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honestly in these times the number 1 benefit its how easy is to diagnostic and repair a given fault: everything can and will brake eventually in any brand, parts availability its a moot point too; you can order online anything and ship it around the world from your cell phone
Glad to see you back Dan! Your analytical thought process speaks to your engineering background. Whenever someone just arbitrarily says “you should get this or that”, I just remember “ Free advice is worth what you pay for it!” Reliability would be top priority for me.
I like the Jeep JXL similar to your own vehicle. I’m In Central America in a van which is our home and I love the living space for a couple especially as my wife is happy. Four wheel drive doesn’t matter to me. Living space does. Having a jeep engine in my van works for me.
A great video Dan. I adopted a similar approach to buying and building up a new vehicle for remote area travel in Australia but still capable for local trips on the challenging local terrain of the Victorian High Country. Based on decades of 4x4 ownership I did my research carefully, took my time, drove all the contenders and ignored external pressure. My final choice surprised me! But has worked out perfectly. It’s important to be honest with yourself when going through the check list.
@@TheRoadChoseMe The only vehicle that filled my specific requirements was the 200 series Land Cruiser. Living space in the vehicle was not important. With a GVM upgrade and other improvements it has been faultless and a comfortable and capable friend on our adventures.
In Australia, the 200 series with the Turbo Diesel is a very ,very hard all around vehicle to beat. The aftermarket is huge, towing capacity and payload are huge, parts support immense. It's a smart choice.
Good to see you again Dan. sounds like you are talking your self into MB Sprinter 4x4. 6000 pounds load . But that is 2.77m high, Forcing you to use HC container. Will be interesting to see!
You should include overall driver & passenger comfort as one of your categories. That way you don't feel fatigue after a long day's drive. For instance, the old school Defender you showed as an example are very agricultural. Loud, noisy and rough. Even with a complete sound deadening upgrade, the vehicle is still noisy inside. Easily adding to the tiredness of passengers. And I'd be curious how they'd make a pop-up conversion for the Grenadier. Since it has a roof console full of electronic switches.
Hi Dan, agility, practical usability, durability, reasonable costs and 'smiles per miles' are the most important factors to me. A boring and very economical van might carry me to the same destinations, but if driving / feeling / handling the car is no fun ..... hmmm :-/
My over land is a 06 jeep tj rubicon(2 door) Took the rear and passenger seat out. Insulated well, welled ways to make structure like a bed. In that, I have plenty of water, a tiny kitchen, bed, shower 🚿 , bathroom, everything , you have have to be very organized and single lol
I dont know if this should be one of your criteria, it is #1 with me. Visibility! I am 6'4" with, shall I say, lots of padding on the bottom side... I love my Wrangler, but I have very, very poor visibility out of it. The top reason I purchased it was not for offroading, or exploring the backcountry, but because it is the only convertible I fit in. All the smaller ones my eyes are right above the windshield but below open air. No so with the Wrangler. We have the Bestop Sunrider on ours so we can be in convertible mode in seconds and be covered back up equally fast. When open I can actually see what is around me and it is WONDERFUL! I have been out exploring in 20-degree weather with the top open and the heat on full blast, I LOVE it. Any vehicle I have must have the option to fully open the top over the driver and passenger. So I am limited to the Wrangler, Gladiator, or Bronco. But that is just me. I love the open air and refuse to give it up :)
#1 mine is wheel base , gladiator wheel base is to long 138",need 6.5' cargo box,pop up camper on a Tahoe ideal,diesel solid rear axle,single cab 8' box 4x4 3/4 diesel every thing one would want in a overland expedition rig ,same size as suburban or gm express van, if there was a good mid size wagon 119" wb 200" overall 6.5'cargo bay, no indpt, rear axel ,no 3rd row ,no luxury car bits ,cant think of any thing I'm like dan ? what to buy ??
You'd probably fit in the new Bronco as well. As a long-torsoed person I had plenty of headroom. Forward visibility isn't the best though and will lead to ducking to see traffic lights as usual.
Low roof, short wheelbase Ford Transit T250. We have a 9,000lb GVWR. That is about 4,000 pounds of payload. We have about 1,200 pounds of available payload after we are full of fuel, water, gear, people, a pop-up roof and a 4x4 conversion (Quad van). It will fit in a standard shipping container (container wheels). While it is not as capable as a Jeep off road we have had it in some difficult terrain without damage to the vehicle or getting stuck. It works great for the two of us and our plans. We have incorporated lots of your previous ideas based on your videos and really appreciate your down to earth, common sense approach! I do wish the Transit was sold in more countries for parts availability and mechanic familiarity but we just don't have that many great options in the USA for world supported vehicles.
The Ford Transit does not come from the factory with real 4x4. There are two companies in the U.S. that do the conversion and maintain the Ford Warranty. Quad Van in Portland, Oregon and Quigley in Pennsylvania. They use mostly parts from the Ford trucks to complete the conversion along with a couple of custom parts. We used QuadVan and you can get just the 4x4 conversion for about $13,000. We used Field Van in Fresno California for the pop top and it was about $12,000. We did everything else ourselves. We bought the van used. It was a U-Haul van with 17,000 miles on it when we got it. I would say for everything we are at about $100,000 which is not cheap but still much less than buying a completed van with similar build out and specs.
@@TheRoadChoseMeI hear you!! We looked long and hard at a Jeep Wrangler with an Ursa Minor top and, for us, it is just too small for two people. I think it was a close call when my wife was deciding whether or not to dump me in favor of the Jeep!
I would add the terrain that you plan on driving on. if it is not too aggressive, a printer type van, properly fitted could take you to many remote locations and still have room for yoga! ;-) Love the channel. Thank you for the content.
Yeah, he didn't really talk about off road capabilities. Something like the Ford Transit Trail might work. It would certainly be an improvement on interior space!
When covering the vast distances of North America, one of the more interesting considerations is the ability to stealth camp, if you need to spend a night at a truck stop or, god forbid, a Walmart parking lot. Personally, I think a 4x4 Econoline might make a lot of sense considering your needs.
I recon a Ram 2500 or 3500 , Diesel , with a camper in the box . Cheers Wild Bill Jeep Overlanding the Arctic watershed of Northern Ontario and Northern Quebec . The Trans Taiga road Quebec and trails north of Lake Superior . This year it's off up to Yukon and NWT to Tuktyaktuk and then back down to northern BC.
Couple of comments/ideas (I know this is "in the past" as well) Defenders (25 yr old) are pretty easy to get parts for in NA, and have the payload AND worldwide parts availability. A tow bar is useful for recovery with a good quality tow point. it's central and usually very strongly mounted otherwise totally agree. For me now interior living space is becoming much more important I'm 90 certain that you bought a RAM but could be totally surprised
I think you should keep your Jeep JK and replace any old worn parts to new, JK 3.8 engine rebuild or engine swap to 3.6 Pentastar for improving MPG, upgrade AEV high capacity coil springs for higher payload (regearing are recommended for handling heavy loads) As for increasing interior living space for your JK, check out the "American Safari JXL" extended Jeep camper conversion
Added criteria: probability that it will continue to run and drive with problems. Ford Excursion has been my rig since 2005. With its share of problems, it continues to slog down the road even when not at its best.
Thanks for the ideas. For me, No1 priority is reliability, don't want to be stranded in no man's land. No. 2, capability, it can go where you want to go.
F-150 Tremor for payload, within 20ft, larger cab than the Gladiator, and mileage right around 19. Also, depending on how difficult the terrain you will be covering a Sprinter van is a good option.
They're incredible for sure, but I'm not importing an odd vehicle from around the world. For a whole long list of reasons it's not worth it. All of these reasons apply to the defender too ua-cam.com/video/7rlLSaICSVU/v-deo.html
In the US they only come with gas engines, and they get abysmal mileage. Like 10mpg or even worse when fully loaded out. That is utterly unworkable for what I do, and therefore I simply can't. Also my number one goal is to stand up and walk around inside for interior living space...
