Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Heavy Overland Vehicle Tech
Tatra Ural Kraz East European & Russian Trucks Tatra Ural Kraz East European & Russian Trucks
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Heavy Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
OVER 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Tatra, Unimog, Iveco etc.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Mar 2012
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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.


Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Mar 2012
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
nice trck - look forward to seeing photos of the conversion.

not sure i'd like to pay the fuel bill thogh........
__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Mar 2012
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
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 .
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Mar 2012
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Apr 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
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.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Apr 2013
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
Make sure you get some ear defenders , with that detroit
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Apr 2013
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 May 2013
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Aug 2013
Globetrotter's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 112
Pictures?
Have you got some pictures yet? Would love to see them.

Cheers

Claudio
__________________
-Challenge your Limits-
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 Oct 2013
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19
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
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 1 Nov 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
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
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Nov 2013
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 19


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
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top