Man who takes his Toyota Around the World - wouldn't we all want to.

[4C4Runner]

I am sure some of you have come across this story/blog before, but I figured it is worth posting for those who haven't. A man actually did what many on here have probably dreamt of doing - often during those moments when daydreaming while driving your t4r, or working on it, while trying to fall asleep in bed, or on the rare occasion making love (wait, what?).

This guy working in New York City quit his job, buys a 2nd hand 1996 LandCruiser, and takes it from the concrete to the asphalt to the dirt and to where the road ends....literally, around the world and then some.

I recall reading not too long ago about another man who did a similar thing in a Mercedes G-Class with his wife over a period of several years and it was also quite a remarkable journey.

Perhaps, I'm caught in the moment of just looked through the blog linked below...but it has me wondering many things and dreaming of how I would do it . Anyways tip of the hat to those who have done so and even those who have dare tried.

Trans World Expedition

Also, just curious on what some of you would choose to do such a journey in? Despite the bias for a 4Runner on here obviously, would you really stick to it or would you choose something else practical? I'd definitely stick to a Toyota or a Benz...beyond that not too sure.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I kinda am building my 4Runner for that sort of idea, so more than likely take my own 4Runner. Otherwise an old 80 series or 40 series would be something I'd consider on the Toyota Side. Good ol' LR Defenders are fairly tried and true also...

 

[omaguz]

I think it would be cool to do it in a tricked out Unimog!!!

 

[omaguz]

Something like this perhaps!!!

 

[Whiplash Willy]

Or this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smolAx7NKm8

 

[chmura]

Here is one of the best trip reports I read so far.

Its still in progress.

Couple from Norway shipped their Nissan Patrol with 37" tires to U.S. Drove to Alaska, down to California. Into Mexico and South America. Then shipped their car from SA to Aftrica and now they are in Sudan somewhere headed home to norway.

Their trip has been going on for 2+ years already. This couple probably has seen more things in 2 years than people their entire lifetime. Just amazing.

I want to do something like this one day..

Check it out here. unURBAN Adventures - Alaska to Argentina to AFRICA! - Expedition Portal!

Amazing pictures!

Trip reports like this inspire me to take a Alaska/Yukon trip for 1 month in my 4runner.

 

[Intruder]

Otherwise an old 80 series or 40 series would be something I'd consider on the Toyota Side.

Yeah, I think I'd lean towards a diesel 60 series.

 

[KodeRush]

This couple is awesome too, we met their truck on our trip to Canadian Arctic 2 years ago.


Their web site: http://www.goannatracks.com/

 

[Biggcrisp]

Check this one out

Herbie's World Tour | The Love Bug's Got the Travel Bug!

 

[KCcarguy]

I'd probably go with a LC or a older Tacoma. If it's tough enough for these guys it's good enough for me.

 

[whodat]

Why are you guys choosing the LC over the 4R?

 

[KCcarguy]

Why are you guys choosing the LC over the 4R?

Well, LC 40s, 60s, and 80s aren't any bigger than a 5th gen (even the 100 is pretty close). But LC's are supposedly built to a higher level than a 4runner. They are made to be driven on primitive roads, loaded-down with equipment and generally abused.....basically a heavy-duty platform. I think of a 4runner vs a LC like a F150 vs a Superduty.

Older model LCs also have more durable suspension designs that in theory would be less likely to break with hard use. I would also assume repair/parts would be easier for a LC over-seas. And you'd blend-in with the other million guys driving LC's around in the middle of nowhere. I would bet a 4runner would do just fine though.

 

[whodat]

The LC must be very well built if you would choose a 20 year old vehicle versus a few years old vehicle. But then again, they don't always make things like they used too. Simpler means less to break. Doing something like this has become my far fetched dream. With a newborn and a 2 yr old I'm not gonna do this anytime soon. It would either be realistically in a 4R or a LC for me, will have to do more research before I pour money and time into this dream.

 

[KCcarguy]

The LC must be very well built if you would choose a 20 year old vehicle versus a few years old vehicle. But then again, they don't always make things like they used too. Simpler means less to break. Doing something like this has become my far fetched dream. With a newborn and a 2 yr old I'm not gonna do this anytime soon. It would either be realistically in a 4R or a LC for me, will have to do more research before I pour money and time into this dream.

That alone would keep me from doing anything like this.....at least for 18 years or so.

 

[1engineer]

Why are you guys choosing the LC over the 4R?

Because it would be a diesel engine. I have been to many remote places in this world and diesel fuel is readily available whereas gasoline is harder to find. For that reason alone I would not pick my 4Runner to travel the world. Here in North America the 4Runner is just fine. In Asia or Africa or South America diesel would be my choice.

 

[KCcarguy]

Because it would be a diesel engine. I have been to many remote places in this world and diesel fuel is readily available whereas gasoline is harder to find. For that reason alone I would not pick my 4Runner to travel the world. Here in North America the 4Runner is just fine. In Asia or Africa or South America diesel would be my choice.

I agree, but wasn't the LC in the feature a standard US 4.5L gasoline engine? Not ideal. But doable.

 

[whodat]

Because it would be a diesel engine. I have been to many remote places in this world and diesel fuel is readily available whereas gasoline is harder to find. For that reason alone I would not pick my 4Runner to travel the world. Here in North America the 4Runner is just fine. In Asia or Africa or South America diesel would be my choice.

Good to know, that means no for the 4R, I don't want to worry about trying to find fuel in a remote place where I probably can't speak the native language. Correct me if I'm wrong but the LC 80 series aren't available with a diesel engine in the US correct? I did a quick google search and looks like that's the case , and people were doing engine swaps. I wonder which would be easier/more cost effective, an engine swap or just importing one in

 

[4runner2008]

Unleaded gasoline is available everywhere (90% of cities maybe?) in South America, that's not a problem.