http://www.overlandexpo.com/overland-tech-travel/2012/10/14/tom-sheppards-new-vehicle.html
Looks like Tom Sheppard is now driving a Jeep.
Looks like Tom Sheppard is now driving a Jeep.
Tom Sheppard has picked a Jeep for his next vehicle
- Thread starter Beowulf
- Start date
That is an encouraging sign for the JK.
D
D
AFSOC
Explorer
x2 Perhaps economic..or RHD availability?
Last edited:
daniel ruops
Adventurer
Perhaps Mr. Sheppard sold his G Wagon due to the fact that it is not mechanically reliable and is priced well beyond its value. Mr. Sheppard states "The underlying layer in my expeditiioner's perception still simmered over the cam-belt misalignment saga brought to my notice, pre-expedition, by the grapevine rather than, as it should have been, by the manufacturer." "It bridled too at the frighteningly high fuel onsumption manifested by the 300 Tdi when called upon to work hard." "Astonishingly cavalier treatment at Mercedes dealershops....." (Overland Journal Summer 2009) Remember too that Mr. Sheppard's G Wagon had issues with "engine sensors" on one solo trip and that he is alive only because of his intelligence, experience, and problem solving abilities.....
The G Wagon that my wife and I owned for 3 years was significantly less reliable than our ancient and exhausted baja bug. We were on intimate terms with Mercedes mechanics due to the high cost and frequency of repairs. The G Wagon is the ideal overland vehicle for a person with a non reality based fantasy live, a fat wallet and a short bungi cord which keeps one close to home.
The G Wagon that my wife and I owned for 3 years was significantly less reliable than our ancient and exhausted baja bug. We were on intimate terms with Mercedes mechanics due to the high cost and frequency of repairs. The G Wagon is the ideal overland vehicle for a person with a non reality based fantasy live, a fat wallet and a short bungi cord which keeps one close to home.
Don't hold back now tell us what you really think.
His choice makes perfect sense to me. Of course, I am a bit bias. The four door was created for one thing and that was to appeal to the average family buyer. The extra doors and wheel base are to haul passengers, period. If you, me, or Tom are traveling solo then the two door is a lot better choice overall. I do not see where this overlander will be climbing any extremely steep slopes; the only area where the 4dr excels off road vs. the 2 dr.
I think most of us would agree the minimalist approach is the best when doing serious overlanding or we would all be buying RVs. In 2008, when I was looking to buy a jeep I debated going for the 4 dr or 2 dr for a while. At the time the price difference was only $2K not enough to be a consideration. It came down to the purpose of the vic. I had my road machines (crew cabs, long wheel base, 4x4s) and what I needed was a vic for the woods that would carry me and my kids, be road legal, and work as a third or fourth vic when needed.
In a 2 dr with the rear seat removed there is plenty room for cargo to support a several week mission. Actually, my preference is the rear seat out and just one co-pilot, agile and mobile is the name of the game here. Why would you pay more money and have a less capable off-road vic to have room you do not need?? This, as was quoted early, is why the 2 dr is the better choice for Tom or any overlander not looking to sleep in their vic. Of course, it is impossible to go around the world without having a vic you can sleep in; no one and I mean no one uses a motorcycle for that!!!! :bike_rider:
life_w_vagabonds
Explorer
Curious if he sprang for the Rubi or got the base model. If that is an option overseas, not sure. The extra 10 grand did not make sense for our use. We stay on forest roads mostly anyway.
I know Wrangler parts are available in Egypt. Are there any other foreign militaries using them? They are sold in Australia and South America too.
I know Wrangler parts are available in Egypt. Are there any other foreign militaries using them? They are sold in Australia and South America too.
voodoojk
Adventurer
I am a 2dr and a 4dr JK owner...I cant stand camping with the 2dr for just a weekend let alone world travel. Id rather have a 4 dr where i can spread the load out instead of stacking it roof high in the back of my 2 dr. My 2dr is lifted on 37's and we usually wheel the stock 4dr and let the 2dr sit in the driveway. Just impractical compared to the space and ride of the 4dr.
Im curious to see what he does with this rig though.
Im curious to see what he does with this rig though.
Dan Grec
Expedition Leader
I drove a TJ solo from Alaska to Argentina ~ 40,000mi in 2 years.
I never once wanted more space for gear, though I would have slept in it a few nights if possible.
-Dan