Around the world in a year w/FJ80 RTT

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rollover

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I came across this and thought it was interesting.

Nicolas Rapp decided to take a break from his Art Director job at The Associated Press to attempt a one-year overland travel around the world in a FZJ 80 Toyota Land Cruiser w/RTT (nice choice).

He's quoted on how he choose his rig and equipped it below.
"Land Cruisers are used by the U.N. and other non-governmental organizations around the world. Thanks to the economic crisis and the abundance of used cars available, I got a clean 1996 LC with 92,000 miles for less than $7,000.

I can no longer count how many hours I spent getting the LC ready. I upgraded the suspensions so the truck could handle difficult terrain and carry all the equipment, including tools, extra battery, spare parts, cooking equipment, roof tent, water and gas cans, books and luggage. I installed a drawer system for storage. I upgraded the electrical system to run several devices for days before running out of juice.

Other equipment and modifications included a roof rack, reinforced front bumper, safety devices so people don't steal my new home, bolting metal plates behind windows in the back to create a secure cargo area for my belongings, and bolting a safe to the frame. Added costs: $3,000. I budgeted $4,000 for repairs on the road, though I hope to use only a fraction of it."


This would be a blast if you had the money ($45,000 +) and a year to travel. He leaves Nov 15,2009.

Sorry FZJ Nazi....


http://autos.aol.com/article/driving-around-world?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl4|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fautos.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fdriving-around-world

His expo blog link-

Trans-World Expedition
 
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solidfrontaxle said:
FZJ80. Huge difference. Get it right. :p




That looks like an ambitious trip. :greg:
Click to expand...

:laughing: FZJ Nazi.... :p

There is a huge difference... :-\


Thanks for the link, checking out his site now! Looks like an epic adventure in the making, wish I could just up and quit work for a year to travel the world, I'm jealous!
 
Greg said:
Tell my 3FE that. I know the 1FZ isn't that much difference power-wise, but I do wish I had a newer FZJ.
Click to expand...

I wish I had a 2UZ... There's a guy named Rob in Saratoga Springs who put one in his FJ80. Actually, now it's a UZJ80 :greg:

Or a 2F-E... Greg, you should research the 2FE, it's a pretty cool motor. 3F-E head on the bigger 2F block (similar to Corvette heads on a 350, but not that extreme).

Ok, I'm done...
[/hijack]
 
I look forward to following it as well. The guy seems a little naive, but then the blog isn't written from the four wheeler's point of view either. I can't help but compare it to Dave Connor's trip, which seemed to have a much more thorough and well thought out plan (for a much more laid back trip), as well as much greater experience driving and camping.

The impression I get from this guy is that he doesn't have a whole lot of camping experience, not a whole lot of time behind the wheel of his cruiser, and not a whole lot of time traveling overland. But I could be wrong and way off base, you would just think it would say these things if he did. He will learn fast I suppose, and I hope he does, rather than fail early on.

He also hasn't really discussed the issue of maintenance on his 80, something they need with that amount of mileage (I would do the headgasket, axle rebuild, coolant system rebuild, brakes, etc before leaving on a trip that extensive). I'm surprised he hasn't shown up on 'mud or expo looking for advice (that could be a double edged sword though, there are so many naysayers on the forums).

Of course I wish him the best of luck, and I think its great he's going for it. I can't even dream of pulling off something so epic; and he is actually doing it, as opposed to me sittin' here being an armchair quarterback....
 
INteresting, choosing a gas truck instead of diesel. EVERYTHING ran on diesel in Afghanistan. I don't think I saw ANY gas vehicles. SHould be an interesting read.
 
He writes:
"We quickly assessed the damage, and realized that the steering gear was broken, the radiator and differential were leaking and the welding on the exhaust pipe cracked."

Heres his picture of broken steering gear in the pitman arm. It broke it off clean. That must of been a hard hit.

http://transworldexpedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/steering-150x150.jpg

I still cant believe this guy taking such a grandiose trip and not testing this rig out first.
He starts out a novice and will return an expert by trial and error.
 
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This has been fun to follow as he has traveled down south.

He has made it to Buenos Aires. Loaded up his rig to ship to Africa.

Off his site:

"Now, the problem I have to solve is the missing link between Africa and the Middle East. The one problematic country is Egypt. To cross it by car, you need to let a guaranty equivalent to 800% of the value of the vehicle. My truck, according to AAA is worth US$6,800 which means I would have to hand down $50k just to cross the country."

I cant wait to see how this part unfolds.
 
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