Who hasn’t, at some point, envisioned owning a vehicle capable of conquering any terrain? The fantasy of commanding an unstoppable machine, navigating the most remote corners of the globe, is a powerful one. While dreams of personal tanks like the Howe & Howe Ripsaw might be a bit out of reach for many, with prices often exceeding half a million dollars, a more attainable option exists: the Fat Truck.
Manufactured by Zeal Motor, Inc. in Quebec, Canada, the Fat Truck offers a diverse range of configurations to suit various needs and adventures. These vehicles stand out for their impressive capabilities, particularly their complete amphibiousness. They can navigate water of any depth, expanding the boundaries of off-road exploration.
The Fat Trucks achieve this extraordinary capability through massive tires. These tires, which are “small” by Fat Truck standards, are 52 inches tall and 19 inches wide. They run on a low inflation pressure, ranging from 0.5 to 6.0 psi, which can be fully inflated in just 15 seconds using the integrated 150-cfm central air system.
Fat Trucks: Models and Specs
The Fat Truck offers several different models, each with their own unique features:
- Fat Truck 2.4 Pickup: The base model, priced at around $128,000, is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder HATZ 3H50TICD diesel engine, producing 56 hp with 136 lb-ft of torque. It can reach a top land speed of 20 mph and a water speed of 3.1 mph. With a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds and seating for four, this pickup can handle inclines up to 35 degrees and sidehills up to 22 degrees. Its dimensions are 129 inches in length, 91.5 inches in height, 88 inches in width, and 20.6 inches of ground clearance.
- Fat Truck 2.8 Pickup: This is a slightly larger version of the 2.4 Pickup available for around $138,000. It features an open bed with seating for up to eight passengers and can tow up to 3,500 pounds while carrying a payload of 2,200 pounds. The 2.8 Pickup is driven by a 2.2-liter Caterpillar C2.2 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine capable of 74 hp with 199 lb-ft of torque. It will do up to 25 mph on land and 3.1 mph on water. Dimensions are 146.5 inches in length, 103 inches in height, 100 inches in width, and it weighs 4,960 pounds.
- Fat Truck 2.8 Wagon: The 2.8 Wagon takes the 2.8 Pickup and encloses the rear passenger and cargo compartment. Price is around $143,000. Specifications are similar to the 2.8 Pickup, including the 2.2-liter Caterpillar diesel engine, 3,500-pound towing capacity, and 2,200-pound payload capacity. The wagon is slightly heavier at 5,440 pounds, leading to a minor reduction in overall height.
- Fat Truck 8×8 Hauler: Designed for the most rugged terrains, the 8×8 Hauler is the company’s most powerful model. Price starts at $148,000. It can carry payloads up to 5,000 pounds (1,000 pounds in the front and 4,000 pounds in the rear) and tow up to 3,500 pounds. Powering the hauler is a four-cylinder 3.8-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine that produces 173 hp with 457 lb-ft of torque. The 8×8 Hauler has a top speed of 25 mph on land and 3.1 mph on water.
- Fat Truck 8×8 Wagon: The largest in the Fat Truck lineup, the 8×8 Wagon can seat up to 16 passengers and has a payload capacity of 4,000 pounds (1,000 pounds in the front and 3,000 pounds in the rear). It can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It utilizes the same 3.8-liter Cummins I-4 turbodiesel engine as the 8×8 hauler, providing 173 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. Its specs are similar to the 8×8 Hauler including land speed and water speed.
The Fat Truck provides a unique blend of capability. Whether you’re looking to conquer challenging landscapes for work or leisure, the Fat Truck offers a compelling solution for those who seek to go where others can’t.