I'm not sure its important enough for you to have it on your list of musts, but for me I want to be able to go from the driving position to the sleeping/living area without exiting the vehicle, both for security and especially poor weather/tracking muddy boots inside etc. I'm really interested to see what you have bought, as I have pretty much the same criteria as you, but struggle to find anything here in Canada that fits the bill. As much as I agree with not importing an odd vehicle, I'm thinking of bringing in a left drive Landcruiser troopy from central america, but I'm hoping your new vehicle shows me an option I have overlooked!
With a Landcruiser Troopy 75, 76 or 78you have the best choice for going on long range tours. 75 is old one, 76 is smaller, 78 is the best for that. I know this because I am driving the 78 series since 32 years in heavy terrains. Sahara desert and so on. Kind regards from a78 LC from Germany.
comfort, while not the be all and end all if you were to step out of say a gladiator into a 79 series dual cab landcruiser you would notice a significant drop in ride comfort which will effect travel speed it's rougher you have to drive slower, you don't travel as far or have to drive longer in a day to go the same distance and you also put more hours on the vehicle at a slower pace more hours runtime equal more fuel used and more wear and tear/maintenance. if there's a downside to comfort it's that you may punish the vehicle more, everything above the suspension is more comfortable but below the suspension things are copping more of a beating at higher speeds. and higher speeds are just more risky. ease of repair and costs, you factored in parts availability and service network. but is the vehicle friendly to maintain. does it shutdown if a sensor fails and need to be towed to a dealer to go on a special computer to be reset that only the dealer has access to preventing you from just replacing the sensor yourself. is it hard to modify to suit your needs is fitting a winch bar a big ordeal even the dealer balks at eg new defender.
Given the last few vehicles, I can see where this is headed...but let's watch to see the outcome. Look forward to seeing your next adventures , mate (and meeting your GF, if she wants to be on camera)
Katie was on camera a lot during out Australian expedition, but she's not so excited to talk about vehicle choices as I am :) She'll make a return when we're on the road again I'm sure!
I'm a fan of the GrizzlyNBear setup. Spacious, versatile and it goes in a container. I also like the German-build Matzker Camper based on a Defender. The more choice there is, the more it's difficult to choose... Happy research! Best Regards from Belgium, David
I am curious what you did choose. I think the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with the 3.0L diesel would be one of the few vehicles that might meet your criteria: High Payload, Large Living Space (with bed camper), and decent MPG.
Dan, Great job describing criteria for an overland vehicle. From a long-distance hiker with more than 5,000 miles on foot, a bike packer, and an overlander, might I suggest critically evaluating the weight of every component and material on your new build. People always say “oh this or that doesn’t weigh that much,” but when everything is tallied up, shaving weight wherever it’s realistic, really makes a difference. Of course you cannot compromise on the functionality that you need, but I think one would be surprised at how much weight can be saved through material/component selection, and also through minimizing how much stuff we carry with us. This all equals better fuel economy and less clutter and stress overall.
I agree 100% Tim - I actually come from a backpacking background, and I'm well aware that a heavy pack is made up of a TON of things that "don't weigh much". !
I would buy an F350. Put a roof top tent on a rack. You could fill the pickup bed with a 100 gallons of fuel easily 20 Jerry cans or a F550 with extra tanks and custom bed. Worrying about fuel cost is irrelevant compared to the cost of shipping the vehicle or the cost of offroad tires, rooftop tents which cost several thousand, winch and recovery gear etc, and not to mention the cost of a new vehicle and registration, taxes etc. Ford is also known worldwide. A 20 year old range rover defender would be hard to find new parts for if it broke down. I guess a truck that would be easy to get parts for that continent. In general a bigger vehicle is less offroad capable to hard to recover. A 10 ton vehicle would need a larger wrecker to pull out of mud,
The cost of fuel has been by far the biggest expense on my expeditions - much bigger than shipping or tires or anything else. Reducing fuel consumption is the number one goal. Also something like an F350 is going to be a nightmare to drive on the small streets of Latin America or Europe, or the tight tracks in the jungle of the Congo. Imagine how bad it would be crossing endless sand dunes. That is a hard no from me
@@TheRoadChoseMe It cost me $7000 to lift my new toyota add new tires, and put a winch on. A new Jeep Pickup is easily 50000 or 60000 before adding overland gear. So to answer your question, a smaller vehicle is more nimble but you cannot carry more stuff including fuel. How much driving is in small towns versus open road vs 4wd roads. You have an expensive hobby. Taking a year off is a year of lost income too. I knew a couple that overlanded from the Yukon to Argentina. They spent 50k on a used Sportsmobile 10 years ago.. For 50k you could drive 50000 miles at 10mpg at $10/gal. In my case to significantly upgrade creature comforts I am going from a 50k 4runner to really $150000-$200000 van. Even a used Van is expensive 100000. The 4runner is my daily driver since my used truck died with 200000 miles on it. On the other had a couple I met in NZ just bought a used there for 5 weeks and were going to sell it afterwards. Maybe do that in Australia. The canning stock route is 1000 miles. You will drive more pavement miles there than running the route unless you are taking a bunch of dirt roads. A Jeep is not really fuel efficient to begin with. 20mg vs 13mpg. But if you have to carry Gas then you need a vehicle with more payload. I guess you can tow a trailer loaded up with gas. In the end of the day it is not the vehicle. I knew someone in college that biked from NM to Alaska and camped along the way and had a great adventure. I think he worked a couple weeks up there at a fishery to earn a flight back home.
Oh wait I didn't realize it was supposed to be a mystery guessing game type thing. Here's my guess. Toyota Tundra double cab with 8 foot bed and some kind of pop top camper. Fits all your needs. 4x4 Bugget Friendly Reliable 22+ mpg Large interior space with pop top Fits in a shipping container
Not knowing where it is you are planning to go in the next trip and what kind of roads or routes you are planning it’s a little tough to formulate a suggestion. Is there availability of low sulphur diesel? Are you wanting a brand new vehicle or slightly used? If so I have a somewhat interesting suggestion… they stopped offering the 2.8 Duramax in it this year but the Chevy Express van had it as an option untill ‘22. Since you don’t need to tow, a 1 ton spec’ed Express van with a Quigley conversion and the baby Duramax woukd give you economy, range, payload, and vast interior space, especially if you did a Sportsmobile pop top conversion. There are other 4wd conversions available but they are pretty tall and the Quigley offers and IFS front end using the GM truck components keeping it a bit lower and easier to source parts for. I was thinking this setup would be a great upgrade for our family of 5 as we all cram into a regular body E350 Sportsmobile with the RB50 layout inside and penthouse pop top. We make do but for two people it would be a dream. Ours is a 2001 with a 7.3 Powerstroke and 4wd, i friggen love the thing but just on 33’s it is right at the max height for a container. I think the GM van could get you a bit more breathing room for shipping. If the diesel option doesn’t work wjere you are going they now come with a 6.6 gas and that’s going to bomb your economy needs. If we upgraded I would go 6.6, Sportsmobile interior conversion, and pop top with a Quigley 4wd. That’s a great adventure rig if you want a liveable interior… amd want to tow. I fell like you are gravitating towards possibly a Ram 3500 with a flat bed tray/box camper for the back, though even with diesel you aren’t going to be hitting your fuel economy needs… Curious to see what you go with… Thinking either some sort of truck with camper or van….. Last gen Colorado with small camper? Decent payload but not better than the gladiator, great economy… our ‘22 z71 Colorado Duramax sees 30+mpg daily unloaded with a small lift. Again though, modern North American spec diesel probably isn’t going to work friending in where you are taking this… sorry, kind or thinking out loud. 😆
So, no Wrangler, Bronco, 4Runner, Tacoma, Gladiator, Defender, Land Cruiser, Grenadier... 🤔 what's left for you to use? or are you going to agoing full size (RAM, Tundra, Sequoia)... or a van (Revel, Storieteller), but I don't know how they would fit your "container size" criteria so I'm really curious which is your chosen one
Aa a diesel mechanic, if it's a diesel vehicle you are planning, be wary of newer diesel engines such as the ford transit, f150, they have complex DPF, SCR, EGR coolers, NOX sensors, etc that I make a living fixing when they come towed in derated and forced idle. I'd be hesitant having that in a very remote location for sure, just something to consider, lots of complexity.
