A few weeks back, we discussed vehicle options. If you are researching options, there are a couple more that seem to be common but we are unlikely to pursue them.
Expedition vehicles: These are typically custom built vehicles. Often built on military chassis. Google Unimog to see some samples. They are sold with the idea that they are go anywhere do anything vehicles. I do think they are very cool, cool in what a 10 year old would draw up cool. In following a number of blogs, we think they are a poor choice:
- They tend to be very expensive relative to other options. $200-300,000 being fairly common numbers for new rigs.
- They require special parts not typically available and often expensive. One couple reported being very happy they found tires at $400 each. They had been told to expect $1200 each and to have to custom order them. For a military convoy they are go anywhere but military convoys can take spare parts and mechanics to keep the trucks running. Not so practical for a solo vehicle.
- Let’s say you actually use that off road capability. Who is going to pull you out when you get a 10 ton rig stuck 30 miles from the nearest truck route? I’d rather get stuck just off the main road where help is easy to come by.
- The living space tends to be small compared to similar size rigs.
- At least a some are underpowered by modern standards. One blog we are following mentions a top speed on level ground of 50mpg. Even modest hills have them slowing down to 30-40mph. They have low enough gears that they will eventually make it up steeper hills but only at slow speeds. On top of that, the fuel efficiency is pretty bad (well under 10mpg).
Cab Over Panel Truck Conversion: We’ve seen a couple of these and if you are willing to build them out yourself, they could be a good option. This basically a mid-size delivery truck with a big box on the back. They have high ground clearance and a pre-made box that should be relatively simple to convert to a living space. Some of the japanese models are common in both north and south america which hopefully would result in easy repairs. This may or may not be true. Every blog we’ve followed that choose a rig based on universal availability found that even when it looked the same, the mechanical systems were not so universal. There are trade offs:
- Panel trucks can be purchased at reasonable prices as there is a large market for them.
- They automatically put you in the diesel market, which is good for durability and fuel economy.
- You can build it the way you want it. Don’t care about hot water? Skip the water heater (keep in mind resale value will drop substantially if you leave out basic amenities..
- If you want all the appliances of a typical RV (fridge, pressure water system, toilet, furnace, AC, etc…), they can get expensive. If you just want a secure space to sleep and keep your stuff, the cost could be kept pretty low.
- The biggest downside is it requires a fairly substantial build. Pay someone to do it and the rig gets expensive. Do it yourself and it requires a substantial commitment of time.
