Looking to buy a Monster Truck (Seriously)
 

EDIT: Looking to BUY a Monster Truck (Seriously)

My uncle in Europe owns a very successful camp that includes a giant rock wall and other outdoor activities. He wants to get a monster truck for the camp, which would be likely fitted with rows of seats in the bed of the truck and a roll cage. The truck's job would basically be to give rides through forest terrain/ dirt.

He's asking me to look around the U.S. for a monster truck for him to import. My initial thought would be to look around the South for a Ford or Chevy, but than I figured why not just go with a Mog? Repair parts and expertise would be easier to find for a Mog in Europe (I imagine) Plus, getting a Mog would bypass the expense of importing (shipping/ handling)

What would you do? I've never shopped around for a monster truck. Consumer Reports was no help.

Mog, Mog, Mog, By all means, Grab a Mog. I would, if I were you.

Nick

Ya . . . I really don't see any advantage to a lifted Chevy or Ford over a Unimog in this scenario.

Unimog's are not cool in Europe, American monster trucks are! :rolleyes:

True . . . I guess an TRUE AMERICAN monster truck would be a much grander attraction.

Kind of overkill to run a bunch of kids around!?:D The engines run on alcohol and put out like 5k hp.

I'm sure their are companies that build them, give them a call and see if they offer more tame versions or maybe have an old one thats not suitable for racing anymore.

You can't really compare a Mog to a monster truck.

So cool...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7mEwuXx_ks&feature=related

There is a slight price difference...


-John

Mog $10k, Bigfoot $250k.:D

If I remember correctly they burn about a gallon a minute of methanol at idle.:D

Like the others suggested, I'd go for a 'mog - something like this: http://www.unimogsales.com/unimogforsale-U1300L-1987.html

If he's set on an American truck, I'd forget a "true" monster truck because it's a purpose-built racing machine that would be useless for his application. Just about any builder could provide a lifted truck with simple mods like big tires and a flat bed that would fill the bill. The engine wouldn't even have to be modded except for a loud exhaust to create the illusion.

First, find out the import laws for the EU. Choose a truck that fits the best to their specs.

There may be a couple scenarios. One is if the destination country places a value on the completed vehicle for tax/tariff purposes. In this case, I would have a builder make a "kit" truck with all the engine and suspension mod parts and larger wheels shipped in a container to be assembled by someone over there. The other scenario would be to simply build a truck here to your Uncle's specs and ship it "ready to roll".

I would also pick something like a small block chevy powered truck because I think, even over there, SBC parts are fairly easy to come by.

KarTek, I really appreciate your reply.

A Unimog seems like the simplest plan, but a lifted Chevy with some meaty tires would go further in terms of the "experience" . . . and would be much easier to use and maintain than a full blown "Monster Truck"

I'll let you know what he says.

those engines actually get 0.057MPG or 300 feet per gallon. not really worth it. If you want a trail truck get a ford F-350 with the diesel and tune it up and raise the thing real high thats would be interesting.

Right now, I'm looking at the Ford and Dodge with Diesels, because they offer a 6-speed Manual unlike the Chevy. Monday I'll be checking with dealers to see just how hard it is to find a Diesel with a Manual. And checking lift kits and gigantic tires. Thanks for the input You guys . . . I can't wait until I have some pictures to post.

BTW . . . I'm naturally going with a 4x4, it wouldn't be right any other way. :)

Besides lift, big tires, jumps and noise, steering makes the monster truck unique for the general public IMO.

There are three on demand steering options you'll want.

1) Normal (front steering).
2) Turn wheel left, and both front and rear wheels turn left (crab).
3) Turn wheel left, and front turns left while rear wheels turn right.

I think we'll keep the steering standard, although I agree that rear wheel steering would score a lot of points.

Take a drive through toronado alley, you will find what you are looking for, especially when they are in need of money for their tractor repairs.