The $15,000 Expedition Vehicle: How would you build it?

[762X39]

My $15K expedition vehicle

My vehicle doesn't exactly match the criteria (I can sleep in the back) but here goes...
1970 Mercedes Unimog (Swiss 404) $10K CDN
custom bunk across the front of the box with a weapon locker for 2 long guns and misc storage $225 CDN
custom matress to fit $75 US for a pair
2 coleman 7 day coolers $90 CDN
24 to 12 volt converter (20 amp) to allow use of cel charger, interior lighting etc $80 CDN
GPS (Map60) plus mounts and custom cable to be pwr from 24vdc $275 CDN
4 extra fuel cans $50US
Ignition convertion with Ignitor module to civilian plugs,cap and wires including platinum plugs $350 CDN
Used spare on rim (I carry 2 spares) $75 US
Misc spare filters,belts and hoses and fluids $200 CDN
Heavy foil coated sound padding under the engine doghouse $75 US
Ear plugs $0.75
The rest was my existing camping equipment.

I took a 5000 km trip with this setup into northern ontario past Pickle Lake to where the ice road starts (end of the year round road) and found nothing for wanting.
The only improvements will be to cure the vapour lock I suffer on hot days and a switch to radial tires for lower rolling resistance.

 

[shahram]

I like this topic. It's been a good read. I spent two years as a backpacking guide living out of a 5500 cubic inch backpack, some guys idea of "must have's" always cracks me up.

Not to hijack but here is my slant. How cheap could you do it.

truck
FJ60 lets say 3,000 for one not too ragged out
$700 mis tune up/replace stock parts (keep the old ones as spares)
$250 shocks (nothing fancy but better than factory)
$400 new AT tires in factory size (keep the best old one as a spare)
Mods
food storage- $25 wal-mart ice chest (guess what they sell ice all over the world)
cargo system $25 (one word for you "rubbermaid")
sleeping-sleep in the cruiser FREE
Mics recovery tools $150 (high lift, strap, etc...)
Good set of tools and a factory book $200
Total= $4750 That leaves $10,250 for gas, trip costs, and breakdowns...thats alot of coin for one heck of a trip

I'm with you here, but without a cargo system in the back, you'll be loading and unloading bins and coolers to find a place to sleep. Then you're leaving those items outside in the weather, or vulnerable to thieves or animals. Even with a cargo system, the room that's between cargo and ceiling will be too cramped for even two of the most intimate people. A simple roof rack and Car Top Tent will set you back another $1k, still well within budget.

 

[stevenmd]

Mid '70's Land Rover SIII - $6000
Misc parts for tune up - $500
Convert to disc brakes - $800
New parabolic leaf springs - $500
Fridge - $650
RTT - $1500
Misc metal bars to weld over side and rear windows for security - $300
Leaves $4750 for other little necessities like beer, food, love of a good woman...:gunt:

 

[mrstang01]

For engine, 2.7 4cyl out of a tacoma gets great mpg and same HP as the 3.0 $599

Where are you finding a 2.7 this cheap? Does it include the computer and wiring? What tranny would you use?

Michael

 

[Nullifier]

Ha ya know what's funnt is i just realized that my rig fits the $15,000 budget. I figure I have about 12K in it including the truck.

 

[kjp1969]

Bronco, anyone?

I started the project a couple of weeks ago with a '95 Bronco with 114k miles. It came with 31x10.50 BFG/AT, new poly bushings, Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks and it's in pretty good shape. It passed CA smog with flying colors and starts and runs well.

So far I've replaced the cooling hoses and belts as PM. The interior comes next with new carpet and seat covers (coulda skipped it, I suppose, but it smelled like dog.) I figure I'll spend a few hundred on more PM and some recovery gear, and I'm good for under $4500. Future plans may include a small lift and 33" tires and more gear. I'll get some pics together and post up in the next week or two.

Its not ideal by "expedition" standards, but it'll get me out into the CA desert with my kids and is a true weekend car.

 

[devinsixtyseven]

I don't know how I missed this thread, but here's another take...what would you add to any vehicle, and how much would you have left to buy the vehicle itself?

Seems like people list navigation, comms, fridge, sleeping area, gear organization, reliable tires and stronger suspension to carry it all.

Nav- 500 for a nice setup
Comms -400 total, 2M (150), CB (100), three or four hand radios (150), more if you wanted dx equipment too
Fridge -800 tops, likely less
Tires -1250 ish for 6 quality, beat up steel rims and "normal" sized tires
Suspension -2K for shocks and springs all around, probably much less, only required for all the extra weight, not lift
Bumper -1000
Lights -300 and that's easily four really nice ones front and back
Rack -Not if I can help it!
Sleeping bags -300 for two
Water storage -120, or is it 200, for 4 Scepter cans
Fuel -Same thing, call it 200
Winch -Need one where you're going? Sure...Budget 1000 for winch and doodads, if you figure you need it.

That's about half the budget, and I'm certain it can be pared down. Like a few said, "expedition" doesn't necessarily require a winch and massive bumper, etc...but even without paring, that leaves about 7500 bucks for a vehicle, and I know where to find an old reg. cab bench seat Toyota for 3K with a cap...leaving 4500 for PM & baseline, doodads, and gas money. Throw 2K toward maintenance and repair, still leaves 2500 bucks.

