the ultimate Pan-American Expedition vehicle

[viter]

as far as reliable statistics say toyota would be best...

as far as brand new most-offroad worthy toyota available in US and best suited for transporting a bunch of cargo and a couple people I would say - tacoma (trd off-road option that includes lockable rear locker) ... the only bad part is that tacoma's are not sold in central and south america so parts might be a problem (but with airfreight these days the world is one small place relatively) and they run on gasoline, so cheaper and easier to find diesel fuel would not be an option; however, I still believe it might be your best choice.

I would also highly suggest taking 2 vehicles instead of one - they can share spare parts and if one get's stuck you have another one to pull it out. plus if one breaks down beyond repair you could always get to safety in one.

oh and I would also highly suggest learning at least basic repairs for the vehicle you choose or bringing me along to fix it just kidding as I am not that great of a mechanic anyway...

there is a guy on this forum, Cell4Soul, who took a new style tacoma all the way to Panama and back, maybe he would chime in...

[viter]

plus with 2 vehicles you could have 2 roof-top tents which might be enough for 5 people - that would greatly reduce tent set-up time and would keep you away from the possibly wet/muddy/rocky ground and any animals crawling around.

maybe something similar to Cell4Soul's set-up - http://rides.webshots.com/album/5554...BBSWD?start=36
http://rides.webshots.com/album/5554...BBSWD?start=48

[Colorado Ron]

First things first.

Whats your budget?

[haven]

"...we will travel west through columbia..."

Please -- the name of the country in South America is Colombia.

Chip Haven

[LaOutbackTrail]

"...we will travel west through columbia..."

Please -- the name of the country in South America is Colombia.

Chip Haven

That bothers you too?

Seriously guys... do some research. I'm doing the trip from Louisiana to the Darien Gap by way of motorcycle in a month. Wow, a month... creeping closer.

If you guys are sticking to Hwy 1... you wont need much more than a standard 4x4 with upgraded suspension to handle your load.

Having touched the soils down there, it really wont make much of a difference in the setup of the vehicle, but get you some mud terrains and a nice winch.

If you don't do two vehicles, a good trailer with roof top tent on it and on the vehicle might be the way to go.

When are you guys going?

[jlit]

we will be departing from Alaska 2nd week of July, so time is starting to really run short. Also, big sorry for misspelling colombia, I realized that yesterday.

We've been heavily considering 2 land cruisers, but still debating between that or 1 larger vehicle. If we do take another vehicle, it means twice the costs of gas and repairs, and another person. It does give us safety in redundancy however, and I would assume (correct me if I'm wrong) that a pair is less likely to encounter a stick up. Alternatively, a unimog looks like it could be big, burly, and from what I hear, reliable. Unfortunately though, I can't find a good mog setup with seating for 5-6, and ample room in the back for storage, for any reasonable price. I looked into unicat, a company that outfits Amerigo International expedition vehicles, and a new setup (Though it would be the ultimate) would run about $700,000. Our goal with this whole mission is to raise awareness and build schools and orphanages, and 700,000 is more than I could justify, much less find sponsors to justify it as well.

Additionally, I'm also concerned something like that would gather too much attention. Some places we're going through, colombia for example, a big burly vehicle with a lot of money in camera and computer equipment, we've heard, could be very appealing to cartels.

If looking to blend in, I've heard busses are very popular down there. Perhaps a short 14 seat bus with the seats removed and a crappy paint job would help keep us under the radar a little more. Plus, when s*** hit's the fan, or when it's too sketchy to sleep outside (parts of Colombia, El Salvador, & Mexico) we could at least all be inside. Plus all our storage could be inside, instead of roof racks that call attention and aren't the most secure/weather proof.

What do you guys think? By the way, thanks.

[LaOutbackTrail]

The bus idea sounds like a winner.... what about 4wd? My only concern about that is it isnt uncommon for when the "sh*t hits the fan" the "bad guys" might stop the bus and you'll have a cluster fornication to deal with.

