I dunno man, I see more youtube posts about horses. Horses are the way to go.
I'd prefer a mule or camel. Far better in deserts. Horses are kinda weak for extended travel. :26_16_2:
Anywho, I can't read this whole thread but it is very hilarious. I don't think this guy knows what he stepped in.:shakin: I wish there was a thingy for bull poop.
Yes the Jeep is a great platform it is in the top 10 sold in North America if you are trying to bridge the gap a bit between something that can serve as a mall crawler, with money a rock crawler, and short camping trips. Try loading a Jeep for 2weeks fully supported (water, fuel, food, camping); remember often in the desert you need 1-2gal of water per day per person and 25% excess fuel as a reserve.
In all honesty a full size truck can serve just perfect for overland duty. In a lot of ways it is better with higher payload capacity, similar fuel economy, etc.
That is the class that the Defender and 70 series Land Cruisers fall in the outside world. They just keep things simpler in a lot of ways, offer shorter wheelbase or similar wheelbase, and well still have classic styling. All positive attributes. Even vehicles that are complexed a bit/modernised more tromp. For example the new Ford Ranger or Hilux has a lot of positive attributes from an overlanding perspective that our comparable Tacoma, Colorado, Frontier don't offer. The US market is far too driven by people wanting comfort, safety standards, etc than people buying for a working truck to handle rough gravel roads. In those markets they are buying for more the working vehicle and need for their roads than to drive on the interstate, to the grocery store, parking garages, and taking the family on a picnic... That is what cars and small utes are for.
I have to say in all my travels the Jeep was never a very popular choice, great for weekends but long term they are quite restrictive with the terribly low payload capacity. Jeep will always struggle to make a vehicle to compete with true working trucks overseas because their largest market is here in North America. Their biggest selling point overseas is the comforts and modernised with the styling that you don't get with similar working trucks built for abuse and payload that still retain classic styling. Not extended remote travel which is where the working trucks also perform great.
Edit: I think the VW beetle classic is an often far too ignored platform here. Slight suspension changes, a bit of fiberglass body changes, rip out the rear seat add a roof rack and ya got a vehicle incredibly simple to repair, parts are enormously available, and will handle 90% of overland routes supporting you for up to a week between restocks. Just have to travel light like a backpacker and conserve payload for fuel water and dehydrated food. And with the capability as stock and huge production numbers probably trumps even now worldwide... Just not what people think of from the romance and cool factor.
Edit 2:
BTW I own a Jeep. Just not a modern one. It has a higher payload capacity than a modern Jeep, simpler, and far cooler. If I could have had a Defender 110 high capacity or Land Cruiser 70 series here for a more economical price and easy parts availability here I would. But importing, fixing up, maintaining in North America is just cost prohibitive against comparable older options here. If I wanted to spend more for it in trade of less money for travelling then I would have gone that route.
