Is a RTT too conspicuous for the trip to TDF?

[mattafact]

I have a 91 2dr 4runner that I'm pretty sure we're taking to TDF and back. It's ugly and gets great gas mileage and thus great for the trip. The only problem is lack of space. I'm 6'1 and there just isn't enough room to sleep inside of it with my fiance.

So rather than get rid of it for a 3rd gen 4runner, is the RTT going to draw too much attention to us? We're leaving it fairly stock except for an OME heavy kit and some 235/85/16s just so we don't draw too much attention.

Another option is a 2nd gen pickup with an RTT in the bed. That may not look so "expeditiony" as one mounted on a roof.

Gas mileage is of paramount importance to us, thus the reason we're not taking my 80.

 

[sirenmoses]

um, what is TDF?

and why are you worried about 'drawing attention'?

 

[AustinCruiser]

I wouldn't go South of the border right now. If your border areas are anything like ours here in Texas, you're asking for trouble.

 

[e9999]

I'm thinking that the only way most of us would be thought of as locals in just about any non "western" country would be from far away when driving by at high speed. Which is also when having a RTT or not would not matter much since you're soon out of the reach of the bad guys hopefully . As soon as you're stopped they'll be able to tell you're not local anyway, whether you have a RTT or not. So I'm thinking it may not matter as much as one might think whether you have a RTT on top or not, attention drawing wise. I read this long thread about the belgians going through the Congo recently, and they had their share of trouble but it didn't seem like any of it was caused by the RTT . OTOH, sleeping well makes a huge difference in how much you'll enjoy the trip.

And I keep hoping that being the "roughing it up adventurer" rather than the rich foreigner in hotels might evoke some sympathy in some places. Wishful thinking maybe, oh well...

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

My cousin drove his '92 V-6 4wd pick-up from Olympia, WA. to Chile and back.

Pretty much stock rig, with 31 inch tires. Canopy with roof rack for surf boards. Canopy was "hardened" for theft protection.

They slept in the back of this pick-up. I can't believe that you could not sleep in your 4Runner if the rear seat was removed. Definitely more "low profile" than having a roof top tent.

Regards,

Alan

 

[mattafact]

I'm thinking that the only way most of us would be thought of as locals in just about any non "western" country would be from far away when driving by at high speed. Which is also when having a RTT or not would not matter much since you're soon out of the reach of the bad guys hopefully . As soon as you're stopped they'll be able to tell you're not local anyway, whether you have a RTT or not. So I'm thinking it may not matter as much as one might think whether you have a RTT on top or not, attention drawing wise. I read this long thread about the belgians going through the Congo recently, and they had their share of trouble but it didn't seem like any of it was caused by the RTT . OTOH, sleeping well makes a huge difference in how much you'll enjoy the trip.

And I keep hoping that being the "roughing it up adventurer" rather than the rich foreigner in hotels might evoke some sympathy in some places. Wishful thinking maybe, oh well...

Those are some excellent points. I hadn't thought of that.

That Congo story was the best expo report I've ever read. Amazing stuff.

I can't believe that you could not sleep in your 4Runner if the rear seat was removed. Definitely more "low profile" than having a roof top tent.

It's 5'8" from the back of my seat to the rear door and I'm 6'1".

um, what is TDF?

and why are you worried about 'drawing attention'?

Tierra del Fuego. I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb and stand out to thieves any more than my pasty whits skin is going to.

I wouldn't go South of the border right now. If your border areas are anything like ours here in Texas, you're asking for trouble.

Thankfully our borders are no where near as bad as Texas' yet.

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

Get the RTT. Frankly it is the best overland invention ever. stop-open tent, go to sleep in a dry spot that's ready.
Some people say they make you stick out, but you do that anyway. Just be friendly and polite, and all will be great.
And don't worry about Mexico. The border towns suck, but the country itself is fantastic.
J

 

[Bogo]

I'd think taking the RTT should be fine. I'd be a bit more worried about overall weight of people, food, fuel, spares, etc. on the 4runner. Will you end up overloading it? With only two people in the 4runner you should be OK. If not, pull a trailer and put the RTT on it. Tires near their maximum loading will be much more likely to puncture than ones that aren't. With the 235/85/r16 size tires you should be able to get load range E tires. The 4runner normally only uses load range C. From what I understand the roads in Patagonia leave allot to be desired. Rough and rocky was one person's description. Budget for replacing tires.

