I previously owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel. There is a lot I liked about the Jeep but it was lacking in the reliability department. The diesel exhaust filtration system left me stranded more than once. Vehicle reliability is a must for my upcoming move to Mauritania. Therefore, I eventually decided that the 200 met most of my needs (though diesel was my preference), and I pulled the trigger on a silver '13 with 50k miles.
Overall my goal is to make the vehicle more ruggedized for everyday life in Nouakchott. I do not plan on going on a grand overland cross continent journey, and will spend 99% of my time in the city. However, I will go on weekend excursions to the various beaches and plan on making longer weekend trips around Mauritania.
Diesel was my primary choice for fuel but I was limited to purchasing in the states and the vehicle could not be older than 8 years. I did look at larger diesel trucks but soon found that there were too many reliability problems, and I wanted a truck that did not have a DEF system. The only truck that met the import age restrictions, diesel, and without DEF was the RAM 2500, and unfortunately the transmissions in these trucks are not known to be bullet proof. Last thing I want to deal with in Africa is a bad tranny.
I purchased my 200 remotely, site unseen. I paid for an independent inspection of the vehicle and was told it was in fine mechanical condition. My standards for vehicles seemed to be a little higher than the mechanic's as I found the interior was not in the shape I expected, the wheels were scratched up, and a few other things, but overall I am happy with the purchase. I got it for a good deal so I'm not going to complain.
I arrived back in the states after living in Norway for 3 years on the 20th (I don't recommend flying into D.C. on inauguration day). The vehicle is currently at a shop getting aftermarket chrome stickers removed... ugh. I will deliver the truck to Rocky Top Customz on February 4th to have all of the work done. My planned build is:
In a few months:
I'm also considering dual batteries, ARB Fridge, and ARB drawer system. I'm very much looking forward to this build. I have been working on this with Jason, the owner of Rocky Top Customz, for a few months now. I know he is super excited about this as well. I am also happy to report that Jason currently has all of the parts and equipment on hand for the install. VPR was late with the delivery as they ensured us that they equipment would arrive on the 23rd fortunately it did arrive today 1/27. This gives us just barely enough time for powder coating. I'll post pics and updates as they come.
Overall my goal is to make the vehicle more ruggedized for everyday life in Nouakchott. I do not plan on going on a grand overland cross continent journey, and will spend 99% of my time in the city. However, I will go on weekend excursions to the various beaches and plan on making longer weekend trips around Mauritania.
Diesel was my primary choice for fuel but I was limited to purchasing in the states and the vehicle could not be older than 8 years. I did look at larger diesel trucks but soon found that there were too many reliability problems, and I wanted a truck that did not have a DEF system. The only truck that met the import age restrictions, diesel, and without DEF was the RAM 2500, and unfortunately the transmissions in these trucks are not known to be bullet proof. Last thing I want to deal with in Africa is a bad tranny.
I purchased my 200 remotely, site unseen. I paid for an independent inspection of the vehicle and was told it was in fine mechanical condition. My standards for vehicles seemed to be a little higher than the mechanic's as I found the interior was not in the shape I expected, the wheels were scratched up, and a few other things, but overall I am happy with the purchase. I got it for a good deal so I'm not going to complain.
I arrived back in the states after living in Norway for 3 years on the 20th (I don't recommend flying into D.C. on inauguration day). The vehicle is currently at a shop getting aftermarket chrome stickers removed... ugh. I will deliver the truck to Rocky Top Customz on February 4th to have all of the work done. My planned build is:
- OME Shocks and struts
- 17" Rock Warrior wheels with BFGoodrich KO2s 285 75 17
- VPR 4x4 Front Bumper
- VPR 4x4 Rear Bumper
- VPR 4x4 Rock Sliders
- LED interior light bulbs
- 10500lb Rugged Ridge Winch
In a few months:
- ARB Snorkel
- Off road lights
I'm also considering dual batteries, ARB Fridge, and ARB drawer system. I'm very much looking forward to this build. I have been working on this with Jason, the owner of Rocky Top Customz, for a few months now. I know he is super excited about this as well. I am also happy to report that Jason currently has all of the parts and equipment on hand for the install. VPR was late with the delivery as they ensured us that they equipment would arrive on the 23rd fortunately it did arrive today 1/27. This gives us just barely enough time for powder coating. I'll post pics and updates as they come.
