Test drive report: Turkey
From Germany to Turkey with CAPETRUCK
An Iveco Daily 4×4 expedition vehicle as a travel partner - is it suitable for long off-road tours?
In this report on my first test drive, I take you on my first big trip in my self-built CAPETRUCK. My journey took me from Germany to Turkey. You will find out about traveling and living in the CAPETRUCK, how the Iveco Daily 4×4 performs as the base vehicle of this expedition vehicle in everyday life, in the cabin and off-road - and why the vehicle is made for a big trip around the world.
Peter is the founder of CAPETRUCK and lives by his motto, “At home outdoors.” A former CEO of a software company and a trained mechanical engineer, he developed his own off-road expedition vehicle based on the Iveco Daily 4×4. On long trips with his dogs, Lucy and Bella, he is constantly testing and improving it.
A Long Journey: From Germany to Turkey
When the CAPETRUCK was ready to travel in the workshop for the first time, it was clear that it was finally time to get serious. After months of planning, fitting out and countless detailed decisions, what I had built the CAPETRUCK for was finally waiting - my first big trip. It was from Germany to Turkey. Even the first few kilometers felt different than any vacation trip before: I was finally on the road with a All-wheel drive vehicle for expedition and adventures on the road and - in addition to my two 4-legged colleagues Lucy and Bella - I had my whole life with me.
The CAPETRUCK als Iveco Daily 4×4 expedition vehicle is not your typical van, and of course it’s not a classic RV either—it’s a vehicle that falls somewhere in between. It’s exactly this combination that makes the vehicle so exciting to me. From the very first moment, you can tell that this vehicle is built for long trips—even though the standard equipment in the driver’s cab is deliberately functional rather than luxurious. On my first long trips, I felt right at home in my CAPETRUCK.
Why the Iveco Daily 4×4 as a base?
Before the CAPETRUCK, I faced one basic question. Which base vehicle carries a solid living cabin? Which one stays below 7.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight? And which one really works off-road? There was no way around the Iveco Daily 4×4.
It brings exactly what an expedition vehicle needs. That means a ladder frame, all-wheel drive, low-range gearing and up to three differential locks. With up to 230 mm of ground clearance, it handles rocky tracks and sandy ground. The long wheelbase makes room for a large cabin. At the same time, it spreads the load evenly across front and rear axles.
Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre diesel with 132 kW (180 hp). It delivers 430 Nm of torque. That leaves reserves even on tough terrain.
Payload from the commercial vehicle world
The Daily comes from the world of commercial vehicles. You notice that in its payload. The chassis is rated for up to 2,000 kg. That leaves plenty of room for a cabin and expedition gear.
A C1 licence is enough
An expedition vehicle up to 7.5 t has one big advantage: a C1 licence is enough. Do you still hold the old German class 3 licence issued before 1999? Then you may even tow a trailer. You don't need an extra test for that.
Flexible and easy to handle
The 7.5-tonne class stays flexible for ferries, toll systems and smaller roads. The vehicle drives like a compact truck. It never moves into the really heavy classes.
Workshops worldwide
For long-distance travel, one more point matters to me: Iveco has workshops worldwide. The proven technology stays serviceable even in remote regions. That gives me peace of mind on the road.Werkstätten gibt es weltweit. Die bewährte Technik bleibt auch in abgelegenen Regionen verfügbar. Das gibt mir unterwegs ein gutes Gefühl.
Add my custom-built cabin to that. The result is a vehicle that can do far more than a classic motorhome. Yet it doesn't play in the league of heavy truck-based expedition vehicles. The CAPETRUCK fills exactly this gap: robust, compact and easy to drive. Innovative, safe technology comes in a beautiful design. Every detail, however small, follows a well-thought-out concept. That's why I travel with a good and safe feeling.
Access, cab and everyday practicality
Anyone standing in front of an Iveco Daily for the first time quickly realizes: Wow - pretty high. Getting in and out of the Iveco Daily 4×4 standard vehicle via the narrow, external step bars takes some getting used to - especially when getting out after a long day of driving. I have therefore replaced the standard steps with specially developed, significantly wider and lower footboards. So the Noticeably safer entry and exit and more pleasant.
