Hey..need an advice

[griggsy2]

Hi, new here. Great to see the wealth of info. I am still debating whether the Ford E350/SMB is a good platform for us; we are planning multi-year trip through Americas and Africa.



All things equal, are we better off taking our Toyota 4Runner with the liability of towing a trailer (we need the extra space), or getting an older, good condition, low miles E350? Is it a reliable platform? Thanks; good to be here.

[Lilnuts2]

Not to take away from this site but might try posting your question on expedition portal also, if you haven't already.

[1der]

Welcome and kudos on your planned trips and sense of adventure! There are a few people here who have done parts of this type of trip. Hopefully they will chime in. I think you should ask for a change in thread title to include So America/Africa.

My thoughts based on providing build advice and long term living in a van here in the US: Any limitations / requirements around:

Fuel choice?
Driving range considerations?
Mechanical skill set needed for on the fly repairs?
Offroad clearances? Height limitations?
Load capacity anticipated?
Number of participants including pets?
Physical characteristics of participants? Large build?
Other equipment/gear to be brought? eg kayaks, fishing, backpacking, etc?
Security requirements?
Vehicle transportation / repositioning costs/ logistics?

E350 is a very solid platform. Start with a well cared for rig. Engine and power choices will be a factor. EB or RB van will be a choice based on above considerations. Pop top or fixed top drives the layout considerations and security concerns. Older SMB systems will likely necessitate updating.

Just some questions you can anticipate and for which answers should be considered for your vehicle selection.

[Twoxentrix]

I think you need to wrestle with this hurdle first:
A 4Runner with a trailer allows you the agility of a smaller vehicle to go out and explore the surrounding area, but you’d feel the necessity to pack up everything and secure it prior to leaving - would you feel comfortable leaving the trailer behind and unsupervised??? Along with this, are you comfortable & experienced using a trailer ? I’ve seen many travelers that just can’t navigate (forward or reverse) with a trailer in tow, and they’ve had them for years.

E-350 platform would require a certain level of pack-up when breaking camp, but (depending on how much you unload) can be a quick & simple process - also less of a concern since you're not worrying about something you’re leaving behind. IMO offers a little more ‘protection’ from both weather (don’t have to get out and set-up camp) as well as potential intruders (since you have a secure cab surrounding you).

[deserteagle56]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

I’ve seen many travelers that just can’t navigate (forward or reverse) with a trailer in tow, and they’ve had them for years.

Not just that. A trailer restricts your travel in so many ways. You're talking a setup that's now close to 30 feet long in most cases - just can't maneuver something that long in some situations/locations. With me, I invariably found myself on a road with some obstacle ahead - washout, or tree down across the road with no way of getting around it, and it was difficult to back up or turn around with the trailer.