4,000 Miles into our Americas Expedition - Update ('03 Tundra TRD)

[rockandroll]

Well, we've officially rolled over the 4k mark on our first overland expedition (Currently in El Salvador). I'd like to contribute to the wonderful pool of knowledge here and I am currently drafting a post on the viability (pro's & con's) of the 1st Generation Tundra as an overland platform.

Here is the preliminary list of mods we all came up with before the trip.

Do you have any burning questions? What are you interesting in knowing?

Lastly do you have anything to add? How do you think a Tundra performs overland?

Leaving Parque Nacional El Imposible, El Salvador

Camping at Lago de Atitlan in Guatemala​

 

[Redline]

What size are your BFG A/Ts, 265/75 or 285/75R16?

Do you know your loaded/wet weight?

How is your power/torque?

What kind of mpg do you get?

 

[thecriscokid]

How does the Tundra ride? On air bags with camper? on rough rutted roads? Let us know how it goes?

 

[OTR]

The things I don't like:

• Factory brakes are not that impressive. I went with '05 calipers and Brembo rotors and it fixed the braking short comings.
  
• The bed is kinda shallow.
  
• The dash has the infamous Tundra rattles.
  
• An electric cooling fan that come on with the A/C compressor makes a world of difference. (and livens the motor up when leaving a stop light)
  
• Parts are not the easiest to get when you are far away from civilization, but its reliable enough to off set it in my book.
  

• • 
    
    Don't let these items detour you from buying a newer Tundra when you replace your current one.
    
    "Factory brakes are not that impressive."
    The newer Tundras brakes are amazing to say the least.
    
    "The bed is kinda shallow."
    The bed is almost to deep to reach over the bed rails to obtain an item. It is also great to have the extra depth with a cab high canopy on it.
    
    "The dash has the infamous Tundra rattles."
    My interior is still rattle free and noise free after 104,000 miles. I am surely impressed with the build quality of the interior after this winter in Fairbanks, Alaska. The roads have been horrible since November with layers 1" thick ice in random areas of the road. It's like I've been driving on poorly maintained gravel roads for the past several months.
    
    "An electric cooling fan that come on with the A/C compressor makes a world of difference. (and livens the motor up when leaving a stop light)"
    The new 5.7 motor and 6 speed still brings a smile to my face after so many miles. I have yet to "need" more power when towing or with my truck camper.
    
    "Parts are not the easiest to get when you are far away from civilization, but its reliable enough to off set it in my book."
    I believe this will always be a problem with full-sized American based trucks, they just don't sell them overseas. The nice thing is that the newer Tundra and Landcruiser do share some mechanical components. Also, Toyota does have a world wide dealer infrastructure. So a Toyota dealer on the other side of the world should be able to get your part for you if needed and do the repair.

 

[JCMatthews]

Bump

 

[rockandroll]

Bump

Sorry for the delay. In the last 2 weeks we've experienced a border crossing, marriage, and hospital visit!

Expect the article this week!

Thanks for your interest!