Thread: What vehicle for long distance remote travel?

I'd stick with the older vehicle you know.

I like all the tricks my D2 does but it always worries me when I'm even partly remote.

My D2 has come very close to leaving me stranded twice in near 40,000km. I drove a Toyota 75 series troop carrier for over 100,000km per year, all over Australia and the closet it got to leaving me stranded was a blown fuse at a servo in Yass.

Happy Days.

Based on the fact that everyone will recommend the vehicle they own and have found suitable, I'll do the same - go for a 101 with an Isuzu conversion. Reliable and easy to work on. . Can't do better than that.

Originally Posted by bacicat

Based on the fact that everyone will recommend the vehicle they own and have found suitable...

Exactly, they're all capable... Go with the one you know.

M

Well, after reading up a bit, I suggest a 300 TDi Defender, well maintained, as long as you don't feel the need to go fast. Bob

Originally Posted by bacicat

Based on the fact that everyone will recommend the vehicle they own and have found suitable, I'll do the same - go for a 101 with an Isuzu conversion. Reliable and easy to work on. . Can't do better than that.

Did you mean 101 (a bit old) or 110?

I have never owned one but I would, should the situation be right. The 110 with the Isuzu sounds perfect. It'd be what I would call the equivilant to the 75 series Toyota with a 1HZ. No mod cons to break and a filthy mechanical diesel. It's easy enough to fix if in the unlikely chance it doesn't run to a rediculous number of KM without a spanner being put to it.

Happy Day

Originally Posted by joel0407

Did you mean 101 (a bit old) or 110?

101 all the way.. The ultimate touring vehicle IMO. With an Isuzu conversion - which I'll be doing on mine, it would be reliable, relatively economical, will sit on 100 all day, handle anything you can throw at it, get looks and smiles everywhere you go, your bed is already made when you pull into camp....

Have I missed something?

If you're after life's luxuries like AC, and not having dust in every orifice at the end of a day, then it may not be for you, but I'll take it any day over anything else.

Between a D1 and a D2, a D2 with SLS and ACE would give much better performance.

If getting the D2, then budget for a Hawkeye or Nanocom diagnostic computer.

Air suspension actually makes for a very stable platform, gives >2" rear lift at the press of a button, and airbags are cheap (ex-UK) and easy to replace.

If looking at a D2, consider a D2a (2003-04) TD5 model. These had more issues sorted out, look better with the pocket lights and have a bigger intercooler. Upgrades for the TD5 include a VNT turbo as well as remapping, which I'd imagine would give better performance while towing than a V8. I know my D2a TD5 is way more powerful than my Range Rover Classic (3.5V8 EFI) was.

I suspect you'd use 10-15% less fuel with a TD5 than a diesel Nissan.

My personal preference is a 300Tdi Defender, and I'd probably get a VNT for long term towing, but you have already said you don't want agricultural.

While my D2a HSE is comfortable, I prefer the ride, posture and support of the 110 Defender on long trips.

Thanks for replies. Some good things to ponder. Without naming everyone, a few answers are: no budget, not important. Agree diesel is safer to carry and longer distance between fills, but that V8 is seductive and I love it. 101 great machine but not what I was thinking at all. As for 4.2 Patrol I get just under 11l/100km in town and country, worst ever was about 14.5L/100km when towing van into v.strong winds. As for maintenance, I'm fanatical about regular and proper servicing.
Anyway, I will keep Patrol for remote stuff, probably buy a really good driver's seat. Maybe look at seasonal reg'n here in SA so can use it for longer trips to country.
Reckon I might just get a D1 V8 for around town and driving to work (10km country with some dirt road). Could always use it for short trips away with van.
So 1 last question for now, what is a D1 like for towing? Van is 1750Kg ATM (i.e. max weight fully loaded, and ball weight is about 200kg). Just beef up rear springs? Anything else? Like I said no budget, so would be prepared to do what is necessary to make sure all is good. Lets face it, they are available at give away prices.
Cheers all