Searching suitable platform
 

Hello everybody...
our project is in the startfase. We are looking for a suitable platform to build on. So far we come to the following wishes:

-Size (lxbxh)=approx 6.2x2.2x3.2
-Weight up to 6 t.
-Serviceable in the world

A main concern we have is the new emission rules in Europe. These new engines are all Euro6 (engine+adblue).

Does anyone have experience with an euro6 + adblue in the high Andes mountains and what would go wrong with the poor diesel quality in some regions in the world and an Euro6 engine?

Happy Travels
Mark

If your travelling outside europe, forget euro 6 or even 5.
Go for an older vehicle in good condition or have it rebuilt. The diesel you get in developing countries will destroy a modern engine, the electronics are too complex and likely to fail whilst being very difficult to fix. Modern vehicles are entirely unsuitable for expedition work.

If you want something that can be serviced anywhere in the world .. it has to be fixable with a hammer, not a computer. Other than that .. you want a local dealer who is prepared to send you parts anywhere in the world .. arrange that before you leave. Do realise that shipping the parts is only one part of the problem, you need to be able to identify the parts you need, be able to fit them, pay the import duties to the place your in and wait for the parts to arrive .. delays in shipping can be long particularly in the receiving country.

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The world is a large place. Shipping your vehicle will be required to get to various places .. the size of the vehicle should be small .. if possible to fit inside a container .. even a 'high' container... with some clearance ... shipping a standard container is much easier and less expensive than some odd shape vehicle...
http://www.sjonescontainers.co.uk/co...dimensions.asp

Door entry dimensions - standard 2.33 width 2.28 height ... HIGH 2.35 width 2.58 height

length - internal standard 5.09 ... long (and HIGH) 12.01 (all in metres)

Ideally you would like to loose
1.3 metre in length (say 1.2 minimum)
1 metre in height (say 0.9 minimum) ... that would save you a lot in shipping costs .. assuming you will be shipping.

Do plan a way of getting out when it is inside the container!

I'm not entirely disagreeing with the above but these things depend on your perspective, and knowledge base.
I think this guy comes from a aircraft background so is obviously not phased by electronic control systems.
Although I've not read the blog in detail I think the only issues they've had are mechanical.

Choosing the Truck | Tucks' Travels in a Truck

Would I worry about a Euro 6 engine? Absolutely :funmeterno:

Ours is euro 4 and I've attempted to remove some potential future problems and I'm doing my best to self teach myself OBD speak. I'll need to self diagnose any issues. But then again the same applies to any mechanical issues. Don't trust anyone. First world included.

I agree ... mostly.
The problem is .. where the breakdown occurs the locals will not know about your vehicle (bicycle, motorcycle, car, 4WD, truck) .. so you will be the 'expert' on it ... and need to find the problem. Most people can figure out mechanical things they can see through observation and thought. Electrical/electronic things require test equipment to 'see' what is going on.. it is another skill set that most have not developed.

The more you know about your vehicle the better ... even if you have a great mechanic who knows your vehicle well, you can communicate better with them.

That's why I've got a semi decent scanner that will also do real time logging.
Not the full blown Merc. one they're allegedly £30K:censored:
Chinese clones are £600 ish.
Everything is a compromise. Old tech and spend gazzilions on rebuilding it but then if you do that yourself or get deeply involved in it you're then an expert on your vehicle, or go new or new (ish) and despite the nay sayers modern vehicles are generally more reliable than thier predecessors. I'd always want to be the "expert" on my vehicle though.
Don't get me wrong I'm not suggesting I'd be happy with, say a brand new LR Range Rover. They're SUV toys. But there are some out there, such as the Iveco in the link above I would trust.

I did come across a traveller using a model T (Ford) in outback Australia ... he said it was ideal .. the narrow tyres cut through the bull dust to give reasonable traction and steering. That would make it harder in deep sand though. Simple rugged construction with simple components and he was good to go, easy fixes along the way.

I do agree that the more modern vehicles are more reliable. Harder to fix, but more reliable.

Getting Iveco electric probs fixed even in the UK is a right PITA . I go with consensus , not euro 5 or 6 . Ideally a well overhauled earlier vehicle , is a better bet , that way you should know the condition of all the components .
The more you can do yourself the better as "mechanics" are of very variable capabilities , and can cause more probs than they actually fix .
Dimensions , better if you can containerize as easier , cheaper , safer from point of retaining your belongings . Raising roof is a good move to achieving interior space in a given length, width, length isnt such a big problem, as you can get a 40ft container ! From an emissions point of view , entry into a lot of EU cities is now restricted , if you are really set on entering , then you can get aftermarket particulate filters fitted £5k !!

Hilux 2.5 D4D Turbo diesel 2010
 

Hi, i have built and is at present travelling around S-America in a toyota Hilux 2010 turbo diesel D4D.
I have done a similar trip in an older 1994 land cruiser TD.
Result? Modern Hilux is more comfortable and so much more reliable.
Most people go for older vehicle for fear of breakdown.
The brave will go with modern as the car industry have gone a long way since the 1990. I have no issue with dirty diesel in Bolivia or Peru. Carry an extra diesel filter if you feel the need. I have had no issues so far .
check out my build.
JKGetlost | Make it happen!

Ps. gone over the Andes 6 times, camp out in the Atacama, star watch in the Salt flat and now in Cusco. Diesel engine works ok at 4500m above sea level. Little harder to start in the morning above 4800m. Usually start first time. above 4800m start around the 10 sec marker

Yes, but where is your vehicle from, I would wager it isn't a euro6 engine with all the problems that entails with diesel etc. Toyota tailor their engines to the market they are selling them to.

I know oof at least one case where someone took their vehicle on a trip to the Alps and the engine went into limp mode because it was UK spec and the manufacturer didn't envisage a UK spec vehicle going to more than 2000m. Thats what we're up against here

Hi,my Hilux is a UK registered 2010 model.
What I have notice about diesel above 2500m is that older model smoke, land cruiser 1986 etc. But modern engine with its management will adjust the amount of fuel to accommodate the available air.
I am now in Colombia and have come down from the mountain of Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.
I have driven a 1994 land cruiser across Africa in 2008 and now with a 2010 Hilux. I will vouch for modern truck for power and reliability and only with a 2.5cc engine. Makers will only go forward with their development in improving their vehicle.
I find that many overlander will opt for older tech vehicle for the fear of finding a knowledgable mechanic and then complain about being stuck for weeks at a time for parts.

Hogwash:
MERCEDES LATEST VERSION DEALER DIAGNOSTICS, CODING & PROGRAMMING CARS & TRUCKS | eBay

Charlie

Not hogwash:thumbdown:
That is a Chinese clone, absolutely not MB.
Just because its on an old tough book doesn't make the software and interface original. But it would do the job, just not supported. You can get the same thing for around £600.

It does do the job. The interface has a MB logo and part # and says "made in France"

Charlie