And an ER conversion with all the bells and whistles is only 1,400? Published curb weights are generally not accurate. My old CJ7 was 4,100 pounds from the factory with a 4 cylinder motor. The Liberty pushes 5,000. Besides, it was just a question about total weight. Yes, I am serious most of the time.IXNAYXJ said:
Expeditions West: (JK) XV-JP Announcement Thread
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
Desertdude said:
I agree that the XV-JP is a gret rig with what I expect is a very high build quality. And I also agree competely that a good driver makes a rig more capable and more reliable. I read the review/trip report from the XV-JP excursion earlier and was really impressed. tim will tell.
My experience's are having owned MANY chrysler/Jeep oproducts. While I will concide that the new trucks are of a higher standard, I'm still not convinced that they've gotten all of the bugs out.expeditionswest said:
As far as my attitude towards most non-yota platforms. I'ver turned the corner on my opinion of Land Rovers, and I've seen a fair few Nissans that were worth their mettle, but frankly: I belive Toyota (older espescialy) are the epitomy of tough trucks. I've Lived in and abused all types of trucks in Australia and I live in Oregon wich might just be one of the toughest wheeling environments on the planet outside of a central/south american rain forrest. I've put my derrier in ALOT of truck seats and personaly I've found that few match the experience that I've gotten in Toyotas. That said, I think it's the ONLY thing the do all that well. I certainly wouldn't look to toyota to build a proper track car
I wasn't aiming to offend onyone with my statement, I think the new rig is going to be really neat, and I hope that the Toyota finds a good home because it is truly an amazing vehicle. I hope one day to be able to come out an meet some of the great people here on the boards. I have no issue wheeling/traveling with nearly anyone no matter what they drive, but I have VERY strong opinions about vehicle selection and I belive I have the experiences to match. I know that you do also and I respect that.
Cheers
Dave
Scott Brady
Founder
madizell said:
That is for the EarthRoamer converted Jeep. They go to great lengths to reduce and manage weight of the conversion, though I do expect mine to be pretty heavy in expedition trim. I believe the D44 will be more than adequate for the end result and my driving style.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
I too am pro-Toyota in the "reliability" department. The Taco was especially reliable amongst Toyotas.
In the past I was very anti-Jeep and for the same reasons, reliability and trail breakage. With the new JK and available mods, Becky and I talk about buying one every time we see one. I am hooked though doubt I'll bite due to already having two Land Cruisers that are trail-ready. So I think Scott has made a great choice for his next build. The neat thing is that Scott will always have a "next build". Only time will tell which vehicle was his "greatest build". (I already know mine. :sombrero: )
In the past I was very anti-Jeep and for the same reasons, reliability and trail breakage. With the new JK and available mods, Becky and I talk about buying one every time we see one. I am hooked though doubt I'll bite due to already having two Land Cruisers that are trail-ready. So I think Scott has made a great choice for his next build. The neat thing is that Scott will always have a "next build". Only time will tell which vehicle was his "greatest build". (I already know mine. :sombrero: )
Scott Brady
Founder
Thank you for your thoughts Dave. I do agree... Toyota rules on reliability. It is just fortunate that other manufacturers are gaining in this area as it provides some great options.
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
Agreed, unfortunately it seems as though Toyota is actualy slipping at the same time that the others are catching up...expeditionswest said:
Like I said, I can't WAIT to see what you do with this truck. Seing as you've already set the bar so high, I can only imagine this is going to be one hell of a vehicle. One thing I'll be interested to hear your opinion on is the weight distribution/WB differences. The old Taco was I'm sure heavy, but seemed to be lower and more spread out over a longer WB. The XV-JP appears to be more top heavy in a shorter (although maybe it's not shorter?) WB.
This kind of thing is what I would LOVE to have built for my 1st Gen runner. I think it's a geat idea that earthroamer is cpatalizing on.
Cheers
Dave
the challenge
Looking over the specs of Scott's modified Taco and the Earthroamer XV-JP, I think either vehicle would be up to the tasks of overland travel in South America.
I think the real challenge in this journey will be psychological. Living away from home is disquieting, no matter how exciting the adventures experienced. Traveling for weeks on end can become very tiresome. When traveling with companions, it's difficult to give people the space they need when they're having a bad day.
Overland travelers can address some of these concerns by having a vehicle that has enough room to feel a little like home, instead of a like a backpack on wheels. The Earthroamer provides more of this feeling than the Taco, but it's still very small.
Not to worry -- this trip will not become a South American version of "Heart of Darkness." I'm only saying that it's important to consider the psychological issues as part of the trip preparations.
Chip Haven
Looking over the specs of Scott's modified Taco and the Earthroamer XV-JP, I think either vehicle would be up to the tasks of overland travel in South America.
I think the real challenge in this journey will be psychological. Living away from home is disquieting, no matter how exciting the adventures experienced. Traveling for weeks on end can become very tiresome. When traveling with companions, it's difficult to give people the space they need when they're having a bad day.
Overland travelers can address some of these concerns by having a vehicle that has enough room to feel a little like home, instead of a like a backpack on wheels. The Earthroamer provides more of this feeling than the Taco, but it's still very small.
Not to worry -- this trip will not become a South American version of "Heart of Darkness." I'm only saying that it's important to consider the psychological issues as part of the trip preparations.
Chip Haven
Maddmatt
Explorer
haven said:
I've found that two things really help alleviate this issue:
1) Clear expectations up front. All parties need to state, before the trip begins, what they expect. I've been on too many week long mountain bike excursions where one or two guys thought they were going out to "session" 40 mile rides every day and spend the evenings dialing in their bikes, and one or two guys thought they were going for a morning ride / afternoon drinking binge - it leaves everybody else caught in the middle and all parties unhappy with the use of their all too valuable free time.
2) Not over scheduling. In a pinch in North America you can knock out 750 miles or more in a day, for one or two days, but it's just not realistic to keep that pace up long term.
Not that Scott needs to hear that from me, he knows this stuff more than anybody - just sharing my thoughts.
-Matt
kcowyo
ExPo Original
haven said:
Hmmm.... never had a bad day when travelling. I've had some unexpected things pop up, but that just adds flavor to the tale. I can't speak for my passengers though.
The fatigue is real though. I believe a consistent & healthy diet on the road is an important element to overcome that. There also seems to be some kind of personal deflation when the trip crosses over from the planning stage to the doing it stage. When the initial elation fades and the reality of being on the road for weeks & weeks sets in, it can bring your system down a little. So yeah, good points Chip.
DaveInDenver
Middle Income Semi-Redneck
I definitely get a lot nicer to be around by the day as a trip progresses. By the end of a week on the road I'm downright chipper.kcowyo said:
geodasher
Observer
Pardon the drool...
I like Jeeps but at first glance I am put off by the XV-JP's short driving range, marginal engine with poor economy, limited load capacity, small interior with no real work area, no lockable storage, and the unknown durability of the loft top. You've already mentioned many modifications and it will be interesting to see how you work with the Jeep platform. I'm sure many of us will be watching and drooling.expeditionswest said:Happy dad
p1michaud
Expedition Leader
Expedition Portal Logo
Scott,
Something just dawned on me while perusing our beloved Expediton Portal website. Are you going to update the loge to show the new rig in due time or is the trusty Tacoma going to continue to be a beacon of this great website? I prefer the Tacoma but I'm tainted! :sombrero:
Scott,
Something just dawned on me while perusing our beloved Expediton Portal website. Are you going to update the loge to show the new rig in due time or is the trusty Tacoma going to continue to be a beacon of this great website? I prefer the Tacoma but I'm tainted! :sombrero:
saltamontes
Observer
hmmmmm
130k+ and then another 20k for an after market CRD addition?
i would be thinking Unimog at those prices.
sorry, not on the bandwagon w/ this one. Way too much money for only moving a stove/sink/fridge inside a small shell. And you're going to also tow the AT?
For what? 2nd spare tire and gas?
also i would have waited at least till the end of this month when the '09 build sheets are out from jeep to see if the stock hemi or diesel is '09 or 2010.
130k+ and then another 20k for an after market CRD addition?
i would be thinking Unimog at those prices.
sorry, not on the bandwagon w/ this one. Way too much money for only moving a stove/sink/fridge inside a small shell. And you're going to also tow the AT?
For what? 2nd spare tire and gas?
also i would have waited at least till the end of this month when the '09 build sheets are out from jeep to see if the stock hemi or diesel is '09 or 2010.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
saltamontes said:
I know I wouldn't put my life on hold for future perks. I can't speak for Scott, but when an oppportunity comes up you do your best with what you have and what's available to make a sucessful venture.
I would bet that IF Toyota made a brand new FZJ80 Land Cruiser, TODAY, 2008 model year, he might be building it instead. Scott? They do not though so we have to select from what's available.