Forum Discussion
sundowners wrote:
Hi
The thing is-------most of the people that have these trucks have not done a 'trip' before they build/buy one------and on paper they look like the best compromise vehicle for a two or three year trip into 'remote areas'--------the problems are many, but the biggest one that I see is their bulk----they are very expensive to ship, and, as with our de-mountable they limit by being tall and wide on tracks----------but if, like us you want to be independant and self contained they offer a good compromise IMHO
A VW camper is easier to travel with but not nearly as comfortable.
Nigel
Good point Nigel. I looked recently on a German website selling used ones - they were up to $600,000 - I was actually looking for a cheap Mercedes 814D van, but got distracted by browsing some of these expedition trucks (like those things that were for sale near you at Adventure Overland last year). It made me wonder - for each couple that buys one and does 250,000 miles travelling around Africa, Siberia, Nepal, China, etc. (i.e. what these trucks are designed for), how many other buyers get frightened off after their first trip outside Europe / North America, especially given the vehicle value when a carnet-de-passage is required and insurance may not be available.
In contrast I was really impressed with the guys who camped behind you at Adventure Overland - the ones who took all manor of old, low value rear-wheel-drive RVs along the Silk Route to China.
Steve.
