Eurasia expedition

[aphextwin]

Hi everyone, long time reader, first time poster.

A few months ago I got the idea to do this expedition thing and stumbled upon this awesome site. I was wanting to drive from europe to india to SE Asia to China. So a couple of ?'s.

1. Has anybody had any experiencing doing this particular route?
2. What is an approximate daily expense for doing this kind of travel? We are pretty frugal, and we'd be camping mostly. There is a european couple (the schmidts) that have been expeditioning since 1983 in their FJ60, and they say they spend about $30/day. Realistic?
3. I don't have a 4x4 right now but I've been looking at LC's (80's and 100's). Should I look at 80's that already have some modifications to it (lift, bumpers, lights, etc.), for example: eBay Motors: Toyota : Land Cruiser (item 120216301100 end time Feb-18-08 09:54:04 PST)
OR should I look at unmodified 80's and 100's. I'm on a limited budget and from what I've seen the mods can get kinda pricey.
I've noticed that 80's are pretty popular for expedition travel and I'm only considering the 100 b/c my soon to be wife will be traveling with me and she likes to be "comfortable".

4. Could I get away with doing this kind of travel with minimal mods (tires, extra fuel (jerry cans or aux tank), lights, 2"OME lift, and winch)?

I appreciate any input you guys have and look forward to hearing from y'all (I'm Texan).
Thanks

 

[joshoisasleep]

If your trying to keep your daily budget tight, you should probably do some serious thinking about whether you want a gas model or if you're going to try and find a suitable diesel. A diesel will use like half the amount of fuel (greater economy AND range), and in many countries diesel fuel is cheaper.

Also considering your route I would do a lot of research on which side of the road you'll primarily be driving on (is India a RHD country like england?) If you'll be doing a lot of driving in countries where RHD vehicles are the norm, you can save yourself a load of money (and have better luck if you want to find a diesel) by either importing from Japan, or purchasing in England or other european nations with wealthy economies. In my experience, it seems to be the wealthier the economy of the country, the faster second hand vehicles devalue, and vice versa. Buying in europe of course will also save you approx $2,000 in shipping.

I think both the 80 and 100 series landcruisers are full-time 4x4, which will also hurt you on fuel costs. For overlanding, after doing a lot of research and coming very close to purchasing several 80's, I decided to go with the older 60 series and put my money into modifying it for the trip. Having an older model vehicle has many advantages... easier for DIY side of road repairs for one, and for a LC parts aren't hard to find. Also, you look less rich for thieves. It also saved me when it came to paying a fine equal to 10% of the vehicles value, which you may come across... with an imported 80 of the same value that I put into my 60, I would have been screwed!

Don't worry so much about offroad mods. Any stock landcruiser has all you'll likely need offroad, unless you're doing things you shouldn't be doing in a vehicle that is also your home. Worry more about camping mods and storage and sleeping. It's less awesome sounding, but it's what actually counts when overlanding. Our truck is stock height, our winch has only been used once (the other day I pulled out a car that fell in the pit at a mechanic shop). If you're going to mod the suspension, concern yourself with weight carrying, not height. Get low mounted fog-lights, not awesome 'off-road' ones. Get good thin AT tires with 3 ply sidewalls, not big, high-friction mud tires that won't help you in the snow.

In Europe, $30 a day is probably not realistic. Maybe in Asia. Don't forget things were cheaper in 1983...

that's my 2 cents...
this site is one of the best overland links there is: www.vwvagabonds.com

 

[lfd270ben]

This is what my room mate did this is his site The Irish Challenge in the Mongol Rally - homepage It is a race for charity from Ireland to mongolia he said it was one of the best times of his life.

 

[joshoisasleep]

wow that's impressive in an SJ410... I used to have a samurai, and after driving for an hour or so your neck starts to really hurt. That being said, I loved that little car dearly and it would definitely be on my list of ridiculous vehicles to attempt to rally in...

 

[aphextwin]

Upon more research, I found this site overland-underwater.com - A Charity Drive UK-NZ Its almost the exact route I would like to take, except for the malaysia/australia portion. They used three 80's on their trip and their site is very informative. I found them on expedition portal. Thanks for the responses and good luck to you josh.

 

[97 FZJ80]

The gentleman who started the Rainforest Challenge has another company called Wilderness Explorer. WE specialized in 4X4 across the continents.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Don't worry so much about offroad mods. Any stock landcruiser has all you'll likely need offroad, unless you're doing things you shouldn't be doing in a vehicle that is also your home. Worry more about camping mods and storage and sleeping. It's less awesome sounding, but it's what actually counts when overlanding. Our truck is stock height, our winch has only been used once (the other day I pulled out a car that fell in the pit at a mechanic shop). If you're going to mod the suspension, concern yourself with weight carrying, not height. Get low mounted fog-lights, not awesome 'off-road' ones. Get good thin AT tires with 3 ply sidewalls, not big, high-friction mud tires that won't help you in the snow.

]

Couldnt agree more. The closer to stock the better. Tyres that are interchangeabe with trucks are what you need in 3rd world countries.
I would only consider diesel,not just for economy but for safety as well when refuelling by the side of the road

 

[joshoisasleep]

Couldnt agree more. The closer to stock the better. Tyres that are interchangeabe with trucks are what you need in 3rd world countries.
I would only consider diesel,not just for economy but for safety as well when refuelling by the side of the road

I have been cursing my little diesel over these high andean mountains... but it has been a lifesaver in range in several countries already. Many times I've come close to my almost 700km range (good days) trying to find a fuel station. I'm thinking of installing an extra tank as it is... I can't imagine trying to do a trip like this with gasoline.
Not to mention, even with the much greater initial cost of the diesel truck, there's no way we could afford this trip on gasoline. I can't even afford to drive to Calgary in my gasser FJ62.

