The ultimate expedition vehicle

[locrwln]

Ok, if money was no object and you could buy any vehicle new/used or combine any body, motor, tranny, t-case into your ultimate expedition vehicle, what would you buy/build? I'm talking walking into your favorite Freightliner dealer and picking up a brand new Mog, or Hummer dealer and buying an H1 with the Duramax/Allison combo to picking up an older vehicle and making it what the factory should have built just for you. And no, I'm not in the "money is no object" category, I just thought it would be interesting to see what people could/would build with an unlimited budget. Discuss.:clapsmile

[cshontz]

A mog camper, a well-equipped 110 or crew, or a MINI Cooper S (probably R56 at this point) for solo on-pavement touring (does that count?). I am, however, perfectly content with my current Jeep Cherokee. :)

[goodtimes]

I would really like to have a rig that started life something like this:

http://www.unimogusa.com/Sales%20Pics/pic23b.jpg

[Scott Brady]

Wow, what a great topic...

My initial reaction is of course a big Mog with sweet camper and lots of amenities, but it depends on where we are traveling. Africa, that is probably a perfect set-up (or to Alaska), but that big of a vehicle would not have fit on some of the tracks in the Sierra Madre, or the Naranja Road we just travelled in Baja.

So, I guess I am very happy with what I have. Road comfort and speed, slow speed capability, economy and just enough comfort.

If I was willing to give up some speed on corrugated roads and a little bit of technical terrain, I would buy the Sportsmobile Diesel:
http://www.sportsmobile.com/sections/4x4/ultimate/UAV_05.jpg

[pskhaat]

Yeah, Mogs are just so choice! But even if I had the $ would I do that? I dunno... the thing seems ripe for theft/damage and many of my Utah trails it'd be tough to get 'em through.

This sounds quite the `norm' if I were to have all the money, but I would probably have an early 80 series LC with a brand-new Toyota 1HZ diesel engine in it, 5spd, long range fuel & water tanks, and PTO winch. I'd cut the roof off it and get a high-roof or pop-up fabbed to it. I honestly can't think of a better and reasonable expedition rig.

[Scott Brady]

The one Brian posted is one of my all time favorite Mogs.

But, the size/profile is just asking for a problem. Even getting one through some of the old colonial towns in Mexico would be a challenge. Low hanging wires, narrow/cobblestone streets, etc. Sometimes even my truck feels too big...

[60seriesguy]

I'll take one of those HZJ105-based German camper conversions that are so popular among overlanders in North Africa, decked out with all the options.

[pskhaat]

I'll take one of those HZJ105-based German camper conversions that are so popular among overlanders in North Africa, decked out with all the options.

Got any links/pics? :)

[upcruiser]

I'd love to have a Troopy. This would be the my dream startup platform.
http://www.4wdonline.com/Toyota/PiCs37/FJ75.TC.jpg

[locrwln]

Some great ideas. That is always the problem, compromise. What is too big, too small, enough power, enough room for everything, do you [I]need[I] everything? Like most on here, it would truely be a tough choice. I am in agreement that something in the 80 series size fits the best, but in my dream, I would probably want to change a few things.

I would love to go to Venezuala and get all of the parts to convert a fzj to a 5sp/part-time case and probably give the 4.5 a good once over, de-luxury it and give it hell. Or pick up a 91-92 FJ80, convert it to a 5sp and seriously debate whether to do a Turbo diesel or small block chevy. Keep the overall look pretty low key. I know everyone on the planet seems to hate the 6.2 GM diesel, but there are some companies out there that can build one extremely solid, put the Banks turbo on it, hook it up to a nv4500/part-time case, swap in a fzj full floating rear axle, rhino line the interior, ARB's, basic armour, dual tanks, roof rack tent, etc.

[60seriesguy]

Check out:

http://www.innovation-campers.com/d_main.html

[Nullifier]

I would say a diesel nissan patrol.

http://www.guidebooks.com.au/ourvehicle%20conversion.htm

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Did any factory ever make a camper topper for a 1st Generation 4Runner?
.
.
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[pskhaat]

Yeah, I don't know why I didn't think of a Troopy, so I must restate 80 -> 70 series troopy, droooool......