For two people, increased payload and livability I'm going to guess a pickup with a pop up camper (4wheel camper or similar). Some of the new gas such as Tundra and for sure the diesel offerings (including Gladiator) should get the required fuel milage. Not sure if vans are going to fit in container or not but I would think they might also be slightly limiting in terms of off road clearance etc. BTW, not sure why you say Wrangler can't tow, as I see them towing small campers all the time. I agree, though if that's not your preference but that can also increase your "payload" in the sense of storing more supplies off of the tow vehicle.P.S. I will miss the Jeep content and I hope in the future you can find ways to include some in your offerings. I always enjoyed seeing you prove the naysayers wrong regarding Jeep, as it seems to be rare and generally looked down upon by the overland crowd.
Buying a vehicle which is not popular in North America might not inspire your North American followers but could inspire your followers from the rest of the world 😉 Most 4x4s in North America are not found anywhere else (difficult to maintain in Asia) So I think you shouldn't limit yourself to that pool of cars.
I understand complete what you're saying - but remember that I live here in Canada.. so I have to actually be legally allowed to get the vehicle (must be 15 years old to import), have to get spares, maintain it, etc. etc. A foreign import is a pain in the neck that I just don't want to deal with
@@TheRoadChoseMe in that case, I guess it would be a 4x4 campervan. But I don't know if any of them will fit in 2.28m... It would be interesting to follow this next adventure :)
OIther than reliability, I would say the ability to have aftermarket fuel or water carrying tanks that can be installed out of sight, esp under the body.
Tough criteria to meet! I would add to adapt the type of vehicle to the region of travel. This will help with parts, the knowledge the locals have on the car to fix it etc. Sounds like you are leaning towards a 4x4 van or single cab pickup with a poptop camper.
your criteria seem right for you, and they should with the experience you have and how much thought you have probably given it. We are all at a slight disadvantage as the 1 criteria not mentioned is destination /route as that would influence the choice too. Only real thing you didn't consider was pets, as many do travel with animals. And maybe break interior living down into 3 area's especially if that's important - sleep, cook and live area's it might be not all of those 3 that are important. And you can Ro-Ro something that wont fit in a container, so then the ability to block/lock the driver seat from the living area becomes important for anti-theft. The 1 unique thing for me, is roof space / solar array. I stay in one place a month at a time and everything is /can be electric; but its not a consideration
Reliability and dependability should be right up there on the list. You mentioned Grizzlynbear, well their rear diff just exploded today. This is probably less of a consideration when purchasing new vehicles for each trip.
The great thing about Land Rovers is parts are plentiful and I bet they already have 10 offers of a replacement rear diff. Of course, they always NEED repairing.. but that's another story.
@@TheRoadChoseMe LRs are terrible when it comes to reliability. That guy Leigh is constantly replacing and working on some stuff in that vehicle and whatever you save on fuel will be offset by repairs lol. Leigh seems to be pretty handy as a mechanic so he keeps working on that LR constantly replacing something or the other but I would hate to own one of those. The unofficial slogan for LandRover is “ LandRover. Making mechanics out of owners since 1948”
I’m going to take a SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) and say you bought a Maverick? Interior space, better mpg? Don’t know about payload off the top of my head, but I imagine it can’t be worse than a Tacoma because Tacos literally have the worst midsize truck payload. And as a die hard American Toyota enthusiast, it pains me to say that lol.
If you planning yo travel to Central Asia, and spend lots of time driving around Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Georgia, Turkey and in general that part of the world. I would suggest you look into dual fuel vehicle. Like gasoline which can run on propane-butane. It will seriously save you some money of fuel in that part of the world. If you can gets 11l per 100 gas you will get 13l per 100 on propane butane. But propane-putane cost 1/3rd of the gas in this part of the world. To convert your car to dual fuel will cost you less then 1000$. The conversion is fairly simple, you can still drive your car normally if anything go bad with your dual fuel system, maintenance is very simple. Also propane butane is more common in this countries, even more common then diesel. Sometimes we get shortages of diesel, but no problems with propane butane or gas. Also diesel is more expensive then gas. I would jus give you and example, 1l of gas (petrol) in Kazakhstan cost 205 tenge (60 cents), 1L of diesel cos 295 tenge (85 cents), 1L of propane butane cost 75 tenge. So traveling in this part of the world is seriously cheaper using propane butane then anything else. STAG and Lovato make good reliable dual fuel systems, which are common and parts are available everywhere, also it is easy to find mechanic who can work on it, especially STAG. Cheers, hope it helps
I'm betting one of the diesel full sized 1/2 ton trucks, likely the GMC AT4 with the diesel. Scott Brady over at Overland Journal has raved about that vehicles performance
I'm working on a mercedes g wagon 300 GD W460. - will run on clean diesel and SWO - yes slow but cool and reliable Plan is to drive from UK to Pakistan next August!
For great durability, longevity and payload, I would look at a 3/4 ton Chevrolet suburban with rear barn doors. Mine has a 42 gallon tank. I feel they are overlooked because they are so common. it is the longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, being made since 1935. Mine has performed very well off road. Isn’t it wonderful to have so many great choices?
Ford Ranger or Chevrolet Colorado with some type of light weight camper that extends up so you can stand inside. Something like the base 4 wheel camper. A Alu-cab or domestic equivalent would be nice but they are expensive with long build times. I couldn't think of anything that would give you 25mpg other than a diesel. In the past you have stated you are against traveling in developing countries with modern diesel engines due to low Sulphur requirements. I just watched a video on the new Ford Ranger and prior ranger owners chimed in saying they get 25+mpg. The Ranger has been one of the top performers in off road vehicles in Australia, that's when the light bulb went off. It would be interesting to see how a smaller turbo engine performs long term overlanding.
Dan, good on you guys in your plans. I can’t imagine what vehicle you have chosen or where you are going, but rest assured i know you have tremendous experience in the process, you have time and good health on your side… so your only limitation may be money. But you seem to be a highly resourceful person. Good luck and happy trails.
Chevy Colorado is good option, I have had two Tacomas but after a lot of research the Colorado Z71 is the best mid size truck. Payload is great, fuel economy is better than any Tacoma or Jeep, towing capacity is really good as well.
Considering this video and your last vehicle in Australia I'm surprised you didn't choose a diesel ute. The CSR trip in particular plus all over Australia the fuel use is less. Seems the 2.8 or 3.0 Duramax is the American choice for 20 mpg all loaded up.
Reliability, simple and proven durable mechanics, as little electronics as possible, global availability of spare parts, can be repaired in basic workshops or in the field. Everything else depends on the number of persons, individual expectations for space and comfort.
Stumbled upon your channel and this video. I'll toss out you may be looking at the F150 with the 2.7 Ecoboost. Quite a savings in weight with the aluminum body panels.Smaller v6 for putzing around at 3rd world speeds. Additional power when you my need it. Should give you some additional space. Big aftermarket. Great video by the way. Best of luck with your new build, which ever path you choose.
I don't believe that engine exists anywhere else outside North America.. and a vehicle that size on little roads in Latin America, Central Asia or Europe... not for me.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Interesting. You were looking for more real estate, fuel economy, payload, and a "different" beast. I'm curious of what you've landed on for the next build. All the best.
Had a truck and planned to travel with a campercabin but always ha concers about weight. When i stumbled into your alaska videos the Ursaminor flashed me. Sold the truck, got a JL and a UM and some other parts and am ready to take off north this summer. Perfect solution for me. Thank you for so many ideas and input.
Haha, thanks Matt! Scroll down a bit to see all the renderings and discussions on the new vehicle, and a bit lower again to see the destination we're taking it to! Fire away with any questions you have in comments on Patreon, or a message there.
