JB500 camper body on L300 truck chassis build

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:39 pm

I've been eyeing these for years and never pulled the trigger for some reason. I know there's a few floating around and sparse information on the net, so I'm going to do a thread specifically on the JB500 in it's stock form for maintenance/specs and then I'll be modifying it with the usual suspension lift, 33" tires, some cutting/mods to the camper box and front/rear bumpers to make it into a mini camper similar to a domestic slide in camper/truck but more compact with better use of space and footprint.

A few fun facts considering it's over 20 years old.

The campershell is german Reimo factory built specific to the L200 4x4 4D46T 1 tonne Mitsubishi truck.. which is almost identical to the normal JDM L300 running gear/engine that we are familiar with. The difference lies in the ladder truck frame vs monocoque van body.

GVW is not much more than a standard 90's JDM L300 which was surprising considering the size difference, but then it makes sense as it's on a stripped down ladder frame truck chassis.

Interior has propane stove, 3 way 12v/120v/propane Engel fridge, propane forced air furnace, propane water heater and an electric 12v/120v radiant heater.

Full shower/sink & toilet w external removable cassette.

The windows are double glazed acrylic that are used in modern european/domestic and RV campers to eliminate condensation on windows and has manual blackout blinds.

Sleeps 4 adults. 2 full double beds.

Arrives in a few weeks and will start the mods right off the bat.

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jessef · Post by **jessef** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:51 pm

interior pics

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jessef · Post by **jessef** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:52 pm

interior pics

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OtherWoman · Post by **OtherWoman** » Sun Oct 01, 2017 7:44 am

Very Cool!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lrp374 · Post by **lrp374** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 11:15 am

This should a different challenge compared to your past projects. It'll be interesting to watch. Good to see your posting again.

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 5:56 pm

It will be pretty neat to work on an L300 with a truck frame. It's been a while. Wonder how many old timers are still on here ?

fozzie · Post by **fozzie** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 5:14 pm

I've only seen one of these. Very cool machines. Can't wait to see what you're gonna do. Always look forward to seeing your mods

north54 · Post by **north54** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:13 am

Jesse I saw one of these JB500 on Vancouver Craigslist earlier this year being sold locally. Did you see that one?

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 9:09 pm

Thanks guys. I saw a smaller version JB470 LHD converted for sale from Chile for a crazy $ amount. I haven't seen one of these JB500's yet. But I know there's at least 2 floating around BC/AB.

north54 · Post by **north54** » Sat Nov 04, 2017 4:22 pm

Off topic Jesse but are you still making front upper ball joint spacers?

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:23 pm

north54 wrote:Off topic Jesse but are you still making front upper ball joint spacers?

I still have a box full of them. Shoot me a pm.

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:09 pm

It grew a little. From 28" to 32" tires. Surprisingly they fit without a lift.

Drives very smooth and predictable like a regular L300. Ride, shifting and handling is much better with the Cooper AT/W E's.

Can't even tell it's a camper until you look back.

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jessef · Post by **jessef** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 9:13 pm

Have been using this camper ski touring this season and so far it does not disappoint. Snow covered hwy on the Duffey was not a problem and having a heated camper to come back to after a day of ski touring was like gold.

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lrp374 · Post by **lrp374** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 5:40 pm

Jesse it looks like you've added some LED headlights. Are you impressed so far?

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Fri Jan 19, 2018 12:31 pm

The LED dot headlights are great.

It's amazing how much interior space it has inside compared to how small it looks from outside. The layout and storage space is really efficient for a camper. It's really slow on hills (no turbo) but it has good torque and it cruises nice and mellow on highway. Really easy to drive in the city. It just feels like your driving a normal L300 until you look back and see the camper. Mellow. I installed a plat-cat vented heater and that's been awesome in the cold mountains so far. Best investment for sure. I'll be using this style heater in my future rigs. keep humidity below 50% and vents out all the gasses so interior heat is dry and toasty.

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