Touring vehicle ideas - wagon or ute?

Get a Landcruiser Wagon or a 4.2 Pootrol and chop it.

They make very good touring vehicles and have more cab space than a conventional dual cab.

Cheers Kev

Personally having had a Patrol, wagon and now the proud owner of the new Triton 3.2 CR DID, I would go for a wagon for what you want to do.

That's not to say the Triton isn't a great vehicle. I use it for towing and it's great. Done nearly 50000ks now and it's been faultless and very economical. It is also a less expensive than even the Patrol and a heap less expensive than the Landcruiser.

It is just that the wagons are more comfortable for general touring and 4WDing.

Came across this the other day while researching something else


http://www.allterrainmotorhomes.com/

What countries do you want to take the vehicle to ? Some vehicles are easy to service world wide and others not so easy, this could effect your final descision.

Land Rover Defender 130 dual cab. Full sized cab to take adults, also full sized tray to cart a lot of stuff around with you. Landies are everywhere around the world too.

There are problems with this vehicle though. Heat radiating through the floor, hand brake that digs into your calf and uncomfortable seats. If you are willing to fix these problems I would suggest one of the 130's. You may have to learn how to drive a manual though!

Barnesy

Having owned both a wagon and a ute, for me the ute is way ahead. The amount of space available makes it a hands down winner.

But, check out the comfort in the back. If you're going to be carrying rear seat passengers over long periods this should be your first consideration.

After you've established that, measure the tray. The Triton, for example has a very short tray (some 150mm shorter than most). After all, space is a major reason for going with a ute.

Cheers,

Jim.

Had an 80 series cruiser and c/t for our last 6 mth trip , now have dual cab ute , loved the cruiser , love the ute more , space + space + space , only problem is that the ute wont fit into the garage , is longer , wider and higher , gone from 4.2 turbo diesel to 3.0 intercooled turbo diesel , real usage power differece is minimal . fuel savings significant. Remember allso that in SE ASIA Isuzu is tne no1 player , not tojo or nissan etal.

Hi Ben,
If your dream comes true and you get to go through Asia, Russia and Europe be aware that some of those areas are considerably less civilised than here in Australia. Things may just disappear from a ute unless it's fitted with a very secure mesh cage.
For that reason among others, I would suggest that you consider either van or wagon configuration. This sort of limits you to the bigger wagons and/or dual cabs with canopies. Needing 4-5 seats severely limits the amount of gear space available and also your choice of vehicle.

I would suggest that you seriously consider the LandRover 130 with a cage on the tray and a canvas cover over that. You could fit a rooftent on top of all that if needed. Normal dual cabs are not really big enough in the back seat area for extended travel.

Disco.

Hi ben_gv3

Having done the trip I would recommend that you go for a fully enclosed vehicle. One that fits inside a shipping container. A Toyota Troopy is indeed a good vehicle for travelling in remote places, security of items, servicing , parts etc. However...it is a real squeeze to get one in a 20 foot container. I say that as you will probably also have roof racks ?

I agree with others here especially about the security of items. The ute idea is great for travelling in some countries and even AUstralia. The route you dream of may mean that you would have little left by the time you arrive at Lake Baikal.

As for brands.... Landrover or Toyota. Do not even think of any other as parts will be difficult to come by, should they be required. You will meet many other travellers who drive either of the two mentioned.

the 110 is the preferred vehicle if you go with Landrover. If Toyotoa the 78 series with purpose built back is the way to go.

Tritons are great for Australia and parts of Asia from then on hmmm..good luck.

Don't forget to build in a safe somewhere for items that must survive the trek. Can't emphasise enough doing a first aid course and know how to do needlework for cuts if need be.

My suggestion ?

Go see Australia first, really get out into the bush as there isn't much off-shore that can't be found in your own big backyard.

Once you have done that or some of it. Then spend the next 12 months planning in detail your dream. There are several sites on the internet (http://dreamers1.com/russia/Practicalities/Russia_Mongolia_Practicalities.htm) that offer some good advice for such a trip.

Sure it is somewhat testing at times and you look at each other and ask what the heck are we doing. The answer is the Mallory quote..Because it is there.

Go for it