Baja Scenario, input?
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I don't know if they still have leaded gas in Baja, but it sure would be a bummer to buy some on the side of the road, not knowing it, and killing $2000 worth of cats... 
So, yes, a couple of jerry cans to get yo to the next station may save the day.
I've pretty much concluded that I will take my "offroad" utility trailer down next time so I can stash all the good stuff (water, gas etc) and not have to worry about it.
So, yes, a couple of jerry cans to get yo to the next station may save the day.
I've pretty much concluded that I will take my "offroad" utility trailer down next time so I can stash all the good stuff (water, gas etc) and not have to worry about it.
Mars said:I wouldn't feel comfortable out there without a dual battery setup personally. That's tops on my list...truck's no good if it won't start.
M
Copy that! Hit me up if you want some info on a super simple setup!
Or just go here: http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/dualbats.htm
.... then arrested ... then 
someones biotch! I would have to say don't go overboard....its easy to take everything in the world with you. My feelings are if you take so many spare parts, spare tires, spare this and extra that you really start to get into overloading the vehicle to the point that you start needed all this extra stuff.
I have spend the last 15 years of my life trying to be able to travel lighter....
I don't know who said it first but...
The more you know the less you have to carry.
My advise would be to have a decent tool kit that covers the vehicle. I don't know for sure about the 80, but I was able to obtain a list of tools that was needed to take an entire vehicle apart. Its surprising to find out that you don't need an entire roll out chest of tools to do this. I haven't got my hands on a hard copy of the factory toyota FSM for the cruiser but there might be a list like that in there.
Spare tires. One is enough. Just learn how to fix them? As long as you don't drive them after they are flat too much you can repair most any tire enough to get by. You most likely have a jack of some kind that you could break a bead with. Then all you need is two smaller spoon bars to pull one bead off. Then you can get inside and fix most anything other than a 2+ inch gash in the sidewall. Driving smart and watching out for sharp things on the trail will buy you a lot.
Vehicle spare parts. Don't get carried away. As long as the vehicle is maintained you shouldn't really break anything major. Just remember, you have a winch on there for a reason....there is no shame in taking the cable instead of trying to force your way up or out of some hairy situation. You can also look at what parts you might be able to carry that work for more than one thing. Will the wheel bearings work in more than one position. Will a u-joint work in the front or the rear. Thinking about things like that will save you a ton of weight.
In the end a lighter vehicle is a happier one.
Hope this helps a bit. Questions are welcome.
I have spend the last 15 years of my life trying to be able to travel lighter....
I don't know who said it first but...
The more you know the less you have to carry.
My advise would be to have a decent tool kit that covers the vehicle. I don't know for sure about the 80, but I was able to obtain a list of tools that was needed to take an entire vehicle apart. Its surprising to find out that you don't need an entire roll out chest of tools to do this. I haven't got my hands on a hard copy of the factory toyota FSM for the cruiser but there might be a list like that in there.
Spare tires. One is enough. Just learn how to fix them? As long as you don't drive them after they are flat too much you can repair most any tire enough to get by. You most likely have a jack of some kind that you could break a bead with. Then all you need is two smaller spoon bars to pull one bead off. Then you can get inside and fix most anything other than a 2+ inch gash in the sidewall. Driving smart and watching out for sharp things on the trail will buy you a lot.
Vehicle spare parts. Don't get carried away. As long as the vehicle is maintained you shouldn't really break anything major. Just remember, you have a winch on there for a reason....there is no shame in taking the cable instead of trying to force your way up or out of some hairy situation. You can also look at what parts you might be able to carry that work for more than one thing. Will the wheel bearings work in more than one position. Will a u-joint work in the front or the rear. Thinking about things like that will save you a ton of weight.
In the end a lighter vehicle is a happier one.
Hope this helps a bit. Questions are welcome.
BFG is one of our worst tyres for touring here in Aus, normally getting destroyed when punctured, with rocks going into the carcass through the tread.
Good Year MTR has become the tyre of choice, unless 37" or bigger like mine, using Pro Comp Xterrain XTC's.
Though I have just ordered a set of 37" Good Year MTR Projects [off road racing kevlar units] to use for touring.
Good Year MTR has become the tyre of choice, unless 37" or bigger like mine, using Pro Comp Xterrain XTC's.
Though I have just ordered a set of 37" Good Year MTR Projects [off road racing kevlar units] to use for touring.
not taking too much is better is true.
The funny thing is that I used to go down to Baja with a Dodge Caravan without any spare parts at all. And now with the superior LC I tend to take everything plus the kitchen sink along. One can get a little too much into this.