Ok, I know you asked for criteria and not vehicle guesses. I can’t help it though! Based on your criteria I’m guessing a low top Chevy Express with a 2.8 diesel and a quigley or similar 4wd conversion. That would check your interior space, payload, MPG, off-road capability, container-able and normal budget boxes. If you’re worried about new diesels and questionable fuel, then I’ll guess an OBS ford diesel truck or similar with a minimalist camper
I'm considering a Mitsubishi Montero 2003-2006 for the USA. Massive room, comfortable on road capable off road acceptable gas mileage. Wish they kept selling them here the last models look amazing.
With all the info you have provided the only vehicles I can think of unless you go a truck of some sort, would be the new Defender 110 or 130 with the rear seats removed. The 130 has a lower payload though I believe. However I live in Australia not Canada/North America so don’t know all the options available to you there.
Not yet. They're entirely unproven, and there's basically zero aftermarket support right now. Maybe in five years once they are proven.. but even then, how is it a major improvement over my previous vehicles?
Astro van with the 4wd transfer case from a S10. With a small lift, you'd be high teens mpg. Lots of space, easy to work on, cheap... or you could buy an Astro Tiger and be a total badA**.
I'd suggest some type of van, maybe a diesel Mercedes? I don't know if it'd have the economy you're looking for, I know my gas ford van averages just over 50% of what you want.
I’m thinking a single cab 3/4 or 1 ton truck, diesel with an 8’ bed and a camper on the back, or an older sprinter 144” wb with 4x4. It’s a global platform, gets great mpg, has great interior space and can be purchased in North America.
I don’t know what the fuel mileage is but lately I’ve been looking at 4:06 garage in Oregon there an international Harvester shop that saves old IH trucks. An old international travel all or like-minded Chevy suburban the Mexican market four-door Ford bronco thing perhaps some of the older 60s era panel wagons will give you the payload capacity in this volume that you need, But I’m not sure about fuel economy on any of those older engines you’d probably be looking at installing a modern day fuel injected power plant although I have heard of guys with international harvesters getting well into the mid 20s in fuel mileage on scouts and scout 2.
I’m going for an old solid axle hilux. They are pretty bulletproof and there should still be os support as they have been used widely by terrorists. I’m in Aus so I might have to get LHD conversion somewhere like Cambodia.
pay load is the issue, on most wagons /s.u.v. if the grand Cherokee L 121" wb 204.90 length 77.9 wide v6 14 mpg loaded 23gal = 300 miles is that enough ? 1270 payload if was tail rated trail hawk it has good payload needs a solid rear axel , but have to go to overland to get low range but air suspension is neg and independent rear axle turns me away , x it off my list and the GC 4xe trail hawk so x it off
Why no mention of reliability? Do you believe that Jeeps (the ones you use) are just as reliable as Toyota's? I own a 2021 tacoma and a 1998 wrangler sahara and I love them both. So please dont take this question as a provocation.
I drove 40,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina without a single mechanical issue. I drove 54,000 miles right around Africa without a major mechanical issue I drove 36,000 miles right around Australia without a single mechanical issue. All of that in Jeeps, the Africa one I still have with 300,000kms on it and drive it daily. They've certainly been plenty reliable for what I do.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks for the response! This is certainly a testiment that jeeps are plenty reliable. I guess it all comes down to frequent maintenence.
I did an oil change and tire rotation every 10,000kms (6,000miles) and then one bigger round of maintenance at the half way point of Africa. That is all.
Driving comfort won’t be a big consideration for me, as that is what you will be doing the most. All the other options you mentioned are valid and need exploring. For reliability, Toyota and they have a huge worldwide support network, although some markets don’t get all engines. I personally have a discovery 3 which is huge inside, the most comfortable vehicle I’ve ever owned. I regularly get 28-34 mpg in the uk, mostly loaded. With a 113 inch wheelbase, it doesn’t pitch on the rough, and is very, very capable off road. The air suspension irons out the bumps, and gives excellent on road manners, and at a flock of s switch, additional height for the rough stuff
Fuel and registration are ongoing costs. In Australia there is quite a sizeable difference between a 4 and 8 cylinder vehicle add to this possible better fuel economy from a smaller 4 cylinder engine , the savings can add to 1000s over the life of the vehicle.
Ok sounds like you are going to Norway / Scadivavia? Its rainy in norway lets see cant whait! If in Sweden you are welcome to the island of Gotland where i live and let me show you all there is here! Kind regards Erik!
I think it's a terrible idea to put all the weight of the spare, tire carrier, maxtrax, fuel and hi lift further behind the rear axle than it was ever designed for... AND the whole thing just just bolt on. Will that last over tens of thousands of miles of the worst corrugations on the planet? I'm not going to be the guinea pig to find out.
For interior space and payload, a full size van makes some sense (in a low roof to fit a shipping container). The GM vans are body on frame, and were available with AWD from factory, or 4x4 conversions. Sprinter 4x4/AWD and Transit AWD also exist, but may not be as good off-road since they are unibody. If off-roading is less important, the new hybrid Sienna wins all fuel economy challenges for the size - 6.7L/100km with AWD! Our Promaster rarely uses less than 12, usually 14.
@@alittlebitgone a standard shipping container door is 7'6". Which ones don't fit? A Chevy Express is 7'. Transit 6'10". I don't care to look up the Sprinter because servicing is more difficult.
@@alittlebitgone our 4wd E350 regular body Sportsmobile on 33’s is right at 7’6”. People have put them into containers by just airing them down. They seem massive but they fit within the footprint of a Suburban and offer a lot of living space for the size with the penthouse pop tops.
Hay Dan! I have a question for you: what do you do for work between expeditions? I know you have a background in engineering and as a future mechanical engineer, I'm very curious
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Dependability and parts availability would be important features for a global overland vehicle.
honestly in these times the number 1 benefit its how easy is to diagnostic and repair a given fault: everything can and will brake eventually in any brand, parts availability its a moot point too; you can order online anything and ship it around the world from your cell phone
@@yepitsme431 personally I would get a Tundra for N. America and Land Cruiser oversea.
Glad to see you back Dan!
Your analytical thought process speaks to your engineering background.
Whenever someone just arbitrarily says “you should get this or that”, I just remember “ Free advice is worth what you pay for it!”
Reliability would be top priority for me.
Every repair I make I aim to increase reliability, not increase the whiz-bang effect.
I like the Jeep JXL similar to your own vehicle. I’m
In Central America in a van which is our home and I love the living space for a couple especially as my wife is happy. Four wheel drive doesn’t matter to me. Living space does. Having a jeep engine in
my van works for me.
A great video Dan. I adopted a similar approach to buying and building up a new vehicle for remote area travel in Australia but still capable for local trips on the challenging local terrain of the Victorian High Country. Based on decades of 4x4 ownership I did my research carefully, took my time, drove all the contenders and ignored external pressure. My final choice surprised me! But has worked out perfectly. It’s important to be honest with yourself when going through the check list.
What did you pick?
I'd love to know what you picked Greg
Interested to know
@@TheRoadChoseMe
The only vehicle that filled my specific requirements was the 200 series Land Cruiser. Living space in the vehicle was not important. With a GVM upgrade and other improvements it has been faultless and a comfortable and capable friend on our adventures.
In Australia, the 200 series with the Turbo Diesel is a very ,very hard all around vehicle to beat. The aftermarket is huge, towing capacity and payload are huge, parts support immense. It's a smart choice.
Good to see you again Dan. sounds like you are talking your self into MB Sprinter 4x4. 6000 pounds load . But that is 2.77m high, Forcing you to use HC container. Will be interesting to see!
You should include overall driver & passenger comfort as one of your categories. That way you don't feel fatigue after a long day's drive. For instance, the old school Defender you showed as an example are very agricultural. Loud, noisy and rough. Even with a complete sound deadening upgrade, the vehicle is still noisy inside. Easily adding to the tiredness of passengers. And I'd be curious how they'd make a pop-up conversion for the Grenadier. Since it has a roof console full of electronic switches.
