Extended Road trip: Modifications needed

[JohannS]

Hi guys,

Great to see all those kick-ass 4Rs posted on this forum. I am a complete newbie to the subject, having purchased a stock 2008 V6 Limited with 110,000km a couple of months ago. So far I am absolutely pleased with the ride!

Now my request: I am planning an extended road trip in South America (I live in Santiago, Chile) which will hopefully last a couple of months. Not 100% sure about route and timing yet, but it will for sure be a route that goes to remote places (but I guess no hardcore off-roading), hence I am now thinking what mods I should look into. I would very much appreciate feedback/ideas from all you experts!

I was thinking:

- Lift (at least spacers in front to get the factory rake away)
- 2nd deep cycle battery
- New set of tires plus spare (something that goes well on- and off-road - need to maintain my mileage)
- Roof rack (needs to hold at least some spare jerry cans, 2x20liters)
- Additional lighting (low and high beam)
- Oil pressure, voltage, engine temp gauges
- Kill switch
- Locking gas cap


Let me know what you guys think!

Cheers,
Johann

 

[CXS]

if I was you I'd make sure all maintenance is current and all fluids changed. I don't know about the need for a lift, maybe re-think that part since a stock 4Runner does handle a lot just as it is. Since I'm not familiar with your region I can't say much more though a second spare may be a good idea. Sounds like fun!

 

[JohannS]

if I was you I'd make sure all maintenance is current and all fluids changed. I don't know about the need for a lift, maybe re-think that part since a stock 4Runner does handle a lot just as it is. Since I'm not familiar with your region I can't say much more though a second spare may be a good idea. Sounds like fun!

Thanks CXS, yeah, it will be fun for sure!

Yes, general maintenance incl fluid changes is on the agenda. A 2nd spare is probably a good idea since some areas will be very very remote and South America is known for deep potholes.

 

[4rs]

What is the need for a locking gas cap, when the gas door locks already?

 

[OrangeTexan]

What is the need for a locking gas cap, when the gas door locks already?

prybars and screw drivers...

 

[OrangeTexan]

I would buy a good set of lug locks, and figure out a way to secure your spare from theft. Make sure to take along a good supply of spare fuses. Also make sure you are carrying some good emergency equipment: flashlight, raincoat, gloves, jumper cables, tools, cardboard to lay on, etc. Imagine a flat tire or alternator going out in the dark, in the rain, on a muddy road, and bring everything you might need. Also think about getting a small hydraulic floor jack to take with you. If you get a flat it will make the change much easier. An emergency kit for yourself would be a good idea too. Some food, a blanket, spare change of clothes and boots for mud, etc. You get the idea.

For new tires I would suggest that you go with LT tires and not P rated (passenger) tires. Preferrably something with good sidewall protection. Might drop your mileage a bit, but could also mean the difference between a flat tire or not.

Not sure you will really need the gauges or kill switch, but the other things on your list might prove usefull.

Good luck!

 

[wolf4runner]

prybars and screw drivers...

i thought alarm will trigger if gas cap locker got pried?

 

[natehack5]

I would LOVE to see many pics of your extended trip through South America!

A beautiful continent I am sure and one I probably will not ever be able to visit.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[zonianbrat]

Instead of guages I would substitute things like 2 rolls of Duct tape, Electrical Tape, tube of RTV red high temp. spare radiator hoses, A spare serpentine belt and maybe a tire plug repair kit. It may sound weird but if your going to be going through a lot of mud I also pack a big super soaker squirt gun filled with water to clean out the fins of the radiator...It does sound like a fun trip!

 

[Aquabear]

Sounds like you need to research Expedition type vehicle upgrades, not a weekend trail ride. 2 spare tires, trail armor, winch, spare parts, lots of tools, gas,water etc etc etc. On paper it sounds like an awesome trip but I'd definitely buddy up with another rig for safety. Getting stuck in a remote jungle is no joke at all. But do it if you can, it sounds like a once in a lifetime trip!
Good luck and I hope you get to go!

 

[JohannS]

I would buy a good set of lug locks, and figure out a way to secure your spare from theft. Make sure to take along a good supply of spare fuses. Also make sure you are carrying some good emergency equipment: flashlight, raincoat, gloves, jumper cables, tools, cardboard to lay on, etc. Imagine a flat tire or alternator going out in the dark, in the rain, on a muddy road, and bring everything you might need. Also think about getting a small hydraulic floor jack to take with you. If you get a flat it will make the change much easier. An emergency kit for yourself would be a good idea too. Some food, a blanket, spare change of clothes and boots for mud, etc. You get the idea.

For new tires I would suggest that you go with LT tires and not P rated (passenger) tires. Preferrably something with good sidewall protection. Might drop your mileage a bit, but could also mean the difference between a flat tire or not.

Not sure you will really need the gauges or kill switch, but the other things on your list might prove usefull.

Good luck!

Thanks! My old spare tire is under the car and I have found a way to have it secured from theft... so far. For the 2nd spare that I am considering, yes, I will have to secure it on my roof rack.

Your advice regarding spares and tools is much appreciated, these will be crucial to bring even though Toyota is a common brand in South America.

The Kill switch will give me some peace of mind, they stole my first car, a Nissan Navara, from a public parking lot in the centre of Santiago.

I would LOVE to see many pics of your extended trip through South America!

A beautiful continent I am sure and one I probably will not ever be able to visit.

Good luck and have a great time!

Thanks very much, will for sure post some pics. Yes, a beautiful continent indeed. And never say never!

Instead of guages I would substitute things like 2 rolls of Duct tape, Electrical Tape, tube of RTV red high temp. spare radiator hoses, A spare serpentine belt and maybe a tire plug repair kit. It may sound weird but if your going to be going through a lot of mud I also pack a big super soaker squirt gun filled with water to clean out the fins of the radiator...It does sound like a fun trip!

Thanks, I am also not fully convinced that I will need the extra gauges, I guess some common sense, a 2nd battery and monitoring of the oil level + regular oil + filter changes should do the job. Yes, spares will be on board including the ones you mentioned.

Mud, yes, that may happen, especially if I hit the rainy season, so thanks for that (funny) advice!

Sounds like you need to research Expedition type vehicle upgrades, not a weekend trail ride. 2 spare tires, trail armor, winch, spare parts, lots of tools, gas,water etc etc etc. On paper it sounds like an awesome trip but I'd definitely buddy up with another rig for safety. Getting stuck in a remote jungle is no joke at all. But do it if you can, it sounds like a once in a lifetime trip!
Good luck and I hope you get to go!

Yes, have looked at expedition cars, but I think by making the car too perfect I will not only spend a fortune, I will also take away some of the adventure! On the other hand a serious breakdown in a remote jungle isn't cool either, so I have to find a good balance, and that is the reason for my post.

2nd spare tire is on the agenda and so are spare parts, tools and water, of course.

Trail armor, do you really think it is necessary? I was thinking maybe a diff cover plus a solid skid plate would be enough?

Winch, yes, have considered one. Are there any decent ones that I can use without having a fancy bumper?

Gas, what for? Or do you mean fuel? Haha!

Back-up rig, nothing planned in that regard, if anyone of you guys want to join, it is probably going to happen 1H 2013! Route ideas so far: from Santiago down the Pan Americana until the dead-end, then over to Argentina and to the southern tip of the American continent, then up to Buenos Aires, South Brazil. If time + money permit further North, otherwise back to Chile, ideally via Paranagua, Bolivia and Peru.