[colvere]

The Dormobile Land rover and VW were cool. You can by the kits and cabinets from them still. http://www.dormobile.co.uk/

[BMAN]

EASY!

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=454&d=1132232787

No questions asked! This is the setup I strive to mimic someday.

[60seriesguy]

EASY!

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=454&d=1132232787

No questions asked! This is the setup I strive to mimic someday.

Thanks, bro, I've kicked it to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL since those pics were taken, it's even more geared towards expeditions now. New pics coming soon, I'll be stretching her out on the trails in a couple of weeks.

[pskhaat]

Can't you tease us a LITTLE in the meantime? :D

[BMAN]

Thanks, bro, I've kicked it to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL since those pics were taken, it's even more geared towards expeditions now. New pics coming soon, I'll be stretching her out on the trails in a couple of weeks.

I know... I've seen and heard. Well I've seen what you've shared and read what you've posted. She's the reason I own a 60, and like I said, the model I strive to mimic.

[Suty]

Personally, I perfer the M1A3 Abrams as my choice fo all around Ultimate Expedition Vehicle.
Off Road Capabilities: Come on, It has Treads. What it can't go over it can go through
Fuel Economy: OK, this catagory we don't shine to well in, but what we lack in economy we make up in Variety. It will burn almost anything for Fuel.
Equipment Storage: The places to store things are everywhere, the Bussel Rack on the back of the Turret. Numerous Attachment Points for Lashing down almost anything.
Manueverability: Come on its a Tank for gods sake. It does well in the City too, just look at Bagdad.
Power: A Gas Turbine Engine that puts out enough Horsepower to push 60 tons up to 70 mph.
Weight: Another Catagory that we don't shine to well in. 60 tons give or take a ton or two, is alot of Steel.However, this size gives us a great intimidation factor .
Communications: State of the Art Radios, with channel hopping and secure transmissions. In Tank GPS as well as Positive Pressure throughout (to keep out those nasty Nerve Agents).
Firepower: Now here's the meat and potato's of our Expediton Vehicle. 120mm Main Gun with a coax mounted M240 7.62 Machine Gun. What you can't go through you simply Blow Up. Imagine the Look on the Border Guards face in Baja when you pull up to cross....Intimidation Factor Squared.
Fine Print; We do Fail Miserably in the Tread Lightly Catagory.


Ok, everyone I am just kidding.....Sort of:D Tu Compadre , Suty

[60seriesguy]

Can't you tease us a LITTLE in the meantime? :D

I promised Todd Kaderabek I wouldn't post any pics before the article comes out on the next Toyota Trails. After that, it's fair game, and you guys know, I take a LOT of pictures! Plus, I'll be at the Roundup with it and plenty of film (I'm still shooting 35 mm until I can afford a Canon SLR digital that I can swap my very expensive lenses into).

Today I got some rare *bling* for it, I think you'll laugh when you see what I got (and I *will* posts some pics of it tomorrow after the install).... :)

[BMAN]

How about pre-crysalis pics. You had sent me a very few in the past. Do have a cache hosted soemwhere that I can go indulge to?

[blupaddler]

Great thread...

I am torn. I think I would need to have a bunch of vehicles. Because I have discovered there is no such thing as the perfect vehicle.

So, my break down...

1. Sportsmobile Diesel (this may become a reality someday)
2. 60seriesguy's rig, with trailer of course
3. Hurricane Hunter...a custom built F350 for Baja (just a shortbed)

Pics of the Hurricane Hunter

[Desertdude]

I have been looking at these for quite a while up close and personal - maybe next year when all the Toyotas are finished and have been Baja/Alaska tested :ar15: :ar15: :ar15:

I will get to this wild machine :victory:

[Mike S]

For my expeditions, a Toyota 60 series with a 1HD-T 6 cylinder TD and 5 speed H55F mated to the toy late split case, toy e-lockers, OME suspension, drawer system, OR trailer with water, fuel, and AutoHome roof tent, would be fine.

