road conversion.

Dallas

I think you are thinking of Wothahellizat... http://www.robgray.com/index_files/index_wot.php

I've talked to Rob Gray via email. Nice guy. I'd like to take trip down under to meet him and see his truck sometime. Too bad I can't drive the bus down there

Thanks Craig, I think that's it!

ktmossman · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:23:10 AM »

Quote

I think you are thinking of Wothahellizat... http://www.robgray.com/index_files/index_wot.php

Rob Gray also has this list of other "WORTS" (Weird Off-Road Trucks) and hosts a page about each one.

http://www.robgray.com/wothahellizat/worts.php

Some really creative configurations....

buddydawg · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:37:07 AM »

Maybe we should get together and start a bus racing league?

$:-\$

Reddog · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:44:36 AM »

Looking at teh WORTS has made me wonder what Thomas would look like with a driven front axle and super singles up front...I mean, could it look any stranger than it already does?
Anybody up for a pool for what Draco will bring at auction? I've got a cold one that says it won't break 50K. I'll collect my winnigs in Kingman.
Is there any talk of the proceeds going to some Lyme disease foundation?
Doug

Jeremy · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2008, 10:34:22 AM »

Quote from: buddydawg on January 18, 2008, 08:37:07 AM

Maybe we should get together and start a bus racing league? $:-\$

Bus racing is a regular-ish event in the UK - some examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu5V41aIrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lYZnCT8L-8&feature=related

There's various other similar clips on YouTube

Jeremy

gus · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2008, 01:04:37 PM »

The only difference between a garbage truck and any other truck/chassis is the garbage bed bolted on and the power takeoff - unless it has been used already!

A guy in OKC is converting a new Freightliner long wheelbase chassis into a 45' MH. This thing is huge and first class all the way.

TrevorH · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2008, 04:10:56 PM »

Quote from: Reddog on January 18, 2008, 08:44:36 AM

Anybody up for a pool for what Draco will bring at auction? I've got a cold one that says it won't break 50K.
Doug

I would take you up on that. I would bet a keg of Sam Adams that it goes over 50k. Any takers?

Reddog · « **Reply #21 on:** January 18, 2008, 04:17:21 PM »

I'll go a sixer of Sams that it stays under 50K, but you have to be in Kingman to collect.
Doug

TrevorH · « **Reply #22 on:** January 18, 2008, 05:46:25 PM »

But I will have the sixer down long before I get to Kingman!! Totally kidding of course. Should be interesting to see how it does. The niche stuff like that either does amazingly well or absolutely tanks. Let me know what it ends up at, as I have no access to what the bidding does.

Reddog · « **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2008, 07:00:36 AM »

My thoughts exactly, it is hard to say what it will bring given the uniqueness of the rig, hopefully over 50K, but I bet whatever it brings, it will be a real deal compared to what it would take to duplicate it. Doug

ryoo · « **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2008, 02:17:31 PM »

ryoo · « **Reply #25 on:** January 19, 2008, 02:20:49 PM »

Can not believe what this unit just went for. Checked out this unit over a year ago and thought it would go for more. Very sad for Ross.

Sean · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2008, 02:22:49 PM »

Well, I am very, very sorry to say that the bidding just ended, and, despite the best efforts of Spanky Assiter, the lot was hammered at a mere $44,000.

I know Shahn and Ross have more than ten times that amount in it, and I know they were hoping for (counting on?) a higher sale price.

Someone's got himself a real bargain at $48,400 (including the 10% buyer's premium).

To me, watching the bidding stall in the 40's was just sickening. The lesson I am taking away from this is that Barrett-Jackson is absolutely not the right venue for custom coaches. (The mutli-million dollar fetch, a couple years ago, for one of the Futurliners can be chalked up to the fact that the Futurliners, as part of GM's marketing efforts, are a part of automotive history and thus of interest to collector-car junkies, museum curators, etc.) Any smart ideas we may have harbored about selling Odyssey at Barrett-Jackson, when the time comes, are now banished forever.

Our hearts go out to Shahn and Ross, who are already struggling. This has just made their lives that much harder.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

Reddog · « **Reply #27 on:** January 19, 2008, 03:16:19 PM »

Borderline unbelievable is more accurate in my opinion. While Draco undoubtedly had a special appeal, it's intrinsic valve goes far and beyond the sale price.
I just went to the Denver RV show last weekend and saw a person getting ready to buy a slide in Bogfoot 4 season camper for $43.5K...a slide-in! As far as I'm concerned, this is a proof that while many at the BJ auction may have the bucks, all their taste in in their mouths. Maybe it was the wrong venue, but I shudder to think of how may people the rig was exposed to, it only takes two to make an auction
I'm sorry to say my earlier prediction was correct, I only wish I had been wrong.
Doug

tekebird · « **Reply #28 on:** January 19, 2008, 04:44:58 PM »

part of the problem of that thing, although I can appriciate it....it really only has a place in Baja Mexico.

Probably rides like dog poop and gets MPG about the same as if you were buring dog poop for fuel.

My Buddy's Custom COach clipper brought 120k something last year......

the Custom Coach landcruiser this year was just a sad example and the owners spent little time making it nice.

Watch the vegas Auction as another Custom Coach Flxible will be sold there.

ryoo · « **Reply #29 on:** January 19, 2008, 06:57:11 PM »

What ever the fact one or our fellow busnuts have been swayed. I feel like Ross should have gotten more for his hard work.