The cab itself is kept rather functional, but in practice is very functional. The sprung seats absorb a surprising amount of the bumps from bad roads. All-round visibility is good, and the legroom ensures a comfortable ride even on long journeys. Relaxed driving. The navigation system, multimedia, hands-free system and cruise control are all on board and do their job quietly - just as you would expect on a long journey. The permanently usable passageway from the driver's cab to the cabin increases the comfort. Comfort.
The cabin interior -
Living comfort while traveling
With CAPETRUCK, it was clear to me from the outset that the Cabin interior must not only be practical, but also designed for long journeys: Stable and with good insulation, intelligent storage solutions, a functional kitchen and a bathroom that is not too small. The result is a spacious floor plan that also works on rainy days.
My everyday life has already shown how important and pleasant these details are:
- The Interior is solidly built and conveys a very cozy, high-quality feeling.
- The Insulation ensures that both cold nights in the mountains and heat in Turkey are easy to cope with.
- Sound insulationA big advantage of the thick walls and glass windows: the interior is pleasantly quiet.
- Freedom of movementKitchen, seating area and the bed (raised under the ceiling) are arranged in such a way that two people can move around without feeling cramped.
My two four-legged friends, Bella and Lucy, are also enjoying the enormous space in the interior. A practical feature is that the Passage from the cab to the cabin is large enough to quickly switch between driving and living areas - whether in a parking lot, on a parking space or somewhere off-road.
The combination of PV system, on-board batteries and fresh water system makes the CAPETRUCK very self-sufficient in everyday use. Standing times of several days away from pitches or campsites are easily possible without having to sacrifice comfort. This turns the vehicle into a small home on the road, allowing you to plan longer expeditions far away from the infrastructure in a relaxed manner.
CappadociaImpressive rock landscapes: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Off-road driving behavior:
Where the Iveco Daily 4x4 shines
It was in Turkey, if not before, that the part of the trip began that really put the Basis Daily 4×4 to the test: gravel roads, low-lying parking spots along the roadside (inaccessible to “standard” vehicles), steep climbs, and narrow mountain roads. That’s when I realized why this model is also appealing for challenging off-road adventures.
The Iveco Daily 4×4 has all-wheel drive, a reduction gear and up to three differential locks - front, rear and in the transfer case. Used correctly, this ensures a Impressive traction, even when only a few wheels still have real grip. I was able to maneuver my CAPETRUCK precisely on stony tracks, in deep ruts or on soft ground without having to constantly build up momentum. This is also where the Suitable tires and a well-coordinated load distribution across each axle.
It is important to use the differential locks consciously:
- It is best to engage the locks only when stationary or at very low speed.
- Use them regularly to keep the mechanics and floor pulls moving.
- Release the locks after tricky passages to save material.
When used correctly, differential locks are a major advantage. Especially on difficult terrain, they provide additional traction and control.
In the background is the town of Uçhisar, which is dominated by a 60-metre-high castle rock.
Driving experience between asphalt and track
On the highway, the Daily shows that it originally from the world of vans It drives with confidence, yet you can always feel the high body and the Robust technology. At certain speeds on very slippery roads, the chassis feels a little unsettled - the vehicle then briefly reminds you that it is Designed for off-road use was. You are clearly closer to a truck than a car, which is also evident in the direct driving experience.
The picture is reversed in the field: The High ground clearance, The frame and suspension play to their strengths. Where normal motorhomes fail on bumps or washouts, the Daily 4×4 rolls on in a controlled manner. Without the constant fear of bumps or damage to the cab. The Chassis is rather firm which is noticeable on poor roads. And it is precisely this firmness that makes the vehicle precisely controllable.
Engine power and transmission:
Honest, tough and persistent
The engine and transmission of the Iveco Daily 4×4 are discussed time and again. Okay, the engine is not a racing machine with around 175-180 hp (132 kW), but Solidly dimensioned for a vehicle that is ultimately traveling towards 7000 kg including the cabin. On steep sections of highway, this is not a sprint, but rather a serene ascent. You drive more with a truck feeling, the area where the Daily is at home, and adapt your cruising speed to the character of the vehicle.