 

[mattafact]

Thanks guys for all the advice. It's so hard to resist buying cool toys like an ARB front bumper and a snorkel.

Must....resist....

 

[mattafact]

So I got my Hannibal RTT today. My 4runner (a 91) has the factory roof rack. Can I attack the RTT to the factory rack?

 

[Bogo]

So I got my Hannibal RTT today. My 4runner (a 91) has the factory roof rack. Can I attack the RTT to the factory rack?

Check the weight allowance for the factory roof rack. I think you need a stronger one.

 

[greentruck]

x2 on as strong a rack as you can afford.

A RTT will be a continuous load and is itself as much or more than most factory roof rack recommendations (usually 150 lbs). On bad roads, day after day, you don't want to listen to the RTT beating your rack to death. Then what?

Plus, with a stout rack, you can usually add anything else you may need to carry-- within reason, from time to time. I would avoid planning on anything other than the RTT from being up there on a permanent basis, but sometimes wood, fuel, a bike, etc may need to be carried temporarily.

GL, sounds like a great trip!

 

[MANUCHAO]

I have a 91 2dr 4runner that I'm pretty sure we're taking to TDF and back. It's ugly and gets great gas mileage and thus great for the trip. The only problem is lack of space. I'm 6'1 and there just isn't enough room to sleep inside of it with my fiance.

So rather than get rid of it for a 3rd gen 4runner, is the RTT going to draw too much attention to us? We're leaving it fairly stock except for an OME heavy kit and some 235/85/16s just so we don't draw too much attention.

Another option is a 2nd gen pickup with an RTT in the bed. That may not look so "expeditiony" as one mounted on a roof.

Gas mileage is of paramount importance to us, thus the reason we're not taking my 80.

Check out this guys...
They lef a little over a year ago and just made it to Colombia.

When you planning on leaving?

We want to do the same trip hopefully within the next year..

http://lostworldexpedition.com/Updates/

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

um, what is TDF?

and why are you worried about 'drawing attention'?

Tierra Del Fuego in Patagonia...Argentina. And for obvious reasons.

 

[AdventureBuddies]

I've been to Tierra del Fuego and back and can attest to the fact that standing out like a sore thumb is unavoidable. Being noticed does not necessarily make you a target for thieves. Rather it's a combo of luck and how you carry yourself. Take whatever you need to be comfy and have a blast!

 

[e9999]

just read a short article in 4WDOR mag about a trip through Siberia. Apparently, the rack holding the RTT on an adventure trailer gave way quickly because of rough roads. Even less fun on an actual roof no doubt. Probably indeed an issue worth preventing.


And yes, in the link above, it was telling to read how some locals officials were planning to fail an inspection of sorts for a rude traveller. It's all about how you handle yourself. Things are different when you are driving a truck that most locals would never hope to be able to afford, with electronics in there that are worth a year's supply of food to their hungry children...

 

[mattafact]

Good points. Who makes a sturdy rack for a 2nd gen 4runner? I searched but couldn't find any info.

We're planning on leaving in June, maybe a bit sooner.

 

[dmc]

Good points. Who makes a sturdy rack for a 2nd gen 4runner? I searched but couldn't find any info.

We're planning on leaving in June, maybe a bit sooner.

i am almost never on mud anymore but if you need any info for your trip send me an email.

dave@expeditionamericas.com

i can help you avoid some of the headaches along the way (ie shipping out of panama)

good move on the RTT. you'll love it.

 

[mattafact]

Email sent.

i am almost never on mud anymore but if you need any info for your trip send me an email.

dave@expeditionamericas.com

i can help you avoid some of the headaches along the way (ie shipping out of panama)

good move on the RTT. you'll love it.

 

[80t0ylc]

.........We're planning on leaving in June, maybe a bit sooner.

Remember, Southern Hemisphere seasons are opposite of ours. June - August is the height of their winter. Might want to get there before or after then.