I am about 90% there.

M

[CLynn85]

Do they import these Mercedes van's here? 4wd, kind of like the sportsmobile on steroids!

http://www.4x44u.com/pub/k2/am4x44u/events/IOR98/ior4.jpg

[CLynn85]

More MB van madness, one's in german but click the links on the side for the buildup. These are pretty nice setups, wonder what their cog is, one would think they'd be high with such a tall profile, but the chassis and drivetrain is down low so I guess they're not bad, as long as it's not too windy...

http://www.fuoristrada.be/sprinter/content/page.asp?a=HOME

http://www.iglhaut-allrad.de/htm/e_home.html

[Jonathan Hanson]

This one, with a few extras such as a good winch bumper and rear rack, would be my choice:

http://www.jandrhanson.com/LCcamper.jpg

I've been awed by some of the monstrous Unimog camper conversions I've seen and been in, but I couldn't bring myself to descend on destitute third-world villages driving such a thing.

[locrwln]

This one, with a few extras such as a good winch bumper and rear rack, would be my choice:

http://www.jandrhanson.com/LCcamper.jpg

I've been awed by some of the monstrous Unimog camper conversions I've seen and been in, but I couldn't bring myself to descend on destitute third-world villages driving such a thing.

I would love to do something like that pop-up on a 80 series. After wheeling with a '88 4runner 2 door, believe me a 4 door rig makes packing and removing items sooo much easier. Those long cargo areas suck to get something from the front when you are trying to get it out between the folded seat and door opening. Especially when you are trying to balance the load over the length of the area.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Locrwin, that's a good point regarding access. On the plus side of a two-door design is less rattle potential, less dust ingress, and possibly a bit stiffer body. Some people say a two-door is more secure, but I don't get that one: A thief only has to break into one door!

With a camper top like this one a two-door style gives you room up front for cabinets and other built-ins along the sides.

[locrwln]

Locrwin, that's a good point regarding access. On the plus side of a two-door design is less rattle potential, less dust ingress, and possibly a bit stiffer body. Some people say a two-door is more secure, but I don't get that one: A thief only has to break into one door!

With a camper top like this one a two-door style gives you room up front for cabinets and other built-ins along the sides.

I agree on the thief part, as the saying goes "the only thing that separates an honest person from a thief is opportunity". If they want it, they will get it. I can see the cabinets and other built-ins thing. See we are right back to compromise and what works for you. It's a tough thing to figure out.

[whistler110]

Hi. I'm new to this forum and have enjoyed reading your posts about my favorite hobby, vehicle based exploring. I am slowly building up a Defender 110 for long distance, so am biased towards that margue. My idea of the perfect starting platform would be a Defender 110 or 130 XD winterized. The 130XD Pulse, sorry I couldn't find a photo, would make a nice large camper or a 110XD for more off road. The 130 station wagons are nice to.

[Jonathan Hanson]

I like that 110, Whistler! Is that yours, or do you have any in-progress photos of yours?

[locrwln]

Very cool, I've got a soft spot for the LR's. I even happen to know where a 109 wagon is, just have to get the owner interested in selling and of course have the money. It would be more of a restoration vehicle just for fun, not an expedition rig.

Also more pictures. :jump:

[Scott Brady]

Hi. I'm new to this forum and have enjoyed reading your posts about my favorite hobby, vehicle based exploring.

Welcome to the forum. We are all exploration nuts and enjoy the journey more than the mode. Tell us more about where you have traveled and you expedition plans.

[CLynn85]

I've always loved the rovers, it makes me so sad that there is not more of them, nor a large part support base here. It brings tears to my eyes when I go into borders and pick up a copy of LRM or LRI and flip to the back to see series 3's going for just a couple thousand pounds and early defenders for not much more:( . I keep telling myself "one day...."

Whistler, welcome. We'd love to hear more about your 110 and where you're going/have been.

