Big, blue & straight to you: the Li'l Dumpling Van & Isuzu

Fit for purpose

Requiring an 8.5-metre-long chassis to accommodate their new custom-designed kitchen and servery from Frank's Food Vans in Tullamarine, Emma and Herris landed-on a NQR 87/80-190 with 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) recommended by the team at Geelong Isuzu.

The NQR features a GVM of 8,700 kg and a GCM of 12,200 kg, with a turbocharged four-cylinder 4HK1-TCC engine that can reliably draw the weight of the required kitchen equipment and supplies.

The ability of the NQR platform to safely float the weight of the custom build was a key issue for Emma and Herris, who were investing a significant amount of money into the production of their new business venture.

The NQR's steel spring suspension with double acting hydraulic shock absorbers on front and rear, in combination with a total axle capacity of 9,700 kg, far exceeding the 8,700 kg GVM, put any concerns to rest.

"With the heavy build and the appliances, we knew we needed a strong, quality truck and a reliable brand if wanted to keep it going for at least 10 years," Herris explained.

"So, we started asking around and people from other food trucks would say, 'If you want cheap you go this way, but if you want quality, you choose Isuzu.'

"We were very happy to go with Isuzu."