Scholars differ ...
but is it time for some contrarian thinking.
Small is beautiful for shipping, profile, fuel consumption, and your pocket book. The "classic" overland vehicle is still the old VW bus, thousands of which have crossed the sand of the Sahara and the mud of the Congo. [OK, not always under their own power. ;-) ] You don't need Godzilla Truck.
Consider this quote:
"We have been very happy with our choice of the [Provan] Tiger as we have lived in it full time for more than a year and a half; traveling (so far) 47,000 miles through the US, Canada, and ten other countries. It has proven itself to be comfortable, reliable, and very capable of taking us everywhere we have wanted to go. Certainly there are many satisfactory choices of a vehicle for travel such as this. Only careful research and an accurate analysis of your own needs will lead you to a choice that you will be happy with. We will say that we’ve spoken to two other couples with lots of over land travel experience who selected larger vehicles after looking at the Tiger and thinking it too small. Both now say that they wish they’d chosen something smaller than they did. You can learn more about the Tiger at
www.tigermotorhomes.com ."
This from the Howes' website at:
http://www.travelin-tortuga.com/Site/Our_Vehicle.html
I freely grant that they are not attempting Africa and I have never traveled the silkroad, so I cannot comment on that part of the world.
My wife and l lived "beside" a Blazer on two long trips and, were we to do it again, we would have at least a roof tent and preferably, a full camper. But we still would not attempt anything much bigger than the Tiger for just the two of us.
Both Tiger and Earthroamer have uprated their trucks over the years; as Dr. Aarons and others have correctly noted, the GVWR starts to spiral when you add in 60 USG of fuel (minimum for Africa) and 20 USG of water. Thus going to the one ton pick up over the 1/2 ton, or even into the medium truck (Kodiak/Ford 5XX) could make a lot of sense. You want your truck over rated and probably undersprung a bit. As a quick Mark I Eyeball test, if your truck is on the overload springs before you hop aboard, it's too small. If, on the other hand, the springs aren't even compressed - keep the truck but downrate the springs. (Overland trucks need a S O F T suspension - not stiff. Think early Range Rover.)
Final thought. While presenting an argument for a smaller vehicle, remember, you are talking about Third World travel, not the Rubicon. You are not very likely to ever drive a road that is not used by huge trucks and busses. Even a "monster" MAN camper is unlikely to be the biggest thing on the road. (May be a bear to park, however.)
And a Final, Final Thought: What is the fate of the truck after the trip? Is this a one-shot deal, to be sold/junked at the end, or are you buying a camper for years of use. If the latter, and you live in the US, then US spec is essential, just as M. Stewart has to worry about his camper passing the MOT.)
And a Third Final Thought: Zen and the art of Overlanding. Most Overlanders get VERY burned out after about six months to a year. I have met any number who are so worn down by breakdowns, mechanical problems, petty bureaucracy hassles, money problems, etc., that they have long since given up doing any touring and are just trying to arrive alive. Rather than trying to go around the world - try doing just Europe or Central America first. Then go home, make corrections, and plan your next trip. You may find you enjoy BOTH trips more.
Have a good, safe trip.
