Leyland Daf T244

The truck we have chosen for this project is a Leyland Daf T244 and has 16.000 on the clock and is in a very good condition.  We purchased the T244 because they are cheap to buy and sourcing parts is easy.

The project is about designing and building an overland vehicle using an Ex Mod T244 with one of the main objectives being to keep the total weight under 7.5 tonnes so that a HGV driving licence is not needed to drive it.

We are fitting a central pivot similar to Steve Lorimer - Twiggs of Matlock are going to do all of my steel fabrication.

The panels are 50mm grp insulated panels (2-3mm grp with insulated core 4mm ply) which will be supplied by www.gmpanels.co.uk. These panels require no steel frame and they are glued together.

The design software used for the drawing and planning stages is Google's free download Sketchup 8.

We purchased the truck from Withams and removed the bed (steel removed weighed in at 770kg) that is without canvas and rear cargo doors which were not on the truck when purchased. I plan to remove as much heavy steel parts as possible and replace with fibreglass (wings - bumpers etc).

We have also been in contact with MicrOverlandeR about fitting the ZF S5-42 gearbox which we have already purchased from e-Bay.
The next stage is fitting rear pivot and deciding on what type of suspension - shock absorbers or air spring?

What made you choose this one?
We chose this particular truck - the Leyland Daf T244 after a long drawn out search to various places as it only had16.000 on the clock, was cheap to buy and sourcing the parts is easy.

Main criteria for this project?
The project is about designing and building an overland vehicle using an Ex Mod T244 with one of the main objectives being to keep the total weight under 7.5 tonnes.

Modifications undertaken?
So far we have removed the bed (steel removed weighed in at 770kg).

Modifications yet to do?
The next stage is fitting rear pivot

How does it perform?
Only driven once to VOSA test station the only problem was at 55 miles an hour your thrashing the engine hence the ZF S5-42 gearbox. As the suspension has not been done yet it was a bit of a bumpy ride!!!

What would you do differently?
The truck I bought is in very good condition so I payed a bit more for it. I would go for a low milage reasonable condition vehicle and pay a bit less! Most of these shiny parts have been removed - parts for these vehicles are easy to come by and Withams were selling brand new cabs for £250.

Comments (24)

Hello
written by Glenn Campbell, January 16, 2011

They are some great plans you have drawn up on sketckup. I am part way through building one that looks like it is going to be identacle to yours. Do you mind me asking how much you paid for the ZF S5-42?
I also went down the grp route with solid oak batons to attach the inside panels to, thus avoiding cold bridges. Im very pleased with the result.

I look forward to seeing the progress.

Glenn

ZF Gearbox
written by dab1965, January 16, 2011

Hi Glenn
The gearbox cost £31 you will see some on ebay for silly money but they are easy to find just keep looking on ebay for a reasonably priced one.

e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

...
written by Glenn Campbell, January 16, 2011

Thanks for that it sounds like a really worthwhile upgrade.

Realy keen to see how your build progresses.

This is what i heve done so far
http://www.theoverlander.org/my-wheels/trucks/leyland-daf.html

Glenn

...
written by Davemc, January 20, 2011

Hi guys looking forward to see the camper taking shape where abouts in the uk are you

cheers

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written by dab1965, January 20, 2011

HI Davemc

We are in Derbyshire

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written by Davemc, February 04, 2011

ok i thought it looked like scotland in some of your pictures plenty of daf trucks getting built into campers on here

7
written by toby., February 06, 2011

Hi There, how much difference do you think you will get with the zf box, after driving mine around abit from the Isle of white up to scotland , i found that i am happy sitting with the trucks on the motorway , but it would be nice to get abit more speed and not have my foot fixed to the floor. good luck with keeping it under the magic 7.5t, got our truck up to vosa and it came in at 7.9t cannot see how we could loose any more wt, and we have not even loaded the thing up yet

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written by toby hatton, February 14, 2011

whats the contact for dave at Microverlander, cannot find them with google

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written by David Bolderson, February 14, 2011

Hi
Toby contact me via my E-mail (above). Will be talking to dave later - will ask him to contact you. Did you get my last message?

Dave

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written by Glenn Campbell, March 11, 2011

Hi,
Do you by any chance know the weight of the spare wheel? I need it to work out the lifting mech im building on mine.

Thanks,

Glenn

Spare Wheel
written by David Bolderson, March 11, 2011

Hi Glenn,

Sorry Glenn I don't. I plan to remove whole mechanism and spare wheel (its just as easy to fit a new tyre). I was planning to start soon so I will see if I can find out for you.

Kind regards,

Dave

Comments
written by Steve Lorimer, April 21, 2011

Dave

Air sprung suspension all the way! We installed gas shocks from Monroe, and while a massive improvement over the mil-spec shocks, you're never going to get a comfortable ride on parabolic springs. AFAIK most of the commercial overland trucks have air-suspension. Makes all the different in the world!

Also, fibreglass bumpers and wings? Perhaps keep hold of the original steel ones and refit them when you leave Europe. Depending on where you go, and how far off the beaten track you go, you may find yourself wishing for the protection the original wings/bumpers ets provided.

Good luck with the build, keep us updated!

Cheers
Steve

How's the project progressing?
written by Tony Evans, June 22, 2011

Hi
Overland Vehicles have just about finished my Daf 45/150 camper. Ed's new construction got the registered weight to 6.9tons! I am very interested to know what difference the ZF gearbox makes? Have you fitted air suspension, has the ride improved?

Tony Evans

...
written by David Bolderson, June 22, 2011

Hi
Tony have not fitted new gearbox Dave (microverlander) is building a kit but have not spoke to him for a while so I don-t know how far he has got (Will Email him and let you know).
My truck is booked in for respray so should be painted soon - will post pictures when finished.
You must be pleased weight is under 7.5t - I knew it could be done.
I have now got copies of DAF Maintenance Schedule and Operating Information - I am trying to put them in a PDF format at the moment if you would like a copy - if so please let me have your e-mail address.
Dave

Thanks
written by Tony Evans, June 22, 2011

Would love to get a copy.
My email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thanks for your help

Tony

DAF Mantiance Schedule & Operating Information
written by Wolfgang, August 22, 2011

Hello,

greeatings from Germany!
I need a Copy from Mantiance Scedule and Operating Information. Please send me one per Mail.

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thanks W.

Off road practice
written by Tony Evans, September 18, 2011

Hi Guys,
Just a quick note to gauge any interest or ideas on how to organise some off road practice with our Leyland Daf 145 campers.
We have had our camper for 2 months and completed 2000miles of mostly road trips. I would like some practice off roading but we are struggling to find a suitable venue. Iv approached a few 4x4 friends but they are concerned that the weight/size of my truck would be a problem to recover if I got stuck.
I thought it might work to organise a gathering of similar vehicles to practice in the rough and also share experiences - ideas on our vehicles.
Let me know if there is any interest or ideas of where/when we could meet.
Tony Evans (based in Gloucestershire)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
P.S. Im trying to increase engine power, has anyone fitted an intercooler? Its listed as a factory option but I cant find a supplier. Any ideas?

copy leyland daf manual
written by bart schiks, September 20, 2011

Hello David Bolderson,

if you have the manual already converted to pdf, i could do with a copy please?

my e-mail is b_schiks(at) hotmail.com

Leyland DAF Manuals
written by Michael Green, October 17, 2011

Dave would you be interested in a swap of the PDF version of Maintenance Schedule [yours] with Repair Instructions [mine]?
Let me know Mike

Daf manuals
written by David Bolderson, October 17, 2011

Hi Mike

I already have repair instructions but would be happy to email maintenance schedule and operating instructions if you want them just let me know your email address.

DAF Manuals
written by Michael Green, October 17, 2011

Thanks Dave; I have the Operating Instructions but would appreciate the maintenance schedule. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Mike

Maintenance & Operating Instructions
written by Mark Prior, November 07, 2011

Hi Dave,

If you are still looking at this thread I would absolutely love a copy of the DAF manuals that you have. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I'm currently travelling around The Americas in a converted DAF. GS. Going well but have had problems with starter motor breaking and being replaced.

Thanks very much.
Mark
www.fromatob.com

Newly purchased project
written by Sparks101, January 12, 2012

Guys, I have bought a Daf 4 Tonne from Overland vehicles ltd. I am after any manuals I can lay my hands on in PDF file. If anyone can oblige I would be extremely grateful. Or the location I maybe able to download them.
My email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Maintenance & Operating Instructions
written by harry, January 22, 2012

seems everyone wants the PDF manuals and I'm another one.
Would really appreciate a copy of any manuals you have.
my e-mail is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
thanks.