What ever you get you should try for something like a LC or Diesel Hilux or the like to ensure you have "local" parts/service availability... I would get in touch with Toyota south america and/or toyota HQ in Japan [maybe through toyota usa] and talk to someone there, with what you are planning who knows you may get your vehicles sponsored/donated by the company.
A project like this is great PR locally and internationally for any company.

 

Good idea on the sponsorship Paul.

 

Alright guys, we would love to do this expedition with 2 toyota hilux's. What is it going to take to get two new ones up here? The closest place we've found thus far is mexico city. Anyone know of anything closer to the border?

Also, there are some cool features of the tundra I can't find out about on the hilux. With the tundra, though automatic, can be driven like a standard. Seems very practical. Also, the rear crew cab window rolls down offering a lot of access to the back of the truck, also handy. I test drove a tundra today and was very impressed, especially with the turning radius.

How would you compare the tundra to the hilux? Also, storage space comparison?

thanks.

 

You cannot be serious about planning a trip like this if you are considering a vehicle(new tundra) that has bee completely redesigned, and has hardly been tested on any trails, let alone a 5,000+ mile, transcontinental, international off road journey.

Sure a some of the features on the new Tundra would be nice, but south american countries very likely will not have parts for those, so in other words, you would be risking it all on a vehicle that is only in its first couple years since the redesign, so they likely have not worked out all the bugs that appear on the mass market, and after a couple thousand miles. I'd be willing to bet that you know about the instability down there, like Columbia, and the simple fact that if I broke something on a new tundra, and they didn't have the replacement parts, I'd be screwed beyond belief. I guess I'm thinking of things as more of a life or death. I'd feel safer in a more low key vehicle like the Land Cruiser.

 

We would like to go with two toyota hilux's. Closest we've found is mexico city. Flying down to mexico city, and driving back up north, though a hassle, would be a good way to get a brief introduction to the expedition. I've also heard the Hilux is going to be released in the US in august, perhaps we can connect with toyota to get an earlier release 4 months ahead of schedule. If you were us, would you guys make a trip down and bring up 2 hilux's or go with the tundra's?
-thanks

 

I think we call the Hilux the 4Runner here in the States.

I'd definitely go with the Land Cruiser, or Hilux rather than the Tundra, for an expedition like that.

 

do they make an armored prius, would be good for al gore to have

 

Just keep his son away from it.

No, he has many SUV's to save us all from global warming with.

I'm sure he has a Land Cruiser that you could take to South America, instead of a Tundra.

 

what about renting a large van for the first half of the trip then get the hilux's when you reach Mexico to finish the trip.

 

Hey Jlit I think this is a pretty cool idea! It would be really cool to say YotaTech had a part in planning you great adventure. Some suggestions such as the "Abrams" were a little over the top but you might have been mistaken for spam.
I don't know about the Tundras but like many have said, the LC have quiet a lot of history behind them.
I found this website with a vehicle that seamed to be the same type of setup you are looking for (sadly its a Nissan) but check it out and if you like what you see get in touch with the producers of that film. Good luck and please keep us posted with the plans!

Click the "Equipment" tab

 

So you are going to drive a $20,000-$30,000 truck through places that the local people might make that much in their life time? Sounds dumb to me. Best of luck. I think you'll need it.

 

The Hilux is called "Tacoma" in the US.

4Runners were called Hilux Surf in the overseas markets.

But buying a truck in Mexico, having it plated and registered in MX, may help you blend in down south more. It would also increase your chances of getting a diesel, which should be a big priority. A LOT easier to find diesel as people need it for their tractors, boats, etc.

 

x2 on tc's mex. plate comment... it is worth thinking about... in some countries you'll be driving through "Los Estados Unitos" is not very popular at all...

 

i would definitely say an 80's series land cruiser would be your best bet. its pretty big, and it will go pretty much anywhere you want it to. Just make sure it has the front and rear lockers.

 

There is a lot of good info here,
I would not go with a new Tundra. Gas is going to be hard to come by down there and you do not want to be stuck w/o gas. I would look only at diesel vehicles if you are going to be out in the middle of BFE. They do have a point with wanting to blend in, are you taking someone that is from South America? That would be a priceless resource in terms of knowing where to go but also to help comunicate with the locals that know the most about where you are and what you might need incase of failure, parts, food whatever... I would also have multiple vehicles and at least four people. That way if one breaks down and can't be moved one person isn't on their own waiting with the vehcile.

As far as vehicle choice your on the right path, I am with the others in looking into the Land Crusiers/Hiluxes. Pars for those vehicles will be the easiest to come by in the event something breaks that you didn't plan for. That said, you do have a lot of gear. I'm not saying it would be the BEST option, but would be a darn good one if most of your travels are not going to be safari, up to the doors in water, up tiny trails etc...

A couple years ago a buddy and I turned my Excursion into a fully self sufficient RV that has the ability to fit a queen sized bed in the back (at the cost of some storage space. With a single it could fit more storage and the single felt large b/c of the way the rear windows extend out. My travels were 100% on road (dirt/paved) so my 2wd had no problems but this could easily be converted to a 4wd. There is also a decent aftermarket for Fords here in the states so if you wanted to add lockers etc, that would be possible. I too had room for film equipment, food, etc all self contained... I used two deep cycle GolfCart batteries that held so much juice I didn't charge them once on my 7 week cross-country (and back) trip. I also did the entire retrofit for very little money, not to mention it was modular so I could still keep the rear box in with all the seats after the trip was over. anyway, I have a thread over on Exp-portal with my build-up if your interested.

Build up thread: Click Here

Some Pictures:






Obviously this would just be a good start for you guys. The thing is finding a lower milage 02-03 excursion with the 7.3L PowerStroke. That engine is extremely reliable minus a cam position sensor which is cheap and easy to fix. The weak link is the transmission but I put 70k on my truck in a year and a half and didn't have an issue. I would however recomend a big trans cooler and 4" exhaust like I got. Both can be had for under $400 shipped. They both do a great job in keeping trans and exhaust temps down. Not 100% needed, but better for a good piece of mind. I didn't even need to add a roof rack, since I was mostly on-road I wanted to keep things low-profile and the interior went so well I decided I didn't need one. If you wanted more space you could always add a roof tent, hell two if you wanted. That thing has so much space, its addicting. If my truck were 4x4, had a custom bumper with winch and lockers it would be one capable vehicle. If I remember correctly, you can fit 35s on a stock 4x4. The only question would be width. If you think your going to be hitting tons of tight trails, this would obviously be a concern, but if you were considering a Mog, I think this would be the ticket.

Good luck! Keep us updated!

 

the Expeditions West taco is for sale

 

I drove this one from Utah to Santiago Chile, and we fit 16 people in it on the way to the bar one night. It only cost $1600.00 utah plates all the way down.
This picture was taken in Valle de La Luna in NW Argentina.