U.S. Truck for S. America

[BajaSurfRig]

You can get a low mileage (around 50-75k) used 2011+ F350 6.2 4x4 w/ rear locker for under 20k.

This is what I would go with for that trip.

They need spark plugs and wires at 100k and not much else.

The CCLB gets a 48 gallon tank so no need for jerry cans.

I have a 96 7.3 diesel and love it, but a new gasser is far cheaper to operate and doesn't require as much tinkering/ preventative maintenance.

 

[Skinhyfish]

The only advantage of a diesel would be range. But like I said in the other thread, I would actually prefer a couple Jerry cans in the back. Gas engine would be the way to go for me.

just bought a 6.2. Lift wheels, tires, gears, flatbed this week. Plenty of power for my hallmark

 

[sg1]

The F 150 in SA is the same as in NA. Both 5l and 3.5 Ecoboost. I saw very few newer trucks with engine or tyranny problems. The ones I saw were older very heavy trucks who overheated their tyranny in these steep mountains. You will find heavier trucks in Mexico and in Chile. The ones in Argentina are based on older models and different from NA models. Repair shops in the cities are modern and well equipped. I had a Transit and only needed normal maintenance. It was new when I started in Africa and had 100,000 miles after South America. The Ford dealerships I used had the same standard as the one at home. Bring brake pads and filters especially air filters. I had no other spares. Gas or diesel is usually clean (except Bolivia) but diesel often high sulphur. Research the problem of getting into Mexico with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. Some have been denied entry.

 

[phsycle]

The F 150 in SA is the same as in NA. Both 5l and 3.5 Ecoboost. I saw very few newer trucks with engine or tyranny problems. The ones I saw were older very heavy trucks who overheated their tyranny in these steep mountains. You will find heavier trucks in Mexico and in Chile. The ones in Argentina are based on older models and different from NA models. Repair shops in the cities are modern and well equipped. I had a Transit and only needed normal maintenance. It was new when I started in Africa and had 100,000 miles after South America. The Ford dealerships I used had the same standard as the one at home. Bring brake pads and filters especially air filters. I had no other spares. Gas or diesel is usually clean (except Bolivia) but diesel often high sulphur. Research the problem of getting into Mexico with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. Some have been denied entry.

I’ve always wanted to travel the American continent when I retire with the wife. And figured I’d do it in a 3/4 or 1 ton with a FWC. Now you’ve got me rethinking of going 1/2 ton and keeping it light. Maybe a Project M

Project M Topper

The Project M is the newest camper from Four Wheel Campers is the perfect pop up truck topper for the minimalist adventurer.

fourwheelcampers.com

 

[kiltym]

I wasn’t saying you need a 2015+. Merely saying compared to a diesel, you can get a much newer gas truck with less miles for the same price.

Fair enough, sorry for my misunderstanding.

My biggest concern to be honest is not the fuel however, but the repair-ability of the truck I purchase while travelling out of the U.S. Sounds like there is no real advantage one way or the other as far as make or model of the truck however (at least 3/4+ ton). The thoughts on here are that you can get a newer/less miles truck going with gas then diesel, which may in turn may mean less repairs in general.... But, who really knows as every truck is a gamble anyway.

 

[phsycle]

Fair enough, sorry for my misunderstanding.

My biggest concern to be honest is not the fuel however, but the repair-ability of the truck I purchase while travelling out of the U.S. Sounds like there is no real advantage one way or the other as far as make or model of the truck however (at least 3/4+ ton). The thoughts on here are that you can get a newer/less miles truck going with gas then diesel, which may in turn may mean less repairs in general.... But, who really knows as every truck is a gamble anyway.

Stuff happens. And really, as the founder of Patagonia once said, it’s not an adventure until everything goes wrong.

I’d just get the vehicle you like and head out.

This is one of my favorite articles here.

What’s the charm of traveling with a battered Land Cruiser? - Expedition Portal

On a chilly morning in January, Coen and I drove 430 miles to Germany. There in a driveway stood a dirty, dilapidated truck. It radiated pride as well as loneliness and coldness, like a house that has stood empty for too long. The Land Cruiser was covered in rust and the interior was damp...

expeditionportal.com

 

[sg1]

I’ve always wanted to travel the American continent when I retire with the wife. And figured I’d do it in a 3/4 or 1 ton with a FWC. Now you’ve got me rethinking of going 1/2 ton and keeping it light. Maybe a Project M

Project M Topper

The Project M is the newest camper from Four Wheel Campers is the perfect pop up truck topper for the minimalist adventurer.

fourwheelcampers.com

A 1/2 t truck especially with heavy payload package can carry a Hawk or similar camper. I know two travelers who traveled several years on the PanAm one with a Tundra and Milner the other witha F 150 with a Granby without technical problems. My F 150 has carried a Hawk and now a Camp X to Tuk, through the Northwest Territories and on countless gravel roads without a single repair. Except for Timbrens it is stock. Why not attach a flatbed model directly to the frame without a flatbed? Saves a lot of weight.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

A 1/2 t truck especially with heavy payload package can carry a Hawk or similar camper. I know two travelers who traveled several years on the PanAm one with a Tundra and Milner the other witha F 150 with a Granby without technical problems. My F 150 has carried a Hawk and now a Camp X to Tuk, through the Northwest Territories and on countless gravel roads without a single repair. Except for Timbrens it is stock. Why not attach a flatbed model directly to the frame without a flatbed? Saves a lot of weight.

I'd be kinda torn. While a properly equipped 1/2 ton can do the job, and is cheaper to buy, the thought of being able to carry more would be appealing.

Now, in the world of light weight everything, an F150 with the HDPP just might be the answer.