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VEHICLE HISTORY
Page 122
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Dodge Commando G12 Two-Axle Rigids Dodge Commando G12 Two-Axle Rigids As the opening paragraphs of the original Dodge G12 road test report pointed out, the previous test of a Commando the R1G16 16-tonner set new economy standards on CM's Welsh middleweight test route. And the Commando 2 12-ton gross "produced a similarly workmanlike performance-. This brings to mind the situation prior to the late 1960's when Chrysler took over Rootes and merged their Dodge, Kew operation with the Rootes-owned Commer organisation in Dunstable.
Up to that time. Commer (and later Dodge) had developed a reputation for fuel economy and now as the UK base of Renault Truck Industries they still seem to have the knack of matching engines and drivelines to give good results.
It is very difficult to develop meaningful comparisons of test results of middleweight trucks because the tendency is to be offered test vehicles at specific gross weights linked to legislation patterns. So we see a host of 7.5-tonne tests then a jump to 16-tons (now 17 tonnes) gross vehicle weight. Nevertheless it is possible to make comparisons of results from quite dissimilar vehicles at these intermediate design weight ratings.
This is so with the Dodge 012 because this vehicle produced quite surprising fuel consumption returns which would not be too far out of place put against results from a 7.5-tonne. Looking at the last 13 tests of models for this gross weight and one for a 10-tonner, reveals that fuel consumptions on the same test route covered a band from 16.5 lit-100km (17.1mpg) to 19.3 lit/ 100km (14.6mpg) with average speeds between 73.3lun/h (45.5mph) and 64.5km/h (40mph).
Quite definitely the G12 was impressive with its 18.761it/100km (15.06mpg) at an overall average speed of 62.45kph (38.8mph) which confirmed the wisdom of Dodge engineers in matching a six-speed overdrive gearbox with the 5.12:1 back axle ratio, the key to the outstanding fuel economy.
Much of the test report was taken up with evaluations of the consumption and performance to arrive at a conclusion that the 012 is wellsuited to fast motorway work with its chargecooled Perkins T6.354.4 engine pulling 60mph nicely in top gear at 2,000rpm yet there was still plenty of acceleration in reserve.
There was praise for the design in other areas also, in general performance, ease of steering and for a well-insulated cab providing for a very low noise level of 72dB(A) at 60mph. The Dodge coped well without excessive roll on the MIRA ride and handling course. and there was praise also for the layout and positioning of instruments and heater controls. for seating comfort and braking. In its summary the report concluded that the Dodge had "all the important characteristics that transport managers dream about" and "the same star quality as the rest of the Dodge Commando range".
Amid all the praise there was just one complaint a very minor one that it was a pity there was not a grab handle on the 'B' post to match that on the other side of the door opening and so ease cab entry. The G12 must be a candidate for some sort of record. The model did quite well on the UK market as did other Commando 2s, in particular the 16 ton gross model, which has featured well in the sales league tables.
The G12 has also been very successful in specialised markets such as municipal applications but the feeling is that it never quite reached the sales levels it deserved. Now, perhaps, the range is a little dated and no doubt a replacement will currently be at design and development stage.
There is a strong impression that not a lot needs changing from the successful formula of the Commando 2 and, in fact, little has beed changed in the 012 since its road test. There are still the same six wheelbase versions two tippers and four haulage. And the Perkins T6.354.4 engine is still used with the same five speed direct top gearbox as standard and six-speed overdrive option. The only other changes of note, apart from the fact that power steering has been made standard, is some minor mechanical changes and the cab has had a "facelift".
At the time of the 012 test, recommended price was £16,294, including the cost of the power steering and six-speed gear box options. Now list price with six-speed box is £22,022 power steering is now standard. The rise of £5,728 represents 35% compared to a 28% rise in Retail Price Index in the period.