CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Help me plan out an overlanding rig...

Diesel have a few advantages,like being fuel injected,get slightly better mpg,but a few disadvantages are diesel fuel isn't always as easily found in some places,so you'd better have dual tanks or carry extra--also in colder climates they can be harder to get started,and require 2 batteries..it would suck if you run low on fuel and the fuel lines got airbound on a steep grade,you'd probably kill the batteries trying to get it primed again..
 
Diesel have a few advantages,like being fuel injected,get slightly better mpg,but a few disadvantages are diesel fuel isn't always as easily found in some places,so you'd better have dual tanks or carry extra--also in colder climates they can be harder to get started,and require 2 batteries..it would suck if you run low on fuel and the fuel lines got airbound on a steep grade,you'd probably kill the batteries trying to get it primed again..

I'm aware of these "issues." I've personally dealt with all of them, and losing prime due to a leaky fuel line would hafta be the most annoying part. But it's still very manageable, and pretty much par for a 30-year-old truck to have age-related issues. These trucks aren't even slightly new anymore. I live in a region where diesel stations are less common (not much truck traffic), but with a ~900 mile range it has never been a problem. Not even close.

FWIW, I have run the tank dry 3 times and had no problem restarting it. Two of those were this last trip; I threw the tank switch and the engine regained fuel before it even had a chance to stall. Complete non-issue. The first time I had to crank it a little bit, but I had the engine running again before I had coasted to a stop. It's not as big a deal as you seem to think.
 
I vote for using a diesel also. I am a believer in using those for long range trips like you are planning.

Yeppers. Watching Dave refill his 30-gallon tank 5 or 6 times when I refilled my 20-gallon tank twice...I'm sold on the setup that I have. And I drove to the meetup point, he trailered. :eek1: Fuel consumption like that is nuts, it would definitely limit the trip range if we were getting further from civilization.

When selecting a Suburban, I looked far and wide for a diesel rig because that was one of my top requirements for long-haul trips. I don't have a problem waiting for it to wind up to road speed, having to stop every day for gas did not give me big block envy.
 
Here is a link you might like. http://northernwi.craigslist.org/rvs/5718208066.html

I met these people (Ron and Viv) in Sedona, AZ. They were heading to the arctic. Looks like they made it.

27.1334679875.arctic-circle---our-3rd-crossing-of-it.jpg


27.1334679875.1-way.jpg


Here is their web site. http://www.guidebooks.com.au/south america overland/index South America overland.htm
 
Yeppers. Watching Dave refill his 30-gallon tank 5 or 6 times when I refilled my 20-gallon tank twice...I'm sold on the setup that I have. And I drove to the meetup point, he trailered. :eek1: Fuel consumption like that is nuts, it would definitely limit the trip range if we were getting further from civilization.

When selecting a Suburban, I looked far and wide for a diesel rig because that was one of my top requirements for long-haul trips. I don't have a problem waiting for it to wind up to road speed, having to stop every day for gas did not give me big block envy.

what did I use 105 gal? so if my fuel guage was working it would have only been stopping 3 times maybe 4! still economical!

Its also why I'm building a Cummins tow rig!
 
Use that 6.5 with topper and roof top tent.
Nice swing away bumper in back.. windows that open on the sides of topper. Pass through window to topper.

And most importantly it looks like that truck has matching wheels... :haha:
 
Use that 6.5 with topper and roof top tent.
Nice swing away bumper in back.. windows that open on the sides of topper. Pass through window to topper.

And most importantly it looks like that truck has matching wheels... :haha:

The cake is a lie. The left rear wheel is a dog-dish rim. But 2 minutes of spray paint has gotten it close enough that it doesn't jump right out at ya (truck came that way).
 
I'm leaning toward fixing the Suburban, as it has a bunch of room and it is already set up for passengers. A camper conversion on the truck would require me to rig up passenger seating in the back (and open up the back of the truck cab to allow access). It's a fine idea, but probably not what I'm looking for this year.
 
no one will care if you cut up a GMT400...oh yeah, wait.... the burb is a 6.2....never mind, carry on.
 
Top Bottom