waveslider
Outdoorsman
Ah, so a non-full timer is going to get comprehensive for significantly less than your quote (for US based only as Charlie has astutely pointed out)
Expedition Vehicle selection thoughts?
- Thread starter Zybane
- Start date
Ah, so a non-full timer is going to get comprehensive for significantly less than your quote (for US based only as Charlie has astutely pointed out)
gregmchugh
Observer
They are very busy and expanding with a recent move to a large building that they remodeled in Springfield and they are in the process of adding more people and equipment. When I was last there they were working on several new Kenworth Patagonia’s...
I have to chuckle at all of the just plain wrong information bandied about in this thread. Zybane....do yourself a favor, attend Expo West and talk to owners of various expedition vehicles. Yes, owners, not manufacturers or sellers. Most of us are more than happy to let you take a look inside and check out the things you are concerned with....lockers, engines, comfort, diesel cooktops, etc... We’ll share our experiences with you and that includes our vehicle’s capabilities as well as limitations. The one thing that will help you most with your search is the fact that there is no one perfect vehicle; life is full of compromises. And the biggest compromise you’ll face is the amount of money in your bank account.
charlieaarons
Explorer
Another choice is excap.de Steyr 12M18 re-mfg’d with KrugXP camper. But 25% duty on chassis, 2.5% on camper.
gregmchugh
Observer
So, is the re-manufactured Steyr still eligible to be imported into the U.S. as a 25 year old vehicle?
charlieaarons
Explorer
Yes
Yes that would be the ideal setup. But I think that boat has sailed. Excap 12M18's seem to be spoken for years, and prices are now approaching $150K optioned. I've been speaking with Krug, as IMO they are clearly the best cabin/price builder out there at the moment. Jorg has steered me away from 12M18's and towards LMTV's, but he thinks you cannot even get lockers for them anymore. Marrying up a European cabin with an uncertain US LMTV build over here with no truck modifications by the cabin builder is too large a project for me. LMTV just has too many pitfalls vs the 12M18.
I haven't counted out the F450/550 chassis, especially since you can now get front and rear lockers for them. They would obviously be the best highway and daily driver machines, but length overall seems to be their achilles heel.
As for overall cabin/truck build, nothing off the shelf fits my needs. Not even a half million dollar new Earthroamer, which I couldn't afford anyway. My budget went from $250K, to $300K, now to 1/3rd mil and cannot go any higher. A custom small GXV or Overland Explorer may be the path to go down as I could at least customize the floorplan and get exactly what I need for my meager money.
Haha so true. I like straight shooters like yourself and hope to meet some of you at Expo West.
Anyone traveling with more than 2 people still buying regular cabs and sticking belts in the dinette like a motorhome? Would cut length and weight for sure...
Kids... I do agree, not ideal, just wondering if other have done it.
gregmchugh
Observer
We have two seatbelts on the bench seat in the front of the cabin in our Kenworth Patagonia and with the large pass through there is a nice view out the front. You are facing to the side but a nice view out the front in any case. You can also have the table in front of you while you travel. We expect to use it sometimes for traveling with other adults or our grand kids. In our configuration there is only the one bed so the visitors get to sleep in a tent...
You can see it in these pictures...
http://globalxvehicles.com/patagonia/patagonia-on-kenworth-2017-2/
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gregmchugh
Observer
I saw that Unimog posted on a Facebook. It is nice to see something with a more modern design than the typical expedition truck.
Here is another interesting one touring the world and in the US now, not really a camper but pretty futuristic...
Here is another interesting one touring the world and in the US now, not really a camper but pretty futuristic...
