Thread: Touring 4wd, what would you buy?

They are made by Santana for Iveco. They have the same engine as the Iveco Daily van but most of the running gear and body sounds Santana.

Really sturdy sounding truck, but then I like the Santana's.

Edited to add: If it weren't for the fact that there is no support for them here and that parts would be a total pain to get, I would seriously look at one instead of the new Deffies. To me they are what the Deffie could have been if they hadn't gone towards a - how you say - Toorak Tractor.

Certainly interesting reading through all this post.

I've been thinking in a similar manner for the last 12 months, hoping to be all set-up wihin the next few years. My read on this is any of the more rugged 4x4's that are well maintained and prepared would do a good job. Key point is know the weaknesses of your vehicle, and either engineer them out before you go, or carry spares. Family of four dictates minimum four seats, and significantly adds to the load need to carry/pull, both the essentials, and entertainment for those rainy days.

Recently met a retired couple driving a Nissan X-Trail towing a tinnie, where they place all their camping and fishing gear. In the back of the Nissan rear sears are removed, Waeco fridge and custom drawers are installed. They were on their second trip around Australia and clocked up over 160k on the clock. Serviced it every 10k, and had it checked over each time they went into more rugged areas. Not my choice, but it was perfect for them.

Think where most thought needs to be placed is what is meant by 'touring'. Can tour on bitumen, graded or ungraded roads, goat tracks or make your own as you go. Unless touring via the 'Tuff-truck' tracks, what is the benefit of a Uni-mog, or oher vehicle with portal axles? Doesn't strike me as something would want to do 500km's in in one day on a regular basis? Surely something as large as a Uni-mog would also stop you going into a lot of places could see in a more 'normal' sized vehicle?

My thinking is if want an all-in-ine vehicle Defender 130 meets my needs perfectly. (Just got to convince SWMBO!) Engine spec and level of technology preferably relatively new so can comfortably do those highway runs in-between the off-road treks, and for use as daily driver. Biggest seller for the 130 is the load carrying capacity.

Alternatively, if willing to compromise and use a camper trailer, then there are any number of vehicles could choose from. Most Land Rover's, Patrol, LandCruiser / Prado (taste dictates not the new one!), even a Pajero, and majority of the TD crew cab utes.

Really comes down to what you want to do with the vehicle whilst its fully loaded and in 'touring' setup.

Without doubt it would be one of these.







A limited Edition G320.

If you have seen or travelled with a G Wagon you will know why. Out of the box they are a fantastic vehicle, I have travelled quite a few miles with guy who owns a G500 with 365 000 kms on the clock and it does'nt miss a beat. Now he has an AMG G55K with 500 horses on tap, his old G500 is his off roader and the G55 is his daily cruiser. They really are a fantastic vehicle, I just hope they release them in Australia at a realistic price.