| Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 |
wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
Member Is Offline
Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
|
|
Lots of good info thanks to all -- 57 vw then a 63 bus, woohoo !! back in stone age 
|
|
|
dean miller
Nomad
Posts: 456
Registered: 1-28-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
We toured Baja with an old Toyota with a 22R engine for many years. It was repaced by a later model 4 Fourunner. I preferred the earlier Toyota ..
Our trailer was small 13 foot "Roust a bout trailer." It was one of the sleepers which over built and never sold well. In an 8X10 space we had all
the comforts of home. Sink, Stove, Heater, Bath, Bed, Lighing, Storage...Just don't make them like the "Roust a bout" any more...
First mod to the "Roust a bout" was to seal the joints of the trailer with caulking and spray generous amounts of undercoating on all the joint areas.
The tires needed replacement so 3 size over size tires, requiring the wheel wells to be cut out and rubber "eye" lashes be installed. Then the 3 leaf
springs broke, so replaced in Mexico with 6 leaf high arch springs. After 10 years of hard useage they broke, so replaced the entire spring system
with all new components which were tac welded in place.
The interior items the toilet, the water system was replaced by marine grade items, the lighting was converted to florescent 6-12 volt and 3-110 (just
in case)all the lighting was also supplemented by three solar panels.
The single propane tank was replaced by two tanks and the single battery was to be replaced "when I got around to it" high above the back bumper I
welded a mesh rack 2feet by ten feet which held a jack, Jerry cans for water and gasoline,supplies etc etc etc...
This trailer went were ever we wanted to pull it..on the concrete or where the concrete ends.
It would not be economical feasible for a US manufacture to market an off road trailer, there is just no market for one. The US has insidiously become
a nation of RV parks and concrete. So we made our own.
sdm
|
|
|
Wally
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 3-15-2006
Member Is Offline
|
|
old but:
http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/toyota-tops-consumer-report...
.
[Edited on 11-16-2012 by Wally]
|
|
|
Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
Member Is Offline
Mood: undecided
|
|
Get yourself one of those moped motor scooters.
|
|
|
El Jefe
Super Nomad
Posts: 1027
Registered: 10-27-2003
Location: South East Cape
Member Is Offline
|
|
Van. I like a van. If I was looking for a vehicle for an extended surf trip I'd go with a used Dodge Sprinter diesel. Put a locking rear end in it and
away you go. Stand up interior room. Put a bed in the back with LOTS of room underneath for storage. Boards inside lashed to the roof.
Pull over to the side of the road in a safe place and go to sleep. No setup. No fuss. And I like the idea of the little moto for exploring etc.
Keep it simple. Guys I know with those Sportsmobiles won't take them off road for fear of tearing up their fancy interiors. And they cost way too much
anyway. Same for even an older cheap moho. You will find the cabinets falling apart on the first washboard you come to. Hit that pothole and
everything comes flying out of the upper cabinet. Keep your stuff packed in plastic boxes under the bed where it can't fly around.
[Edited on 11-16-2012 by El Jefe]
No b-tchin\' in the Baja.
|
|
|
captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
Member Is Offline
Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
|
|
lockers
btw my baja boat tower is a 77 dodge 1 ton custom Van with a slider !! not the best on gas but way over built. and c white paint job w/custom blue
graphics and windows/insulated and panelled.can park without shade..never understand a black or dark colar for baja,..there is company that makes a
air diff lock up and you also get the bennie of really good on board compresser which is must for baja if you not gonna stay on the pavement...the lil
toy motor homes are really sloooow !!! (chinook)maybe even slower that some vw vanagans !! would not be good choice and lack any springs and
clearance...IMO......K&T
[Edited on 11-16-2012 by captkw]
[Edited on 11-16-2012 by captkw]
[Edited on 11-17-2012 by captkw]
|
|
|
comitan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4177
Registered: 3-27-2004
Location: La Paz
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
|
|
http://bajasur.en.craigslist.com.mx/cto/3412901133.html
Check this.
Also check u2u upper right hand corner of page.
[Edited on 11-16-2012 by comitan]
Strive For The Ideal, But Deal With What\'s Real.
Every day is a new day, better than the day before.(from some song)
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
“The sincere pursuit of truth requires you to entertain the possibility that everything you believe to be true may in fact be false”
|
|
|
captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
Member Is Offline
Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
|
|
cheap & relieable
1 good horse (morgan) two burro's !! three umbrella's and your set !!! no gas,mantainece,insurance,reg. and your chance of a head on is very low !!!!
K&T
|
|
|
Bubba
Senior Nomad
Posts: 957
Registered: 2-17-2009
Location: Pismo Beach, Ca.
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Steve, a 4WD is the ONLY way to go. Confirm with Neal Johns who (along with so many others here) convinced me to get a Tacoma 4WD... that was 12 years
ago... I have had 3 (on a 5 year lease) and they were are great... my 2010 is by far the best... but real close tie with my 2001... just a few issues
with my 2005, but never a break down.
[Edited on 11-15-2012 by David K] |
I'm sorry but I will need to disagree on your evaluation of the 2010 Tacoma. I've owned 5 Toyota Pick Ups and 2 Toyota 4 Runners dating back to 1982
when I purchased my first Toyota Pick Up, bought it new, put 282K "hard miles" on it, worked construction and owned a firewood lot in Big Bear, you
can imagine what it went through. I bought a Tacoma the first year they were made in 1995 and then again 1997 and owned it until 2010 when I decided
it was time to "treat" myself and buy a new 2010 Tacoma. Keep in mind the 1997 Tacoma was worked relatively hard but not like my previous trucks but
the only thing I did to that truck was bring it in for routine maintenance, put tires on it 3 times and a battery twice. I believed in Tacoma's so
much that I bought my 2010 without a test drive. It was fine for the first 3-5k miles but started to rattle and squeak, (without ever 4x4 it) the
brakes started to squeall, still do, my cigarette lighter, sterio, basically the console shorted out twice, the fabric on the seat is starting to wear
etc. I brought the truck back to the dealer and they repaired/replaced what was obviously wrong but still won't address other issues such as the
brakes, squeaks etc. I was sitting at a red light the other morning and the same Tacoma pulled up next to me, same issue, squelling brakes. I rolled
down my window, he has the same issues and so do many other people. Don't get me wrong, I suppose they're still a decent vehicle but I expect more
than decent when I spend 40k. I lived and died by Tacoma's until now and yes, I have a 30 yr history with Toyota. I actually wish I still had the 97
Tacoma but sold it to my roomate for 5k when I was offered 7k but she was in a bind and needed very reliable transportation, she puts 200 miles a day
on this truck and still thanks me every time I see her...
To the original poster, do your homework, the older 4runners and tacomas are worth it if you find the right vehicle, just remember if it sounds to
good to be true than it most likely is. Check records if you can, make sure the timing belt was changed, the old one's were teflon, they stretched.
Good luck in your search.
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65134
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
Sorry you got a lemon! No way should you have to put up with any problems like that!
How close was your Tacoma to mine?:
My Tacoma is a 2010 Double Cab, 4WD Off Road TRD, obtained in Dec. 2009, manufactured at Toyota de Baja California and sold at Toyota Carlsbad.
It has been absolutely wonderful and with the new traction systems, a far superior off road machine to my two earlier Tacomas (and I thought they were
great).
With the terrible economy, I don't have as many miles on this truck as I did on the other two after almost 3 years... my truck is my only vehicle and
must serve me for my irrigation business and trips to the desert and Baja for fun. I have 45,000 miles on my 2010 now. The ONLY issue, fixed under
warranty was a tiny tranny drip when it was brand new and a clicking sound from the fan blower motor.. both fixed.
My 2005 (Double Cab 4WD Off Road) had brake noise on the first pads, ABS break issues on slippery roads, a spiral/ clock spring cable fail, and too
soft rear springs... but the positives outweighed those negatives. 102,000 miles in 4+ years.
My 2001 (Xtra cab, 4WD, Off Road) was perfect... 136,000 miles in 5 years, no problems.
[Edited on 11-17-2012 by David K]
|
|
|
captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
Member Is Offline
Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
|
|
tech vs strong/relieable
Its a fact that the newer trucks/stereos/houses have alot of cool new features..but and thats a big butt (lol) we are giving up really well built for
the new techs !! facing newer designs and economys a lot of stuff being made today will not hold up (muy duro)..as mech/electrical specialist my
entire life and can say with without blinking a eye ,, things are being made cheaper and cheaper !! cars/trucks will soon be disposable faster than
ever !!! just pointing out what I see in my line of work !! K&T and for
the record: toys rock !!
|
|
|
Dianamo
Nomad
Posts: 182
Registered: 12-27-2005
Location: SF Bay Area, CA when not in El Cardonal
Member Is Offline
Mood: ...still in Baja
|
|
loved reading this thread....!
Minds are like parachutes...they only function when open!
\"The price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men.\" - Plato
|
|
|
bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
|
|
Couldn't resist.....
What is the CHEAPEST and most reliable vehicle to buy, own and maintain for long term travel throughout Baja, mainland Mexico, ...
Hmmmmmmmmmm, don't think one exists 
|
|
|
Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by MMc
The new motor home of choice is a full size 1/2 ton with pop-top. |
You know, that is REALLY probably the way to go, though it probably wouldnt satisfy the OP criteria of a cheap vehicle.
But you could go ANYWHERE in a rig like if it had 4x4. Almost no clearance issues. Almost instantaneous setup of a place to eat, kitchen, place to
sleep, place for when mother nature calls, place to shower (although usually those are outside on pop-ups).
It really does get to be a drag to have to pull everything out of your truck bed/SUV everytime you want to lay down in privacy or make camp. At least
it does on any trip longer than, say, two weeks. And that constitutes long term, which is another goal of the OP.
|
|
|
captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
Member Is Offline
Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
|
|
OP=1st post
|
|
|
Bubba
Senior Nomad
Posts: 957
Registered: 2-17-2009
Location: Pismo Beach, Ca.
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Sorry you got a lemon! No way should you have to put up with any problems like that!
How close was your Tacoma to mine?:
My Tacoma is a 2010 Double Cab, 4WD Off Road TRD, obtained in Dec. 2009, manufactured at Toyota de Baja California and sold at Toyota Carlsbad.
It has been absolutely wonderful and with the new traction systems, a far superior off road machine to my two earlier Tacomas (and I thought they were
great).
With the terrible economy, I don't have as many miles on this truck as I did on the other two after almost 3 years... my truck is my only vehicle and
must serve me for my irrigation business and trips to the desert and Baja for fun. I have 45,000 miles on my 2010 now. The ONLY issue, fixed under
warranty was a tiny tranny drip when it was brand new and a clicking sound from the fan blower motor.. both fixed.
My 2005 (Double Cab 4WD Off Road) had brake noise on the first pads, ABS break issues on slippery roads, a spiral/ clock spring cable fail, and too
soft rear springs... but the positives outweighed those negatives. 102,000 miles in 4+ years.
My 2001 (Xtra cab, 4WD, Off Road) was perfect... 136,000 miles in 5 years, no problems.
[Edited on 11-17-2012 by David K] |
David,
My Tacoma is almost identical to yours except it's the extra cab, not the double cab. Mine was also manufactured at Toyota De Baja and I had it
shipped to the dealer here in Pismo because it was the only one like it left in Ca. The dealer originally quoted me $200 shipping fee but waived it.
Mine just turned 25,000 miles, still new and I get alot of compliments on it's looks. I don't believe I'm the only one that got a Lemon, as I said,
I've been sitting at a red light and had other Tacoma's pull beside me with the same issues. Are they major?, not really, I suppose I expected more
after owning these vehicles for 30 yrs, maybe I got spoiled? I still stand by Toyota and will most likely buy another if/when I'm ready. I'm glad to
hear your's is performing the way they should and wish you continued success with it.
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65134
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
Thanks... but still no excuse for the number of problems you had... and I invite you to join the Tacoma owners forum and perhaps see if your issues
are as rare as I think or more common than I heard: http://tacomaworld.com (I am 'David K' there, as well)... Some other Tacoma driving Baja Nomads are also members at Tacoma World
|
|
|
Bubba
Senior Nomad
Posts: 957
Registered: 2-17-2009
Location: Pismo Beach, Ca.
Member Is Offline
|
|
Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out.
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Thanks... but still no excuse for the number of problems you had... and I invite you to join the Tacoma owners forum and perhaps see if your issues
are as rare as I think or more common than I heard: http://tacomaworld.com (I am 'David K' there, as well)... Some other Tacoma driving Baja Nomads are also members at Tacoma World
|
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65134
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Online
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
Pismo Beach is a POPULAR place for Tacoma Word members... Lot's of meets there to four wheel in the dunes and on the beach.
|
|
|
Bubba
Senior Nomad
Posts: 957
Registered: 2-17-2009
Location: Pismo Beach, Ca.
Member Is Offline
|
|
Yes, I used to take my 97' there all the time, haven't had this one out there yet, I just don't care for the clean up of the under carriage etc from
the salt, I'm kinda anal with my boats and trucks. When I bought this Tacoma they were so popular that it was the only vehicle Toyota made without 0%
financing. My credit score is over 800 and the best they would do was 5.1%. I even left the dealer the first time and said I would buy it on the spot
if they would do the 0%, just call me, they never called so I did.
| Quote: | Originally posted by David K
Pismo Beach is a POPULAR place for Tacoma Word members... Lot's of meets there to four wheel in the dunes and on the beach. |
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