And if there is one thing that there is plenty of in Baja it's tire shops. These guys manage to keep bald tires going for 20 years so they know about fixing flats...
The funny thing is that I used to go down to Baja with a Dodge Caravan without any spare parts at all. And now with the superior LC I tend to take everything plus the kitchen sink along. One can get a little too much into this.
And if there is one thing that there is plenty of in Baja it's tire shops. These guys manage to keep bald tires going for 20 years so they know about fixing flats...
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baja musings..
All the previous posts have been full of good info. Especially bringing a filter for gas out of a barrel/jug/milk container. Always buy 93 octane from the Pemex stations.
I've done a pretty good amount of traveling/camping in Baja, and unless you are REALLY getting out there and exploring, it's the same as a road trip in the US. The highway (highway#1) is in great shape, and most of the other roads are not that much worse than here in Oakland. I mean, sure, down there you have the federales, mordidas, bad gas, motezuma's revenge, road signs in spanish, etc. But besides all of that...
Just make sure that your vehicle is well maintained well before you leave. Last minute, 11th hour stuff just sucks. Fresh oil /air filters, new fluids, good tires, newer battery, cooling system in good shape. Know your rig before you leave.
I've done well planned, month long trips, and I've done last minute, impromptu, bomb down there and bomb back quick attack trips. Let me just say-those trips were a little more stressful, but in a weird way, more fun. Going over the whole, "what am I gonna do if... damn, did I pack that....?" thing in your head is, to say the least, entertaining. So far, everything has turned out great.
I can say that in the future, I WILL have the following items;
subtank (just got the filler assembly from MAF's garage sale!
)
fridge
dual batteries
gps
ability to actually converse in spanish
Seriously though, that place is amazing. Get your truck in good shape, lay out everything you think you are gonna need, figure out your first destination, and just GO! Bring a couple of books, a comfy chair, and someone to share it all with.
A few things-
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BRINGING A FIREARM TO MEXICO!
Every "checkpoint" they ask you "Armas, drogas, fruitas?" (guns, drugs, fruit?) On my last trip, the federales found a bowie knife I forgot I had in the bottom of my driver's door pocket. Everything was cool, until they found that. All 6 of them grabbed their machine guns and were on full alert- until I explained that it was for camping. They felt it was there to stab a nosy federale that might be poking his head in through a drivers window. It all worked out, but there was a few tense moments there!
The whole drug thing, you're on your own. (On one trip I didn't know that there was some...umm...contraband in plain sight.
That's a different story though.)
DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT, UNLESS YOUR SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON IT!
See all those crosses/memorials on the side of the road? Cows, night driving, and semi trucks. 'nuff said.
IF YOU ARE GONNA PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND CAMP, GET FAR AWAY FROM THE ROAD.
I've heard stories of people waking up with the barrel of a bandido's shotgun in their faces, and they usually have one thing in common-being an easy target. Getting far off of the road (a half a mile at least) equals being 'hidden'. Just use common sense when camping.
BE RESPECTFUL. THIS IS NOT YOUR HOME, BUT TREAT IT LIKE IT IS.
Don't speed in little towns. Be overly friendly, smile and wave to people as you pass them, tip the young kids that bag your groceries for you. Just remember, try to leave a place as good, and if possible-better than you found it.
Sorry to ramble on, but Baja is THE main reason I got my 80 series. The ability to get there and back safely, quickly, and comfortably is what it's all about for me.
Anyway, have a good trip, and maybe I'll see ya down there. Look for the white or 2 tone turbodiesel 80 (hey, a boy can dream, can't he?) with a bunch of surfboards on the roof rack.
cool,
seth
ps-Do me a favor though, don't tell anyone about this magical place called Baja. Let's just keep it our little secret.
All the previous posts have been full of good info. Especially bringing a filter for gas out of a barrel/jug/milk container. Always buy 93 octane from the Pemex stations.
I've done a pretty good amount of traveling/camping in Baja, and unless you are REALLY getting out there and exploring, it's the same as a road trip in the US. The highway (highway#1) is in great shape, and most of the other roads are not that much worse than here in Oakland. I mean, sure, down there you have the federales, mordidas, bad gas, motezuma's revenge, road signs in spanish, etc. But besides all of that...
Just make sure that your vehicle is well maintained well before you leave. Last minute, 11th hour stuff just sucks. Fresh oil /air filters, new fluids, good tires, newer battery, cooling system in good shape. Know your rig before you leave.
I've done well planned, month long trips, and I've done last minute, impromptu, bomb down there and bomb back quick attack trips. Let me just say-those trips were a little more stressful, but in a weird way, more fun. Going over the whole, "what am I gonna do if... damn, did I pack that....?" thing in your head is, to say the least, entertaining. So far, everything has turned out great.
I can say that in the future, I WILL have the following items;
subtank (just got the filler assembly from MAF's garage sale!
)fridge
dual batteries
gps
ability to actually converse in spanish
Seriously though, that place is amazing. Get your truck in good shape, lay out everything you think you are gonna need, figure out your first destination, and just GO! Bring a couple of books, a comfy chair, and someone to share it all with.
A few things-
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT BRINGING A FIREARM TO MEXICO!
Every "checkpoint" they ask you "Armas, drogas, fruitas?" (guns, drugs, fruit?) On my last trip, the federales found a bowie knife I forgot I had in the bottom of my driver's door pocket. Everything was cool, until they found that. All 6 of them grabbed their machine guns and were on full alert- until I explained that it was for camping. They felt it was there to stab a nosy federale that might be poking his head in through a drivers window. It all worked out, but there was a few tense moments there!
The whole drug thing, you're on your own. (On one trip I didn't know that there was some...umm...contraband in plain sight.
That's a different story though.) DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT, UNLESS YOUR SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON IT!
See all those crosses/memorials on the side of the road? Cows, night driving, and semi trucks. 'nuff said.
IF YOU ARE GONNA PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND CAMP, GET FAR AWAY FROM THE ROAD.
I've heard stories of people waking up with the barrel of a bandido's shotgun in their faces, and they usually have one thing in common-being an easy target. Getting far off of the road (a half a mile at least) equals being 'hidden'. Just use common sense when camping.
BE RESPECTFUL. THIS IS NOT YOUR HOME, BUT TREAT IT LIKE IT IS.
Don't speed in little towns. Be overly friendly, smile and wave to people as you pass them, tip the young kids that bag your groceries for you. Just remember, try to leave a place as good, and if possible-better than you found it.
Sorry to ramble on, but Baja is THE main reason I got my 80 series. The ability to get there and back safely, quickly, and comfortably is what it's all about for me.
Anyway, have a good trip, and maybe I'll see ya down there. Look for the white or 2 tone turbodiesel 80 (hey, a boy can dream, can't he?) with a bunch of surfboards on the roof rack.
cool,
seth
ps-Do me a favor though, don't tell anyone about this magical place called Baja. Let's just keep it our little secret.
sethro said:
Same Here!
Ah I was wondering who beat me to the twin fuel fill neck!!
Nice job I called Friday and some sob bought it already!!
I think a couple of good points...
1. Dual Batteries
2. Fridge
These should be ABOVE bumpers, winches, etc. With the fridge you don't have to worry about finding ice every couple of days. You have cold beverages ALL the time. Even freezing if you want.
Also, this may sound a bit wierd, but travel with bunch of Coke or Pepsi. If you stop and talk to some of the farmers or locals out in the rural areas, there is nothing like a cold Coke to bring a smile to their face. And it's a great way to strike up a conversation.
Regarding the truck, go through ALL the hoses and inspect them. Check for cracks and stuff. Replace if questionable. I had a power steering line go out, from age, luckly I managed to fit some 3/8" hose on to fix the situation. Also, when you tune-up the truck keep the old wires, rotor, etc. for spares. They can work o.k. in a back-up situation. Go through the 80 and tighten stuff up, make sure everything is tight. Those Baja washboards will and can rattle stuff loose.
Another thought...remember, the more "bling" you have on your 80 the more you will draw attention to yourself and stick out.
Check out these sites for tons of Baja information...
www.bajanomad.com
www.davidksbaja.com
www.expeditionportal.com
www.4wdtrips.net
1. Dual Batteries
2. Fridge
These should be ABOVE bumpers, winches, etc. With the fridge you don't have to worry about finding ice every couple of days. You have cold beverages ALL the time. Even freezing if you want.
Also, this may sound a bit wierd, but travel with bunch of Coke or Pepsi. If you stop and talk to some of the farmers or locals out in the rural areas, there is nothing like a cold Coke to bring a smile to their face. And it's a great way to strike up a conversation.
Regarding the truck, go through ALL the hoses and inspect them. Check for cracks and stuff. Replace if questionable. I had a power steering line go out, from age, luckly I managed to fit some 3/8" hose on to fix the situation. Also, when you tune-up the truck keep the old wires, rotor, etc. for spares. They can work o.k. in a back-up situation. Go through the 80 and tighten stuff up, make sure everything is tight. Those Baja washboards will and can rattle stuff loose.
Another thought...remember, the more "bling" you have on your 80 the more you will draw attention to yourself and stick out.