Hi Dan, agility, practical usability, durability, reasonable costs and 'smiles per miles' are the most important factors to me. A boring and very economical van might carry me to the same destinations, but if driving / feeling / handling the car is no fun ..... hmmm :-/
My over land is a 06 jeep tj rubicon(2 door)
Took the rear and passenger seat out.
Insulated well, welled ways to make structure like a bed.
In that, I have plenty of water, a tiny kitchen, bed, shower 🚿 , bathroom, everything , you have have to be very organized and single lol
I dont know if this should be one of your criteria, it is #1 with me. Visibility! I am 6'4" with, shall I say, lots of padding on the bottom side... I love my Wrangler, but I have very, very poor visibility out of it. The top reason I purchased it was not for offroading, or exploring the backcountry, but because it is the only convertible I fit in. All the smaller ones my eyes are right above the windshield but below open air. No so with the Wrangler. We have the Bestop Sunrider on ours so we can be in convertible mode in seconds and be covered back up equally fast. When open I can actually see what is around me and it is WONDERFUL! I have been out exploring in 20-degree weather with the top open and the heat on full blast, I LOVE it. Any vehicle I have must have the option to fully open the top over the driver and passenger. So I am limited to the Wrangler, Gladiator, or Bronco. But that is just me. I love the open air and refuse to give it up :)
#1 mine is wheel base , gladiator wheel base is to long 138",need 6.5' cargo box,pop up camper on a Tahoe ideal,diesel solid rear axle,single cab 8' box 4x4 3/4 diesel every thing one would want in a overland expedition rig ,same size as suburban or gm express van, if there was a good mid size wagon 119" wb 200" overall 6.5'cargo bay, no indpt, rear axel ,no 3rd row ,no luxury car bits ,cant think of any thing I'm like dan ? what to buy ??
You'd probably fit in the new Bronco as well. As a long-torsoed person I had plenty of headroom. Forward visibility isn't the best though and will lead to ducking to see traffic lights as usual.
Low roof, short wheelbase Ford Transit T250. We have a 9,000lb GVWR. That is about 4,000 pounds of payload. We have about 1,200 pounds of available payload after we are full of fuel, water, gear, people, a pop-up roof and a 4x4 conversion (Quad van). It will fit in a standard shipping container (container wheels). While it is not as capable as a Jeep off road we have had it in some difficult terrain without damage to the vehicle or getting stuck. It works great for the two of us and our plans. We have incorporated lots of your previous ideas based on your videos and really appreciate your down to earth, common sense approach! I do wish the Transit was sold in more countries for parts availability and mechanic familiarity but we just don't have that many great options in the USA for world supported vehicles.
Do they exist in 4x4?
Do you mind if I ask how much it cost for the van + pop-up and the interior build out?
The Ford Transit does not come from the factory with real 4x4. There are two companies in the U.S. that do the conversion and maintain the Ford Warranty. Quad Van in Portland, Oregon and Quigley in Pennsylvania. They use mostly parts from the Ford trucks to complete the conversion along with a couple of custom parts. We used QuadVan and you can get just the 4x4 conversion for about $13,000. We used Field Van in Fresno California for the pop top and it was about $12,000. We did everything else ourselves. We bought the van used. It was a U-Haul van with 17,000 miles on it when we got it. I would say for everything we are at about $100,000 which is not cheap but still much less than buying a completed van with similar build out and specs.
Interesting, thanks very much for the info!
$100k is hard for me to swallow when the Jeep I drove around Africa was a lot less than half that!
@@TheRoadChoseMeI hear you!! We looked long and hard at a Jeep Wrangler with an Ursa Minor top and, for us, it is just too small for two people. I think it was a close call when my wife was deciding whether or not to dump me in favor of the Jeep!
I would add the terrain that you plan on driving on. if it is not too aggressive, a printer type van, properly fitted could take you to many remote locations and still have room for yoga! ;-)
Love the channel. Thank you for the content.
Yeah, he didn't really talk about off road capabilities. Something like the Ford Transit Trail might work. It would certainly be an improvement on interior space!
Fuso Canter 4x4 Is the way to go
When covering the vast distances of North America, one of the more interesting considerations is the ability to stealth camp, if you need to spend a night at a truck stop or, god forbid, a Walmart parking lot. Personally, I think a 4x4 Econoline might make a lot of sense considering your needs.
I'll be shipping this thing out of North America for the next adventure
I recon a Ram 2500 or 3500 , Diesel , with a camper in the box .
Cheers Wild Bill Jeep Overlanding the Arctic watershed of Northern Ontario and Northern Quebec . The Trans Taiga road Quebec and trails north of Lake Superior . This year it's off up to Yukon and NWT to Tuktyaktuk and then back down to northern BC.
Would recommend a horse. Easy to park, factory fitted snorkel, power to all 4 corners. But they don't come in left hand drive 🙁
One of the best books I ever read is a guy that rode two horses from Argentina to New York City in like 1915 or something. Insane, and I loved it.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Gato & Mancha? Epic journey
Tschiffely's Ride: Ten Thousand Miles in the Saddle from Southern Cross to Pole Star - www.amazon.com/dp/162087640X&tag=dastrbl-20
Couple of comments/ideas (I know this is "in the past" as well) Defenders (25 yr old) are pretty easy to get parts for in NA, and have the payload AND worldwide parts availability. A tow bar is useful for recovery with a good quality tow point. it's central and usually very strongly mounted otherwise totally agree. For me now interior living space is becoming much more important I'm 90 certain that you bought a RAM but could be totally surprised
I think you should keep your Jeep JK and replace any old worn parts to new, JK 3.8 engine rebuild or engine swap to 3.6 Pentastar for improving MPG, upgrade AEV high capacity coil springs for higher payload (regearing are recommended for handling heavy loads)
As for increasing interior living space for your JK, check out the "American Safari JXL" extended Jeep camper conversion
Added criteria: probability that it will continue to run and drive with problems. Ford Excursion has been my rig since 2005. With its share of problems, it continues to slog down the road even when not at its best.
Based on your criteria, it sounds like you need a half ton pickup or full sized SUV with a hybrid. Sequoia, tundra, or F150.
Thanks for the ideas. For me, No1 priority is reliability, don't want to be stranded in no man's land. No. 2, capability, it can go where you want to go.
Want to make sure the vehicle you choose has good availability of doors parts and after market mods.
F-150 Tremor for payload, within 20ft, larger cab than the Gladiator, and mileage right around 19. Also, depending on how difficult the terrain you will be covering a Sprinter van is a good option.
You should really put the Defender back on your list. It is the vehicle of choice for many overlanders and for good reason, it is a proven overlander.
They're incredible for sure, but I'm not importing an odd vehicle from around the world. For a whole long list of reasons it's not worth it.
All of these reasons apply to the defender too ua-cam.com/video/7rlLSaICSVU/v-deo.html
Harder tracks would be easier and parts would be more durable with a solid front axle rig. Simple and strong.
I agree with that logic, and certainly my solid axle vehicles have done well to date.
I!d love to see a build on a 100-series or 200-series Landcruiser, or even a Prado
In the US they only come with gas engines, and they get abysmal mileage. Like 10mpg or even worse when fully loaded out. That is utterly unworkable for what I do, and therefore I simply can't.
Also my number one goal is to stand up and walk around inside for interior living space...
I'm not sure its important enough for you to have it on your list of musts, but for me I want to be able to go from the driving position to the sleeping/living area without exiting the vehicle, both for security and especially poor weather/tracking muddy boots inside etc.
I'm really interested to see what you have bought, as I have pretty much the same criteria as you, but struggle to find anything here in Canada that fits the bill. As much as I agree with not importing an odd vehicle, I'm thinking of bringing in a left drive Landcruiser troopy from central america, but I'm hoping your new vehicle shows me an option I have overlooked!
With a Landcruiser Troopy 75, 76 or 78you have the best choice for going on long range tours. 75 is old one, 76 is smaller, 78 is the best for that. I know this because I am driving the 78 series since 32 years in heavy terrains. Sahara desert and so on. Kind regards from a78 LC from Germany.
