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Topic: Last of the RV Unicorns (Read 1357 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #25
I’ll load a photo of the Inveco when I get a better connection, the photo just won’t load right now.
Could be I’m technically or otherwise challenged
2005 T/K

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #26
 
Anything out there which is strong enough to withstand African pitholes or Khatmandu/Mangolia remotness, light, 24 ft LD comfy

As for truck, I am not into modifying factory design and only truck which come 4x4 with supper single and decent suspension with Cummins engine availability is International and next year Commins is introducing X10 which will replace L9
I would stay clear of a new engine design in the places you are considering venturing to.  I’m sure it’s a great design, but new engine designs often come with new problems.  And even if it’s a perfect new design, if something does go wrong, parts will be hard to source.

I’ve made my thoughts known in Newfoundland, what ever is easiest to get help on in Africa & Asia is what you should go with.

You will miss those 3’ going to a 24’

What ever you go with, spend at least eight weeks on a shake down trip close enough to get things fixed.   Did the same thing with my 2017 TK the summer before Alaska, was worth it ironing out the kinks.

Good hunting
Dave

2017 TK

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #27
A friend of ours drove Her Inveco rv from Germany to Cape Town down the east side of Africa then shipped it home.
Two years later she showed up at our doorstep with her outfit and tour the states for 6 months.
Point being no need for fancy expensive RVs just some gumption.
Her RV looks more like a bread truck with windows and rear wheel drive.
IMHO

Let me know how can I import Inveco in US. Non US citizens can bring them temporarily but in this regard we are not lucky. I can dream of MAN, Mercedes (not sprinter), or even ISUZU npr or ftr 4x4 but we cannot buy them here nor can we import them unless they are pretty old. I am not hands on and truck is just a tool to a mean.

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #28
I would stay clear of a new engine design in the places you are considering venturing to.  I’m sure it’s a great design, but new engine designs often come with new problems.  And even if it’s a perfect new design, if something does go wrong, parts will be hard to source.

I’ve made my thoughts known in Newfoundland, what ever is easiest to get help on in Africa & Asia is what you should go with.

You will miss those 3’ going to a 24’

What ever you go with, spend at least eight weeks on a shake down trip close enough to get things fixed.   Did the same thing with my 2017 TK the summer before Alaska, was worth it ironing out the kinks.

Good hunting

Dave,
My current Ford engine was new and I cannot be happier. I agree with you x10 is coming out in 2024 I still have chance for l9. With l9, if you tell international that truck is going international you get version of engine which works fine with high sulphur diseal.

Problem is current trip was not on schedule. After that we have few more on schedule.... I want boss to be rested before I present the plan and options  ... oh well, I wait and let stock market do its magic and age let this dream slip away very fast ...

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #29
My current Ford engine was new and I cannot be happier. I agree with you x10 is coming out in 2024 I still have chance for l9. With l9, if you tell international that truck is going international you get version of engine which works fine with high sulphur diesel.
All the press releases say 2026 at the earliest.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #30
All the press releases say 2026 at the earliest.
2026 is it then .... you are aware of nz, I do have Norway and northern Pakistan which may take me to Stans as well. Plus expedition building process take about 12 to 18 months any way. Although LD has spoiled us very much but there are other ways to travel independently. For example in northern Europe I will be betteroff with eurorail ....

Will be flexible ... been detained at lot of small land borders and it is not a good experience as well. That is also in the back of my mind.

Thanks for researching


Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #31
The trans Africa Inveco plus most all of Europe that’s worth seeing and then most all of the lower 48.
An earthroamer story.
A fella I know who does travelogue and adventure films etc, when he bought 2 earthroamers back when they were less than $300k apiece. First trip up into the Rockies it’s cracks and loose fittings then the shower walls in both became detached oops.
Call earthroamer on Thursday to blow a fuse and they tell him he’ll have to wait till Monday cos they’re having employee appreciation day. Then the litigation started.
2005 T/K

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #32
The trans Africa Inveco plus most all of Europe that’s worth seeing and then most all of the lower 48.
An earthroamer story.
A fella I know who does travelogue and adventure films etc, when he bought 2 earthroamers back when they were less than $300k apiece. First trip up into the Rockies it’s cracks and loose fittings then the shower walls in both became detached oops.
Call earthroamer on Thursday to blow a fuse and they tell him he’ll have to wait till Monday cos they’re having employee appreciation day. Then the litigation started.
Hopping to do better compared to earthroamer otherwise turnkey solution is very attractive even with current price tag .... a well published story of a guy stuck in Mongolia for six months before Ford can fly a mechanic to fix the engine (much be a very expensive fix, I know he deleted exhauste system). That is the reason I mentioned MAN, ISUZU, Mercedes or L9/x10. Engine problems will bound to happen and international support is essential. Coach parts can be shipped and even a person like me can do patch for temp fix till permanent solution is in place.
Edit: if you have resources and are able to register outside US look at Australian SLRV commander. Good product and good folks to work with. They are in business for long time and have a good reputation. I researched but for US citizens buying and, registering outside the US is can of worm and I will rather stay away ... if you research them and find any negative, please do report back.

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #33
I spent 4 years riding a BMW motorcycle around parts of the world.
BMW had service facilities in most capital cities and could get parts when needed.
If I was going to do it now using a truck based chassis, I would choose a Mercedes product.
Even though they are more costly to get and maintain, you can still get parts for them in most places in the world.
There are plenty of different choices and I would probably look for a Vario van converted to a camper,
Something like this one.
Jota
96 23.5 FL

Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #34
Speaking of unicorns . . .

1965 Bristol lodekka
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

 
Re: Last of the RV Unicorns
Reply #35
For the record, it's Iveco, not "inveco."
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"