Check out these sites for tons of Baja information...
www.bajanomad.com
www.davidksbaja.com
www.expeditionportal.com
www.4wdtrips.net
- Thread starter
- #34
blupaddler said:
Not weird at all! Very good suggestion. As I stated earlier, I have actually been down baja way many times. Pumped many a gallon of gas into my XR600 from 50 gallon drums in local's back yards. (best filter is a real deerskin chamois)
We were on dirtbikes for a 1600 mile round trip down the Sea of Cortez. All the rest were in vehicles but not way out in the bush for extended periods of time which is what my concern is with this particular vehicle.
When we were on bikes we carried candy in our bags and everytime we saw kids they would run up to us like we were heros and we gave them candy.
Nice way to win the hearts of the local folk. Also, we handed out motorcycle stickers and goodies like that. Very nice to see the locals smile.
My girlfriend was born in Mexico and raised there for the first 8 years of her life. Her first language is spanish and half of her family is still in Baja. She will be riding shotgun with me ont his trip so I have some hand.
Thanks for all the good information everyone. All is very helpful helpful.
4WD Toyota Owner Magazine
SILVER Star
Check out www.expeditionswest.com and www.bajataco.com
Both excellent resources on Toyotas in Baja.
Dave
Both excellent resources on Toyotas in Baja.
Dave
If you do not have dual batteries carry a power pack like the Xantrex400 (Costco about $90). It will jump start a dead truck and recharge cameras, phones, laptops etc and has a compressor and will run small 120vac appliances. Also get you phone company to set you up so your cell phone works in Baja. I'm off to do the same thing again this year.
I've also been to Baja a few times and it's magic. Whups, what I meant to say was it's dangerous, dirty and everyone wants to steal your stuff (cough, cough). And please don't tell anyone else....
More than having various spare parts and aids in the event of a mechanical, I urge travelers to overmaintain their vehicle before leaving. The peace of mind that all your wheel bearings are repacked, all fluids are fresh, the cooling system is fully flushed, the hoses have ALL been replaced (even the little ones on the firewall), etc is priceless on a trip you'd prefer to focus on making memories. More to the point, an 80 at full factory capability can handle 10 consecutive trips as you describe with only oil and air filter changes so you should have zero failures and need carry only a few soft parts that an unlucky stick might take out (belts, lower rad hose, etc).
And of course it's worth pointing out that while having a large spares and tool inventory aboard is nice, naturally you don't want to be laying under the truck in a sandy wash with the sun beating down on you changing out that rear shock you didn't replace before leaving. Now your schedule is blown, you're irritated, etc. So spares? Yeah, I'd buy a whole bunch and install them in the comfort of my garage before leaving. The aggravation of having spares in your way all the time when going through gear, and listening to them rattle around on the washboard is also a pain worth noting. Sometimes we (me too) get too caught up the "ready for anything" mode and don't stop to realize there are '73 Ford pickups with bad wheel bearings, bald tires and rusty water in the radiator running the same roads down there day after day with no problems.
As a side bonus, these same maintenance actions will benefit you when you get back home by providing a worry free 13 year old vehicle you can depend upon as a daily driver and for future trips.
DougM
More than having various spare parts and aids in the event of a mechanical, I urge travelers to overmaintain their vehicle before leaving. The peace of mind that all your wheel bearings are repacked, all fluids are fresh, the cooling system is fully flushed, the hoses have ALL been replaced (even the little ones on the firewall), etc is priceless on a trip you'd prefer to focus on making memories. More to the point, an 80 at full factory capability can handle 10 consecutive trips as you describe with only oil and air filter changes so you should have zero failures and need carry only a few soft parts that an unlucky stick might take out (belts, lower rad hose, etc).
And of course it's worth pointing out that while having a large spares and tool inventory aboard is nice, naturally you don't want to be laying under the truck in a sandy wash with the sun beating down on you changing out that rear shock you didn't replace before leaving. Now your schedule is blown, you're irritated, etc. So spares? Yeah, I'd buy a whole bunch and install them in the comfort of my garage before leaving. The aggravation of having spares in your way all the time when going through gear, and listening to them rattle around on the washboard is also a pain worth noting. Sometimes we (me too) get too caught up the "ready for anything" mode and don't stop to realize there are '73 Ford pickups with bad wheel bearings, bald tires and rusty water in the radiator running the same roads down there day after day with no problems.
As a side bonus, these same maintenance actions will benefit you when you get back home by providing a worry free 13 year old vehicle you can depend upon as a daily driver and for future trips.
DougM
But Doug, didn't we decide that over-maintenance leads to head gasket failure?
Mike
Mike