The Ultimate Pan-American Expedition Vehicle

[Mogasaurus]

With responses like the above, I believe we've heard the last of Mr. jlit on this forum Not that I totally disagree with the responses....

jlit, if you're still monitoring, be aware and do some research on the Darién Gap (if you haven't already). Your vehicles will need to be loaded as cargo at some point in your journey.

Good luck. BTW, if you MUST use something from the Toyota line, do yourself a favor and check some of the Oz market trucks - much better suited for this exercise then NA market 'trucks'.

[Heavy Weapons]

Christ I thought I was ruthless! Who knows if these guys are wanks....least we can do is send them in the right direction......if they get eaten or killed by banditos then it just means another expedition rig for sale.....parts or whole...

HW

[m37charlie]

I responded on the Expedition Portal website, which has a low flame temperature. I suggested he look into a 6X6 Cougar MRAP (unfortunately, 395/85R20 XZLs aren't bulletproof). Or better, learn Spanish or stay home.

Charlie

[skishano]

Originally Posted by Heavy Weapons

Christ I thought I was ruthless! Who knows if these guys are wanks....least we can do is send them in the right direction......if they get eaten or killed by banditos then it just means another expedition rig for sale.....parts or whole...

HW

I second everything HW! Thanks for speaking the truth.

Tim

[minimog 401]

I must say I am surprised by all the negative reactions. I guess this guy really struck a nerve here. I thought the Unimog crowd was a little more accepting and if anything would be full of helpful idea's and suggestions. I think the comments on Toyota Tundra's must have put a few of you on the defence.

The fact is Toyota and expedition vehicle go hand in hand. Unfortunately this guy chose the wrong one. Landcruisers have built themselves a reputation worldwide as being a very capable, rugged and reliable truck. No, not the new FJ cruisers made in North America, but the 70 and 80 series Landcruiser's that have and continue to be sold on almost every continent on earth.

My 1988 JDM spec 70's series Landcruiser, is built bigger and better then any thing else in it's class. With a 13BT turbo diesel engine, 5 speed tranny with PTO, factory PTO winch, 1 ton axles and factory lockers as an option. They are not in the same class as a Unimog off road but they are a lot more suitable for long distances. Again I will say these trucks are being used all over the world in some of the most unforgiving terrain.

Here is a few good examples of some well built ToyotaLandcruisers

[gonzo_au]

Originally Posted by minimog 401

Here is a few good examples of some well built ToyotaLandcruisers

Hey, I know the guy that owns this!

[63TLF8]

Originally Posted by minimog 401

I must say I am surprised by all the negative reactions. I guess this guy really struck a nerve here. I thought the Unimog crowd was a little more accepting and if anything would be full of helpful idea's and suggestions.

I can see why people may react although the situations I'm thinking of haven't been raised. If you read up on Stephen Stewarts travels or the Expedition Portal, and I assume many here have, you'll be aware that South America is teeming with travellers, both old and young and mostly in mid range or less expedition vehicles, motor or push bikes etc. Its hard to take seriously someone who is looking at equipping themselves with Armoured vehicles, travelling with Irish Wolfhounds (we used to breed them) and the like.

Yes, help and advice is usually forthcoming from this forum but you usually have to do some legwork yourself. The comments I've seen sofar indicate that there is a lot more to do.

[minimog 401]

Point taken. I see what you are saying but I think he was here to do his research, I guess its better to read before you write.

[E-steban]

Twenty nine years ago I had fun on my perfect vehicle.


Transamazonica 800 klicks of mud between Manaus and Santa Elena Guairen in the rainy season.
Back then the Yanomamo tribe was still shrinking heads too.
On my way north from Ushuaia after leaving Denver 15 months earlier. 50,000 miles total.


I imagine with gas prices this would be an even more perfect vehicle nowadays.
Forget the armor and take flowers, candy and a convertible 404 instead.
Hand them out as you go.

[E-steban]

You are absolutely right. Once you reach Panama you will have to ship that mog on a boat to either Baranquilla, Guayquil or other ports. It takes about 2-3 weeks of transit time during which vehicles and their contents are often plundered of their components and valubles. We flew our bikes from Tocumen Panama to Cucuta - not an option for a heavy vehicle. I guess an armored vehicle could come in handy on that part of the trip to keep the wharf rats out. Take lots of CASH, mogs are heavy.

Originally Posted by Mogasaurus

jlit, if you're still monitoring, be aware and do some research on the Darién Gap (if you haven't already). Your vehicles will need to be loaded as cargo at some point in your journey.