New Expedition Overland vehicle builds

[Z0MBIEproof]

^^^^ I took notes...felt like I was in a college lecture again haha.

Estimated the completion price too...I need a side job haha

 

[thebwlife]

Was anyone else taking notes on their 4R builds like I was? They're really well thought out. They mentioned forgoing the aftermarket front bumper due to the "softer" look they were going for, but do you think it was due to lack of aftermarket support or being able to procure a bumper in time? I figured that would really complete the rig. Otherwise, I really like how this is going to be a trial by fire for what may become of any one of our rigs.

opcorn:

The goal is alway to blend in, these trucks still stick out big time no matter what the front looks like. Most of Mexico is safe, Belize is safe, Costa Rica and Panama are very safe.

I've traveled half of the panamerican highway in Mexico and 3/4 of it in Nicaragua both felt safe (10 years ago). Honduras and El Salvador are the wild card areas for me...but I was in Hondorus last year and it felt about the same as anywhere else, but I was in a moreover touristy area.

If you really want to learn how to travel in dangerous areas watch a show called "Dangerous Grounds" and he does it right.

 

[Jetboy]

I don't think blending in has anything to do with it. You wouldn't put huge flashy vehicle wraps on $80k SUVs if you wanted to blend in.

It can be really tricky to judge when something is actually dangerous or when it just seems dangerous. I got lost a year or so ago at night driving around Johannesburg and it seemed dangerous, but probably wasn't too bad. There are parts of Joburg that are crazy dangerous and look just the same. I think central mexico could be the same way. My mom used to run a health care clinic in a small town west of Tampico - until 4 years ago the drug cartel moved in, shot the community leaders, and left their bodies on the side of the road. That area looks the same, but has gotten really bad with car jackings and random kiling. OTOH, you might go 30 miles south and be totally safe.

I suspect the highway is pretty safe - and rolling through in a caravan like this will actually be pretty safe. The petty criminals are looking for easy targets. Organized groups are not usually as easy of targets. The cartels probably don't have any incentive to mess with them.

 

[chiz45]

Pretty sure Toyota said: "Here's a couple free 4Runners to use. Don't mess with the front bumper."
I'll admit I was pretty surprised they didn't get a Land Cruiser or two. It's hard to argue that the Land Cruiser isn't a better vehicle for this type of task all around.

Assuming these figures are accurate, here's your reason: marketing. These figures suggest that there are 20+ 4R's sold for every LC. I'm sure Mr. T was involved in some of the prep for this trip, and had some say as to the usage of his trucks as well! Although, in retrospect, perhaps one of each would have been good, to cover both (after)markets.

Toyota 4Runner Sales Figures - GOOD CAR BAD CAR

Toyota Land Cruiser Sales Figures - GOOD CAR BAD CAR

 

[cjacob316]

Might have been a stipulation from Toyota to not replace the front end with a bumper. As for the graphics, my guess is they were just trying to play it safe and not use the camo in their graphics like in the previous season.

Edit: I didn't read [MENTION=118321]Jetboy[/MENTION]'s comment.

 

[oljedi11950]

I must say very cleanly done impressive for sure !