1988 4Runner, expedition-ready + drive back from South America

[BajaTaco]

This is not my truck, but I have been corresponding with Nick and Rochelle, who are currently using the 4Runner for a trip in South America. They want to fly back at the end of the trip and sell the vehicle. This would be a nice opportunity to buy a U.S. titled vehicle that is already equipped and will be in a position for a one-way adventure through South America, Central America, and Mexico heading north. Price is $10,000 USD. If you back out the difference in costs associated with doing a two-way trip (down and back, whether you ship or drive) it seems like a pretty nice deal to me.

Details and FAQ on the vehicle are here:

Expedition Vehicle for Sale

 

[Christian P.]

Very interesting

do they have a website on their journey?

 

[ramblewriter]

You can read about our trip at: www.ramblewriter.com

 

[shellb]

I love this rig.

Does anyone have a ball park figure on what shipping to NC would cost?

While I would love to fly down and drive it back, it just isn't practical at this stage.

Anyone want to drive it back to Charlotte for me?? :sombrero:

 

[Christian P.]

Great site!! I really enjoyed the embedded videos. Gotta do that next time...

 

[haven]

I understand the security that the open mesh cover provides for the sleeping area.
I'm concerned about dust getting into the back, and also into the driver's compartment.
Dealing with dust is a major issue on South American roads.

However, Dan T. Cook took a similar approach with a Toyota 70 series truck he used
for his round-the-world flyfishing adventure:

Dan used a Campa trailer and rooftop tent for his trip. Dan's web site is http://www.flyfishingtheglobe.net

Any comments from the owner or others with experience using this
sort of bed cover?

 

[haven]

Here's a screen grab of ramblewriter's vehicle, ready to ship to Colombia :sombrero:

There are more photos of the truck scattered among the trip photos here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ramblewriter/

 

[Toyotero]

Very cool rig. I'm glad to see a Toyota mini make a trip like that, even better a 1st gen 4Runner. :-D

I looked through the trip photos. It looks like it was a great ride.

Here is a posting of some of the modifications.
http://ramblewriter.com/ramblings/?p=181

Best of luck with the sale ramblewriter!

Toyotero.

 

[ramblewriter]

I love this rig.

Does anyone have a ball park figure on what shipping to NC would cost?

While I would love to fly down and drive it back, it just isn't practical at this stage.

Anyone want to drive it back to Charlotte for me?? :sombrero:

shelb, the costs to ship back to the states, are something around 1300-1500USD depending on how you ship and a few other variables. I'd be happy to ship it to you, shoot me an email if you want more info.

I understand the security that the open mesh cover provides for the sleeping area.
I'm concerned about dust getting into the back, and also into the driver's compartment.
Dealing with dust is a major issue on South American roads........................Any comments from the owner or others with experience using this
sort of bed cover?

havan,

If you leave the canvas top open while running over very dusty roads you will get some dust in the truck depending on the wind etc. however the CAN-BACK top on the back does a great job of keeping out the dust when it's all snapped shut. The only times we have had any trouble with dust have been when we hadn't closed the canvas top....... which we always promptly noticed and closed, once on dusty roads.

I love the canvas/cage combo because it gives you a comfortable sleeping environment in a much wider range of climates. It's basically like sleeping outside with the canvas up, and like a heavy tent with the canvas down. The best part is you can sleep anywhere (including cities, which we have done) and feel safe with the cage. I made it out of 13 gauge expanded metal and .25"/1" flat bar and angle iron. You would need some tools and some time to get into it.

 

[lt1fire]

I love this rig.

Does anyone have a ball park figure on what shipping to NC would cost?

While I would love to fly down and drive it back, it just isn't practical at this stage.

Anyone want to drive it back to Charlotte for me?? :sombrero:

Brett are you really thinking of getting this??

 

[shellb]

Brett are you really thinking of getting this??

Perhaps? :elkgrin: Don't worry though, it will be additive to the garage.

I want an expedition type truck and a built 62 or an 80 or all three?

I want a lot of things, so mostly I am just confused.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Love the truck! Where can I buy those masterlock external door locks???

 

[RocKrawler]

Pretty sure Sierra Expeditions has access to those locks

 

[dclatour]

Quick google image search led me to the previous owners of my vehicle...glad she has seen and done some tremendous things. trying to get some comms with the man himself, ramblewriter to talk shop about the truck. my wife is looking at me like im crazy, but im super excited i found all this about it. and you will all kill me when you find out what i paid for it.