2002 Montero (Pajero) Expedition Travel

[kchristian]

Hey Ya'll.

My wife and I bought a 2002 Montero up here in Texas and turned it into our mobile home as we traveled through Central America. When we were in the planning stages, I used this forum for lots of inspiration and motivation so I thought I'd share a few pictures here.

The basics:
2002 Montero with 147k miles.
265/75 Treadwright (re-tread tires with BFG AT pattern tread)
OME 1.5" lift
Custom fabbed brush bar to deflect deer (or kangaroos?) We kinda threw that together last minute.
Custom roof rack u-bolted to the standard roof rails.
Dual Battery set-up for the 12v fridge, interior fan, aux lighting, etc...

More info on the blog: http://wheretheeyesgo.blogspot.com/

The day we bought it:


Roof Rack to accommodate the awesomely huge sunroof:


Sleeping platform:





The Bed. It's an incredibly comfortable mattress from Ikea. We sleep better in the Montero than we do in hotels.


Camping somewhere in Guatemala:


Another good spot in Guatemala:


First river crossing of many:


Let me know if you want any close up shots or anything.

[Betz]

Lovely looking Paj and the trip looks like it was awesome!

Nice one

hmm, really should finish my travel blog, yours makes me envious..

[Aumissions]

What a great trip. I think that I have just added something to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing.

[Nik]

What a great way to see Central America! I've backpacked there a few times but would be great doing it with a 4WD!

[Theo4x4]

Greta looking rig!Looks like an awesome trip
Like the look of your rims,what are they?

Theo

[kchristian]

I should also add, the Montero has been running great. Not a single mechanical issue.

The rims are just the basic Aluminum Pro-Comps. I think they were around $95usd/each.

[Darwiniandude]

Good job with the mods. I've always made a sleeping platform/ bed for each Paj I've had and as I'm about to pickup a 2004 NP I'll be doing the same again. Nice design you have there especially the rear storage.

How is the pillow/front end supported, I can only see the hinges? You have supports to the floor somewhere?

Also, I've just thought, I should make a clip in fly screen for the sunroof; great for the ventilation and seeing the stars but would keep insects out.

[kchristian]

Latest blog post: This alone was worth the trip to Central America.

http://wheretheeyesgo.blogspot.com/2012/11/0-false-18-pt-18-pt-0-0-false-false_26.html

[kchristian]

How is the pillow/front end supported, I can only see the hinges? You have supports to the floor somewhere?

Sorry, somehow I missed this months ago...

It is supported by 3 wooden dowels. It's not perfect, and with how much we NEVER flip it open, it was completely unnecessary. I should have just built a box with openings by the rear doors.

[sharkcaver]

What an awesome trip. I've bookmarked your blog for future reading.

Thanks for sharing.


BTW, the bed looks a bit low for double parking

[kchristian]

What an awesome trip. I've bookmarked your blog for future reading.

Thanks for sharing.


BTW, the bed looks a bit low for double parking

Thanks! It's great to know that people are actually reading the blog. We started it so we would have the memories recorded but it's fun to write for a small audience as well.

And don't worry, the Mrs. and I are both pretty skinny.

[kchristian]

Blog Update:

Panama Part 1: We get reminded that necking is not an appropriate activity at public pools.

[LDV60]

What a great read.
Sounds like you're having an amazing time.
(note the literate Australian use of you're)

[kchristian]

What a great read.
Sounds like you're having an amazing time.
(note the literate Australian use of you're)

Thanks! It is quite the adventure.

And I did note the proper use of you're. Did I, as a barely literate American, misuse it somewhere?

[Darwiniandude]

Did I, as a barely literate American, misuse it somewhere?