SEETHEWORLD349
Observer
but, having driven a lot of the roads you want to take over the last 40 years, I would:
-- Not bother with a winch
-- Not bother with front locker. (But I would have a rear locker or limited slip.)
-- Not bother with a chain saw.
-- Would try to achieve a fuel range of about 500 miles, but this is much less of an issue than it used to be.
-- Would go with a roof tent. (I like the idea of those with a plastic cover, but have not used them myself.)
-- Would arrange the back of my vehicle so that I could, if needed, sleep in it.
-- I would make sure that I had four sand ladders (I, too, have the Max Trax.) and a long, over sized two strap.
-- Leave the driving lights at home; you won't be driving at night in the third world and you can't use them on the road in the first world.
Make sure that you carry serious cold weather gear, including base layers, gloves, sleeping bags, etc. It is hard to understand how cold it gets on the Altiplano or the Sahara. I know from painful experience the agony of running into that cold when one is coming from the tropics.
You are describing an overland trip but kitting for a 4x4 trip. For what you are describing, I think you would be MUCH happier with a Tiger, Sportsmobile (small), XPCamper, Earthroamer, or similar. I have done a lot of what you describe (http://www.pbase.com/diplostrat) and would suggest that you look at these folks, who have hit 50 countries and are still counting. (http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Travelin-Tortuga/index.html)
Interesting to note that the Boltons have just suspended their trip and are shipping back to Oz; truck too badly broken to continue.
In the end, there are lots of ways to do this. Have a great trip.
wow Thank you because of people like you is that this site is so amazing
yeah I agree with you about setting up for a 4x4 trip and it is mostly because I know my self and I can never stop from going down this road or trail to see where it takes us, Im not planning on staying on the panamerican unless its absolutely necessary so having the extra ability to get my self out of trouble will come in handy for sure
another set of Maxtrax will do
yes front locker is overkill but I am rebuilding both diffs so its kinda of a im saving $ doing it now situation
I also agree with you about the lights but I rather have them and not need them then you know the rest I got somewhat lost in Moab last year and I hated the wranglers lights I sure it would have been a lot safer to have a good set of lights to get out in the dark
great advice on the cold weather gear will look into it
and lastly yes I would be much happier with a earthroamer or similar but an 80 series is what I have and it would be just too much $ to switch cars now
once again thank you for your input :smiley_drive: