Vehicles

“Adventure Tank” is…

…our 1997 Lexus LX450 is essentially an 80-Series Toyota Land Cruiser that originally came with a “car phone”, softer springs, and nicer leather seats. Well, the leather seats remain… for now!

“Lil Toot” is… (sold to friends of ours in 2017)

…our Adventure Trailer (brand) Chaser (model) trailer was semi-custom built to our specs in 2012. It is a very capable, relatively lightweight off road trailer.

Our use model up until 2018 was not common. We slept in “Tank” atop a 4 inch custom fit (by LeeWhay) foam mattress. To achieve this sleeping area, five of the original seven seats have been removed; the two front seats remain. In order to have a decent amount of headroom, we can carry very little camping gear in the truck.

This is where “Toot” came in. The trailer carried almost all of our camping and cooking gear, food, fridge, spare parts and fluids, water, some extra fuel, solar panels, and extra clothes/bedding.

Since we “lived” in the LX450, our clothes, toiletries, and other personal items are secured in the cabin. We also carry most of the recovery gear within the truck in case we stuck while we are away from the trailer.

LX450 modifications and what they allow us to do:

  • 2.5″ ARB/OME Extra Heavy Springs and Nitrocharger Sport shocks
    • springs allow more cargo capacity than stock springs
    • shocks can handle heavier load and less likely to overheat
    • lift allows for a bit larger tires and clearance without adversely affecting driveline
  • 33″ BFG Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires (LT255/85R16/E) (Until Sept 2017)
    • very strong carcass with good sidewall protection reduces likelihood of tire punctures (no punctures yet!)
    • “skinny” and tall tire allows more tread “forward to back” when aired down
    • Mud-terrain does perform better in mud (just ask Adam!)
  • 33″ BFG All-Terrain KO2 tires (LT285/75R16/E)
    • better than the KM2s in snow
    • wished they came in a skinny version
    • knock on wood, no punctures yet…
  • 28 Gallon Aux fuel tank
    • gives us a a range of 550 miles +/- depending on the terrain

 

Since late 2017, we have been traveling in just the LX450 while waiting for the Unimog camper to be sorted out.  What we once thought was temporary, is now a longer term situation. In June of 2018, we decided to build a sleeping platform that would allow for storage under the platform for all of our camping gear, food, water, spare parts and other misc. items.  I still get to snuggle with our 50L National Luna Weekender Twin fridge, but it’s much more comfortable.

 

“The Beast” is…

our 1990 U1300L Unimog.  It was built as a military ambulance, but not used as such. We are currently in the process of figuring out a camper to put on the back of the Unimog to allow us to travel and see the world with more comfort, and protection from the elements.

 

 

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