Man I shouldn't have started looking at the 4wd vans though, everytime I see a fedex sprinter go by I start thinking... lol

[whistler110]

I wish one of those were mine, especially Goldie. Goldie was for sale on Ebay in the UK about 6 months ago, it is one of three Defender XD Wolfs that LR converted for an expedition that never ended up happening.

The Blue 130 is one of Foley Specialist vehicles of the UK's conversions.

My truck looks about the same as when I bought it 2 years ago. It is my daily driver as well as a roling restoration/conversion project. I can't really afford these things but I love them soo much that I'm patient, so this will be a long budget limited project. I have been collecting parts when the price is right and repairing/modifying the basic stuff for the last 2 yrs. I now have a spare chassis that I want to galvanize, a better condition rear tub, a 200TDI engine, Disc brake rear axle, vented front Discs, extra fuel tank and a bunch of other odds and ends that I want. I've spent about $20,000cdn on it so far including the original purchase.

[whistler110]

I've always loved the rovers, it makes me so sad that there is not more of them, nor a large part support base here. It brings tears to my eyes when I go into borders and pick up a copy of LRM or LRI and flip to the back to see series 3's going for just a couple thousand pounds and early defenders for not much more:( . I keep telling myself "one day...."

Whistler, welcome. We'd love to hear more about your 110 and where you're going/have been.

Man I shouldn't have started looking at the 4wd vans though, everytime I see a fedex sprinter go by I start thinking... lol

Once they become 25 yrs old I think you will see more of them, there are quite a few of them in Canada and the parts support is good and getting better.

Most of my exploring was done when I was younger and by motorcycle, mountainbike or Land Rover. I spent every weekend exploring the backroads and ghost towns of BC. I also went as far south as Baja with the motorcycle. My wife has never done any exploring so I convinced her to give it a try with some day trips on local mountain dirt tracks and she loves it. This spring I'll introduce her to backcountry camping and see where it goes from there.

[Scott Brady]

I noticed the Border to Border sticker on your (very sweet) 110. Have you driven with them on any of the treks? I have one of their first videos. Cool stuff!!!

[whistler110]

I noticed the Border to Border sticker on your (very sweet) 110. Have you driven with them on any of the treks? I have one of their first videos. Cool stuff!!!

Unforunately no, B2B doesn't seem to be doing anything anymore. This truck was used by it's previous owner to do the Canadian portion of the Mexico to Inuvik trip. I think it's cool that my truck has done the whole Stewart Cassiar to Dempster highway to Inuvik before me.

[G35Vortec454]

CUSTOM 1998 454 Vortec in a 79 Vandura G35 Dually B+ RV, 4L80E, BW4470/2.72-underdrive, ARB switchable 4.10:1 differential locker, 19.5 Rickson wheels, 34-inch 14-ply Bridgestone M724s.

25-gal fresh water system; cassette toilet; 5KW inverter; 4-battery bank; dual alternator; 160W solar panel charging; microwave oven; kitchen; propane stove; 6-gal electric water heater; table and chairs; bed for 2 (and 2 more on the floor;) ; on-board air compressor; split-type air conditioner; DTS dolby-digital theatre/music system.

http://www.edmarms.com/gallery/other/rv_012b.jpg

[ChuckB]

http://www.jandrhanson.com/LCcamper.jpg



me like :drool:

[TRDFAN]

CUSTOM 1998 454 Vortec in a 79 Vandura G35 Dually B+ RV, 4L80E, BW4470/2.72-underdrive, ARB switchable 4.10:1 differential locker, 19.5 Rickson wheels, 34-inch 14-ply Bridgestone M724s.

25-gal fresh water system; cassette toilet; 5KW inverter; 4-battery bank; dual alternator; 160W solar panel charging; microwave oven; kitchen; propane stove; 6-gal electric water heater; table and chairs; bed for 2 (and 2 more on the floor;) ; on-board air compressor; split-type air conditioner; DTS dolby-digital theatre/music system.

http://www.edmarms.com/gallery/other/rv_012b.jpg

That thing is AWESOME!!