Isuzu NPR tow vehicle?

[redcaddy51]

Hi.
I'm currently towing an '05 Keystone Cougar 27 EFS with my '05 Isuzu NPR (class 4) custom flat bed, the little 4 banger turbo / auto OD is well up to the task. My question is : am I the only odd ball out here doing that?

Back under my rock now.....

Paul in da swamp

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I've seen a couple of those over the years, so you aren't the only one.  You are a member of a very exclusive club, though.  ;D


The only photo I could find of an NPR and RV is this Australian couple:https://www.trucksales.com.au/editorial/details/couple-swaps-4x4-for-truck-to-tow-van-115825/

 

[redcaddy51]

Thanks. Sure would like to find a nice chrome 'roo guard like that one. Likely work well on the BLM road blockers (has to be chrome though, wouldn't want to make a racist statement, after all.)

Mine was a 26 foot box truck, with a lift gate, when I found her. Served as a furniture delivery truck for 126 K miles. A local upfitter cut the WB to 110 inches, added a Class 4 hitch, an air lock, class 8 slider, carrying a Reese 2 way reciever. Basically, if it has a hitch, I can tow it. The upfitter also re designated the GVWR numbers (licensed upfitters can do that) to reflect the increased towing capacity, yet Keep it under the commercial limits, for insurance and licensing purposes.

On the Highway, I can't pull long grades in OD, but I beat the big rigs and class A's to the top. The little bitty turbo 4 banger is an impressive bit of kit.

Thanks, Paul in da swamp

 

[Lou Schneider]

Looks nice!  What are the original vs. upfitted tow ratings and GCWR?

 

[redcaddy51]

I was told that the wheelbase modification raised ratings from 13,000 (on the metal tag, in the cab) to 21,000, I think because of how the weight is distributed between steer and load axles.

The hydraulic brakes and springs are the same as on the 5 ton (HD) version, (judging by part numbers) but with 16 inch rims VS 19 /22 inch on the 5 ton rated. (curiously, Isuzu doesn't rate any of the NPR series for towing, that I could find anyway)

My insurance had a bit of heartburn accepting the 13,000 rating with non commercial plates, DMV didn't have a problem. A call to my upfitter laid all that to rest, I now have non CDL plates, no license restrictions, as well as cheaper insurance here in Floriduh  Really glad I didn't try to do the cut down on my own.

I do know that my current 5er weighs 6800 lb. and I usually run the pin forward of the axle C/L ~ 5 inches.

At ~ 3 inches forward of C/L, occasionally, road surfaces or conditions will induce short bouts of chucking. (Heavy rain and headwind is the worst, never been in snow/ice. a light touch on the brake controller will usually stop it) When backing, I normally slide the receiver rearward, as far as I can, ~ 3 inches behind the C/L. Sitting right on the steer axle, it feels much like spotting a trailer with a fork lift, very easy to over steer.

I've only been stopped 1 time, down stream of a weigh station, for no visible DOT numbers, Gotta get the "not for hire" stickers, when the cop saw the Class 4 on the registration, he smiled and waved me away.

Sorry for the book,
Paul in da swamp

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

One of these I saw years ago had a 5W hitch mounted far back and carried a small car (a Fiat, as I recall) between the hitch and the truck cab. Plus some miscellaneous gear.  After unhitching, the hitch was removed and the car driven off the flat bed.

 

[redcaddy51]

Gary, must have been a long WB, I wanted mine as short as possible, with almost no overhang. (better for tag trailers) My whole rig is 42 feet over all length, and under 11,200 gross, loaded and fueled.

Initially, I was gonna flip the axle's for a bit more ground clearance, but I've gotten a bit long of tooth and grey of muzzle fer much more boondockin. Now squatting at WM for a nap is more likely'.and I don't have to unship to shop.

If I had it to do over, I'd opt for the crew cab HD, with the Turbo 6 banger. That way I could pack more useless stuff we don't need.

(what is it the cool kids call wally world camping?)

Thanks, Paul

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Gary, must have been a long WB,

Indeed it was, and it towed a 5W that must have been at least 36 ft

 

[WiskeyRomeo]

I’m very strongly considering a bery similar setup. The NPR I’m looking at is already the shorter 109” or so wheelbase. Do I need to do any of the things you did regarding the upfitter and paperwork to have a usable rig?

 

[Kirk]

I’m very strongly considering a bery similar setup.

I suggest that you start a new thread as this one was last responded to 4+ years ago.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The original poster with the NPR hasn't been active here since 2000, so he probably won't respond to your questions. As for what you may r may not need to do, that depends largely on what you expect to tow.
The NPR comes in class 3 & 5 gas models and a class 4 diesel. Specs vary, but most of them have a 6000 lb tow rating. Check the specs at Isuzu N-Series Gas Trucks

 

[WiskeyRomeo]

I suggest that you start a new thread as this one was last responded to 4+ years ago.

I guess so. My instincts were honed in the early days of the internet, when it was only the elite, and you’d get hammered for duplicating an already existing thread on the premise that a forum was a knowledge database. Now, especially on FB, Reddit, and the like, it’s all needy impatient types who are seemingly incapable of searching and just expect everyone to cater their every whim. I wasn’t certain where on that scale this forum landed.

 

[WiskeyRomeo]

The original poster with the NPR hasn't been active here since 2000, so he probably won't respond to your questions. As for what you may r may not need to do, that depends largely on what you expect to tow.
The NPR comes in class 3 & 5 gas models and a class 4 diesel. Specs vary, but most of them have a 6000 lb tow rating. Check the specs at Isuzu N-Series Gas Trucks

His posts are dated 2020 so it seemed a good bet he’d be around. Usually forums alert members to new replies, often via email. This would all be a moot point if I could just PM him directly but that doesn’t seem to be a thing here.

Yes, I’m looking at a class 4 diesel, which seems perfect for the job rather than overworking a lesser truck. The problem I’ve having right now is with insurance but I just started that journey. Lawyers…

 

[CharlesinGA]

Just click on their screen name, and information will appear that includes when they last visited the board. A PM would never be seen unless they visited the board. I've never seen forum software that sent emails to the posters.

Charles