@@gabyherrmann9894 I hope to find an unmodified 78 series LC, and then install an Alu-Cab Hercules on it. Cheers!
Love your practical approach grounded in real world experience! Keep the hard truths coming Dan.
Always!
comfort, while not the be all and end all if you were to step out of say a gladiator into a 79 series dual cab landcruiser you would notice a significant drop in ride comfort which will effect travel speed it's rougher you have to drive slower, you don't travel as far or have to drive longer in a day to go the same distance and you also put more hours on the vehicle at a slower pace more hours runtime equal more fuel used and more wear and tear/maintenance.
if there's a downside to comfort it's that you may punish the vehicle more, everything above the suspension is more comfortable but below the suspension things are copping more of a beating at higher speeds. and higher speeds are just more risky.
ease of repair and costs, you factored in parts availability and service network. but is the vehicle friendly to maintain. does it shutdown if a sensor fails and need to be towed to a dealer to go on a special computer to be reset that only the dealer has access to preventing you from just replacing the sensor yourself. is it hard to modify to suit your needs is fitting a winch bar a big ordeal even the dealer balks at eg new defender.
Given the last few vehicles, I can see where this is headed...but let's watch to see the outcome. Look forward to seeing your next adventures , mate (and meeting your GF, if she wants to be on camera)
Katie was on camera a lot during out Australian expedition, but she's not so excited to talk about vehicle choices as I am :)
She'll make a return when we're on the road again I'm sure!
I'm a fan of the GrizzlyNBear setup. Spacious, versatile and it goes in a container. I also like the German-build Matzker Camper based on a Defender. The more choice there is, the more it's difficult to choose... Happy research! Best Regards from Belgium, David
I agree David, GrizzlyNBear's setup is great, and sitting inside with them is part of the reason we've gone the direction we're going!
I am curious what you did choose. I think the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss with the 3.0L diesel would be one of the few vehicles that might meet your criteria: High Payload, Large Living Space (with bed camper), and decent MPG.
Sounds like you are going to get a van.
Dan, Great job describing criteria for an overland vehicle. From a long-distance hiker with more than 5,000 miles on foot, a bike packer, and an overlander, might I suggest critically evaluating the weight of every component and material on your new build. People always say “oh this or that doesn’t weigh that much,” but when everything is tallied up, shaving weight wherever it’s realistic, really makes a difference. Of course you cannot compromise on the functionality that you need, but I think one would be surprised at how much weight can be saved through material/component selection, and also through minimizing how much stuff we carry with us. This all equals better fuel economy and less clutter and stress overall.
I agree 100% Tim - I actually come from a backpacking background, and I'm well aware that a heavy pack is made up of a TON of things that "don't weigh much". !
I would buy an F350. Put a roof top tent on a rack. You could fill the pickup bed with a 100 gallons of fuel easily 20 Jerry cans or a F550 with extra tanks and custom bed. Worrying about fuel cost is irrelevant compared to the cost of shipping the vehicle or the cost of offroad tires, rooftop tents which cost several thousand, winch and recovery gear etc, and not to mention the cost of a new vehicle and registration, taxes etc. Ford is also known worldwide. A 20 year old range rover defender would be hard to find new parts for if it broke down. I guess a truck that would be easy to get parts for that continent. In general a bigger vehicle is less offroad capable to hard to recover. A 10 ton vehicle would need a larger wrecker to pull out of mud,
The cost of fuel has been by far the biggest expense on my expeditions - much bigger than shipping or tires or anything else.
Reducing fuel consumption is the number one goal.
Also something like an F350 is going to be a nightmare to drive on the small streets of Latin America or Europe, or the tight tracks in the jungle of the Congo.
Imagine how bad it would be crossing endless sand dunes.
That is a hard no from me
@@TheRoadChoseMe It cost me $7000 to lift my new toyota add new tires, and put a winch on. A new Jeep Pickup is easily 50000 or 60000 before adding overland gear. So to answer your question, a smaller vehicle is more nimble but you cannot carry more stuff including fuel. How much driving is in small towns versus open road vs 4wd roads. You have an expensive hobby. Taking a year off is a year of lost income too. I knew a couple that overlanded from the Yukon to Argentina. They spent 50k on a used Sportsmobile 10 years ago.. For 50k you could drive 50000 miles at 10mpg at $10/gal. In my case to significantly upgrade creature comforts I am going from a 50k 4runner to really $150000-$200000 van. Even a used Van is expensive 100000. The 4runner is my daily driver since my used truck died with 200000 miles on it.
On the other had a couple I met in NZ just bought a used there for 5 weeks and were going to sell it afterwards. Maybe do that in Australia. The canning stock route is 1000 miles. You will drive more pavement miles there than running the route unless you are taking a bunch of dirt roads.
A Jeep is not really fuel efficient to begin with. 20mg vs 13mpg. But if you have to carry Gas then you need a vehicle with more payload. I guess you can tow a trailer loaded up with gas.
In the end of the day it is not the vehicle. I knew someone in college that biked from NM to Alaska and camped along the way and had a great adventure. I think he worked a couple weeks up there at a fishery to earn a flight back home.
Oh wait I didn't realize it was supposed to be a mystery guessing game type thing. Here's my guess.
Toyota Tundra double cab with 8 foot bed and some kind of pop top camper.
Fits all your needs.
4x4
Bugget Friendly
Reliable
22+ mpg
Large interior space with pop top
Fits in a shipping container
Not knowing where it is you are planning to go in the next trip and what kind of roads or routes you are planning it’s a little tough to formulate a suggestion. Is there availability of low sulphur diesel? Are you wanting a brand new vehicle or slightly used? If so I have a somewhat interesting suggestion… they stopped offering the 2.8 Duramax in it this year but the Chevy Express van had it as an option untill ‘22. Since you don’t need to tow, a 1 ton spec’ed Express van with a Quigley conversion and the baby Duramax woukd give you economy, range, payload, and vast interior space, especially if you did a Sportsmobile pop top conversion. There are other 4wd conversions available but they are pretty tall and the Quigley offers and IFS front end using the GM truck components keeping it a bit lower and easier to source parts for. I was thinking this setup would be a great upgrade for our family of 5 as we all cram into a regular body E350 Sportsmobile with the RB50 layout inside and penthouse pop top. We make do but for two people it would be a dream. Ours is a 2001 with a 7.3 Powerstroke and 4wd, i friggen love the thing but just on 33’s it is right at the max height for a container. I think the GM van could get you a bit more breathing room for shipping. If the diesel option doesn’t work wjere you are going they now come with a 6.6 gas and that’s going to bomb your economy needs. If we upgraded I would go 6.6, Sportsmobile interior conversion, and pop top with a Quigley 4wd. That’s a great adventure rig if you want a liveable interior… amd want to tow.
I fell like you are gravitating towards possibly a Ram 3500 with a flat bed tray/box camper for the back, though even with diesel you aren’t going to be hitting your fuel economy needs… Curious to see what you go with… Thinking either some sort of truck with camper or van…..
Last gen Colorado with small camper? Decent payload but not better than the gladiator, great economy… our ‘22 z71 Colorado Duramax sees 30+mpg daily unloaded with a small lift. Again though, modern North American spec diesel probably isn’t going to work friending in where you are taking this… sorry, kind or thinking out loud. 😆
So, no Wrangler, Bronco, 4Runner, Tacoma, Gladiator, Defender, Land Cruiser, Grenadier... 🤔
what's left for you to use?
or are you going to agoing full size (RAM, Tundra, Sequoia)... or a van (Revel, Storieteller), but I don't know how they would fit your "container size" criteria
so I'm really curious which is your chosen one
Aa a diesel mechanic, if it's a diesel vehicle you are planning, be wary of newer diesel engines such as the ford transit, f150, they have complex DPF, SCR, EGR coolers, NOX sensors, etc that I make a living fixing when they come towed in derated and forced idle. I'd be hesitant having that in a very remote location for sure, just something to consider, lots of complexity.
