Expedition Overland

[MediumX]

Really cool vids on this site.


I know its not 4Runners, but these guys definitely love the Toyotas.


Welcome to Expedition Overland ::: Overlanding & Adventure Travel

Check it out!

 

[boondoggle]

I've seen that site before and think it's very cool.

I love that series of LandCruiser and was tempted to buy one when I was searching for my 4th Gen. And maybe I'm trying to 'justify' too much, but my 4th Gen with the V8 Powertrain shares a lot of DNA with those LCs.

Can't say I'm a huge fan of the new LCs. Sadly I saw a video of the new LCs versus an LR4 and the LR4 came out ahead. I'm sure the LC is more reliable but the design just doesn't do it for me.

VOTD: Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Land Rover LR4

 

[SUP3RJEFF]

Interesting site... I wonder how they fund these expeditions? What an awesome lifestyle.

 

[jediwebdude]

I've been following them for a while now. Their adventures serve as an inspiration for the direction I want to take 4Runner with regard to mods. My goal is by end of year to have my 4Runner fully modded so I can do some overland trips in 2013.

 

[MediumX]

I've been following them for a while now. Their adventures serve as an inspiration for the direction I want to take 4Runner with regard to mods. My goal is by end of year to have my 4Runner fully modded so I can do some overland trips in 2013.

Totally! I have been starting small with my trips, right now probably pushing about 50-70 miles at a time, all off road. But i definitely want to do better longer trips.

I try to map out best i can but we sometimes take some wrong turns. I recently added a gps receiver that can plot my current location to mapping software on our laptop. Really cool stuff and should make life much easier. Still no replacement for the old map and compass though.

 

[jediwebdude]

I recently added a gps receiver that can plot my current location to mapping software on our laptop. Really cool stuff and should make life much easier. Still no replacement for the old map and compass though.

Wow...was unaware that could be done. What brand/model of GPS receiver did you get?

 

[MediumX]

Wow...was unaware that could be done. What brand/model of GPS receiver did you get?

Its kind of confusing, but i will try my best to explain.

I found most of the info here (1st page, 4th post), but had to modify a bit to get it to run

AZFJ › Forums › Technical Discussion › 4x4 Tech › Navigation Equipment

So the first thing to load is called basecamp, free from Garmin.
Next is mapsource, again free from Garmin.

Basically Base Camp allows you to use Mapsource, which is where u can upload all the cool topo maps that you download from the link above. I don't know why you need one to run the other but you do.

Then Nroute, this is the actual tracking software. So you can build a route in Mapsource. load it into Nroute and you are good to go.

The other way to build a route is by using Google earth, exporting as a KML file, then running that file trough some software called GPS Babel. Which will give you a usable file for Nroute.

Last is the actual receiver. I went and bought the one the show in the link, but could not get it to work with Nroute. So I tried my Garmin
eTrex Legend HC and it worked perfectly. It will work with my Garmin Nuvi GPS unit. The other cool thing is you can upload the topo maps to both these units too.

So all I paid for was the actual receiver. All the software is free. I'm sure there is different ways to set all this up but this is what works for me.

Hopefully it works for you and i didn't just blow your mind. :gun6:

 

[jediwebdude]

Its kind of confusing, but i will try my best to explain.

I found most of the info here (1st page, 4th post), but had to modify a bit to get it to run

AZFJ › Forums › Technical Discussion › 4x4 Tech › Navigation Equipment
...So all I paid for was the actual receiver. All the software is free. I'm sure there is different ways to set all this up but this is what works for me.

Hopefully it works for you and i didn't just blow your mind. :gun6:

Thanks for the info. Yep, this sounds like navigating the night sky with the 5 diff programs I have to run for plate solving for astrophotography, except none of the programs are free.

-Phil

 

[gaterose]

Thanks for the post! I hadn't heard of this but the videos are awesome.

I'd like to use mine as overlander some day but I need a few more parts first... And some time & somewhere to go... And a bigger wallet..

I have a Delorme Blue Logger that sounds very similar to what you're describing MediumX, except that it came with a module that plugs into the laptop and a cigarette outlet, hard mount antenna, & a bunch of software.

Unfortunately I bought it used cheap and the battery went out before I got a chance to really play with it. I'll buy a new battery eventually but I really wouldn't use it right now.

 

[boondoggle]

As I dream about overlanding someday (long way to go before that happens), I've been looking into RoofTop Tents. Turns out there are quite a few options. If any of you happen to pick one up, let me known how you like it.

The AutoHomes are pretty sweet. I like the aerodynamics. Kinda pricey for the space you get.

Welcome to AutoHomeUSA - Suppliers of Roof Top Tent Campers for SUVs, vans, trucks, or cars

Camping Labs/Cascadias etc. are kinda cool too but a bit bulkier.

rooftoptent

Might have to to to this expo next year and try some out for myself. Looks like a good time and a good excuse to cruise down towards the Grand Canyon.

Overland Expo - Home

 

[jediwebdude]

I will definitely go the route of a rooftop mounted tent, but I find it hard to believe they cost so much. Thinking I could buy a square tent and come up with my own folding platform w/ foam matress, and a way to handle the poles and lines for a lot less money.

 

[azshtr]

I will definitely go the route of a rooftop mounted tent, but I find it hard to believe they cost so much. Thinking I could buy a square tent and come up with my own folding platform w/ foam matress, and a way to handle the poles and lines for a lot less money.

They are cool. If you do much crawling and off camber stuff, don't under estimate the higher center of gravity. Your putting a fair amount of weight up high.

 

[gaterose]

I will definitely go the route of a rooftop mounted tent, but I find it hard to believe they cost so much. Thinking I could buy a square tent and come up with my own folding platform w/ foam matress, and a way to handle the poles and lines for a lot less money.

Can't tell you where I found it, but I saw someone build their own RTT.. Think it was an FJ cruiser or land cruiser. I'm sure you can find it with the google.