Maybe do some "Punisher" type armor over thr front windows and a couple "safe spots" within the bus incase of fire...

But if you are that concerned about the safety... dont go on the trip.

we will be departing from Alaska 2nd week of July, so time is starting to really run short. Also, big sorry for misspelling colombia, I realized that yesterday.

We've been heavily considering 2 land cruisers, but still debating between that or 1 larger vehicle. If we do take another vehicle, it means twice the costs of gas and repairs, and another person. It does give us safety in redundancy however, and I would assume (correct me if I'm wrong) that a pair is less likely to encounter a stick up. Alternatively, a unimog looks like it could be big, burly, and from what I hear, reliable. Unfortunately though, I can't find a good mog setup with seating for 5-6, and ample room in the back for storage, for any reasonable price. I looked into unicat, a company that outfits Amerigo International expedition vehicles, and a new setup (Though it would be the ultimate) would run about $700,000. Our goal with this whole mission is to raise awareness and build schools and orphanages, and 700,000 is more than I could justify, much less find sponsors to justify it as well.

Additionally, I'm also concerned something like that would gather too much attention. Some places we're going through, colombia for example, a big burly vehicle with a lot of money in camera and computer equipment, we've heard, could be very appealing to cartels.

If looking to blend in, I've heard busses are very popular down there. Perhaps a short 14 seat bus with the seats removed and a crappy paint job would help keep us under the radar a little more. Plus, when s*** hit's the fan, or when it's too sketchy to sleep outside (parts of Colombia, El Salvador, & Mexico) we could at least all be inside. Plus all our storage could be inside, instead of roof racks that call attention and aren't the most secure/weather proof.

What do you guys think? By the way, thanks.

[jlit]

Ok, we're thinking pretty affirmatively of a compromise between all of the above. We're thinking of going with 2 vehicles for safety: 2 toyota 08 tundras, crew cab, short bed(because you can't get a longer bed with the crew cab), camper shell, and just fixing them up a little to work, ie, roof rack, bumpers, lifts, winches, aquatic setup for the rainy season, and wheels. What do you guys think?

[mauricio_28]

Have you given some thought to the performance and fuel consumption of those already thirsty, normally aspirated gas/petrol engines when you're cruising at 4,000masl? I hate to see what type of mileage you get on a fully loaded Tundra climbing out of La Paz unto the Altiplano. Yikes!

In my mind, THE smaller, modern vehicle for this type of expedition is Toyota's newest 3.0L TDI HiLux. Regrettably, the closest it gets to the U.S. is Guatemala.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Have you given some thought to the performance and fuel consumption of those already thirsty, normally aspirated gas/petrol engines when you're cruising at 4,000masl? I hate to see what type of mileage you get on a fully loaded Tundra climbing out of La Paz unto the Altiplano. Yikes!

In my mind, THE smaller, modern vehicle for this type of expedition is Toyota's newest 3.0L TDI HiLux. Regrettably, the closest it gets to the U.S. is Guatemala.

Going to Guatemala to get a HiLux might be worth it. Savings in the long run. Mauricio, do you know about how much they are for Jlit's consideration.

Jlit- There would be no efficiency going with the Tundra. You might consider going to a Central American country, buying a HiLux or Prado (LandCruiser) and outfitting it with the correct ARB gear and going for it. I just happen to spot a convoy of '06 Prados in Costa Rica (in '06). They were crossing a river off the side of the road... so I stopped and asked them what they were up to. It was Toyota folks doing a test run in the jungles and stuff...

A 4x4 toyota Hi-Ace might be interesting too...

Mauricio is right about the diesel engines. Not only will you get better fuel mileage, in many of the countries, diesel is much cheaper. Oh and apparently they handle those deep watercrossing better.... http://youtube.com/watch?v=3EgFTeRRP5w

Have you guys considered doing the trip in reverse? Fly to Argentina, buy and rig your vehicle there and then go North?