For sure Jake, that is a major concern on those newer diesel engines
For two people, increased payload and livability I'm going to guess a pickup with a pop up camper (4wheel camper or similar). Some of the new gas such as Tundra and for sure the diesel offerings (including Gladiator) should get the required fuel milage. Not sure if vans are going to fit in container or not but I would think they might also be slightly limiting in terms of off road clearance etc. BTW, not sure why you say Wrangler can't tow, as I see them towing small campers all the time. I agree, though if that's not your preference but that can also increase your "payload" in the sense of storing more supplies off of the tow vehicle.P.S. I will miss the Jeep content and I hope in the future you can find ways to include some in your offerings. I always enjoyed seeing you prove the naysayers wrong regarding Jeep, as it seems to be rare and generally looked down upon by the overland crowd.
Buying a vehicle which is not popular in North America might not inspire your North American followers but could inspire your followers from the rest of the world 😉
Most 4x4s in North America are not found anywhere else (difficult to maintain in Asia)
So I think you shouldn't limit yourself to that pool of cars.
I understand complete what you're saying - but remember that I live here in Canada.. so I have to actually be legally allowed to get the vehicle (must be 15 years old to import), have to get spares, maintain it, etc. etc.
A foreign import is a pain in the neck that I just don't want to deal with
@@TheRoadChoseMe in that case, I guess it would be a 4x4 campervan. But I don't know if any of them will fit in 2.28m... It would be interesting to follow this next adventure :)
OIther than reliability, I would say the ability to have aftermarket fuel or water carrying tanks that can be installed out of sight, esp under the body.
Tough criteria to meet! I would add to adapt the type of vehicle to the region of travel. This will help with parts, the knowledge the locals have on the car to fix it etc. Sounds like you are leaning towards a 4x4 van or single cab pickup with a poptop camper.
your criteria seem right for you, and they should with the experience you have and how much thought you have probably given it.
We are all at a slight disadvantage as the 1 criteria not mentioned is destination /route as that would influence the choice too. Only real thing you didn't consider was pets, as many do travel with animals. And maybe break interior living down into 3 area's especially if that's important - sleep, cook and live area's it might be not all of those 3 that are important. And you can Ro-Ro something that wont fit in a container, so then the ability to block/lock the driver seat from the living area becomes important for anti-theft.
The 1 unique thing for me, is roof space / solar array. I stay in one place a month at a time and everything is /can be electric; but its not a consideration
Honestly I think you covered mostly all of it. One thing I would add is that your vehicle should be fun!
Without a doubt it's gotta put a smile on my face!
Reliability and dependability should be right up there on the list. You mentioned Grizzlynbear, well their rear diff just exploded today. This is probably less of a consideration when purchasing new vehicles for each trip.
The great thing about Land Rovers is parts are plentiful and I bet they already have 10 offers of a replacement rear diff. Of course, they always NEED repairing.. but that's another story.
@@TheRoadChoseMe LRs are terrible when it comes to reliability. That guy Leigh is constantly replacing and working on some stuff in that vehicle and whatever you save on fuel will be offset by repairs lol. Leigh seems to be pretty handy as a mechanic so he keeps working on that LR constantly replacing something or the other but I would hate to own one of those.
The unofficial slogan for LandRover is “ LandRover. Making mechanics out of owners since 1948”
I’m going to take a SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) and say you bought a Maverick? Interior space, better mpg? Don’t know about payload off the top of my head, but I imagine it can’t be worse than a Tacoma because Tacos literally have the worst midsize truck payload. And as a die hard American Toyota enthusiast, it pains me to say that lol.
If you planning yo travel to Central Asia, and spend lots of time driving around Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Georgia, Turkey and in general that part of the world. I would suggest you look into dual fuel vehicle. Like gasoline which can run on propane-butane. It will seriously save you some money of fuel in that part of the world. If you can gets 11l per 100 gas you will get 13l per 100 on propane butane. But propane-putane cost 1/3rd of the gas in this part of the world. To convert your car to dual fuel will cost you less then 1000$. The conversion is fairly simple, you can still drive your car normally if anything go bad with your dual fuel system, maintenance is very simple. Also propane butane is more common in this countries, even more common then diesel. Sometimes we get shortages of diesel, but no problems with propane butane or gas. Also diesel is more expensive then gas. I would jus give you and example, 1l of gas (petrol) in Kazakhstan cost 205 tenge (60 cents), 1L of diesel cos 295 tenge (85 cents), 1L of propane butane cost 75 tenge. So traveling in this part of the world is seriously cheaper using propane butane then anything else. STAG and Lovato make good reliable dual fuel systems, which are common and parts are available everywhere, also it is easy to find mechanic who can work on it, especially STAG. Cheers, hope it helps
I'm betting one of the diesel full sized 1/2 ton trucks, likely the GMC AT4 with the diesel. Scott Brady over at Overland Journal has raved about that vehicles performance
I'm working on a mercedes g wagon 300 GD W460. - will run on clean diesel and SWO - yes slow but cool and reliable
Plan is to drive from UK to Pakistan next August!
For great durability, longevity and payload, I would look at a 3/4 ton Chevrolet suburban with rear barn doors. Mine has a 42 gallon tank. I feel they are overlooked because they are so common. it is the longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, being made since 1935. Mine has performed very well off road. Isn’t it wonderful to have so many great choices?
Ford Ranger or Chevrolet Colorado with some type of light weight camper that extends up so you can stand inside. Something like the base 4 wheel camper. A Alu-cab or domestic equivalent would be nice but they are expensive with long build times. I couldn't think of anything that would give you 25mpg other than a diesel. In the past you have stated you are against traveling in developing countries with modern diesel engines due to low Sulphur requirements. I just watched a video on the new Ford Ranger and prior ranger owners chimed in saying they get 25+mpg. The Ranger has been one of the top performers in off road vehicles in Australia, that's when the light bulb went off.
It would be interesting to see how a smaller turbo engine performs long term overlanding.
Dan, good on you guys in your plans. I can’t imagine what vehicle you have chosen or where you are going, but rest assured i know you have tremendous experience in the process, you have time and good health on your side… so your only limitation may be money. But you seem to be a highly resourceful person. Good luck and happy trails.
Thanks very much Buffalo, I appreciate your kind words and confidence!
Chevy Colorado is good option, I have had two Tacomas but after a lot of research the Colorado Z71 is the best mid size truck. Payload is great, fuel economy is better than any Tacoma or Jeep, towing capacity is really good as well.
Considering this video and your last vehicle in Australia I'm surprised you didn't choose a diesel ute. The CSR trip in particular plus all over Australia the fuel use is less. Seems the 2.8 or 3.0 Duramax is the American choice for 20 mpg all loaded up.
Reliability, simple and proven durable mechanics, as little electronics as possible, global availability of spare parts, can be repaired in basic workshops or in the field.
Everything else depends on the number of persons, individual expectations for space and comfort.
Stumbled upon your channel and this video. I'll toss out you may be looking at the F150 with the 2.7 Ecoboost. Quite a savings in weight with the aluminum body panels.Smaller v6 for putzing around at 3rd world speeds. Additional power when you my need it. Should give you some additional space. Big aftermarket. Great video by the way. Best of luck with your new build, which ever path you choose.
I don't believe that engine exists anywhere else outside North America.. and a vehicle that size on little roads in Latin America, Central Asia or Europe... not for me.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Interesting. You were looking for more real estate, fuel economy, payload, and a "different" beast. I'm curious of what you've landed on for the next build. All the best.
Hey Dan, Reliability is a good criteria you haven't brought up. Cheers!
Awesome content 👏 Greetings from south africa 🇿🇦
He’s going to get a lifted Prius, with a 4 wheel drive conversion and a pop up roof on it 😂
GMC Sierra 1500 ATX Diesel
Land Drover Nice this can be somthing!
But, but, but, you completely looked over the Astro van.....! :)
I'm guessing a 4x4 diesel Sprinter.
Low range
Absolutely. I consider strong 4x4 to be so essential I don't even really mention it.
Fastest way to boost your car proformance is to leave the wife at home
Sounds like either a 4WD Van or Ambulance is worth serious consideration.
