Photo travel by vehicle, what's your favorite?

[Eric Woodbury]

I've always preferred photo expeditions by auto. My first was a station wagon. Then a couple 1971 VW vans. After that a 1983 Ford Econoline. This was safer, more powerful, and whole family friendly. Now I have a 2004 Ford Econoline E350. I had it modified with nice seats for the kids, a pop-top so it could sleep four.

Alas, we are not four any more. Kids have moved on, I'm retired and travel sometimes alone. At 14 mpg, the Econoline is too big of a footprint, both in carbon, dollars, and parking. I'm considering a used Ford Transit CONNECT delivery van. It looks fine for one or two of us.

What are the rest of you using? Likes and dislikes.

Thanks and happy trails,
-e-

[jp]

I have the Ford Transit connect. It's an unassuming work van that's not questioned wherever it goes, even trespassing. It has the front seat comfort of a refined minivan. I get about 26 or 27 mpg. I do use it for work and for photography.

[Two23]

I've gone from a K2500 to a RAV4 and now a Subaru Forester. I really like it. I need 4WD where I live and the Forester delivers. Plenty of room, comfortable, maneuverable, reliable.


Kent in SD

[John Olsen]

Ditto on the Subaru Forester, ours is a real trooper even in deep snow. However, a few years ago I decided I wanted to sleep in my vehicle as I got tired of crawling in and out of a tent. I got a Toyota Tacoma and put a Leer canopy (with raised rear) on the back. With snow tires and 4 wheel drive it's a real expedition vehicle, yet small enough to get down some narrow forest trails, with assistance of my trusty saw. Last month it took me up a couple of icy roads in Eastern WA, turning back only when the drop-off to the side was just too scary. On some trips I carry Speedotron lights, 4x5 equipment and lots of accessories - the carrying capacity is important to me.
201626

[Maris Rusis]

https://live.staticflickr.com/8098/8472484812_8c37c2ff36_b.jpg
Blizzard, Charlotte Pass.

Gelatin-silver photograph on Ultrafine Silver Eagle VC FB photographic paper, image size 16.3cm X 21.3cm,
from a 4x5 Arista Edu Ultra 400 negative exposed in a Tachihara 45GF double extension field view camera fitted with a Nikkor-W 210mm f5.6 lens.
It is only April and the snows have started. The road out has no snow plough service and if there isn't a break in the weather the car will stay there until September.
This is not good for an automobile, not even my nice old Subaru Outback that has never failed me. Snow stopped, got out, close call, thanks Soobie.

[Roger Thoms]

Seems like the Transit van could be a good choice especially if it’s available with 4 wheel or All wheel drive. Currently I’ve got a Ram 3500 4x4 which is functionally is great but not very economical. Nice thing is that I can have a ton of gear in the truck and still sleep in the back. We also have a Subaru Forester which is very good but can be a little cramped.

Have fun with your search.

Roger

[Willie]

Dodge/Mercedes/White Sprinter vans. Diesel, 24mpg on the highway. Various configurations and easy to convert to campers or whatever. Used market they are no bad at all and drive well. UPS switched to them in our area and cut fuel costs big time when the fuel mileage doubled during deliveries. Gravel and dirt roads in the country and they are holding up well.
They do have 4x4 versions but expensive. The 2WD normal vans with a winch handle a lot.

[Two23]

The 2WD normal vans with a winch handle a lot.


I could use a good wench every now and then.


Kent in SD

[Vaughn]

My mountain bike for 5 months in NZ with the 4x5 was the perfect vehicle for me.

Now my ride is a 2002 Eurovan, Westfalia Weekender. A shorter van/wheelbase by 16" than the full size Eurovan camper. No stove or sink. Great one person photo machine.

But if I was to buy new: https://sportsmobile.com/sportsmobile-4x4/

Customed for sheet film developing up to 8x10, maybe 11x14

[Kevin Crisp]

I see more stuff driving it, and I am not tempted to put too much in the trunk.

[Leszek Vogt]

I was camping in No BC and someone had the Transit...we talked about it. Nice vehicle. My preference, at least at this point, itwould be Pacifica and it gives something around 28MPG. But, after installing a larger (not huge) shell, my older Dakota is still v.functional....even at 18MPG. The shell is roomy and it would allow me to sit in it and have a cup of coffee or even a meal (besides sleeping space). The rear door flips up (sort of like the teardrop camper) and it's enough to protect one from elements while cooking, etc. Maybe not state of the art, but reasonable in cost.

Les

[Ari]

Mazda CX-5 for now, enough room to sleep in the back with the seats folded down, and good on gas.
Quite a powerful car, too, handles like a sports car.
My wife and I have driven in it twice from Ottawa to Vegas, about 2600 miles each way.
Would love to get one of those Mercedes vans and outfit it for sleeping and eating in.

[Greg]

2004 Rialta: Small RV that you could park in a normal parking space and easily go through a drive-through. When used as a Photo vehicle, I used the closet to hold my photo equipment "out of view". Always kept a really cheap cooler and some miscellaneous things in the back so the inside didn't look to be completely clear. Used it at night for processing at times. By no means an off the road vehicle, but drove fine down many a dirt road. Equipped it to most of the time access the Internet. The table made a great office space to work on. Got a descent 20mpg on the highway. In the late fall and early spring having interior heat over night was a down right pleasure, to say nothing of having a bathroom and a shower at the end of a hot summer's day.

[darr]

https://cameraartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200312-1046.jpg

2018 Ford Transit Connect Camper




I purchased my 2018 Ford TC new and then had it professionally converted into a camper by a custom shop in Deland, FL. Because I did not know if I really wanted a larger van, I decided on this size and glad I did. I wanted as many windows as possible and the rear liftgate style door, thus I purchased the wagon model. I did not want a whole lot of stuff (this is a mini van), but I do have the essentials: bed, refrigerator, table, shore power, max air fan, portable air conditioner and heater, portable lithium batteries and solar panels, and the most important of all: storage. I have storage under part of the floor, under the bed, a gear cabinet designed with the table, and overhead cabinets. If I watch my driving speed, I can get up to 30 mpg. I mostly stay in state parks with electrical hook-up and showers. I am glad I made the decision for this smaller size. Because my boyfriend has back problems, he insists on staying in hotel rooms when we travel together. If he ever changes his mind, it would definitely be a bigger van with a pop-top. But the TC was purchased and designed to be my photography travel camper, and this it is!

