newbie wannabe

[JD]

I am contemplating gathering a group of aging hippies (of which I am one) and doing a caravan across China and maybe further. In 5 or six or maybe more L300's or Delicas. Or whichever of the 15 year old diesel 4wds is the largest avbailable. Right now, I am thinking the long wheel base is the best. What I don't know is: is there a bigger but similar-sized Mits/Toy/Hino trucks to consider?
If we pick them up in Japan, can we do a week in an 'old' truck seeing Japan or have they been banned from the roads?
Which of the L300/Delica years is best? Which is the best combination of engines? And what mods are essential for what we want to do - if any?
I will buy six or so and they should all be the same so that each couple can carry a few spares that will serve everyone. We would also likely tow very small (4-6 foot) utility trailers for camp chairs and tarps and such.
Anyone got strong suggestions? Recommendations? Or feelings about this goofy idea?

[James@JDM]

Whoa! that sounds like a cool trip, but lots of logistics to work through. Physically buying the trucks no problem, registering them for use in Japan, can be hard especially for a foreigner, not sure what the import rules are for China and wether you could obtain a Carnegie de Passage, to bypass any of it.

Obviously once finished you want to export them back to Canada? that can be organized Im sure.

You would need to check with Chinese authorities about importing the trucks and go from there I would say.

[JD]

I know. Logistics up the yin yang, so to speak. But I have done similarly weird things in the past and hope to pull this off if I can. Part of the fun is doing the improbable. The impossible is too hard.
So..............which vehicle is best? Which year? Which features? Which model?
What mods are strongly recommended?
Do the Japanese have utility trailers?
Is there a discount for buying six?
What would be the rigamaroll for getting them shipped home? \Would it be necessary to go back to Japan?
I know that few KNOW the answer to these questions but what is your best opinion?
Please............

[James@JDM]

I too, like a challenge half the reason I run businesses in three different countries...

Best Vehicle, well that all depends on if you wish to export at the end of your journey back to canada (as it appears you do)

In the 15 year old Bracket, I would recommend something along the lines of a P35W (high roof) 5 speed GLX (8 seater) with the 2.5 diesel motor, for the simple reason that the added roof height gives you that little extra space, GLX is easier to fold seats down/remove and convert for sleeping (assuming you are planning on camping in the van)

Japanese don't really know the meaning of towing a trailer, it is very un-common as a general of all the cars I have exported only a handful have been fitted with a tow hitch and then it was only your Larger vehicles such as landcruisers. trailers are able to be sourced thats not a problem.

Im probably going to be shot for suggesting this on a Delica forum, but have you considered a HJ61 series Toyota Landcruiser with a camping kit? they are a 4 litre diesel turbo very rugged and great for long distance travelling. I have imported quite a few of them and they come partially setup for camping from the factory. Have included a couple fo photos of one we sold recently.

[Green1]

Im probably going to be shot for suggesting this on a Delica forum, but have you considered a HJ61 series Toyota Landcruiser with a camping kit?

*BANG* ;)

Actually, I can't really object to the suggestion too much, I personally think that the Delica would be the best vehicle for practicality, comfort, and camping, (and I agree with the suggestion of a high roof and 8 seater) however the landcruisers do have something that the Delicas appear to lack, a good support network, it's probably easier to find parts for a broken down landcruiser in the middle of nowhere than it is to find Delica parts. you'll just have to live with the inferior vehicle to get the superior service... ;)

[JD]

I confess to harbouring a desire for a LC. Black. Lots of bush bars and racks. Remnants of the macho gland rearing it's dying head. But it's a diminishing influence and so I thought I'd let reason prevail for once. I think the P35w highroof with the 2.5 and 5-speed sounds right. Of course the long wheel base (8 seater) is critical.
Presumably they are fairly plentiful...........?
James/JDM....? You do this as a business........right? My guess is that you have a guy you trust buy the vehicle and then he puts them on the ship and you handle the BC end of things.........right?
So, if that's true, do you think we can get 6 x P35s all in similar condition? If I go over earlier to get 'hitches put on' and buy small trailers, how much 'running around time should I allow? Which city would make a good base of ops?
Would you guys be interested in being part of it?

[James@JDM]

Hi JD,

Ha Ha, understand your comments re the landcruisers, they are a great truck, and I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending either for your proposed trip

I sent you a private message with particulars, but basically, 6 manual P35W's would take a little hunting up but far from impossible, city to base from, well we have staff in Tokyo, or the other Major city to start from would be Osaka, it's probably 6 to 1 as to which you pick.

There is no difference in wheel base length only roof height, the difference in seating arrangement is the 7 seater has two Captains chairs in the forward most row of seats in the back of the truck, where as in an 8 seater this row is a conventional bench seat.

To go over early to prep them I would allow at least 10 days, as your are obviously in unfamiliar territory, trailers I can probably organize to purchase as well.

Most bolts and filters etc are available from autobacs/up-garage style of shops of which there is many.

But I guess part of the fun is trying to put it all together!!

Cheers

James

[JD]

You are right - part of the fun is in 'the doing'. But, at 60, I also know enough to keep the challenge do-able otherwise I get frustrated and act like a baby. I like challenges that are just a smidge harder than what my wife can do. It's the only time I feel needed.
We just left Vancouver 3 years ago and built a remote cabin halfway up the BC coast. Just ourselves. Didn't know squat when we started..............now we know enough never to do that again. But the house is great. The remote life is greater. And the challenge met was the best feeling of all.

OK. Thanks for the info. What I'll do now is 'set' the group (get deposits and all that). I figure this is a trip for 2008, maybe 2009.
"Surely you don't plan that far ahead?"
No. I planabout a year ahead but I dream whenever the mood strikes me. This is the dream stage still. But what I have learned is that it is do-able and that there's help out there. I am pretty sure that finding 6 couples will be a snap. But I have to have some answers for them. So I will do more research.
I've been to Tokyo and found it a bit overwhelming. Osaka, maybe?
A smallish town of 35 - 60,ooo would be ideal.