Throw one spare in the normal place underneath, the second spare under a homemade sleeping platform...also under the platform go fuel, water and fridge, and everything else during the day...out of sight, out of mind!

It would also be very handy to have a manual sliding rear window, so you could climb from the cab to the bed w/o having to leave the truck. That's awful handy in a high wind with sand and rain going everywhere. Part of the 2500 would go toward making that access reality. Or, just find an old 4Runner instead of an old reg. cab truck.

Take an hour or two and throw dirt at it so it looks older and a little more beat.

Spend part of the remainder on at least conversational classes in the language of the region where I'd be traveling.

Feel free to insert Mitsubishi where I had Toyota . I could see an early 90s Trooper doing the same job.

Maybe I'll have a chance to try this, as I plan to pick up that old Yota for 3K come spring.

-Sean

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I say a solid FJ60, 16" rims and 235/85r16s. I'd say BJ60/HJ60 but that'll get much more pricey. Emissions equipment removed for reliability, no computer to fail. Distributor and carb changed to non-US to adjust for questionable fuels.

Truck: $5000
Dizzy + Carb: $700
Lift: $1500
6 Tires & Wheels: $1000
Fridge: $1000
Roof Rack: $1000
Winch (even PTO): $1000
TOTAL: $11200

It's big, roomy and bulletproof and dead reliable, no potential EFI issues. I'm quoting approximate new costs too. Roof rack can be had used much cheaper, same as winch, etc. You actually can sleep in the back of the 60 series. Got money to spare on spare parts and local brews.

I'd also swap in 4.11 3rd which are super easy to source from other LC years. Manual tranny for roll starting.

How can you argue with this?

 

[mrstang01]

An old thread, but an interesting one. I'm starting with a 94 Suburban. Probably going to do a straight axle swap for the reliability, build a sleeping platform/storage area, and call it good. I'd love to do a Cummins swap, but that's a lot of money!

Michael

 

[jfarsang]

Revived :cow:

What about a VW Syncro Westy ?

Or if you're up in Canada, a Delica, HDJ81 or Nissan Patrol ?

Some nice imported rigs up here. All diesel. :chowtime:

 

[almac]

i've actually been looking into this for some time, and for that budget.
i'm currently considering an american tour...

from what ive been researching i think ill go with:

Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 Diesel 5SPD, 2"lift (learned a lot on Delica.ca)
rear ARB Locker/compressor
31" tires
interior mods including small removable galley & futon
Light Bar w' 4 Offroad lights
Radio & Recovery equipment
Fridge

umm, what more does a guy need, other than beer in the fridge?

i already own most of the other extras, like nikon cams, glass, computers, gps, etc.

 

[Gt3454]

So, I'm way outside the norm.

2000 Land Rover Disco 2 (3500$) w/identical parts truck (900$ with blown motor) This includes 3" lift, 5x 33in BFG AT's, ARB bumper, Surco Roof rack, 2x 11" yellow 100w Pismo's and 6x 7" 80w clear lights, Arb sliders/nerfs, OBA, dual battery setup

Considering adventure trailer (5500$-9500$) includes RTT, water/gas storage/kitchen.

Oh yeah, a lot of spare parts and a huge tool kit.

Already have 2 kayaks, dirtbikes, fishing, mountain bikes and camping gear

Planning a 1 year expo from New England to Alaska and then down through the western US and on to South America. Sort of a celebration of the last kid leaving the house.

 

[michaels]

with a strong running range rover classic $15,000 will get you everything you need...including the cost of the vehicle.

 

[matt s]

Just about done with my mine and it fits the requirements of the thread.

71 blazer
Plenty of mods, all the standards.
still under 10k even with 2k sunk into completely redoing the front end.

Parts are easy. The chevy 350 and drive train have been around for a while ;-)

Oh yeah, we all noticed this thread is two years old right???

 

[ExplorerExplorer]

Wow... This is my truck... Except it won't even cost $15000...

1991 Ford Explorer OHV 4.0L, 5-speed - $500
Spare 1993 Ford explorer with good engine/tranny/F&R axles (bad body!)- $150
Aux fuel tank and water tank - Free!
5 235/85-16 + rims (16" steel Crown Vic spare wheels) - $1000
3" long arm lift - $1500
Rack - $1000 (I'll be making my own and I'm sure I'll be out less than a grand)
Fridge - $1000
Custom inside storage/bed system (got great ideas for this!) - $500
Front and rear winch bumpers - $2000 (again, I'll be custom making both)
Front and rear winches - $2000
Front and rear ARB's - $2000
Nav & comm system - $2000 (this is both HAM and CB, along with GPS and radio and speaker upgrade for driving tunes)
Dual/triple battery set-up - $1000 (estimation on cost)

That puts me at $14,650... I don't think anyone can say that truck wouldn't survive an Expedition most anywhere, I think it is perfect for anyone staying close to the US... Imagine how easy it is to get parts for on of the most common trucks in the US... I can go to the junkyard and get anything I need at all... Plus, I have an entire spare truck if I need anything off of it... I doubt I'll spend that much though, most of my stuff will be made myself or purchased used...