UK4X4 said:
As always your posts are clear-informative and show all the true overlanding experiences.
Thanks!
UK4X4 said:
Being not into big trucks....and yep understand that 80% of peoples trips are on nice hard roads.....
are more offroad orientated tyres that more expencive or have that much limited life that no one uses them ?
I am not qualified to address the cost issue. Big tread, 90-100% offroad oriented tires have much louder tread noise, and that will be an issue long term.
IMO, 80-100% offroad tires are better suited to sport 4x4 use. Overlanding is not a year(s)-long sport 4x4 experience. I don't think either you or your vehicle would survive much of that out here.
UK4X4 said:
4WD to me seems almost pointless using street tyres......unless of coures on lovely sand stone.
I was surprised when I saw the tread on the Mercedes, but I wasn't going to say anything. These people have been all the way around the world, including many places we hope to go to. If street tread on the front is OK for them, then I don't feel so bad about trying it on the front of ours with our last tire change.
UK4X4 said:
Old simple truck fully prepped, ie completely overhauled..every wire-connection-widget replaced or upgraded
or a later model like yours with global support
Costs I'm sure are pretty similar by the time you've finished
rebuild you know every inch-
newer just download the manuals
I will use our Fuso as the example for a new truck. Our new Fuso cost us ~$32,000 USD. I would guess a frame-off restoration of a vintage truck would cost in that same cost range.
The Fuso is sold in ~150 countries, though not all sell the 4x4 model.
Biggest upsides for a new truck include:
- New. Less likely to experience major failures.
- Warranty coverage, though this will usually be limited to your home country, or possibly if you are in the U.K., to the E.U. Most vehicle manufacturers will reimburse you for parts and labor for things that would have been covered under your warranty if you save the receipts.
- Possibly more powerful/quiet/comfortable.
Biggest downsides for a new truck include:
- Electronics may require dealer computer to diagnose issues.
- Electronics may not be field repairable.
- Parts and service knowledge may not yet be available in developing countries, e.g. that model may not be available yet outside your country/market
- Fuel or additive requirements may render the truck inoperable outside your home market, e.g. ultra-low sulpher fuel requirements for new U.S. diesels.
The biggest upside of a vintage truck is that you can get it fixed just about anywhere.
The downsides for vintage trucks include:
- Diesel models that mechanics are familiar with and parts may be available for out here were often not sold in the U.S. If you are in the U.K., this will not apply to you.
- Parts for antiques can be just as challenging to find out here as they are back home. The major exception is the diesel Hilux, which you can get repaired absolutely anywhere on the planet, except the U.S.
