| What's a Kei Mini Truck? |
Japanese "Kei Mini-trucks" are mini utility trucks that have two seats,
fully enclosed cab, A/C and heat, with a 6'x 4' cargo bed, and are used in
Japan much like full size delivery trucks are used here in the US. These
little trucks are powered by liquid cooled 3 cylinder 660cc gasoline engines
with shift on the fly 2WD to 4WD. Mini- trucks do not meet
U.S. safety standards for on-road registration due to their size.
These are off road vehicles only. We import the trucks from
Japan and convert them into the best off road utility vehicles on the
market. These little trucks will go anywhere and keep you warm or cool and
dry. Some even come with power dump beds. Jumbo cabs are also available
for taller people. They are very easy to drive, handle great, and have
plenty of power.
|
| What is Japan's vehicle Maintenance Policy? |
| Basically, all registered cars and trucks are required to
go through bi-annual maintenance checks. Vehicles are inspected carefully
and required work must be completed in order to renew registration. All
vehicles in Japan are kept in excellent condition. If they fail to pass
inspection the fees can be very costly. This is the reason these trucks
are kept in such great condition.
|
| Engine sizes |
Up to 1991 all models had a 550cc engine .
The Japanese Govt changed the law in 1991 which allowed all
"Kei" vehicles to have an engine up to 660cc.
All models from 1991 onwards are 660cc.
All models have a mid mounted 3 cylinder gas engine except the Subaru Sambar
which has an 4 cyl engine mounted in the rear.
|
| Which is the best model? |
This is a commonly asked question and to tell the truth, no
one model is better than the other..
(it's a bit like the Chevy vs. Ford debate)
A lot of it depends on the terrain or the environment .
On very hilly , steep country a centrally mounted engine is better
( a central centre of gravity ) and perhaps a model with diff lock is more
suited.
On flat to light rolling country any model will perform well.
The Subaru and Mitsubishi tend to have the larger cab which is better for
the taller or larger person.
|
| Are "Dump beds" available? |
| Yes they are. We usually try and keep a couple in stock but
they go fast. best to pre order if you would like one with a dump bed.
Same goes for the models with A/C.
|
| What colors are available? |
| Most all are white when they arrive. We can paint any color
you'd like. Most popular is camo, green, tan, or black. Your wife
wants a pink one?!? No Problem!! We can also
do a spray in bed liner or spray the entire truck with the bed liner type
paint. This gives a very durable and long lasting paint job that's scratch
resistant. See our pictures page for examples of our work.
|
| What gearboxes do they have? |
Suzuki "Carry"- usually a 5spd hi/low but some
have a 5spd + extra low gear ( 6 spd ) - no hi/low.
1st gear low ratio and extra low gear are very similar.
(1st low maybe very marginally slower.)
Mitsubishi "Minicab"- 4spd hi/low ratio or 5spd hi/low.
Honda "Acty"- 5spd fulltime 4wd - no hi/low.
Daihatsu "Hijet"- all have a 4spd hi/low ratio gearbox .
Some late model 1992 on have a std 5 spd g/box - no hi/low ratio.
Subaru "Sambar"- all have a 5spd + extra low gear ( 6 spd ). No
hi/low.
|
| Are Diff lock and LSD's available? |
Only in about 15% of Mini trucks have a diff lock or LSD.
Suzuki & Daihatsu from 1986 - 1992 put out some vehicles with diff
lock ( elec - on the rear ).
Suzuki continued putting diff lock in some vehicles from 1992 onward as
did Daihatsu , however again only on a limited number.
Mitsubishi's don't usually have a diff lock
however the odd one is fitted with LSD.
Subaru , being a rear engine mounted over back wheels does not have
either.
|
| How heavy are mini trucks? |
| - approx 1540lbs (700kg) . This will vary a little
depending on the extras fitted etc
|
| How big is the bed? |
Generally they are about the same size.
The rear bed measures aprox 6’ 6" long x 4’ 3"
wide.
|
| How much weight will they carry? |
We have seen all kinds of weight carrying capacity clamed
on other sites!
The vehicles are rated from the factory for a 350kg payload.
This works out to about 770lbs. |
