Rural Americans are importing tiny Japanese pickup trucks Bigger isn’t always better

[robbyrob]

article attached
Just returned from Japan MANY tiny trucks!

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[OleFordGuy]

YUCK. I'll pass

 

[IdahoDirtFarmer]

They're real popular around here for buzzing around between fields. Still too expensive for what they are for my taste. I bought a Piaggio Ape' cheap on an auction a few years ago. 40 mph max, but I paid $1,500 for it. Has a 420cc single cylinder diesel. Gets about 70 mpg.

 

[Thoron99]

There's a place here in NC that sells import Kei trucks. I'd really like one but if you're over 6' tall like me you barely fit in one unfortunately. 800lb cargo weight, road legal up to 55mph in NC, most are 4WD and allot have dumping beds. Only manual transmission on the majority AIUI, if that's an issue.

https://mayberryminitrucks.com/
(no not a sponsored post or anything)

 

[FriscoTXJoe]

I'm imagining Suzuki Samuri style rollovers in that white truck fosho!

 

[OleFordGuy]

They're real popular around here for buzzing around between fields. Still too expensive for what they are for my taste. I bought a Piaggio Ape' cheap on an auction a few years ago. 40 mph max, but I paid $1,500 for it. Has a 420cc single cylinder diesel. Gets about 70 mpg.

That reminds me of old school golf carts with some enhancements. Imagine it does serve the purpose well

 

[IdahoDirtFarmer]

That reminds me of old school golf carts with some enhancements. Imagine it does serve the purpose well

Kind of a handy little bugger. Payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds or so. I've thrown a 1,300 lb. bale of hay across the back and hauled it to the stack yard without issue. I don't remember what the towing capacity is since I don't tow much with it but it's way more than what it looks like it should be. Uncomfortable to drive if you are more than child size but gets the job done.

 

[Dmthomp32]

I see this little Japanese Field trucks all over Charlotte. I’m not sure if they are street legal or not but I see them on the street frequently, likely running between jobs or locations. I think a lot facilities with grounds crews use them.

 

[SlowTime2011]

Plenty of them around here North of Charlotte. I've thought about getting one just tool around.

 

[Deleted member 14823]

There's a place here in NC that sells import Kei trucks. I'd really like one but if you're over 6' tall like me you barely fit in one unfortunately. 800lb cargo weight, road legal up to 55mph in NC, most are 4WD and allot have dumping beds. Only manual transmission on the majority AIUI, if that's an issue.

https://mayberryminitrucks.com/
(no not a sponsored post or anything)

How do these sneak past the US safety regulations? Is it some kind of exemption?

 

[commadorebob]

Having driven an F-150 for the past month, I can say they are boats. Trucks are getting too big. I think the Maverick is the perfect size.

 

[jwesterly]

thanks for sharing, yes they won't be for everyone or even many, but for a few maybe. I recall a story during covid that food trucks were on the demise because of fewer office workers and the low mpg those step vans got, was making it uneconomical to even go out. I bookmarked this story of kei food trucks because I found their construction interesting - 1" sq tube aluminum fastened with L brackets instead of welding and AL skin using high bond tape. While probably limited to only street travel, it would still take some convincing of city food truck regulators to become more reasonable as they currently require a sizeable elaborate fire suppression system if you have a stove/fryer.

unfortunately the videos have disappeared but if they return you can find them here:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/lunchon/20220616/4023173/

 

[Scupking]

They are getting popular. A few people in my neighborhood have them. Also passed 2 yesterday driving around town. My coworker is looking into getting one.

 

[Stealth Raccoon]

Not street legal in CA sadly - because I'd absolutely have one! Cheaper than most of those side-by-sides people love to have around here.

 

[robbyrob]

visited the dealer in Japan

where is the Daihassu in the USA?
https://www.motor1.com/news/613868/daihatsu-tanto-fun-cross-debut/

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