Isuzu NPS Expedition Truck raffled for over $500K
For the past four years, NTI, Australia’s largest transport and logistics specialist insurer, has raffled off a custom classic truck to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. For this year’s fifth annual offering, they went in a different direction from past projects, creating a big-dollar, fully-customised camper truck based on a new Isuzu NPS 4x4.
Dubbed the ‘Expedition Truck’, the base for this one-off build was an Isuzu NPS 75-155 4x4 crew cab, powered by the standard 4HK1-TCN 5.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 114kW at 2600rpm and 419Nm at 1600-2600rpm.
Fitted with Isuzu’s optional MYY-5A 5-speed automated manual transmission and a part-time 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, this motorhome was designed to go off the beaten track.
Upgrades included 19.5-inch wheels (instead of the standard 17.5-inch) and Goodride CM986 285/70R19.5 tyres, a Sherpa winch, 7-inch LED spotlights, auxiliary LED light bars over the cabin, a battery isolator and 60-litre undertray water tank.
In the cabin, the standard driver and front passenger seats offer air suspension and adjustable head and arm rests, with other comfort and convenience features including central locking, power windows and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt/tele adjustment.
The Austral motorhome atop the Isuzu NPS base was a slide-on unit that allows the truck to function as a regular hauler when not in place. Sized specifically for large dual cab trucks like this, the body measures 5.4m x 2.25m x 2.5m (LxWxH) on a 3.5m base. Powered slide-out sections on each side further improve interior space.
Sleeping for four inside includes a queen-size main bed and a double bed with comfortable mattresses.
Other features in this luxury unit included an internal shower with hot water, internal toilet, vanity basin, air conditioning, a two-burner cooktop and fridge/freezer. A further 150 litres of internal water storage augmented the 60lt external water tank.
The U-shaped lounge offered seating for five, with a stereo, LED TV, USB ports and LED internal lighting also fitted, along with plenty of storage space.
Given the power demands of all the gear in the premium Austral camper body, three 150-amp batteries and two 150-watt solar panels were fitted, along with a 2000-watt inverter.
Other features included a power-operated external awning, power-operated stability legs, blinds for all doors and windows, an external carrier for a 9kg gas bottle (plus connector to attach a bbq), custom access steps with a handrail and numerous safety features, like CO2 and LPG leak detectors and a fire extinguisher.
Valued at $275,000, the unique 4x4 motorhome commissioned by NTI was offered in a nationwide raffle early this year, with the draw at the NTI Townsville 500 round of the Repco Supercar Championship.
When all was said and done, this year’s fundraising effort brought in a record $555,800 - double the amount raised by last year’s raffle - with all funds going to the MND and ME Foundation for research at The University of Queensland.
NTI CEO Tony Clark, who made the call to the New South Wales-based winner, was overcome by the amount of money raised.
“This vehicle is the first of its kind to be raffled by NTI and includes a truck plus a motorhome,” Clark said.
“All of our partners understood the importance of the funds this vehicle will help raise and made time despite being at capacity.
“We’d like to thank our suppliers for partnering with us on this initiative. We are overwhelmed by the response.
NTI’s commitment to MND research fundraising was driven by the loss of former CEO Wayne Patterson, who succumbed to MND in 2015.
The record amount achieved by this raffle raises NTI’s contribution to MND research to more than $1.4 million.
