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Tatra Ural Kraz East European & Russian Trucks Tatra Ural Kraz East European & Russian Trucks
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Heavy Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
OVER 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Tatra, Unimog, Iveco etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 12 Mar 2012
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Tatra Ural Kraz East European & Russian Trucks
Thought share my project and experience to help anyone else using or considering high mobility / ex military type trucks.


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  #2  
Old 12 Mar 2012
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Tatra T815 6x6 TP6
Oops my iPhone typo, posted before completing info.
This is my 1987 Tatra T815 TP6 6x6 as purchased in CZ, about to be shipped to USA for rebuild / conversion, I've previously owned Ural 4320, Kraz 255b, worked in Ukraine & Siberia for brief time with Kraz Zil & Ural, I have 10 yrs experience in heavy hauling in USA for mining & oilfield mostly offroad, so hope I can help anyone considering a similar truck as an expedition camper etc
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  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2012
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nice trck - look forward to seeing photos of the conversion.

not sure i'd like to pay the fuel bill thogh........
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Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
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  #4  
Old 13 Mar 2012
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Tatra T815 6x6




1 benefit of these type vehicles is that they are true multi-fuel engines will tolerate 50% gasoline mix. I plan to run as much filtered used veg oil as possible

This photo below of one competing in Truck-Trials will give you some idea of my planned modifications:- military tyres, split rims with runflat inserts, suspension upgrades, but I plan trianglulated round tube full cab ROPS (roll over protection) The truck has a 22Ton winch as std eqt' which can pull from the front and the rear.
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  #5  
Old 13 Mar 2012
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What made you choose a double cab for trialing, or do you intend to convert the cab to living accommodation ? Looks in very good condition for a heavy haulage tractor .
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  #6  
Old 13 Mar 2012
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I had originally put a deposit on T815 8x8 with just 2dr ext' sleeper cab but when actually saw that it was not as good as the photos !!! Surprise surprise I switch money to this 1 which overall is more maneuverable than an 8x8 and gives up very little for the loss of 1 axle.
I also intend to explore the western USA with my family 1st so 4 drs is a plus
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  #7  
Old 8 Apr 2013
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Where are you with this project?
This thread has gone stagnant, but I am interested in re-invigorating it.
I am currently re furbishing a T815 in Prague, well having it done, while I work oilfield in Kenya. Looking to get over soon to check out progress.

Would love to see some photos of your progress.
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Old 8 Apr 2013
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Thanks for your interest.
Well like most people it's all about $$$ & time. Update, I have given up any idea of bringing in the factory V12 air cooled engine, as some you may know how the EPA / Customs regulates the imported engines / vehicles new and used, even if they are over 25yrs, heavy diesels are regulated from 1968 >
So as we speak the truck is all payed for, and about to have its engine removed, which its value is being traded in exchange for transport to Port Bremen, the 20% VAT I paid is supposed to be returned to me once the truck is loaded on ship, I will be chasing this as that's my ocean transport cost right there ,,,! In addition to the engine I don't need or want the 8 tons of concrete ballast weights or the rear platform bed, these will be removed, now the vehicle will be imported as if its an " assemblage of parts " with lower import duties. I have just purchased an old 1985 Autocar Construcktor 2 (no,that's how it's spelt) which I am scrambling to get ready for the Tatra's arrival as this will hauling it from Baltimore MD - Belgrade MT.

So if your wondering what engine I'm going to be re powering with 600bhp Detroit Diesel 8V92 & Allison HT754CRD
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  #9  
Old 13 Apr 2013
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Make sure you get some ear defenders , with that detroit
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Old 13 Apr 2013
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Your right, but with 2dr cab, mid/ rearward mount of engine, shouldn't be too big an issue, I have an Autocar with 8v92 with quiet muffler and the engine noise is good
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Old 16 May 2013
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Engine and ballast counter weights (concrete blocks 8.6 tons of it) removed, it's taken 4 weeks but I finally have a shipping quote, seems that the US gov' have taken away capacity as they return ship equipment from the Gulf to USA, anyway after a delay and some concerned phone calls, (due mainly to its now a non runner) $4800 + import duties Bremerhaven - Baltimore, expect it to be here in US end of June
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  #12  
Old 14 Aug 2013
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Pictures?
Have you got some pictures yet? Would love to see them.

Cheers

Claudio
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  #13  
Old 31 Oct 2013
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Up date!!!
Truck had to be loaded on a "Mafi" trailer because German port would not handle non-runner (engineless) any other way, this increased shipping from $4500 to $7500, they misled though as this did not include US port charges for crane unload off the Mafi trailer $3k + storage waiting for customs clearance & transport out of the port $50/day, customs clearance & import duties $1095 so I will have spent approx $14k to get the Tatra in the USA, fingers crossed should be out of the port 11/6-7 next week
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Old 1 Nov 2013
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Re running veg oil:
Over a longish distance veg oil getting into oil sump can react with lube oil and form a gelatinous mass which can destroy engine. Keep very close tabs on your oil viscosity and change it at perhaps half the normal interval. Which is a big hassle when travelling.

Charlie
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Old 17 Nov 2013
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So here it is finally in the USA, I temp' storage just outside Baltimore, soon will be on its final part of its transcontinental journey to Belgrade MT where it's rebuild & transformation will begin
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