Absolutely, yes!
Would be amazing if Ineos gave you a Grenadier to put through it's paces!
If they offered I certainly wouldn't say no!
Had a truck and planned to travel with a campercabin but always ha concers about weight. When i stumbled into your alaska videos the Ursaminor flashed me. Sold the truck, got a JL and a UM and some other parts and am ready to take off north this summer. Perfect solution for me. Thank you for so many ideas and input.
That's great to hear, I hope you have an amazing summer in the North!
Let me know if you want any tips on routes or places not to miss,
Oh... Scandinavia? Cold and windy... 🙂
Well, I guess you got me on Patreon. jJust couldn't wait for the new build.
Haha, thanks Matt! Scroll down a bit to see all the renderings and discussions on the new vehicle, and a bit lower again to see the destination we're taking it to!
Fire away with any questions you have in comments on Patreon, or a message there.
Maybe MB Sprinter 2500?
Wind..rain.....iceland🤔🤔🤔....norway....🤔🤔🤔
Dan, the beard game is getting strong!! Looking forward to the new build!
Winter in the great white north! it has to be done
Ok, I know you asked for criteria and not vehicle guesses. I can’t help it though!
Based on your criteria I’m guessing a low top Chevy Express with a 2.8 diesel and a quigley or similar 4wd conversion. That would check your interior space, payload, MPG, off-road capability, container-able and normal budget boxes.
If you’re worried about new diesels and questionable fuel, then I’ll guess an OBS ford diesel truck or similar with a minimalist camper
I'm considering a Mitsubishi Montero 2003-2006 for the USA.
Massive room, comfortable on road capable off road acceptable gas mileage.
Wish they kept selling them here the last models look amazing.
Sprinter 144 or 170 AWD or 4WD? Also ... take a look at ACELA trucks too ....although fuel consumption might be not good enough.
With all the info you have provided the only vehicles I can think of unless you go a truck of some sort, would be the new Defender 110 or 130 with the rear seats removed. The 130 has a lower payload though I believe.
However I live in Australia not Canada/North America so don’t know all the options available to you there.
lol. All that means “fk I want a greandier” - me too buddy
Not yet. They're entirely unproven, and there's basically zero aftermarket support right now.
Maybe in five years once they are proven.. but even then, how is it a major improvement over my previous vehicles?
Astro van with the 4wd transfer case from a S10. With a small lift, you'd be high teens mpg. Lots of space, easy to work on, cheap... or you could buy an Astro Tiger and be a total badA**.
Sprinter 4x4 SWB 😀
At 13:00 mins in. Im thinking fullsize 1/2 ton pick up with the new Alu-cabin.
I'd suggest some type of van, maybe a diesel Mercedes? I don't know if it'd have the economy you're looking for, I know my gas ford van averages just over 50% of what you want.
I’m thinking a single cab 3/4 or 1 ton truck, diesel with an 8’ bed and a camper on the back, or an older sprinter 144” wb with 4x4. It’s a global platform, gets great mpg, has great interior space and can be purchased in North America.
I don’t know what the fuel mileage is but lately I’ve been looking at 4:06 garage in Oregon there an international Harvester shop that saves old IH trucks. An old international travel all or like-minded Chevy suburban the Mexican market four-door Ford bronco thing perhaps some of the older 60s era panel wagons will give you the payload capacity in this volume that you need, But I’m not sure about fuel economy on any of those older engines you’d probably be looking at installing a modern day fuel injected power plant although I have heard of guys with international harvesters getting well into the mid 20s in fuel mileage on scouts and scout 2.
I’m going for an old solid axle hilux. They are pretty bulletproof and there should still be os support as they have been used widely by terrorists. I’m in Aus so I might have to get LHD conversion somewhere like Cambodia.
pay load is the issue, on most wagons /s.u.v. if the grand Cherokee L 121" wb 204.90 length 77.9 wide v6 14 mpg loaded 23gal = 300 miles is that enough ? 1270 payload if was tail rated trail hawk it has good payload needs a solid rear axel , but have to go to overland to get low range but air suspension is neg and independent rear axle turns me away , x it off my list and the GC 4xe trail hawk so x it off
I’m a bigger fan of Jeep’s but, mpg aside it sounds like maybe you want a 4Runner...
Stand up, walk around and cook inside?
@@TheRoadChoseMe mmm. Dang it.
Why no mention of reliability? Do you believe that Jeeps (the ones you use) are just as reliable as Toyota's? I own a 2021 tacoma and a 1998 wrangler sahara and I love them both. So please dont take this question as a provocation.
I drove 40,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina without a single mechanical issue.
I drove 54,000 miles right around Africa without a major mechanical issue
I drove 36,000 miles right around Australia without a single mechanical issue.
All of that in Jeeps, the Africa one I still have with 300,000kms on it and drive it daily.
They've certainly been plenty reliable for what I do.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Thanks for the response! This is certainly a testiment that jeeps are plenty reliable. I guess it all comes down to frequent maintenence.
I did an oil change and tire rotation every 10,000kms (6,000miles) and then one bigger round of maintenance at the half way point of Africa. That is all.
Another essential element of overlanding; gasoline vs diesel engines.
Absolutely, and I'll go into that in an upcoming video soon
Driving comfort won’t be a big consideration for me, as that is what you will be doing the most. All the other options you mentioned are valid and need exploring. For reliability, Toyota and they have a huge worldwide support network, although some markets don’t get all engines.
I personally have a discovery 3 which is huge inside, the most comfortable vehicle I’ve ever owned. I regularly get 28-34 mpg in the uk, mostly loaded. With a 113 inch wheelbase, it doesn’t pitch on the rough, and is very, very capable off road. The air suspension irons out the bumps, and gives excellent on road manners, and at a flock of s switch, additional height for the rough stuff
Fuel and registration are ongoing costs. In Australia there is quite a sizeable difference between a 4 and 8 cylinder vehicle add to this possible better fuel economy from a smaller 4 cylinder engine , the savings can add to 1000s over the life of the vehicle.
Ok sounds like you are going to Norway / Scadivavia? Its rainy in norway lets see cant whait! If in Sweden you are welcome to the island of Gotland where i live and let me show you all there is here! Kind regards Erik!
Get a Subaru Outback. Wilderness if you are feeling particularly adventurous.
Hey Dan, got a play-off beard😁Maybe it has to be a van. Used Sprinter, Iveco, Transit or something like that and DIY it
Diesel gladiator .....
I do like the jeep jxl conversions!
I think it's a terrible idea to put all the weight of the spare, tire carrier, maxtrax, fuel and hi lift further behind the rear axle than it was ever designed for... AND the whole thing just just bolt on.
Will that last over tens of thousands of miles of the worst corrugations on the planet? I'm not going to be the guinea pig to find out.
Sounding like you are going to get a van Dan, Sprinter 4x4 maybe. I think it would a decent choice except adblu is hard to get in central asia
Where in Canada are you based out of at the moment?
For interior space and payload, a full size van makes some sense (in a low roof to fit a shipping container). The GM vans are body on frame, and were available with AWD from factory, or 4x4 conversions. Sprinter 4x4/AWD and Transit AWD also exist, but may not be as good off-road since they are unibody.
If off-roading is less important, the new hybrid Sienna wins all fuel economy challenges for the size - 6.7L/100km with AWD! Our Promaster rarely uses less than 12, usually 14.
None of these will fit a shipping container.
@@alittlebitgone a standard shipping container door is 7'6". Which ones don't fit? A Chevy Express is 7'. Transit 6'10". I don't care to look up the Sprinter because servicing is more difficult.
@@alittlebitgone our 4wd E350 regular body Sportsmobile on 33’s is right at 7’6”. People have put them into containers by just airing them down. They seem massive but they fit within the footprint of a Suburban and offer a lot of living space for the size with the penthouse pop tops.
But I don’t think fuel economy is going to approach what Dan is wanting.
Hay Dan! I have a question for you: what do you do for work between expeditions? I know you have a background in engineering and as a future mechanical engineer, I'm very curious