The Ultimate Pan-American Expedition Vehicle

AppleJack · 04-07-2008, 12:57 PM

Do your bicycles need to be armored too?
I am wondering if this exped is legitimate or some kind of joke. Is it??

lobody94 · 04-07-2008, 01:13 PM

Take a look at the 80's series Land Cruiser

EWAYota · 04-07-2008, 02:19 PM

Chinook Helicopters would work well in this situation.

ocdropzone · 04-07-2008, 03:02 PM

With that many people and dogs you need a LAV25 (8WD), a Stryker or Unimog or my favorite is a Pinzgauer 712

Most of your armored vehicles are going to defeat the environmentally friendly goal of your mission. Takes a lot of fuel to more anything that is BP.

I am kind of with Apple Jack on this one....post up an invite and no location given??
post this up on http://expeditionportal.com/ you will find a lot more knowledge there but it sounds like you guys need to do another 12-18 months of planning

grant526 · 04-07-2008, 03:02 PM

H1 Humvee Anyone??

grant526 · 04-07-2008, 03:06 PM

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/unica...4x4-rv/629546/
This is also pretty functional! But probably not Armored, not the base model anyway.

4Mogger · 04-07-2008, 03:52 PM

"Armored" is a misleading term really. There are ways to make any vehicle "resistant" but real armor is going to weigh upwards of 7-10K lbs. and would be virtually impossible to be considered environmentally friendly. More practical would be a Unimog with and expedition box. They can be had for about 300K$ and can be totally self contained/sufficient needing only diesel fuel and water. Even this would be tight for 4 persons a dog and gear.

Hope you have a big budget.

stormin94 · 04-08-2008, 12:10 AM

Maybe an armored Prius of some sort...

***Corey*** · 04-08-2008, 01:38 AM

For those wondering if this is legit or not, yes it is.
Here is their website.
http://panamericanexpedition.com/Welcome.html

stormin94 · 04-08-2008, 02:31 AM

For those who want it all.....

The ability to ford 65 inches of water, the ability to shoot 2000 rounds per minute....and to do it all while getting 50 MPG:

AppleJack · 04-08-2008, 03:01 AM

That's great! Where do you get one?

jlit · 04-09-2008, 05:24 PM

Ah yes, the armored prius, one I've been considering for a while. I like it.

Well, we've been considering many different vehicles, and I like the unimog idea for many reasons. Namely, one vehicle, powerful, large enough to carry a lot of equipment, and I hear they're pretty reliable. Earlier we were considering a large truck (Sorry to bring up the F-word, but we were thinking about an F-350) but even with a large shell on the back with storage compartments, we don't think there would be enough room for all the equipment we're taking.

I've heard there are many old busses down there, so possibly a short 14 passenger bus with the seats taken out. Parts availability is good, and it would be a lot less conspicuous than a big unimog. It's no mog, but would a bus (beefed up a little of course) be burly enough to handle some dirt roads down there? It's also a lot cheaper than a mog.

Or would you recommend going with multiple land cruisers instead? We are planning on camping most of the way, and at least if we had the bus, we could have a place to go if it were too sketchy to sleep by the road.

thanks you guys.

jlit · 04-09-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grant526

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/unica...4x4-rv/629546/
This is also pretty functional! But probably not Armored, not the base model anyway.

also Grant 526, thanks for the recommendation. I did check out unicat, and for a crew cab amerigo international setup with a basic rear compartment mainly for storage, it was about $700,000. Our goal with this whole mission is to raise awareness and build schools and orphanages, and 700,000 is more than I could justify, much less find sponsors to justify it as well.

jlit · 04-09-2008, 09:57 PM

Ok, we're thinking pretty affirmatively of a compromise between all of the above. We're thinking of going with 2 vehicles for safety: 2 toyota 08 tundras, crew cab, short bed(because you can't get a longer bed with the crew cab), camper shell, and just fixing them up a little to work, ie, roof rack, bumpers, lifts, winches, aquatic setup for the rainy season, and wheels. What do you guys think?

stormin94 · 04-10-2008, 12:37 AM

I think multiple Land Cruisers. They've been tested many many many times over for what you are going to do. And they were built to do pretty much that.

