Project Super Lux Safari Vehicle

[zolo]

I guess I don't understand

Why do you need such a plush highend "safari" vehicle

I spent 3 weeks in S.A. and went on numerous Safaris in several countries.

I went for the experience,it was great to be in 4 star hotels at night don't get me wrong,and the more luxury ride to the safaris was nice(AC and cold beer)...

when It came down to the actual safari(site seeing and wildlife watching) the scaled down rugged toyotas and land rovers were the bomb,exactly what I expected and wanted,a true adventure.

After bouncing around getting dusty and wearing out camera batteries...it was back into the AC and back to the plush resorts to sit around and be catered to as we spoke of our adventures.

Maybe being out of the US made this seem like the perfect mix of luxury and safari.

Go to Jackson and you will understand.....

 

[Hilldweller]

Go to Jackson and you will understand.....

Jackson is like Key West, FL; richy-rich snobset trendies alongside smelly unwashed hippie trash surrounded by goggle-eyed tourists, nature freaks, and the frequent overlander-type Hemmingway-looking-dude in khakis. Fun place with good food.

:elkgrin:

 

[Ford Prefect]

Jackson is like Key West, FL; richy-rich snobset trendies alongside smelly unwashed hippie trash surrounded by goggle-eyed tourists, nature freaks, and the frequent overlander-type Hemmingway-looking-dude in khakis. Fun place with good food.

:elkgrin:

HA HA HA!

That is the best post I have read in months! hilarious!

Cheers

 

[Schattenjager]

Curious if you have made a decision?
:ylsmoke:

 

[Bugspray]

Curious if you have made a decision?
:ylsmoke:

We have had a great vendor step up with a very reasonable proposal to do the modifications. But we are still in the decision making process regarding which actual base vehicle we will use. Right now its between the Sequoia and the Suburban. Checked out a 2011 Burban at the local dealership and they would be great, lots of space, 3/4 ton, locker 4 low etc.
We would defintely have to be creative with the limited gear space of the Sequoia to make it work.

I'm still trying to get more money for something really over the top.....my main argument being that we want to present a "true safari" experience and the vehicle is one of the main pieces. I just have to make the bean counters "get it", frustrating to say the least.

Thank you all for the advice and comments it has helped me tremendously and no doubt I will be relying on this forum in the very near future.

 

[Hilldweller]

We have had a great vendor step up with a very reasonable proposal to do the modifications. But we are still in the decision making process regarding which actual base vehicle we will use. Right now its between the Sequoia and the Suburban. Checked out a 2011 Burban at the local dealership and they would be great, lots of space, 3/4 ton, locker 4 low etc.
We would defintely have to be creative with the limited gear space of the Sequoia to make it work.

I'm still trying to get more money for something really over the top.....my main argument being that we want to present a "true safari" experience and the vehicle is one of the main pieces. I just have to make the bean counters "get it", frustrating to say the least.

Thank you all for the advice and comments it has helped me tremendously and no doubt I will be relying on this forum in the very near future.

37s, a lift, roof rack, and some impressive funky lights.
Call Jerry at Truck-Lite and get some big honkin' LED spotlights; that'll wow the customers.
I had JW Speaker headlights and Truck-Lite spots/floods on my Jeep. Lightning bolts from Thor.

 

[Bugspray]

Thread update

With new owners and management taking over our resort the money set aside for new tour vehicles as been "reallocated". They have decided to stick with the MBs in addition to sending us on full-day Yellowstone trips. This will be interesting.

 

[herm]

that stinks. the new trucks would have been fun! keep us updated on what the new guys do. it is fun to have a little glimpse into that world.

 

[roving]

well, its not like you would be 4 wheeling in Yellowstone or Grand Teton anyway.

Get some Merc ML550's very comfortable, great ride, plenty of power, and decent mileage with the V8. The diesel sucks in those things and gets worse mileage then the V8. Run away from the ML350.

I sold a ML350 to a person up there. Drove it all the way from Billings, MT. They had a loner ML430 that i drove back, it was much nicer on the highway, tons of power.

 

[BlitzleBlat]

 

[Bugspray]

well, its not like you would be 4 wheeling in Yellowstone or Grand Teton anyway.

Get some Merc ML550's very comfortable, great ride, plenty of power, and decent mileage with the V8. The diesel sucks in those things and gets worse mileage then the V8. Run away from the ML350.

I sold a ML350 to a person up there. Drove it all the way from Billings, MT. They had a loner ML430 that i drove back, it was much nicer on the highway, tons of power.

We currently use GL450s. I agree they are nice cars, they are just TOO SMALL. have you ever sat in the the third row seat? it sucks for 5 minutes much less 4 hours. We need room for 6 adults and all of our gear. The MBs are great for going to the mall otherwise, meh.

if we have to use MBs I would rather have the R350.

 

[DR1665]

With new owners and management taking over our resort the money set aside for new tour vehicles as been "reallocated".

Ah, mergers & acquisitions. Does anybody in America actually BUILD anything anymore? That's disappointing.

I don't recall the name of your resort, but I'm familiar with it and its reputation. As I read through this thread, I was thinking about how exciting it was to see such a high end organization reach out to the enthusiast community to get insight on doing something remarkable. Just when it was starting to get good, some "innovator" swoops in, buys the company, and begins "leveraging assets." (sigh)

If the expeditionary vehicles are settled, perhaps you can sell them on the idea of rally thrill ride for truly adventurous clients...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiKFCzMxJik

 

[roving]

The R class is the ugliest Mercedes ever made. I throw up everytime i see one. LOL

We currently use GL450s. I agree they are nice cars, they are just TOO SMALL. have you ever sat in the the third row seat? it sucks for 5 minutes much less 4 hours. We need room for 6 adults and all of our gear. The MBs are great for going to the mall otherwise, meh.

if we have to use MBs I would rather have the R350.