FAW J5M 280 Rigid

Engine and gearbox

The FAW J5M 280 Rigid uses the CA6DL1 engine, a 7,700cc six-cylinder, four-stroke in-line diesel with 24 valves, turbocharging and intercooling, meeting Euro II. FAW rates it at 280 hp at 2,300 rpm and 1,100 Nm at 1,400 rpm. FAW’s feature sheet says the engine is designed for good output, efficient fuel use and good cold-start performance. The gearbox is a Fast Eaton 9JS-119 synchronised unit with 9 forward gears (including a crawler C gear) and 1 reverse, paired with a 430 mm Eaton clutch. FAW lists a top speed of 92 km/h and a gradeability of 39%. No fuel economy figure is published.

Size and practicality

The Dominator rigid is 9,470 mm long, 2,490 mm wide and 2,760 mm tall, with a 4,615 + 1,350 mm wheelbase and 275 mm ground clearance. The chassis length behind the cab is 7,200 mm, giving room for long cargo bodies, tankers or other builds. Gross vehicle weight is 33,500 kg, with a chassis weight of 8,350 kg; FAW does not state a separate payload figure. The front axle is rated at 7,000 kg and the rear tandem at 26,000 kg. The fuel tank holds 400 litres. It runs on eleven 11.00-20 radial tyres with twin rear wheels, a FAW 457 single-reduction rear axle (5.833 ratio) with an inter-axle differential lock, and a 6-rod tandem rear suspension. The turning radius is 8.6 m.

Equipment

The J5M cab is a cab-over-engine design that tilts forward, with 4-point hydraulic suspension, and seats two. FAW’s feature sheet describes a wide cabin with a sleeper bed and air conditioner. Brakes are full air dual-circuit, with a spring-energy parking brake and an exhaust brake. Steering is a recirculating-ball type with integrated power assistance. The electrical system is 24V with two 12V 150Ah batteries and a 1,500 W generator. There is one version, and no colours are listed on the rigid page.

Warranty

FAW’s Pakistani website does not publish the warranty, so ask the dealer for written terms.

Which variant to buy

There is a single 6×4 rigid version. In our view, it is FAW’s best rigid choice for heavy, long-distance work such as bulk cargo or tankers, because the 6×4 drive, diff lock and 1,100 Nm engine give it far more pulling ability than the 6×2 J5M 220. Its sleeper cab and air conditioning should also suit drivers on long routes.