The transfer case and differential locks ensure good off-road progress. When driving normally on the road, the transfer case certainly makes its presence felt acoustically. Especially at the beginning, the howling and singing seems unusual. With increasing mileage, it runs a little more quietly, but remains audible - you could say: it is a little part of the Daily 4×4. Character of the vehicle. If you are looking for an expedition vehicle that behaves acoustically like a luxury sedan, you are in the wrong place. Those who are prepared to accept the noises as „Feedback from the technology“, you get a very honest vehicle.
At this point, a big compliment to the IVECO engineers for the HI-Drive automatic transmission with 16 gears. It shifts with astonishing precision. On long downhill stretches, the engine brakes very comfortably via the transmission, which is particularly helpful when the rear axle is heavily loaded with the cabin and luggage.
Relaxed on long journeys
On long journeys from Germany via Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria to Turkey, it becomes clear how important Ergonomic seats and a good cab. The suspended seats in the cab noticeably reduce fatigue. The CAPETRUCK's comfortable interior makes it easy to relax quickly and comfortably after long days on the road.
This combination of composure, technical understanding and an interior optimized for travel makes the CAPETRUCK a coherent overall package. You can travel relaxed for days on end and can spontaneously stop in the middle of nowhere. In an emergency, the all-wheel drive technology and the robust base Sufficient reserves, to return safely to solid ground.
CAPETRUCK auf Iveco Daily 4×4 Basis
Tires:
When the ground becomes a playground
The first gravel tracks feels like an invitation to me. The Mudchamp tires grab hold where others have long since given up. Deep holes, rough stones, washed-out gullies - the profile patiently bites its way through. The tunnels clear themselves, the Grip remains surprisingly stable even in wet mud. You can feel how confidently the Daily finds its way instead of searching nervously.
The high load index of the tires is a perfect match for the heavy Daily 4×4 and its cab. After all, the Tires a key factor for how confidently you can drive off-road and how much tractive force actually reaches the wheels. Another one of those moments when I grin slightly as the vehicle calmly pulls on off-road where others would have turned around long ago.
Consumption:
Range in the head, adventure in the tank
The Iveco Daily 4×4 plays in the truck league in terms of performance. On long distances with mixed driving style Realistic consumption values at 22 liters per 100 kilometers. For a fully equipped touring vehicle with a large frontal area like the CAPETRUCK, this is absolutely justifiable. I drive relatively defensively and also respect the speed range of the technology. So I usually stay under 25 liters. Also for a good feeling with Range and consumption.
AdBlue runs rather inconspicuously: Around 13 liters per 2400 km is perhaps an approximate value. This means that the auxiliary tank requires replenishment much less frequently than the diesel tank. This is a real advantage for long stages on round-the-world trips or remote routes.
Encounters, landscapes and freedom
An off-road motorhome doesn't just change the route, it changes the whole way you travel. In remote regions of Turkey, on slopes in the mountains or along lonely stretches of coast a Freedom, that would be almost impossible to achieve with a classic motorhome. And yet the CAPETRUCK looks like a Door openerPeople stop, ask about the vehicle, want to know where you're coming from and where you're going.
At the national borders on my journey, many a border official carried out a vehicle check. As it turned out, in order to get a View into the cabin to be able to throw.
My personal conclusion on the CAPETRUCK
After several thousand kilometers, one thing is clear to me: the Iveco Daily 4×4 as a base vehicle is not a perfect vehicle, but a very honest. In combination with a well thought-out cabin As with the CAPETRUCK, it has become a reliable partner in the up to 7.5 t class. Yes, the Iveco Daily 4×4 Offroad has its Characteristics of the chassis and the transmission. It is more of a commercial vehicle than a passenger car - but it is precisely these characteristics that make it so durable and robust.
Anyone who is prepared to Automotive engineering to get involved, the Strengths in off-road and 4×4 use By making the most of its strengths and consciously managing its few weaknesses, you’ll have a vehicle that will reliably take you far. For me, the CAPETRUCK is far more than just a vehicle today—it’s a piece of freedom on wheels. And that first off-road adventure in Turkey was just the beginning.
Whether it's a short test drive, an expedition lasting several weeks or a long trip around the world: This all-wheel drive vehicle makes you want to go, just keep on going to be.
Weiter zum Fahrbericht Nordamerika …
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