 South America Bound Sold
in 1997 for $34,890
The Four Wheel Pop-Up Camper served us well throughout South America, and later in Mexico and Canada, but as any pop-up with soft sides, it was a tent, and tents, by nature, leak and are hard to keep warm. It was a good compromise for the weight and low profile, and we would later use it in Russia.
In 1994, already thinking about Russia, we took International's offer to upgrade the 6.9 L engine for the improved 7.3 L Turbo, and The Turtle III got a new lease on life. Still, driving across all of Eurasia, including a winter crossing of Siberia, would be a tough adventure for an 8-year old truck. Could it make it? Undoubtedly! Would we prefer an all new F-350? Of course! The Turtle IV was delivered in 1992.
ENGINE: The final engine in The Turtle III was a hand-assembled Navistar 7.3 Liter Turbo Diesel. It was dyno tested at the factory, fitted with an Arctic fuel injection pump allowing it to run on anything from #1 Diesel to kerosene or jet fuel, re-tested, and sent to the Navistar Marine Engine division for special paint and clear coating. After '87 electronics were mated to the 1994 engine, it was expertly installed by Ken Imler Diesel in Sacramento. During installation, all mounts and hoses were replaced if any sign of wear could be seen. FUEL: Stock diesel fuel system was modified by adding a Racor auxiliary fuel filter/water separator/fuel heater. The problematic stock Carter fuel lift pump was replaced with a more reliable Airtex pump. As previously noted, a Stanadyne Arctic Fuel Injection Pump was installed. A Transfer Flow fuel vent system was installed to allow large nozzles and high pressure hoses to be used.
High-performance ATS mandrel-bent exhaust system. COOLING: Standard towing package. The heavy duty radiator was completely reconditioned and the clutch fan was replaced when the new engine was installed. ELECTRICAL: Two Optima sealed batteries were kept fully charged by a Link-Arc 190 amp alternator, routed through a Link-Arc Power Tool which could supply 110 AC power and function as a full-service welder and a quick-charge battery charger. A twin solenoid battery cutoff switch sent full charge to the two GNB sealed deep-cycle batteries in the camper. The GNB batteries fed numerous 12 volt DC outlets in the truck and camper, and also produced 110 AC via a Statpower ProWatt 600 watt inverter. TRANSMISSION & TRANSFER CASE: Both the transmission and transfer case were completely overhauled following our South American adventure, replacing all seals and bearings, and any other worn parts. A new clutch and throw-out bearing were installed. A Gear Vendors Overdrive was added. Where possible, gear boxes were equipped with remote breathers attached to K&N filters. DIFFERENTIALS: Both
front and rear differentials were equipped with ARB Air Locking Differential
systems. Air is supplied by the Ready Air system. Differentials were
connected to remote breathers attached to K&N filters. Drive lines were regularly overhauled by Central Drive Line Service in Sacramento, CA. All U-joints were Spicer lubeable types. All yolks, slip tubes and CV joints were periodically replaced with Timken, Spicer and Federal Mogul parts. BRAKES: Both front and rear brakes were regularly overhauled using quality Raybestos components. The entire brake system was periodically flushed with DOT 3 fluid. AXLES: All axles, bearings and seals, front spindles, U-joints, and inner front axle seals were OME. Front hubs were repacked on a regular basis. Locking hubs were Mile Marker. WHEELS AND TIRES: Wheels were ALCOA hot forged aluminum one-piece wheels. Tires were BFGoodrich 255/85R/16/D Mud Terrains.
All spring packs were custom made and installed by National Spring in El Cajon, CA. A special duel shock set-up was designed by Ted Kendall Engineering in Lakeside, CA. Shocks were Warn Black Diamond. STEERING: Stock steering. A Perma-Cool heavy duty power steering cooler was added with a removable cold-weather cover. A Warn Black Diamond steering stabilizer was fitted. The truck was equipped with a hand-stitched Grant leather steering wheel which incorporated the electronics for the Ford cruise control system and the twin Bosch air pumps which fed six very loud Bosch air horns.
The Turtle III was fitted with custom Rickard compartment bumpers. The front unit featured two locking storage boxes and a full wrap-around bull-guard designed by Ted Kendall Engineering. It included two trailer hitch sockets, mounts for auxiliary PIAA lights, a two-speed 12,000 lb MegaWinch electric winch, and an R&M Hot Water Shower System.
SEATS: German Scheel-Mann Series 400s with head rests. The passenger side was fitted with an air lumbar support. The driver's side was fitted with a Schukra System lumbar support. Both seats were fully adjustable and of orthopedically correct design. Filler four-point racing harnesses were used. CENTER CONSOLE: The solid walnut center console was custom made by Jean’s Cabinets to our specifications. It held a Halda Twin-Master trip meter, and was wired for an electric compass and digital inside/outside temp gauge. Two compartments held a variety of travel items. A hidden compartment was large enough for money, keys and a hand gun. OVERHEAD CONSOLE: The solid walnut overhead console was also custom made. It held a radar and laser detector, a full-feature Midland CB radio with PA, four Jensen auxiliary light switches, and two Osram halogen map lights.
Other
features are almost too numerous to mention. They included the following:
The Four Wheel Pop-Up Camper fitted to The Turtle III was built in Colorado. It was modified and repaired by the factory now in Woodland, California. The
Camper Features Include:
 •
Four Wheel Camper Winter kit • 600 watt Statpower 12 volt DC to 110 volt AC inverter • Osram fluorescent lights • Fantastic roof vent • Two Jensen 12-volt auxiliary fans • Hayden inside/outside Hi/Low Temperature gauge • Everpure two-stage water filter with two outlets • Heavy duty Shurflo water pump • 3,500 BTU propane heater • Three-way Sanyo refrigerator • Two 90 amp hour GNB deep cycle sealed batteries • Full Yakima sports roof rack • Two Packasport storage pods • Full length A&E Trans-Awn 2000 awning • Two PIAA flood/back-up lights wired to the truck transmission with manual override • Radiant Technology reflective insulation
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