Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

I hear ya. Wasn't sure bout classes, as you said they are a time burden. For my first time going wanted to float around and check everything out on my time.

 

Thinking about getting this for a dedicated overland rig, what do you guys think?

 

If the price is right, do it. It has the smaller CAT motor and is kind of under powered, but with the Allison transmission is very reliable. They are simple to work on and logistic support is easy as the drive train is mostly civilian stuff. I am looking forward to seeing more of them end up in DRMO auctions. http://www.ironplanet.com/jsp/s/search.ips?q=Trucks - LMTV

 

Doing a trip from DC to AZ if anyone wants to say hello.

Alright. Here it is - Anyone wanting to get things installed, or take me on an adventure. Chime in.


skygear the Roaming Pirate Install Trip Dc to AZ and beyond?

 

Thanks for the link an input. He said he had 15,500 in it but would take 16, has not quite 3,000 miles on it. I just recently started looking at them. It seemed to be pretty solid, altho there was a leak around the trans but couldn't identify what and exactly where it was coming from, so caused a red flag.
And I've never bought a surplus military vehicle idk what would be involved, for example if I were to bid on one from the link you gave me.. From what that guy was telling me, you don't automatically get the title you have to apply for it etc. So with that being said, what other things would there be like that?? Like could I bid/buy then drive on a bill of sale if I got it insured etc. And not having a title when I buy something doesn't sound good to me.
Idk lots of questions.
But seems like there would be some cool potential with these vehicles, not to say there wouldn't be a lot of work to get them trip ready..

Another thing, regearing and switching axles for higher speeds etc. I'd wanna do that.

Yeah good points... Those MB are awesome, maybe one day.

 

Wouldn't mind having all the tires reinflate like that for my truck. Takes me at least 10 min per tire with my tiny Lowes compressor now.

 

i remember wanting a gwagen. saw the 6x6 and wanted it more! no monies though...

 

This one's for sale in FL, just a slight markup over MSRP:

http://www.mirabellamotors.net/2014_MercedesBenz_GClass_Tampa_FL_249573769.veh

 

LOL you saw that too!?

 

Subd

 

This seems like a rookie question but what tire pressure are most of you running with your trucks loaded down for trips offroad. We will heading to the Maze in canyon lands and I was thinking about 22lbs sounded good for cruising the gravel roads and trails. I have cooper st maxx 255/85/r16 tires and pull an adventure trailer on 33 inch tires. The only real weight in the truck is my 60L fridge and the tongue weight go the trailer.
I know people will tell me use the search button but maybe some heres what I run advice would be better for me.
thanks Darin

 

The answer is "it depends".

Try a pressure, see how the truck handles the terrain. Adjust pressure if you feel it necessary to do so. There is no hard and fast rule.

I've never run 255/85s, so I am not familiar with their handling characteristics. However, I suggest starting at 20 PSI, and adjust as needed. You may want a pound or 2 more in the front, since the front of your truck is heavier than the rear. If you will be doing higher speed driving, go up 5 psi or so. If you are riding really rough over rocky terrain, drop some pressure.

The main thing is, with lowered pressure, keep your speed down. 45 mph on blacktop.

And don't forget about your trailer. I run 26 in my teardrop on the street. If it bounces a lot on the trail, down to 20 or 15.

Try different pressures, and you will develop a feel for what is the best pressure for your truck for given conditions.

In the Maze, I'm sure you will be going slow to enjoy the scenery. Lower pressure will give a nice smooth ride, and allow the tires to flex and get great traction. It's a great trip!

 

What was said above is good info. Also when you stop for breaks, check for excessive heat coming off your tires. Last year we did an expo trip, over 900 miles with 315s aired down to 18 front, 16 back. Checked them at every stop and never had an issue.

 

I didn't check mine very often and got a flat.

 

HAHA, I almost mentioned that...

For anyone else that wants to read, our trip from last year.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/296322-cross-nevada-all-dirt-expo-trip.html

 

Luckily it was a low speed blow out.

 

I got my spring project done for the time being. New tires,used lift, dual batteries,Columbia Overland battery tray, prinsu rack, avec lights, blue sea this and that,cb, led interior lights. Last night I went out and did some high speed gravel road testing and everything seemed to work perfectly.

 

Contemplating taking the truck back up to Alaska (Kodiak Island) for the summer; going to have about a month and a half of down time before I've got to be back on the island to drive the boat around for 3 months this summer.

Might be worth it to take a couple of weeks and drive up to the Arctic Circle. Would be nice to do the Alcan during the warmer(ish) months. Every other time has been white knuckling it in the dead of winter.

You guys and your cute little dual batteries and inverters...





Blue Seas makes some great products, for sure!

 

Wow that's one hell of a system. I love Blue sea. Its definitely I little pricey, but you know you can always find the thing your looking for at top notch quality.

I recently just purchased a huge ANL fuse holder for my winch. definitely not needed but better to be safe than sorry.

 

I really like their bussbars; they really help in making a clean wiring run. The AGM batteries are performing wonderfully so far - I don't miss having to check the water level in the cells every month.

That's a dual 12V/24V system; with an inverter underneath the battery rack. I can put the entire 120V house system on to inverter power (no generator) for about 16 hours - and run the normal house loads, refrigerator/freezer/TV/lights, etc.

Pretty awesome.