[Graham Patterson]

If there is anywhere we can't reach with either of our Subarus (Forester, Crosstrek), then we probably should not be going 8-) I did enough backpacking and bicycle camping in an earlier life, so now I do my bit to keep motel chains solvent.

As a Brit, I do like how the 'Transit' name has come back with Ford.

[Vaughn]

Some of the more off-beat roads in Death Valley that would be nice to get to, and the further out one goes, camping becomes less restricted...but the Eurovan can only go so far...not as far as my old air-cooled bug and bus. Most likely I will continue to find places just off the sort-of-main-road where I can wander awhile on foot with the camera and skip the 4x4.

I guess I did so much camping and backpacking (along with one long bicycle tour, 2 summers backpacking along a river counting fish, and 10 summers packing mules and fixing trails), that my van anywhere still seems like a luxury. :cool:

[Tin Can]

I agree, the 1967 and before 'Splitty' VW Bus is the best on and off road vehicle for comfort, room and reliability.

It has great traction, the gear reduction axles gives it high ground clearance, adding a steering brake does wonders.

A very sturdy simple thing. I had 3 Splitties, carefully driven they can go to amazing places.

However, they are all now collectable and way too valuable to risk in adventure use.

Modern variations are too fragile, too complex...

I now drive a 2WD F150 as 4WD just gets me stuck too far out in the back and beyond.

and my F150 V6 Twin Turbo gets far better MPG than any VW Bus I have owned, total 7. Here's the last 2 from 2009 and 1999. The white one was better.

https://live.staticflickr.com/854/43571417002_ddb73eaba3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29ofUgC)71 Halifax Bus (https://flic.kr/p/29ofUgC) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/849/43617076521_106cdacaec_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/29shVfH)1964 NOT ART BUS Type II (https://flic.kr/p/29shVfH) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Tin Can]

My current rig from 2017. At first I wanted a Sprinter or big Transit van, to roam North America.

But realized if a modern van breaks down for any reason, it can take a long time to fix even on warranty and I would lose my camper/home.

A trailer can be moved anywhere and still used for home, while 'Waiting for Godot'.

2 machines works better for me.

I always carry titles, when off traveling, so I can sell the 'stuff' asap if necessary. Did that once with a 1971 Triumph 750 in Oregon, when I got tired of riding it. Then bought a $400 VW Bus in Phoenix...fixed it and drove on...

https://live.staticflickr.com/4520/38611530276_a93a277d3d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21PYbKf)F150 and Legend Trailer (https://flic.kr/p/21PYbKf) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Tin Can]

Last one for a bit

Here's my rig DAY OF 9/11 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks), almost in Canada. I had left the trailer in MN for a night in Thunder Bay, where I woke up to 911 and got back to my Avion trailer asap, as the border was closing as I crossed.

At that time I considered never going home as I had everything I needed. I now know I made the wrong decision...

https://live.staticflickr.com/770/33142542762_fc94d7ebd4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SuGci5)1-TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://flic.kr/p/SuGci5) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Dan6077]

I could use a good wench every now and then.


Kent in SD
So could we all :o

(Once a class clown........)

[Doremus Scudder]

I've always needed 4wd since I spend a lot of time camping in the backcountry and driving off-road or on jeep-only trails.

Here's my current ride, a Nissan Xterra:

201664

It has a truck frame, not unibody construction, is small enough but, with the rooftop carrier, holds enough for extended trips away from civilization (a couple months at a time sometimes) plus 10 gallons of gasoline. All the camping gear (5 sleeping bags, two tents, etc.) goes in the rooftop carrier. Two cameras, two tripods, 50 filmholders, lenses, etc., etc. ride behind the driver's seat.

It's served me well since 2008.

Doremus

[Exploring Large Format]

Stuck in the American Coronavirus Epicenter of Seattle on a dreary day, I've been dreaming of this very thing.

My plan is to convert my cyclo-touring bicycle (fat tires, proper fenders, comfortable and elegant from my previous passion of Randonneuring) into a Portrait-Cycle. I have classic low-riding panniers straddling the front wheel that will accommodate a Crown Graphic and an Intrepid 4X5 with all the extras. Then, partly for utility, partly for fanfare and spectacle, I'm considering a trailer that will support a light stand with strobe and modifier for fill lighting. Maybe a backdrop, but I doubt it.

With instant film before I jumped to LF, I enjoyed trading instant pics with strangers for interviews and quotations. I found last week that seeking wiling subjects with a goofy-looking LF camera (the Crown), the charm factor, and therefore the portrait subject relaxation factor, only increased. By adding a bicycle with a light stand-hauling trailer I am certain to relax a few faces. And Seattle--and most of us--could use a bit of that now.

Some call Alki Beach near where I live "Seattle's Venice Beach", so characters abound. If I spy an interesting-looking potential victim, I'll pull alongside and do my thing. That is my daydream.

[Exploring Large Format]

Stuck in the American Coronavirus Epicenter of Seattle on a dreary day, I've been dreaming of this very thing.

My plan is to convert my cyclo-touring bicycle (fat tires, proper fenders, comfortable and elegant from my previous passion of Randonneuring) into a Portrait-Cycle. I have classic low-riding panniers straddling the front wheel that will accommodate a Crown Graphic and an Intrepid 4X5 with all the extras. Then, partly for utility, partly for fanfare and spectacle, I'm considering a trailer that will support a light stand with strobe and modifier for fill lighting. Maybe a backdrop, but I doubt it.

With instant film before I jumped to LF, I enjoyed trading instant pics with strangers for interviews and quotations. I found last week that seeking wiling subjects with a goofy-looking LF camera (the Crown), the charm factor, and therefore the portrait subject relaxation factor, only increased. By adding a bicycle with a light stand-hauling trailer I am certain to relax a few faces. And Seattle--and most of us--could use a bit of that now.

