I assure you, a great deal of thought and consideration went into my decision. My 200 series Landcruiser was a remarkable vehicle, but as my travels progressed, it became increasingly apparent that it was lacking in one crucial aspect: space. Despite its capabilities, it simply could not accommodate the needs of my growing expeditions.
As I delve deeper into my passions for photography and videography, my gear has begun to accumulate at an unprecedented rate. While overnight trips were manageable, the longer excursions or dedicated shoot trips required a significant amount of equipment. The 200 series Landcruiser, while reliable, could not keep pace with my growing needs. It was becoming a challenge to fit everything in. I knew I needed more room to properly pursue my passions and take my craft to the next level.
I began my search for a solution and immediately considered a brand new 200 series Landcruiser with a canopy. The idea was appealing, but as I researched further into the costs and logistics, it became clear that it would be an expensive undertaking. Not only would I have to pay for the chop, chassis extension, and canopy, but there would also be the added expenses of necessary upgrades such as intercooler, gearbox, ECU tune, and towing mirrors, among many others.
As I explored other options, I realized that a RAM might be a more practical and cost-effective choice. The RAM already comes equipped with many of the features and upgrades I needed, straight from the factory, which would save me a lot of time, money and headaches.
Don’t worry… it’s still used as a 4WD.
I am head over heels in love with my new truck. I recently returned from a 3-week trip to Uluru, the truck exceeded my expectations and performed flawlessly. It exceeded my fuel efficiency expectations, averaging 11.2ltrs/100kms, and provided a comfortable and safe ride throughout the trip. The truck proved its off-road capabilities, tackling 250km of challenging corrugations with ease.
Not just a weekend warrior, this truck serves as my daily driver as well. While it may not fit in drive-thrus, it's compact enough to navigate into 99% of the parking spots I've encountered. Though it is taller than the 200 Series, it's not a deal breaker for me.
It's hard to envision myself going back to a non-American truck. This vehicle has won me over completely and that speaks volumes.