 

[hamihaha]

I think you need a Chinese driving licence to drive in China...

 

[aphextwin]

thanks for the input everyone. I've checked out ebaymotors UK and 80's and 100's are actually more in the UK than US from what I've seen.

I have been reading 80 vs 100 regarding overland builds with pros and cons for each. High mileage and probability of breakdown vs ease of repair come up.

I got to thinking should I just consider a slightly used fj cruiser which will have way less miles than the 80's or 100's I've been looking at around the 10-15K range. It will be more expensive but I'm thinking that since it will be a 1 yr old car vs 7-12 yo that the likelihood of breakdown will be less.

Not trying to start a fight here but just considering my options since I'm a total newbie and my mechanical experience extends to oil changes so having a newer vehicle will set my mind at ease.

Regardless of what vehicle I got I would try do all the mods and servicing/maintenance myself before my trip.

Regarding diesels: I would like the truck to be my DD when we got back so buying overseas is a less of an option.

Driving in china requires a government guide and an international license will do fine I believe.

 

[joshoisasleep]

I don't really know much about the FJcruisers, except that new they're half the price of other landcruiser models, and they don't look like that have nearly the space you'd need for overlanding. There is a couple I came across who are currently doing a similar trip to mine in an FJcruiser, so I could be wrong.

FJcruisers also don't come in diesel, as far as I could tell.

If you're considering RHD, what I would do is import an HJ61 out of japan for like $8,000-$10,000 with PTO winch and camping kit, and spend the extra $5,000 having the old beast worked over. HJ61 is an overlanders dream imho. With the high roof, powerful diesel engine, pto winch option, older styling, A/C and P/S options, it's got everything you'd need... more than what modern cruisers offer really. It will also probably hold its value a fair bit better than any of the newer vehicles will, and a 20 year old car from japan with 150,000km's on it is probably a thousand times better cared for than a 5 year old car from the US.

 

[dogboy2]

I think you need a Chinese driving licence to drive in China...

And an extremely good life insurance policy -- that country is NUTS when it comes to driving. After visiting several times and having been the passenger with a Chinese national at the wheel, there is no way you could convince me to get in the driver's seat. You have to have a "local's knowledge" to decipher the code for the rules of engagement because there is seemingly no logic, law, or order to the traffic flow - just total CHAOS.

I've lived through several high speed "Holy Sh%t!" near collisions that missed by mere inches and witnessed enough roadside carnage in that place to know that a gwai lo has no place behind the wheel without some local training.

Makes for great video though.....

-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[ranma21]

I would say 80 will be a good choice. Like other mentioned, it looks less expensive to a thieve. Diesel will be wonderful but cost to much to convert unless you buy it in Europe or south America but forget about getting it back to US. Look for a locked 80 if you are leaning towards the 80 LC. You might want to do the OME medium 2" lift, Arb front off road bumper with a winch just be safe. Snorkel could be a plus as well. You can probably get by without a slider and it all depends on the trail you tackle, I would not equipt my truck without one since I love to tackle some remote trail, you might need them. Definatelly a second fuel tank, if not put some extra jerry can filled up. A roofrack with a rooftop tent will be a good idea since you plan to travel on budget. Ohh spot light as well, it helps up during night driving. All Terrain Tire should be good enough, you do not need big mud tire. Bring and extra spare if you can (2 spare tires). Ohh of cause do all your maintenance abd bring some parts before you leave.

I am not so sure about $30 per day. The thing that cost you the most should be your fuel. Fuel in Asia is not cheap either. I just got back from China, food is ok. probably cost you about $1-$3 a meal depends where and what you eat. road side food is the best and the cheapest. I was backpacking in Vietnam 2 years ago with my then girl friend ( wife now ) we spent $80 in food in 2 weeks, but we eat every time we saw food we never had. Accomodation another $85. I am in Houston, TX too. If you are close by you can drop by and look at my truck, it is pretty much built up excluding a roofrack and lockers. Good luck =)

 

[prado t]

Doing an Eurasia expedition, Like ROSCO says diesel, and get a good water seperator, better than RACOR . In counties like CHINA the fuel can have and will have a fair amount of water in it. Some areas you may have to drain the water every hour and some places you may not. The whole idea here is to get used to your vehicle before taking it on an expedition. It will save you alot of time and money if something does happen.

I am doing a BJ74 from Japan I am running out all of the bugs before i go away

 

[joshoisasleep]

from Japan?

As in to China? I read up on doing that, that's a cool trip!

 

[97 FZJ80]

In China, they do not officially recognize the international driver's license. UN passed the international driver's license resolution before communist China was recognized. Now can you drive in China with a international DL? Yes, but you are not protected under the UN treaty. While most expat have no problems driving in major cities in China, it is a risky proposition if you venture outside of the major cities. It is a criminal offense there are injuries. Try sitting in jail in the middle of nowhere China while waiting for a judge and someone to contact the US embassy.

 

[joshoisasleep]

As far as I know, it's the same in many cental and south american countries, even though most (all?) are involved in that treaty. If there's an accident, everyone goes to jail and it gets sorted out later. If someone's hurt and it's your fault, the embassy isn't going to be able to do much for you, and you can join the many, many foreigners in prison down here (mostly on drug offences though).

I've been told by many backpackers that your own embassy is often very rarely willing to help out travelers... apparently that's not their job, especially if they have an official warning not to go in the first place...

 

[97 FZJ80]

Except in China, the rule of the road is that the bigger vehicle is *always* at fault. One could be sitting in jail rotting for a long time. See Rules of the road in the People's Republic of China - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia