Operation: OVERLAND VX

[Ala5ka]

I have recently gotten into overlanding since I went to some EXPO events with the guys from Expedition Portal. I have decided to do one part Camel Trophy, one part VX madness. This may take me some time as I am an underpaid gunsmith. The plans, Roof Top Tent, OME lift, custom build rear door w/tire carrier, drawer system w/water, compressor, and fridge, tube bumper to match my tube bumper, Lightforce lights, shocks, limit straps, hydro bump stops, sliders, rear locker, reupholstered seats.
Also I'm stripping all of the unnecessary weight from the vehicle to mitigate mechanical failure.

I know this sounds ambitious and I'm not sure when it will all come to fruition but most of the work can be done by yours truly. The tube work, and upholstery I can do (dad's an upholsterer) I will post as much as I can when I can but this will be the all en companying build thread.

I am starting out with an almost stock 99' Astral 58Kmi. Hoping to make it a super reliable off road truck that I can launch adventures and hunting trips from for years to come.

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/190286_10151335304139151_1003045006_n_zpseae407fa. jpg

[workmeistr]

This could get intetesting. Good luck and I look forward to following this.

[Marlin]

Very cool, I am doing a trailer setup, I just don't think the VX has the space as an expedition setup. If I were going full boat on the vehicle, I would find a nice 2nd gen trooper. The 3.2l is more reliable and no pesky TOD electronics to worry about failing. A trailer on the otherhand, you can leave behind if you had to, and no worries about breaking down the tent in order to move the vehicle for whatever reason.
I am ordering a max coupler (marketed by Kilby) allows crazy rotation on 2 axis and regardless of trailer orientation relative to vehicle. I am starting with a Lifetime Sahara trailer, sitting in my garage right now:)
http://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/images/65044.jpg

Adding some VX rims with 30" tires, will move the fenders as needed, evaluating new leaf springs to raise the trailer further above the axle, but I may not need to.
10 Gal RV water tank above the axle, flexible solar panel kits are getting cheaper. I was thinking of using a projector screen style retractor or an outdoor blind retractor as the storage device, then just pull em out when needed.

This will be my summer project, coupled with the VX bumper.
I wish you luck and will be glued to this project thread!

[Ala5ka]

found a local Tepui tent retailer so I'm getting a cheaper lightweight rig, traveling down to Homer to maybe pick one up soon

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=115583&d=1341855878&thumb=1

[spaceCADETzoom]

Please take pictures; I've been eyeing that Tepui this very last week. Funny how I find interest in things on this forum works in batches, independently.

[VXorado]

I was looking at some tents a while back and found a pic of VX with a roof top tent. Kinda killed the dream because the tent footprint seems too big for a narrow VX roof.

Looks like a big square box on the roof. Maybe they make smaller versions. :_confused
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3139/2807949298_d7cd634455_m.jpg

[BigSwede]

While I'm not a big fan of overlanding trailers, I think Marlin has a point - for the space-limited VX it might be a good option...a RTT on a VX just seems wrong anyway :bwgy:

Either way I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

[Ala5ka]

Did some stuff... :)

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1426_zps853aca42.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1427_zps6ad05a37.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1428_zpsd5ca1aa4.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1441_zps28e3fe22.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1442_zps80dccdd4.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1443_zps2476604a.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1445_zps426ee43b.jpg

[CoastieCosta567]

Love the cutting table, great idea. And the black hood ;).

[RabidPony]

Looks great man. If I may, I'd make one small suggestion. Move the support line for the table top to that inner corner to give yourself more room to work. If necessary, you could add one in the same spot on the opposite side and still have more room.

[bigblock8396375]

Looks great!!! Very creative.

[Ala5ka]

Thanks for the encouragement guys, the string is temporary until I figure put a better way to hang the board. We are for sure going down to San Diego next April in it. The roof top tent comes next week and the vinyl wrap should be done in a couple weeks.

[VXorado]

I like the Hellas. :thumbup:


Have you picked out the vinyl wrap yet?

[Ala5ka]

The wrap will say VEHIcrossAmerica with a mountain scene, and a list of the sponsors, it is being wrapped by Chance of MobiNet Designs one of my sponsors :)

[JoFotoz]

SWEET.....


We are for sure going down to San Diego next April in it. .

..please come visit :thumbup:

Jo

[Ala5ka]

I will, I will bne following the PCH from Washington down the coast campingm B&Bing, and staying with friends. Jo I may take you up on that, two days in SD may be fine, I'm staying with one other guy while I'm there.

[Ala5ka]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/99174-OPERATION-Overland-VEHIcross

Here's my other forum post :) Does anyone have some suggestions on what I may need for self sufficient driving excursions across the country and beyond? Fluids, parts, etc? What parts may fail in that huge of a trip?

[JoFotoz]

It would be great to meet up...


Jo I may take you up on that, two days in SD may be fine, I'm staying with one other guy while I'm there.

...I'll be away at some boring event ( :dan_ban: Ldub & TLMP :dan_ban: ) in Fargo, April 18th -22nd !!

But other than that, I'd love to meet up and see your VX.

Jo

[Ala5ka]

Just so everyone knows we have a year to plan this thing, test the equipment in Alaska, and set a perfect route/date. I will most likely be heading out mid April (17th...ish) of 2014 and taking three weeks to make it down to San Diego before heading east to Vegas, and Arizona. That will be the base of operations for the 2015 trip over to the east coast from the Florida panhandle up to New York. These are big dreams but I think it will all be doable.
And make sure to check out the VehiCROSSAmerica page on Facebook and find out how you can support children in developing countries!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/VehiCROSSAmerica/346676208766370#

[Ala5ka]

NAy ideas on spare parts needed for the trip that I may start to amass, or parts that must be changed beforehand i.e. shocks, springs, seals of some sort. I only have 60K on this rig

[JoFotoz]

Ahhh..OK!..Gotcha 'a !

I thought you meant this April .

:snooz:

Jo

[Ala5ka]

What kind of parts should I carry on board during the 6000 mile trip? Also we are supporting Gospel for Asia look them up on our pages and see what you can do to contribute.

[Marlin]

Sorry it took so long to reply for the parts thing:)
I did my trip Charleston, SC to Seattle, WA, wheeled in KS and in Moab, this is what I consider critical parts:
At least one CV joint
A pair of tie rods (probably weakest link in front end other than CV joint)
I don't carry, but would consider a center drag link, especially if you do HD tie rods
Rear Drive shaft
A front prop shaft would be nice, but not required, you can almost always get out in 2LOW if you have to (I carry both shafts)
Fuel pump
Alternator
Serpentine belts
Fuses
Tools of course
All types of fluids
Hose patch kit
Lock wire and pliers
AC inverter
Extra drive flange or manual hub, I assume you will run manual hubs for better MPG and reliability and if you bust one CV, you can prevent TOD from throwing a fit.
Metric bolt assortment, like a kit from a parts store, has all kinds of sizes.
Large zipties, 100mph tape, JB weld or equivalent
Printed copy of shop manual or even an electric on your phone/tablet/laptop would be a good idea as well.

Short of an engine failure or tranny/transfer case failure, the above things will ensure you can get back to civilization. You have to be able to steer. The engine has to have fuel, electrical power, cooling and you have to be able to spin the rear wheels, everything else is just luxury...lol.

I also bring a welder, grinder, impact, CO2 bottle (or nice compressor) but those stay at base camp due to weight and size. This is why I like the trailer idea, if truck has problems, you can always dump the trailer and tow truck out if needed.

[Ala5ka]

Marlin,
I just went out and bought almost everything on that list minus the CV's and half shafts. For this leg of the trip with the little amount of offroad we are seeing (minus the AlCan) and trying to keep the weight down I also opted not to carry an extra starter. I got all of the oil I'll need for a change 3k miles in. Finding a way to carry the oil, and extra fuel can, and water now.

Any suggestions?

[Marlin]

Marlin,
I just went out and bought almost everything on that list minus the CV's and half shafts. For this leg of the trip with the little amount of offroad we are seeing (minus the AlCan) and trying to keep the weight down I also opted not to carry an extra starter. I got all of the oil I'll need for a change 3k miles in. Finding a way to carry the oil, and extra fuel can, and water now.

Any suggestions?

Do you have a hitch? If so, one of those aluminum hitch tray would work great! Light weight, hold a few hundred pounds and easy to take off and store on the roof. Plus, easy to access for fuel and water.
I don't carry half shafts, that is not a trail repair, plus, I have never heard of one failing all at once?
I would recommend one of the cheap Ebay CV joints. They are fine if you don't have a front locker. <80 bucks, just in boots, boot clamps and grease they are worth that much:)

[Triathlete]

Here you go (http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/Ballistic-Boxes_c_273.html)
Even holds your duct tape ;)
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/img_0212_thumbnail.jpg&maxx=150&maxy=0

[Marlin]

Add power steering pump and idler pulley to that list. I learned the hard way today.

[Ala5ka]

We have just officially picked up Huckberry.com as a sponsor of the trip!

[Ala5ka]

The roof top tent is coming in today!

[VX KAT]

Marlin,
I got all of the oil I'll need for a change 3k miles in. Finding a way to carry the oil, and extra fuel can, and water now.

Any suggestions?



I'd get a ScanGaugeII so you can read any codes that pop up.


Add a PCV valve to your parts list


I know you bought it with 28k just a few years ago, and you're at 58k now.
Have you ever seen ANY oil consumption, and especially as the miles increased?
Several here have said they had no oil issue until after around 60k.


Also, with your many LONG drives from CA/AZ/AK up to Anchorage, did you see any oil consumption on the long duration drives?


My guess is you'll need a lot more oil than the 5 qts or so for a change, but you'll be in civilized areas much of the time right? So you could buy more oil along the way.

[Ala5ka]

I have 6 pcvs I eat them up, no oil consumption yet running Mobil 1, and I do need to hook up my scan gauge :) thanks guys. The RTT guy couldn't make it today because of bad weather I may not be till this weekend that it will come up.

[don moore]

im getting a roof top tent next month..in camo.for camping this summer.cant do the MOAB.. my boss is going to holand that week.grrrrrr sometimes i hate her. but next year maybe ..and ill have a tent to

[Ala5ka]

Ill have pictures of the RTT and the new LED lights hopefully tonight.

[Ala5ka]

Here's some Roof Top Tent, LED lights, and the cooler :)

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1461_zpsde8ae8d0.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1456_zpsa5cb8ca1.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1454_zps84da3a05.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1453_zpsa4bc0564.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1452_zps8ecebe7e.jpg

What do you guys think?

Looking for Ram Mounts for the computer and a new AC inverter

Other than that all I need is to finish the wrap, awning, OME springs, and a water tank. Looking forward to my first camping trip/hike this spring!

[Triathlete]

What is that rtt going to do to your highway gas mileage?

[Ala5ka]

something close to 17-20, didn't change much. I drove 250 some odd miles through Alaskan bush on three quarters of a tank.

[don moore]

it get terible millage if you leave it open.. kinda pisses of the other people drive next to you.

[Marlin]

Look pretty sweet! If you got rid of all the rear plastic, you could have used sheet metal to make some nice shelving or cabinetry, solving your oil storage problem:)

As far as MPG, folks, don't forget, they have real gas in Alaska, not this crappy blended stuff. My Expedition went from 10ish mpg to 12ish mpg when I hit (Wyoming I think) on my way to Moab. That ethanol garbage gets horrible mpg.

[Ala5ka]

I was thinking of taking the rear plastic out but it kind of scares me to remove so much. I already cut the cladding every were, so it shouldn't be too hard I guess.
All I need is some more camping gear and some OME springs and I will be good to go!

Don Moore I snorted out loud thinking of the tent up cruising down the highway

[Ala5ka]

I also need more PCV's losing one every 400 miles or so especially after a long haul. Why does that happen?

[Marlin]

I may have to look into that, haven't changed mine in 3 or 4 yrs:)
As for the plastic,its amazing how much wasted space there is. Only downfall, more road noise, I am filling the hollow panels with that expanding foam from the hardware store. Should work like a champ.

[Marlin]

Checked my PCV valve today, still rattles. Wonder why some go bad quickly while others do not? It is just the cheap autozone model in mine.

[samneil2000]

full of oil?

[Ala5ka]

Yes mine gets full of oil then a high idle starts after a long drive like 400 in a day

[tom4bren]

These guys are local to me ... & I didn't even know they had a product line like you were interested in.

http://www.ironpigoffroad.com//index.php?main_page=index&cPath=97

BTW, can you snap a pic of how it looks stowed for travel?

[VXorado]

What about a winch? You'll want one of those for overlanding.

Also, consider a front locker rather than a rear locker (or just both :yesy:). The front diff is open and you're more likely to lift a front tire off the ground because of the IFS.

[Ala5ka]

Iron pig is cool check them out, ill get a stowed picture later today

[Ala5ka]

Also OME 919s are in the mail on the way!

[tom4bren]

If you got rid of all the rear plastic, you could have used sheet metal to make some nice shelving or cabinetry, solving your oil storage problem:).

Or mo' betta - Removing the interior panels could make for some very nice opportunities to build some fresh water storage tanks into those areas.

I wouldn't be too wild about what it might do to the CG but I don't think there's anywhere under the VX to add a tank(s).

[tom4bren]

Here's an option for you. A nice little tent air conditioner. If you go that route though, I'd seriously consider a second battery with an isolator (or at least a battery buddy http://www.realworldautomotive.com/shoptalk-questions-battery-buddy-disconnects-battery-at-low-voltage-93a.html).

[bartmanS4]

So how do you guys deal with the weight on the roof? The factory roof rack states 110 pounds evenly distributed. Is this limitation for the Yakama rack itself or for the structural integrity of the VX's roof? I've recently had my ceiling liner and roof rails off and the structure looks pretty solid to me at the four contact points. I just wonder what starts to give when the weight becomes too much.

[Triathlete]

If your roof can not handle 110 lbs your vx would be a death trap in a roll over.

[vt_maverick]

I wonder if it has nothing to do with structural integrity at all; maybe they figure that adding more than 110 lbs. on top of the VX increases the chance of roll-over to a dangerous level?

[Ala5ka]

I drove 200 miles on the Alaskan hwy with the 120lbs of the tent and i have slept in it for a combined 270#s two people and 120# tent I don't think there's anything wrong with it :)

[Ala5ka]

needing to reposition the lights, they almost fell off. I guess I have to weld up some tabs. Here are some pics from yesterdays trip to Portage Glacier and Port Whittier

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/GOPR0005_zps06a4ad25.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/GOPR1929_zpsfb63591e.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/GOPR1933_zps1ea8526f.jpg

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/GOPR1935_zps7dcc1e05.jpg

[VX KAT]

I wonder if it has nothing to do with structural integrity at all; maybe they figure that adding more than 110 lbs. on top of the VX increases the chance of roll-over to a dangerous level?

I'd guess the limit is related to the plastic towers. Maybe because they lean inward, the force on the upper tower is the limiting point? Idunno, I'm not an engineer. Tom….please correct me here...:wave:

[Ala5ka]

I'm considering mounting a netbook for movies and gps in there or an iPad mini, I figure the more screens/wires the more legit I will look.

[Ala5ka]

Some new developments, got a new puppy! The OME 919's are going in tomorrow, and why is my pcv going out after every 300 mile trip? Oil consumption is still not an issue

[Ala5ka]

Also spent the last three days with the producers of Discoveries Sons of Guns and Wild West Alaska showing them the state getting b roll, expect to see the VX in some shots if not a whole episode next season!

[VX KAT]

Some new developments, got a new puppy! The OME 919's are going in tomorrow, and why is my pcv going out after every 300 mile trip? Oil consumption is still not an issue

How do you know it's gone out, do you actually pull it? you mean it's not rattling at all after just 300 miles?

[VX KAT]

Also spent the last three days with the producers of Discoveries Sons of Guns and Wild Weat Alaska showing them the state getting b roll, expect to see the VX in some shots if not a whole episode next season!

Geez, you must have some great connections! How cool is that!!!:thumbup: Is it somehow tied to you being a gunsmith since both of those shows are?

[Ala5ka]

Potentially Kat, maybe a fellow Vxer will be a reality tv star?

[Ala5ka]

Just doing a whole bunch of adventuring with the Discovery channel, expect a VehiCROSS inspired episode of Wild West Alaska maybe

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1546_zps257ba365.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/chaseckert/media/IMG_1546_zps257ba365.jpg.html)

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1520_zpsa52b2214.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/chaseckert/media/IMG_1520_zpsa52b2214.jpg.html)

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1529_zpsa51849dd.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/chaseckert/media/IMG_1529_zpsa51849dd.jpg.html)

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1545_zpsbd7b38e4.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/chaseckert/media/IMG_1545_zpsbd7b38e4.jpg.html)

[Ala5ka]

got the OME 919's in

http://i389.photobucket.com/albums/oo331/chaseckert/IMG_1555_zpscb3392d6.jpg (http://s389.photobucket.com/user/chaseckert/media/IMG_1555_zpscb3392d6.jpg.html)

[Ala5ka]

What can I do to save more pcvs? I use one every 300 miles or so

[VX KAT]

How do you know it's (PCV) gone out, do you actually pull it?
You mean it's not rattling at all after just 300 miles?

??



What can I do to save more pcvs? I use one every 300 miles or so

[Triathlete]

Wierd...i have changed mine ONCE in the entire time I have owned mine (@150000) and burn nearly zero oil (I used less than 1/4 qt. between my last change).

[Ala5ka]

I don't burn oil but a little purges I believe into the pcv clogging it up or something. Not enough to even be noticeable between changes. After a trip I get a high idle and eventually the engine will idle wildly until it shuts off, I pop in a new pcv and everything is back to normal.

[VX KAT]

I don't burn oil but a little purges I believe into the pcv clogging it up or something. Not enough to even be noticeable between changes. After a trip I get a high idle and eventually the engine will idle wildly until it shuts off, I pop in a new pcv and everything is back to normal.

Does the PCV valve RATTLE when you remove it??

Isn't the high idle/wild idle something else? I recall reading it here several times. Have you searched on that?

[samneil2000]

IAC Valve?

[Ala5ka]

Hmm the pcv no longer rattles but if I break clean it it does for a short period of time. I will do some searching. The rpms jump,and fall up and down rhythmically. Or they go up to 2k and stay for a little while or at least when i come to a stop

[Ala5ka]

just gutted the back, built some wood shelves, fridge slide, and planning on plating the rest of it with ABS eventually.

[evillecutter]

my vx eats about a quart of oil every 1k miles but ive never changed the pcv it still rattles just fine - i clean it our every once in a while with carb cleaner - im pretty sure its the original from the factory - 115k miles

i wrestled with the idle problem for a while and after replacing the throttle posistion sensor and idle controm valve it ended up being the fuel pressure regulator - next on the list would have been the mass air flow sensor

[GuyBanks]

Very cool, I am doing a trailer setup, I just don't think the VX has the space as an expedition setup. If I were going full boat on the vehicle, I would find a nice 2nd gen trooper. The 3.2l is more reliable and no pesky TOD electronics to worry about failing. A trailer on the otherhand, you can leave behind if you had to, and no worries about breaking down the tent in order to move the vehicle for whatever reason.
I am ordering a max coupler (marketed by Kilby) allows crazy rotation on 2 axis and regardless of trailer orientation relative to vehicle. I am starting with a Lifetime Sahara trailer, sitting in my garage right now:)
http://www.competitiveedgeproducts.com/images/65044.jpg

Adding some VX rims with 30" tires, will move the fenders as needed, evaluating new leaf springs to raise the trailer further above the axle, but I may not need to.
10 Gal RV water tank above the axle, flexible solar panels (http://www.shinesolar.net)l kits are getting cheaper. I was thinking of using a projector screen style retractor or an outdoor blind retractor as the storage device, then just pull em out when needed.

This will be my summer project, coupled with the VX bumper.
I wish you luck and will be glued to this project thread!

Just awesome work.. SO much too learn from your build.. I am planing long trip very soon and would love to make similar arrangments first

[tom4bren]

What can I do to save more pcvs? I use one every 300 miles or so

This is what I did:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=285833&postcount=29

It cost about $20 including the extra hose I had to buy.

[don moore]

my VX moble home..lolhttp://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3310/WP_20130713_002.jpg