fishon1213 · 04-10-2008, 06:10 AM

Yeah, with the two cruisers you could get diesel's. Then you could switch back between burning diesel or veggie oil. Tundras are good trucks, but I'd take the cruiser on an expedition. You can take my Camry. LOL

111db · 04-10-2008, 07:18 AM

This truck has already been set up and has basically done the trip you're doing. I saw it on Craigslist for sale, sorry no link, but you might be able to get info with a search...

http://www.lancecamper.com/livingthe...radchrist.html

***Corey*** · 04-10-2008, 07:26 AM

I would seriously look at a nice Toyota rig setup to pull a small military type trailer with a roof top tent on it or the vehicle.

We have a couple of members here who drove to the Arctic Circle in their Toyotas pulling the small trailers.

http://www.yotatech.com/f15/arctic-o...n-07-a-106635/

Members BajaTaco and Expeditions West both run a very popular magazine called Overland Journal.

You could do a write-up for them too to be put in the magazine.
The magazine is not just Toyota related either.
http://www.overlandjournal.com/

Diesel_Freak · 04-11-2008, 09:33 AM

BAH!!!! You're really giving her the "shotgun" approach with this thread aren't ya? You posted it twice on the Expo.

Has it occured to you that any and every south/central american government might take issue with you roaming around in an armored vehicle? Or are you refering more to the "executive" armoring that some companies do to trucks for politicians and diplomats etc?

I think your best bet would be to try and look as local as possible. An

04-07-2008, 12:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
AppleJack Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 500	Do your bicycles need to be armored too? I am wondering if this exped is legitimate or some kind of joke. Is it?? __________________ Fires, Friends, and Books Decree Wisdom, Strength, and Controversy. To believe with certainty, one must begin doubting.

04-07-2008, 01:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
lobody94 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 37	Take a look at the 80's series Land Cruiser __________________ Magrino Innovations........Its only metal "The goal of life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "holy ****...what a ride."

04-07-2008, 02:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
EWAYota Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Richland, Washington Posts: 4,597	Chinook Helicopters would work well in this situation. __________________ DJ 1994 Pickup 22RE, Engnbldr 261 cam, 5 speed. Tires that go around and around... Originally Posted By Fustercluck "Proof that Gangus did not spontaneously generate....he has relatives." Originally Posted By Tacoclimber "My two year old better get a job, soon..." Reply Posted By Oly884 "I hear coal mining is a great career." Myspace

04-07-2008, 03:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
ocdropzone Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PDX Posts: 2,828	With that many people and dogs you need a LAV25 (8WD), a Stryker or Unimog or my favorite is a Pinzgauer 712 Most of your armored vehicles are going to defeat the environmentally friendly goal of your mission. Takes a lot of fuel to more anything that is BP. I am kind of with Apple Jack on this one....post up an invite and no location given?? post this up on http://expeditionportal.com/ you will find a lot more knowledge there but it sounds like you guys need to do another 12-18 months of planning __________________ ~Robb '81 Trekker SR5 B4Runner Build '89 Tercel Project POS Gas Saver TREKKER Forum LINK TO ONLINE FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS All Toyota Website Search Engine Wheel Responsibly, Don't screw it up for others...

04-07-2008, 03:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
grant526 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sacramento area, Ca Posts: 211	H1 Humvee Anyone?? __________________ '85 Standard Cab 4.5" HD SuperLift Custom Winch bumper 33x12.50 Mud Rovers Lincoln Locked in the rear DD's: '87 XJ and '91 Suzuki DR650s Wheel Responsibly, Don't screw it up for others...

04-07-2008, 03:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
grant526 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sacramento area, Ca Posts: 211	http://www.autoblog.com/photos/unica...4x4-rv/629546/ This is also pretty functional! But probably not Armored, not the base model anyway. __________________ '85 Standard Cab 4.5" HD SuperLift Custom Winch bumper 33x12.50 Mud Rovers Lincoln Locked in the rear DD's: '87 XJ and '91 Suzuki DR650s Wheel Responsibly, Don't screw it up for others...