Some call Alki Beach near where I live "Seattle's Venice Beach", so characters abound. If I spy an interesting-looking potential victim, I'll pull alongside and do my thing. That is my daydream.

[Tin Can]

Perhaps get a Cycle Camera! https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Rochester/

I have 4 of them, very lightweight, got a Postcard version coming next week.

I pull this trailer (https://www.radicaldesign.com/cyclone-iv-cargo), now with https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-quick-eplus

I am 70 and my fancy 'real' bikes are hung up and ready for my Draft age grandsons when they visit...

[Jim Noel]

I finally had to give up my various motor homes and resort to motels. My children don't like for me to drive long trips alone so one of m sons in law flies down and drives me., Getting old is a complete PIA.

[Exploring Large Format]

Awesome! Now why were they called Cycle Cameras?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Tin Can]

Because bicycles went big time in 1895 and many were riding them with lightweight cameras.

https://bikehistory.org/history/1895-1900.html

[Exploring Large Format]

Got it. I figured, but thought maybe it referred to some action of the camera.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Tin Can]

Then you want the Cirkut camera https://walkclickmake.com/2017/03/16/camera-tales-the-cirkut-panoramic-camera/

[Exploring Large Format]

Yes I do-- magical indeed--but no I won't. Still working on proper exposures, processing. About to make my first print. I'll stick to the camera on a cyle, but thanks!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[John Kasaian]

Horses for courses.
My beautifully battered ex Forestry Dept. 4X4 could take me anywhere burning 13 mpg.
The VW TDI would take me anywhere that's paved burning a miserly 48 mpg.
I wish I could have afforded to keep both.
Now I have none, and it's killing me.
Sometimes I ride the #26 crosstown bus which goes from the big airport to the big new shopping center.
For .65 cents (Senior fare)

[Jody_S]

I have gone on expeditions and camped in both Ford Econolines an GMC 1500 pick-ups. The pick-up had better ground clearance and was easier to work on, the van was more comfortable inside. These days I use 15 year-old minivans, for similar reasons: my trips are usually to northern Canada where there are few car parts stores or garages. I won't buy a vehicle that isn't common in scrap-yards and didn't sell millions of copies. When my alternator gives out in Chisasibi, 1000km from the nearest 'town', I can find an alternator at the local mr. fixit and do the repair myself by the roadside. Had I gone in a VW van, the alternator was $1000 and had to be ordered from Germany, so I would have been stuck there for 2 weeks and been at least $1000 poorer for the ordeal. As it was, I spent $85, met some interesting people, and it took 20m to fix the truck. Yes the VW did get better gas mileage, but I'm still glad I didn't buy it.

[goamules]

On a mule, wetplate style.

[Jim Galli]

Model A Ford, of course! Preferably a woody station wagon, but a Roadster will do if you're by yourself.

[Greg]

I have gone on expeditions and camped in both Ford Econolines an GMC 1500 pick-ups. The pick-up had better ground clearance and was easier to work on, the van was more comfortable inside. These days I use 15 year-old minivans, for similar reasons: my trips are usually to northern Canada where there are few car parts stores or garages. I won't buy a vehicle that isn't common in scrap-yards and didn't sell millions of copies. When my alternator gives out in Chisasibi, 1000km from the nearest 'town', I can find an alternator at the local mr. fixit and do the repair myself by the roadside. Had I gone in a VW van, the alternator was $1000 and had to be ordered from Germany, so I would have been stuck there for 2 weeks and been at least $1000 poorer for the ordeal. As it was, I spent $85, met some interesting people, and it took 20m to fix the truck. Yes the VW did get better gas mileage, but I'm still glad I didn't buy it.

One reason to use a 1970s VW type 2 van, all parts are readily available via 2 day USPS Priority mail. Unfortunately a type 2 VW in reasonable condition goes for 10K+ out here in Connecticut.

[Willie]

One reason to use a 1970s VW type 2 van, all parts are readily available via 2 day USPS Priority mail. Unfortunately a type 2 VW in reasonable condition goes for 10K+ out here in Connecticut.

Check the prices asked on eBay an you might be surprised seeing 10K is low now.

My Uncle has an 82 VW diesel pickup with a camper shell on it. Going on a million, 300 thousand miles now and still gets 46-52mpg. Add in an electric winch(he carries one) and a few metal fenceposts and he can pound them in and pull the vehicle out of most anything. The Racetrack at Death Valley and down the track to Saline Valley, over Hunter Mountain into the area until the snow gets too deep. That little truck has been around. A 15 gallon tank is standard and on the highway give him well over a 700 mile cruising range. Back country mileage is still in the 40's and front wheel drive helps a lot. He has migrated to taller tires for a bit more ground clearance and currently runs Nokian WR-G4 All Weather tires on it. Good traction in snow, ice and mud and very nice on the highway. A bed in the back, cook stove and nice water tank. Extra battery for auxiliary power - like a battery powered shower with propane heating so he even gets hot showers on location.

It isn't big but I have watched him drive it all over from 122 in Death Valley area to 47 below in Montana and such. He even braced the camper shell so he can stand on it for a higher viewpoint to set up his 8x10.

I do know one time he got a hole in the fuel tank and plugged it with a bar of soap. Nearest fuel place had no diesel so he got a bunch of ATF and ran it on that the 70 miles to the diesel station in the next town. (Nevada desert)

The old VW diesels are still going and I doubt he will ever get rid of it - unless VW brings in the newer TDI diesel pickups they sell in other countries. He wants 60+ mpg on the highway.

[Tin Can]

Our engine test team modified and ran a French Fry Oil VW Diesel for years

I could smell his car way back in rush hour Chicago traffic, he lived in Wisconsin

He commuted 200 miles a day in all weather, we had 2 fuel tanks, a small Diesel tank to start it and a larger FF one to run on

Plus 2 heaters for FF Oil. He used to fill up at McDonalds, really

Lots of filters, and many piston ring replacements, as it would lose compression with glazed cylinder walls and NOT start...

Also very illegal to NOT pay Road Tax

The engineer got it all for free, I hated the dern thing, so many valves, solenoids, extra plumbing, and dirty

New Diesels seem to need additives, no thanks

Read this, Piled Up in Huge Lots, Volkswagen’s Reworked Diesels Trickle to Buyers https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/business/volkswagen-diesel-vw-tdi-resales.html

[archphotofisher]

201723

served me for 20 years,

[William Whitaker]

I have a soft spot in my heart for VW Type II. Had several. Even a Eurovan Camper conversion (with kitchenette). It was great until the transmission started acting up. It was a CPO and VW didn't want to replace the transmission. But they gave me great trade-in on a new GTI. Useless for LF photography, but oh-so much more fun to drive. Another GTI later and I have just leased a brand new VW Atlas Cross-Sport. It has 4-Motion (VW's AWD). I know that's not the same as 4WD. But it'll be beneficial in getting me past chain controls if I ever end up back out west. (I don't think we have them on the East coast; I could be wrong. But if so, then I'm prepared.) And at least a bit more control in less than optimal road conditions.
This car is the Atlas model without 3rd row seating. Single and alone, so do NOT need 3rd row. Fold the back seat down and there is 80+ inches of length. Easily enough for me (72") to stretch out in, So cameras on one side and me on the other and I'm in for a night's sleep. Mind you, I'm not going on any photo expeditions, so a full camper/4WD is not necessary. And I can't afford that, anyway. This is a very comfortable car. It's an SUV, but to me it feels more like a sedan. And as an SUV it's not gargantuan. It fits well into in-town traffic. And for my needs, it's a nice balance of features. For me it's ideal. But YMMV. Literally.

[rfesk]

The VW Type II Great bus - my primary transport ('70 model) for years -but you are not going to get anywhere fast.

[William Whitaker]

The VW Type II Great bus - my primary transport ('70 model) for years -but you are not going to get anywhere fast.

You must learn to wait and allow your destination to come to you.
:)

[Tin Can]

Yes!

and whenever driving one, I am on 'Vacation' in no hurry, I pull over and wave the angry past, especially uphill in mountains


You must learn to wait and allow your destination to come to you.
:)

[Jody_S]

One reason to use a 1970s VW type 2 van, all parts are readily available via 2 day USPS Priority mail. Unfortunately a type 2 VW in reasonable condition goes for 10K+ out here in Connecticut.

I paid $1000 3 years ago for my current Pontiac Montana. The parts that would most often make it not go are available from pretty much every car parts store and scrap yard in the country. This is my 3rd or 4th, I know them inside out and backwards and I can do most repairs in less than 1hr. The only downside is that it does consume more gas than some of the newer and fancier work vans. Would I prefer to be driving the Mercedes? Honestly no, not even if I had the money to throw at it.

[John Layton]

A number of my past photo trips out west were done with an F-150 (driven from back east) with leer cap and raised suspension. Great vehicle for almost anything out there. Then again, sometimes flying out and renting...whatever. I think of our tragicomedy in a rented Chevy Lumina racing a rainstorm through the narrows of Titus Canyon - being confronted by a washout right where a family had been caught out (with fatalities) the previous month.

Here in New England...my wife's Subaru Forester is basically the perfect vehicle for the broadest range of what the weather throws at us here. Good "grab an go" trunk-bed logistics also.

My very favorite vehicle...at least when the weather isn't too horrible is (don't laugh...well maybe go ahead and laugh) my 1987 Porsche 944, whose large rear hatch size/storage capacity/layout/deck height, to say nothing of the car's small size, great handling (never boring!) and great 360 degree visibility, makes this car the absolute easiest I've ever worked out of. Then again...it did conk out (dead fuel pump) last fall near the Canadian border. But I had planned to rebuild the engine (now in pieces in my basement) anyway, so all is good.

201776 201777 201778 201779

[Willie]

Our engine test team modified and ran a French Fry Oil VW Diesel for years

I could smell his car way back in rush hour Chicago traffic, he lived in Wisconsin

He commuted 200 miles a day in all weather, we had 2 fuel tanks, a small Diesel tank to start it and a larger FF one to run on

Plus 2 heaters for FF Oil. He used to fill up at McDonalds, really

Lots of filters, and many piston ring replacements, as it would lose compression with glazed cylinder walls and NOT start...

Also very illegal to NOT pay Road Tax

The engineer got it all for free, I hated the dern thing, so many valves, solenoids, extra plumbing, and dirty

New Diesels seem to need additives, no thanks

Read this, Piled Up in Huge Lots, Volkswagen’s Reworked Diesels Trickle to Buyers https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/22/business/volkswagen-diesel-vw-tdi-resales.html

A friend did the veggie oil conversion and found it worked well for him. Got waste oil from a few restaurants and used it, doing the straining and whatnot himself. Did discover one oil never to be used again - when he got a 55 gallon barrel from a seafood restaurant. For a month or more you could smell it and seemed as if every cat within 20 miles would follow that VW around.

[marcookie]

My favorite is the bicycle ;p.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkG4z6LPgM&t=1s

[Roger Thoms]

Definitely a lower carbon foot print that my photo vehicle, which I mentioned in post #6. I have been tempted to get a bicycle trailer, as I really don’t want to give up the big Ries.

Roger

[marcookie]

Definitely a lower carbon foot print that my photo vehicle, which I mentioned in post #6. I have been tempted to get a bicycle trailer, as I really don’t want to give up the big Ries.

Roger

Be careful with the shaking if you have old lenses. I don't have hard evidence, but since when I started to take my lens on the bike two of them started to show issues (an older Dagor and perhaps also a Fujinon). I think they were due for a CLA and the increased shaking might have accelerated the decay. Maybe it is just a coincidence.

[Roger Thoms]

marcookie, I’ll keep that in mind. One trailer that I was looking at has a suspension and shock absorber. Also if I do end up cycling with a trailer it will be pretty tame.

Roger

[Jody_S]

A friend did the veggie oil conversion and found it worked well for him. Got waste oil from a few restaurants and used it, doing the straining and whatnot himself. Did discover one oil never to be used again - when he got a 55 gallon barrel from a seafood restaurant. For a month or more you could smell it and seemed as if every cat within 20 miles would follow that VW around.

I briefly owned a 1984 (?) Toyota Landcruiser the previous owner had run on bio diesel, sourced from local french fry joints. 6 months in the smell was still quite noticeable, but not overpowering.

[GG12]

My favorite is the bicycle ;p.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkG4z6LPgM&t=1s

fantastic. And a sense of humor....

[Fred L]

I've been thinking at long johns for photo excursions, but they damn expensive. esp if on gets e-assist.

something like this. If Iived somewhere flat, wouldn't need e-assist

https://curbsidecycle.com/products/family-bosch-performance-cx

[vaccarel]

Darkness trains were essential in the 1960 and 1970. At that time, they were widely used. For several reasons, their decline began in the 1980s, and after 2000 it intensified, and several European countries removed them altogether. Most have a specific time when there are no night trains and day trains. Those at https://www.dbfahrplanauskunft.com/de/ have trained at different times at almost any time. It is always a train that emerges somewhere because it is a big company and has a good income.

[William Whitaker]

...Now my ride is a 2002 Eurovan, Westfalia Weekender. A shorter van/wheelbase by 16" than the full size Eurovan camper. No stove or sink. Great one person photo machine.

But if I was to buy new: https://sportsmobile.com/sportsmobile-4x4/

Customized for sheet film developing up to 8x10, maybe 11x14

Back when I lived in California I had a Eurovan Camper that I loved. It was great! Comfortable, both on the road and in the campsite. I took it several times to Yosemite. The great thing about it (I thought) was that I could park, then walk back between the front seats and I was in camp! Man! Was this ever handy when it was pouring rain! Mine had the sink and stove. So morning wash-up was to heat water for coffee, then use some of it to sponge-bathe at the little sink. Later on I spent some time with it in the Eastern Sierra and then over into Death Valley. It was a 1996, I believe. All I recall for sure is that it had the VR6 engine. It was a very capable vehicle. But not for offroad! I had bought it as a certified pre-owned vehicle. Eventually the transmission began to give out. More than once it would pop out of gear on starting out. The last time it left me sitting in the middle of an intersection. I was not amused. VW was also not amused at the thought of having to replace a transmission under warranty. But I did manage to get a very decent trade-in from them.

These days I'm driving a 2020 VW Atlas Cross-Sport. I wanted utility, but also comfort. And this gives me that. With the rear seats folded, it's 80 inches from the tailgate to the back of the front seats. So I can sleep in it. But it's not exactly convenient. And yeah, it's still a VW. But the transmission seems much more reliable. So far.
I do like the idea of the transit van. And especially after looking at the Sportsmobile site! I could get very interested. But I'd have to sell my house (at least!) to even consider such. But hey! That's an idea. Just live permanently on the road in "hobohemia"! I'm sure I could get to like Mulligan Stew because after a Sportsmobile, I'm also sure that's about all I could afford to eat.

[John Layton]

Posted this in a similar thread some time ago...might sound bizarre to some but my little 944 (circa 1987) is great to work out of - holds a ton of stuff...has a huge hatch with a high floor which saves my back when retrieving heavy gear. Great traction, tough as nails, gets 30mpg, and I do all my own maintenance. Plus loads of fun to drive to and between locations! PS: when ground clearance might be an issue...I take my wife's Forester and she drives the Porsche!

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[Tin Can]

Tom Hanks Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser and Airstream Auction Photos

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g37193618/tom-hanks-auction-airstream-cars-gallery/

[j.e.simmons]

I miss my FJ-40 but I don’t miss putting gas in it. Nor the heat from the muffler which was under the floor directly below the driver’s seat.

[John Layton]

Ha! I'd posted earlier on this very thread...not on a "similar" thread! (Jeesh...I wonder how many times this has happened to me on this forum?) :rolleyes:

[Jody_S]

I miss my FJ-40 but I don’t miss putting gas in it. Nor the heat from the muffler which was under the floor directly below the driver’s seat.



Having driven an FJ-40 a couple thousand miles pulling a boat trailer on windy roads, I would not use one as a photo excursion vehicle. My back wouldn't be happy, nor my wallet. Nor my knuckles, I hate working on cars.

[abruzzi]

I've never owned a 40, but for a number of years I drove a FJ-55 with three speed on the tree. Top speed was maybe 55-60mph. The 4 speed on later models made them much more distance drivable.

https://xy.cx/pics/fj55/fj55.jpg

I sold that for a Lexus LX450, which was basically an FZJ80 Landcruiser. And while they were both great vehicles, the 80 made going anywhere so easy. All day on the highway, then rock crawling with the axles locked. I haven't done "4-wheeling" in a long time, but I still feel a high clearance vehicle is a necessity for me in New Mexico because we have so many dirt roads going everywhere and those are the places I want to visit. Just the other day I discovered a shrine in the middle of the desert to Santo Niño de Atocha.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Santo+Nino+de+Atocha+Shrine/@32.691691,-107.290031,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipOli2HG4i7MrbSPALjoZi6BozM1cfKGg1ohwG5W!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOli2HG4i7MrbSPALjoZi6BozM1cfKGg1ohwG5W%3Dw203-h270-k-no!7i3120!8i4160!4m5!3m4!1s0x86df07f58dd9386b:0x47b28c078b053a89!8m2!3d32.6917495!4d-107.2910625

[j.e.simmons]

I would love to have an Iron Pig (FJ55) today, except for the gas guzzling.

[abruzzi]

Unfortunately, they were the most rust prone Toyota vehicle during the era that all Toyota vehicles were rust prone. My brother called it my Fred Flintstone truck because the driver side floorboards were rusted out, so I could look down and see the road. So getting from running to travel-capable was beyond my skill and funding.

[John Kasaian]

If I had the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$, a Honda Ridgeline would be tempting.
My old mint green USFS Chevy 4x4 short bed was a good one as well
I miss it(but not the mileage!)

[r.e.]

Hands down favourite. Works fine for photography with a rack on the back:


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Fun review. Even knows how to pronounce Moto Guzzi :) Sound of the bike at 7:10:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40ocPvf2El0

[John Kasaian]

Unfortunately, they were the most rust prone Toyota vehicle during the era that all Toyota vehicles were rust prone. My brother called it my Fred Flintstone truck because the driver side floorboards were rusted out, so I could look down and see the road. So getting from running to travel-capable was beyond my skill and funding.

That's what pop rivets are for!

[Tin Can]

In the rust belt we used aluminum road signs to keep our feet safe

Very common

My Slant 6 had a torsion bar about to let go which I did worry about, might waste my feet

Fred Flintstone




That's what pop rivets are for!

[abruzzi]

Hands down favourite. Works fine for photography with a rack on the back:


I've never carried a LF camera on a bike, but I have loaded my ETRSi many times. I'm an adventure bike person, so I always have some sort of case on the bike. My favorites are KTMs, but right now my main bike is an early 2000's Triumph Tiger. Guzzi's are pretty bikes though--we have a local group that are hardcore Guzzi guys. I've always wanted a Griso, but could never justify one.

[ericantonio]

I just finished a week long with my 4Runner on 3" lift and 33"s. I had my Gorilla gardan wagon with me. 4 knobby sized inflatable tires. Tripod is too long for it so it gets tied in. I've seen photos here someone had a metal sided garden type wagon and the tripod was able to be strapped on the sides. Pretty nice.

https://i.imgur.com/l4xipXr.jpg



Frame holder reads "Rocinante" from Don Quixote, and also from Steinbecks "Travels with Charlie" pickup truck (which is in the Steinbeck museum in Salinas)

https://i.imgur.com/xbl6k6Q.jpg

[Tin Can]

For most of us, 33's are records

I have the same trailer

[Kirk Gittings]

a series of VW Camper Vans, then a Ram Charger, then a Toyota Tacoma 4x4, then a Toyota Highlander to currently Jan Pietrzak's GMC Yukon which he gave me as he was dying. The Yukon is my sentimental favourite by far. The Tacoma is the best vehicle I ever owned.

[ericantonio]

a series of VW Camper Vans, then a Ram Charger, then a Toyota Tacoma 4x4, then a Toyota Highlander to currently Jan Pietrzak's GMC Yukon which he gave me as he was dying. The Yukon is my sentimental favourite by far. The Tacoma is the best vehicle I ever owned.

Toyotas don't quit. There's the video of the those car dudes that tried to kill a Hylux and couldn't

[Kirk Gittings]

Toyotas don't quit. There's the video of the those car dudes that tried to kill a Hylux and couldn't

Yeah mine was t-boned and totaled. I should have bought another one but the Highlander dropped in my lap. It was a Great car too. Both went 200k with only brakes, spark plugs and front struts.

[Drew Wiley]

Tin Can - the 33's I remember were sitting around inside a true adobe house for morning break sipping ice tea with the cowboys as the day began to heat up, listening to mandatory Loretta Lynn recordings. We began work at 4 AM, and often worked till almost midnight. Long summer days. The only allowable vehicle was either a half-broken wild mustang, or a mule train. There was also a big flatbed truck we'd haul hay bales up into the mountains with, sometimes going only 2mph up steep one-lane grades. But you could have built your own hay fort replete with darkroom inside that pile, just as long as you didn't mind bit of hay and horse manure in all your gear and images as well. At least it would be authentic, and not Photoshopped. From what I've seen, a lot of people do use a manure app these days.

[Drew Wiley]

More on point, I certainly wouldn't call Tacomas foolproof. They do have an excellent reputation, and people routinely offer to buy mine, dents n' all. Mine was built in the Fremont CA New United Motors plant, which is now owned by Elon Musk and cranking out Teslas instead. Allegedly these were better made than import Tacomas. Mine has been pretty much all been rebuilt bit by bit, and let's see if it lives another 200,000 miles. Extended cab, so lots of gear room behind the seats; but that makes it a bit too long for serious 4WD routes. But I've gotten down some pretty rough tracks, or through swollen streams and deep snow, that would defeat any ordinary pickup. I have a shell on top making it a suitable sleeping space.

I really hate newer vehicles with all their distracting airplane cockpit style electronics nonsense. And I enjoy a traditional stick shift. It makes driving fun rather than boring.

[StuartR]

I have had a Land Rover Discovery 4 for the last five years, and I absolutely love it. I live in the countryside in Iceland, and once I switched to studded tires in the winter, I have never gotten stuck despite terrible conditions. (Before I got them, I slid backwards down a mountain until I hit a snowbank. I got out to lower the air pressure in the tires and literally could not stand it was so slippery. I had to hold onto the car just to reach the wheels to lower the pressure. I was able to get out and get back to an area where I was safer. Studded tires are not necessary in most places anymore, but here they really do make a difference).
I mostly drive it with the rear seats folded down and have a ton of gear in the back. It can go nearly anywhere, drives like a dream, gets decent mileage (it is a diesel) and can fit all your belongings. You can see extremely well out of it, unlike the newer models or new Defender, and overall, it has been pretty reliable for me. Clearly not reliable like a Toyota, but it also doesn't feel like one. I love mine...two photos I found. One from the highlands a few years ago, and one from last weekend...

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[Tin Can]

Love the top image

[StuartR]

Thank you! I photographed the building on 8x10 e6...hope to develop it tonight or tomorrow...looking forward to seeing if it worked.

[Drew Wiley]

Alas, Iceland, a place I would sure like to visit sometime, windy or not. I'd probably bring both a 4x5 folder and a 6X9 RF. Both easily fit into a regulation carry-on, replete with CF tripod.

[John Layton]

In the late '90's through 2006...I made eight trips to Ethiopia where I made photos and videos for a foundation. Travelled through all the provinces and through some very beautiful and rugged country. My favorite mode of transport there was to stand up in the bed of a Toyota Hilux, hanging on to the roll bar. Many of our routes would not come close to being called "roads" - and what was truly amazing is the hours upon hours of pounding those little trucks could take - just unbelievable!

[Tin Can]

Sounds wonderful John!


In the late '90's through 2006...I made eight trips to Ethiopia where I made photos and videos for a foundation. Travelled through all the provinces and through some very beautiful and rugged country. My favorite mode of transport there was to stand up in the bed of a Toyota Hilux, hanging on to the roll bar. Many of our routes would not come close to being called "roads" - and what was truly amazing is the hours upon hours of pounding those little trucks could take - just unbelievable!

[Serge S]

...

I really hate newer vehicles with all their distracting airplane cockpit style electronics nonsense. And I enjoy a traditional stick shift. It makes driving fun rather than boring.

Yes, wish you could get a simple edition of cars & trucks without all the extras:)

[John Layton]

When I drove my wife's 2018 Subaru Forester (manual trans, thank goodness!) to our local dealership for scheduled service recently, I borrowed a loaner for the day - which happened to be the latest model of Outback. Upon getting the new car out onto the highway, I began to notice that the car had a mind of its own - jerking the steering wheel this way and that...felt downright dangerous!

Long story short, I managed to pull off into a rest area, and figured out how to disarm the "safety driver assist" function...thank goodness!

But truly, I simply do not understand how these new features can purport to make vehicles "safer." Seems to me the more features added to insulate drivers from the act of driving will only make folks who utilize these features worse (less safe) drivers!

[Greg]

But truly, I simply do not understand how these new features can purport to make vehicles "safer." Seems to me the more features added to insulate drivers from the act of driving will only make folks who utilize these features worse (less safe) drivers!

Agree 100%. Present driver is an Acura RDX. 360 degree and backup cameras are great, no blind spots. Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure, and Adaptive Cruise Control are all turned off. I find them either distracting or in the case of the Cruise Control find myself disengaged with driving. The SportShift Paddle Shifters I use all the time especially when slowing down. Reminds me of downshifting in my '79 Beetle to slow down (VW noted in the 1960s "to save on brake wear"). Touch pad control gets time to get used of using, but prefer it to a touch screen control. Choice of driving modes great... "Snow" mode great for winters in New England. "Sport+" mode a joke, hey it's a midsized SUV. IMO: With some of the new features turned off it makes me a safer driver.

[Tin Can]

Back in my day, 60's and 70's

I rode a lot of motorbikes anywhere and everywhere, meaning no roads

2 of my favorite motorbikes had no speedo, ride at reasonable speeds, no distractions!

I had another with no lights, which I often rode in my small town late at night to dawn. That trick was to be where cars are not, be prepared to jump

No lights, no brake light on lawn only was good for observing riots and not getting captured, scouting

I used to practice jumping off a bike up to 40 MPH, that skill saved my life, tuck and roll

[Drew Wiley]

If this awful smoke doesn't lift in time for an end of Sept backpacking break in the high Sierra, I'm contemplating a run over toward the corner of Utah for some quality 8x10 dayhiking instead, once flash flood risk diminishes toward the end of Oct. But I have to plan strategically, because covid escapees are also going such places in record crowds, especially the RV set. I know some relatively quiet areas, so am somewhat optimistic. But just a few days ago a young couple pulled into a beach parking lot in a big Benz rig much bigger than an ordinary camper or Sprinter, while distinctly smaller the a typical motorhome, and with huge all-terrain tires. Curiously, it didn't have any secondary Motorhome brand or logo on it. I didn't want to bother them asking its fuel consumption or purchase price, but a hundred grand wouldn't surprise me. Looked like something that could get around better than most comparably sized options, though not on narrow roads. But for those kinds of prices, I could probably just buy a cabin or two in the region.

[abruzzi]

I wonder if it was a Unimog? Those, like the Pinzgauers, and famed for over the top off road prowess, and are popular for "expedition" conversions. They're also insanely expensive.

[Drew Wiley]

Bingo. Now that you've mentioned that, I remember seeing Unimog somewhere on the vehicle, but of course everything atop looked like either a scaled-down motorhome or oversized Sprinter setup, certainly well built. They could maneuver it into tight spaces easily, and no doubt get around far more efficiently than a motorhome. And yes, it did look terribly expensive. And there would be one of those damned Benz mandatory scheduled maintenance contracts - buy hey, if they can afford all that (probably in lieu of purchasing a house), why not? They looked like young outdoorsy techies. Quarter million? Can't even buy a doghouse around here these days for anything close to that amount. So in their case, it might have made sense even financially. That would amount to just a year of combined income, or maybe two with all the optional amenities.

Note what I just wrote in my previous post about techies living in such things on the streets of Palo Alto and so forth. That kind of rig is still small enough not to raise the ire of local residents trying to ban street parking of motorhomes per se. Reasonable compromises have been made for Sprinters, vans, and campers, and other sensible options including this size thing. And they park along safe boulevards, beside other techies near nice restaurants and parks. They had bicycles in back, and weren't driving a motorhome the length of the Queen Mary towing a Jeep, with a speed boat also in tow like dominate-the-road types.

But I don't personally know anyone with that kind of lifestyle. I do know quite a few individuals who have converted midsized construction flatbed trucks into their personal digs or portable offices quite affordably by doing it themselves, sometime far more luxuriously than the factories. It's amazing what skilled cabinet makers can sometimes do, whether it's a personal camper or a home brew gorgeous hardwood ULF camera. I have a backpacking pal and fellow photographer who did his own really deluxe conversion, which they call their portable ski lodge, for around 40K including the vehicle purchase itself (slightly used) - no more than the cost of a garden-variety SUV these days, but with a lot of shop time involved. Decent gas mileage - another distinction from motorhomes.

[Mick Fagan]

Drew, if it is indeed a Unimog, then as I understand for the USA, you cannot purchase these new and most are imported from Europe, primarily Germany and are at least 25 years old. In that aspect they are cheapish, but not cheap compared to many of the home grown USA trucks.

In Australia the current Unimogs, all cab chassis only, start around $220,000 AUD, I know this as I priced them almost three years ago as I was seriously thinking of purchasing one. That is, until I saw the price.

In short around $500,000 to $750,000 AUD is the rough going rate for a finished ready to roll, live in forever, Unimog in Australia.

This will be with a living compartment starting around 4m through to 6m in length, with many running around 5m in length.

Not the greatest floor plan as there is quite a bit of wasted space, but this should give you an idea.

https://unidan.com.au/portfolio-items/16111/?portfolioCats=67

Mick.

[Drew Wiley]

I just noticed that these are being used by the Swiss as mountain rescue vehicles. - sorta the Swiss Army knife of winter road-based rescue. Surprised a little flask of brandy is not attached to the front bumper via a leather collar.

The one I saw looked brand new, though it might have been only lightly used before. People get lucky. My brother purchased cheap a mint condition classic old Benz car with only about 5,000 miles on it from an old lady who almost never drove it, used it on his honeymoon, and then resold it afterwards at a huge profit (the fuel mileage was awful). Of course the Unimog I saw was a conversion, and a luxurious looking conversion, and probably that portion occurred here. They obviously had plenty of money to spend. I've have heard other people describing the cost of acquiring relatively pristine ones. Just like classic old enlargers I guess; many are battered, but pampered ones turn up sometimes too. There are obviously folks who know how to make vintage vehicles look and perform as if new for a sufficient price - not necessarily my neighbors, though they try! One just completed an exceptionally cool looking deluxe dune vehicle; but he won't pamper it for long - he rides.

I was just back from the trail and still had an hour and a half casual drive ahead of me taking mostly pretty backroads, but did need get back and get certain chores done before my wife got back from work, so didn't want to stand around and chat with the Unimog couple. Besides, they were probably intending to take a late afternoon walk before fog socked everything in again; and I didn't want to interfere with that. I'm not an RV type myself, nor budgeted for one. Most of the back roads where I come from, or now might use to get to quieter mountain trailheads, are simply inaccessible to anything wide like a Unimog or even Hummer.

[StuartR]

There are always a number of German/Swiss/Italian survivalists/tourists who drive those unimogs onto the ferry to Iceland and wind up here. I passed several today. I always find them a bit funny, but they probably are the perfect way to see the country without needing to stay in a hotel. No typical caravan can handle the backroads here, let alone the highlands. Still, I can only imagine the fuel consumption they must have, as well as the environmental impact...

[Tin Can]

My brother had a HS 'friend' 40 years ago, landscaper/drug dealer, always a big talker, with $$$ to burn, wealthy parents

He begged brother to let him park his broken UniMog on the lawn, it never moved for 20 years and was towed both ways on a flatbed

No parts

I think 'Paul' went to prison, never liked the scammer

[j.e.simmons]

I wish we got the Land Cruisers here Toyota sells in the rest of the world.

[Drew Wiley]

Land Cruisers are common around here, but the dolled-up luxury SUV kind, which never leave suburban pavement. Don't look anything like the ones I remember mountain folk using.

[Mike Lopez]

When I drove my wife's 2018 Subaru Forester (manual trans, thank goodness!) to our local dealership for scheduled service recently, I borrowed a loaner for the day - which happened to be the latest model of Outback. Upon getting the new car out onto the highway, I began to notice that the car had a mind of its own - jerking the steering wheel this way and that...felt downright dangerous!

Long story short, I managed to pull off into a rest area, and figured out how to disarm the "safety driver assist" function...thank goodness!

But truly, I simply do not understand how these new features can purport to make vehicles "safer." Seems to me the more features added to insulate drivers from the act of driving will only make folks who utilize these features worse (less safe) drivers!

Completely agree. Try driving one of those things through construction zones with temporary traffic barriers and striping. The car thinks it's smarter than the driver and is seemingly happy to steer you directly into a traffic barrier...or worse, a flagger.

[StuartR]

Land Cruisers are popular here, but they are the 150 models, which are somewhat fancy, not the ones you get in the US. I think their closest comparison is the 4Runner...they might even been the same model for different markets. They start at over 100,000 dollars here, but that is just par for the course in Iceland, as cars tend to cost double or more what they do in the US...

[Mick Fagan]

There are always a number of German/Swiss/Italian survivalists/tourists who drive those unimogs onto the ferry to Iceland and wind up here. I passed several today. I always find them a bit funny, but they probably are the perfect way to see the country without needing to stay in a hotel. No typical caravan can handle the backroads here, let alone the highlands. Still, I can only imagine the fuel consumption they must have, as well as the environmental impact...

We spent a couple of months in Iceland and concur with you, they really are a more comfortable and more affordable way to travel around Iceland and virtually indispensable in the interior. Their large diameter tyres, approximately 1m to 1.2m high depending upon which size they are equipped with make it possible, along with their portal axles. The super single wheels and tyres on Mercedes Sprinter vehicles in Iceland we saw are quite unbelievable; until you see where they are going. Fuel consumption is dependent upon how you drive them to an extent and the terrain. Our truck cruises along around 18 l/100 on the highway, 16 l/100 in dirt and 25 l/100 in sand and difficult stuff. Unimogs are slightly heavier the bigger they are, but many are quite frugal compared to a Landcruiser and a caravan combination.

This clip, and another that follows, shows the type of terrain in the interior and not so interior. It is a Unimog pulling out a Defender from a normal river in iceland. Literally squillions like this there.

The real problem for these vehicles is their height and bulk, they are usually around 3.2m to 3.5m in height and combine this with normal winds of 20ms and things are starting to get iffy. If you get caught somewhere when the wind picks up with winds up and above 30ms its best to find somewhere to hide. We had winds around 35ms with peak gusts to 45ms and couldn't open the car door to retrieve stuff, and that was the with the vehicle parked somewhere safe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrUG2yYLv_c

And this one is the Unimog crossing the river, not easy, but not hard. Going on the model of the Unimog I guestimate the living module at something like 4.5m in length

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0asYPH_Q2wY

Mick.

[Tin Can]

SOVIET SECRET SPACE TRUCK ZIL Blue B (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyud6Qtvo8c)