04-07-2008, 03:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
4Mogger Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Montrose, CO Posts: 637	"Armored" is a misleading term really. There are ways to make any vehicle "resistant" but real armor is going to weigh upwards of 7-10K lbs. and would be virtually impossible to be considered environmentally friendly. More practical would be a Unimog with and expedition box. They can be had for about 300K$ and can be totally self contained/sufficient needing only diesel fuel and water. Even this would be tight for 4 persons a dog and gear. Hope you have a big budget.

04-08-2008, 12:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,281	Maybe an armored Prius of some sort... __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

04-08-2008, 01:38 AM	#10 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,826	For those wondering if this is legit or not, yes it is. Here is their website. http://panamericanexpedition.com/Welcome.html __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

04-08-2008, 02:31 AM	#11 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,281	For those who want it all..... The ability to ford 65 inches of water, the ability to shoot 2000 rounds per minute....and to do it all while getting 50 MPG: __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

04-08-2008, 03:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
AppleJack Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 500	That's great! Where do you get one? __________________ Fires, Friends, and Books Decree Wisdom, Strength, and Controversy. To believe with certainty, one must begin doubting.

04-09-2008, 05:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
jlit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6	Ah yes, the armored prius, one I've been considering for a while. I like it. Well, we've been considering many different vehicles, and I like the unimog idea for many reasons. Namely, one vehicle, powerful, large enough to carry a lot of equipment, and I hear they're pretty reliable. Earlier we were considering a large truck (Sorry to bring up the F-word, but we were thinking about an F-350) but even with a large shell on the back with storage compartments, we don't think there would be enough room for all the equipment we're taking. I've heard there are many old busses down there, so possibly a short 14 passenger bus with the seats taken out. Parts availability is good, and it would be a lot less conspicuous than a big unimog. It's no mog, but would a bus (beefed up a little of course) be burly enough to handle some dirt roads down there? It's also a lot cheaper than a mog. Or would you recommend going with multiple land cruisers instead? We are planning on camping most of the way, and at least if we had the bus, we could have a place to go if it were too sketchy to sleep by the road. thanks you guys.

04-09-2008, 09:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
jlit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6	Ok, we're thinking pretty affirmatively of a compromise between all of the above. We're thinking of going with 2 vehicles for safety: 2 toyota 08 tundras, crew cab, short bed(because you can't get a longer bed with the crew cab), camper shell, and just fixing them up a little to work, ie, roof rack, bumpers, lifts, winches, aquatic setup for the rainy season, and wheels. What do you guys think?

04-10-2008, 12:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,281	I think multiple Land Cruisers. They've been tested many many many times over for what you are going to do. And they were built to do pretty much that. __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

04-10-2008, 06:10 AM	#17 (permalink)
fishon1213 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Milan, IL Posts: 237	Yeah, with the two cruisers you could get diesel's. Then you could switch back between burning diesel or veggie oil. Tundras are good trucks, but I'd take the cruiser on an expedition. You can take my Camry. LOL __________________ 1985 4runner 85K LOL 1994 Camry 220K

04-10-2008, 07:18 AM	#18 (permalink)
111db Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 1,196	This truck has already been set up and has basically done the trip you're doing. I saw it on Craigslist for sale, sorry no link, but you might be able to get info with a search... http://www.lancecamper.com/livingthe...radchrist.html __________________ Jon *97 4Runner 3.4 4.88's * ARB Lockers F/R * ARB compressor * Sonoran Steel numba 1 * 285 BFG AT/KO * TJM 17 * BudBuilt Skids * Stubbs Sliders & BBQ sauce * Irbis out back * Various Electronic Gadgets**

04-10-2008, 07:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,826	I would seriously look at a nice Toyota rig setup to pull a small military type trailer with a roof top tent on it or the vehicle. We have a couple of members here who drove to the Arctic Circle in their Toyotas pulling the small trailers. http://www.yotatech.com/f15/arctic-o...n-07-a-106635/ Members BajaTaco and Expeditions West both run a very popular magazine called Overland Journal. You could do a write-up for them too to be put in the magazine. The magazine is not just Toyota related either. http://www.overlandjournal.com/ __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge