Huge thanks to everyone who supports me on Patreon! That support allows me to get out and bring these videos to you all. If you’re interested in supporting my endeavours and getting behind the scenes access to my new vehicle build and expedition, check out patreon.com/theroadchoseme

Thank you, thank you, thank you for remaining a ‘regular’ guy in basically a regular vehicle, modified for doing what you do. So many other KZfaqrs get sponsored, and suddenly have crazy mods, supercharged engines, a new rooftop tent every 6 months, etc., etc. , instead of continuing to do what got them their followers in the first place. I’m not interested in endless product reviews, sponsor plugs, or amazing merch for sale. I’m look for amazing places that I may actually be able to travel through myself in a vehicle that I can afford to purchase and equip properly. Again, thanks for keeping it real, and sharing your adventures with all of us!

Thank you for this approach. It's difficult to get over that "elitist" approach that we encounter on some channels. I really value your down to earth advice and just making things available. I would've been unable to start going out there without this kind of encouragement.

Land cruiser 76 series has been the love of my life since forever !

The North American answer to the Australian 70 series Land Cruiser, to the extent there is an answer, is the Jeep Wrangler and the 4Runner.

I’d love to see you tour North America in a full size domestic with a humble interior living setup. That would be possibly the most practical truck for the everyday adventurer in North America.

Dan, I started following you a couple of years ago at the beginning of the Pandemic. You inspired me and last summer my wife, daughter and grandchild did an Overlanding adventure from Victoria BC to Tuktoyuktuk and back in 2016 Subaru Outback....... Any vehicle!

You are spot on. Take what you have and get out there. You have reinforced my desire to do the Pan Am in my 4runner. I've done the Arctic piece and plan to do Baja in '23. The remainder of the Pan Am is in '25 when my life travel window opens.

I'm really looking forward to this series. I've always wanted to import a Hilux ever since I've roamed the deserts in the middle east. It's a shame they don't offer more Toyotas in North America

Thanks for the honest overview. i am from the USA and i am currently in the Middle east and i see these 70 series alot here. i too like many started to entertain the idea of importing now of these. I've definitely have seen some "elite" videos but i am glad i have seen yours to bring adventuring to a normal reality. Thanks again.

Nice video Dan! When I saw the thumbnail I immediately thought of all the negatives to importing to NA, but you definitely nailed that. I also appreciate your viewpoint on not having the special/elitist approach to a travel rig.

This is probably one of your best videos Dan. Just keeping it real and relatable. I follow a few other overland/off road channels. But I’ve asked myself after watching many times. Do I feel excited to get out. Or a little depressed because I can’t afford a lot of that stuff. Unfortunately sometimes it’s the latter. I do enjoy seeing a lot of the cool new Expensive stuff. But a lot of the channels feel like that’s all it’s about. New stuff. Your channel is literally a 180 to those channels. You’re the real deal. Actually go on very long remote trips. Vs 1 maybe 2 nights away. With tons of gear.

Your no nonsense common sense approach is inspiring. I love the “run what you brung” philosophy. Reliability and parts availability have to be the main concerns. Otherwise you’ll be stranded on some far off side of the road. I also appreciate your consideration of viewers relating to your channel. ( unlike Sir Grumpy Pants, I’m sure we know who I’m referring to, and his cost is no object builds) I wonder if Sandy has another expedition left in her? Hopefully the year in storage has not been detrimental to your JK. Looking forward to your next trip! 👍👌

Having owned a JDM vehicle here in BC, Canada....I can tell you there's a whole world of pain in getting parts and service. I think you've made the right decision to stick with a mainstream vehicle for whatever you're going to get up to next, Dan. Safe travels.

Wow for a minute I was nervous that you were gonna go that route and I was disappointed. Phew! Now I'm excited to see what's coming!

Very good video Dan. Many very good points and exactly spot on, on the elite approach. That's why we love to follow you along, you are honest and real 😊

It is true; you inspire me as well...especially, the fact that you make yourself so relatable...Thank you very much.

"I am not elitist" is why I hope to meet you one day in the US. Other channels, not so much. Great content!

Well, owning a 70 series LC is a hassle realistically in the US. Unless you are buying a brand new one that are currently available for sale in Aus/SA and few others, buying a 25 year old vehicle comes with its own problems. The better bet is to buy a 100 series that are available in both the LC and the LX470 versions. If you can snag a mid 2000s 100 series owned by someone who never took it off-road ( Lexus would be the better bet here) and buy from a private seller, you got yourself a great car. Spend money on it In doing mods and complete maintenance, it can take you on an adventure. Plenty of those available in US and Canada.

Thank you, Dan. Still glance at mine when nobody is looking.

Another fantastic & informative video Dan! Always appreciate your candid insights & welcome back to Canada!

So you know, your the main inspiration for me to be going to AEV to have them install the DUALSPORT Suspension XP on my Jeep Ranger. This coming Monday. I simply love your whole down to earth, real to life approach on things. Thank you. P.S. others also recommended the AEV system to me, also, which validated that your are a wiseman.

Great info and logic as always👍 Let me add to your fan base that's throwing out vehicle recommendations lol. You probably already have a vehicle in mind if not already picked out, but for fun here's what I would recommend. My #1 would be a Chevy or GMC Suburban of the GMT400 or GMT800 era platforms. The Suburban of those eras is just slightly larger in dimensions then your Jeep Gladiator and they usually have pretty good load capacity and have been proven to be quite reliable. They do have IFS but I think for 95% of overlanding their off road capability with a few mods like suspension, tires, and a winch is more then adequate. A lot of them also come with a 42 gallon fuel tank. And since the Suburban is the longest continiously produced SUV in the US your sure to be able to find one at a reasonable price. It is certianly a potential everymans vehicle like the Jeep and hardly anyone out there is making overlanding You Tube content with the Suburban. My #2 pick if ya can't get on board with the Suburban would be to go with the first gen Toyota Sequoia. Im sure its probably been on your radar as its another great SUV that is well suited for overlanding and has solid reliability. Only problem with the Sequoia is that its got the Toyota price premium and has developed popular following for overlanding so finding one at a reasonable price will probably be more difficult. Whatever your next vehicle ends up being I'm excited to watch all the content as you are one of the top overlanding channels on KZfaq imo. Keep up the great work and thanks as always for making and sharing such great content!

Well done! You are the best! Will support you next year Dan! Take care out there have a safe trip back home!

Just found your channel and after a quick look at your previous videos I'm excited to check them out as time allows. Your common sense approach and style kinda remind me of another worth while channel, Roaming the outback with Bret. After years of mostly small rushed weekend trips I just returned from a two month cross country trip from my place in NY to the desert south western USA and I'm hooked! Every night was spent in the back of my ram 2500 4x4 with a aluminium contractor cap and simple plywood setup which worked perfect for me. I realized I would rather follow the good weather and stay active outside then have all the comforts of a camper that would severely limit where I can go. I'm already busy planning for the next trip, living cheap, saving, scheming and dreaming.

It’s -31C in Alberta today, welcome back 🥶

Dan, Outstanding video, very informative and sooo interesting.....I'll stick with my wrangler but loved the video!!

I love your channel for exactly that reason - you show people how to have adventures! We had a good meeting of our overland club last weekend for a charity event, and that was the main topic. Which is the larger group of people? The people who want to get out and have adventures, but are intimidated and need basic guidance, or is the larger population the ones who really only want to have vicarious adventures through others?

Cheers from 🇨🇦 Dan, you’re definitely the only one Channel I can listen to a simple guy sitting on a couch talking. You just make so much sense. Welcome back home ☃️ and thank you for sharing your adventure again. PS. Hope you benefited from this used truck $ hype when selling your legendary jeep Gladiator.

The couple from the YT channel "Live Work Wander", bought a used Troopy imported from Germany (a LHD version), but ended up having many issues with the vehicle due to legalities of the vehicle in the US. It was sorted out in the end, but they went through a stressful period while it was getting sorted. I believe the Troopy was also sold in South America in LHD. Another potential source of a LHD version.

Dan, I remember reading about your travels when you had the first jeep. When I saw this thumbnail pop up I thought maybe your path had changed. I faced the same dilemma when choosing a ride myself last year. I really tossed the idea of a few different vehicles around. Living just north of you in Edmonton I ended up going with a tacoma for the same reasons you stated. I have friends with patrols and 70's, but I feel like they lost the purpose of buying these vehicles for the adventure. Instead it becomes more about the vehicle than what it can do for you.

To become overlander u need: . 20 litres plastic shower, can be used as a can. 70 l Plastic tray - store staff + can be used as bath. 10 l plastic bucket..... Very useful 🤘 . Gasoline stove. . Any car where u can spread 5€ inflatable mattress on ski or on snowboard. . Mastercard/visa to buy fodd/gas/spares . Finito 🤘

Generally correct - for the most part the 70 Series was not sold in North America. But in 1984 the BJ42 was available in Canada. I live in Michigan and have a left-hand-drive diesel LJ70 as a daily driver. I get the few parts I need from Australia. Stop by with your 4Runner or Lexus!

I really appreciate your attitude about staying in the realm of the everyman. Living in the US, I really wish we had something like the 79 Series, or at least a "small" turbo diesel option. I say "small" because it seems diesel trucks start at like 6.7L displacement in a huge package, and I just want one no bigger than my Tacoma. Some roads and trails I found are too narrow to be running a Ram 2500 or something through. I also despise that my Tacoma has an electronic actuator for 4WD. Much rather have two sticks in the console. Still overall happy with the Tacoma though.

Great video.

You are absolutely right! thank you for opening my eyes!

Here in Latin America are plenty of 70 series land cruiser with all of the advantages: 15 years old, left hand drive, and English speakers able to sale the right vehicle for you. Though you're not here, it might be cheaper to transport a cruiser from whatever country you find it to Canada

I did a road trip to Alaska/Canada for 2 months in a Ford escape and a backpacking tent. Worked fine

Agree Dan. Thanks for keeping it real. I always ask myself (what the heck is that gonna cost? And will it last the trip?). Yuuuup I run a LC 105 1HD FTE motor but I live in SA so no problem. I enjoy the fact that you keep it real knowing deep pockets is a thing for a few Elite... Cheers

I always like hearing you talk through these different issues! Thanks for another great video If you're looking for a vehicle that's available in Canada, is relatively attainable for the average person to find, is offroad capable (I seem to recall you saying a sportsmobile was capable enough?) and has a little more interior living space, how about some kind of full sized pickup with a fiberglass shell on the back? Something like a Spacekap Diablo. With a pretty simple square tube aluminum interior buildout, you'd basically have the every-man's version of a turtle expedition camper....that sort of looks like a work truck and is maybe a little more stealthy than the old Wescott Turtle. Anyway, just a thought Keep the content coming! I'm definitely excited to see what you come up with

Can´t believe that this trip is over. I remember you doing some exercises in your "covid-hotel"....see ya on the next road

Overlanding is getting pampas, and arrogant! Thank you for keeping it real!

I just picked up my Ursa Minor Camper on my stock JLU and I love it and am looking forward to many adventures!

On the edge of my seat for the next reveal!

Always great to listen to your insights and reflections and I like the way you think. Why not trying to find the cheapest way to overland for your next project? There are some incredible deals around and sometimes, for a little non-functionning thing, you get a perfectly good vehicule at a fraction of the price of the full functionning same thing. This winter, I'll cross Canada from Victoria to Montreal on a push-to-start Land-Rover Discovery paid 2300$. It's going to be an interesting experience... At the price of a set of good tires...

Diesel gladiator in NA :) get one while you still can.

25 year wait in the US is a crime against humanity!

If you are immigrating to Canada you can bring your vehicle with you. My sister moved back and forth from Sweden so it works. But Land Cruisers 79 are available in North America, Mexico is a part of North America. But 15 year rule applies to Mexican vehicles for Canada.

I already expected the conclusion you made. And i appreciate it. A pink unicorn might be really good to impress people. But in the end it is not more useful than a regular horse....

Dan have a safe trip back. Hope to see you soon. Cheers. 🍻

I thought it was a how to video, guy was driving me crazy!!

I’ve enjoyed seeing your adventures around Australia Dan.

Ive considered importing a Mercedes G300 TD to the USA as the OM606 engine was sold here. The body was sold here, the 6-speed transmission was sold here. Mercedes shops can work on it and Mercedes dealerships shouldn't have too much trouble

There is also the GRJ, 4.0l V6 petrol. I got one here in germany and tey are imported fromt the Oman i think. Steering wheel is left handed. ;)

Come to Saud and get one they are so cheap , im planning to bring one to Canada or the US in the future

Maltec in the US imports and fully restores/builds these, but sheeesh the price tags.

Love the “frame swap” shade :)

The costs mentioned vary by California vs the rest of the US. To make a import completely legal in CA, it needs to be made Air Resources Board compliant so many thousands of dollars. It’s a scam for sure. Many imports come through other states, which generally bypasses the CARB bs, but it’s not 100% legal.

In the US here. I'm tempted to get Mexican citizenship. import a LC 70 series left hand steering from UAE to Mexico register it to Mexico and just cross over the border however times need be to be legal here.

Great information. Thank you for the detailed analysis!

You still have your Africa Jeep. Freshin' that up and go with it! And you know where you should explore? The United States!

I've had a 45, 79 80 series. 2 w463 G glass and Finally a Montero/Pajero. My favorite for overland? The one that won Dakar.. Maybe we should be looking towards rally raid for inspiration and not rock crawlers.

Great great great reasoning. Thanks.

I loved watching your trip around Australia, and it's how I found your channel, and I'm excited to see where your travels take you next. I know everyone in the US has a massive hard-on for the 70-series, but like you've pointed out, the reality of owning one far out-weighs the benefits. I think a lot of people that want them haven't fully thought through everything, especially since you're dealing with a 15+ (or 25+) year old used vehicle with a potentially unknown mechanical background.

Great analysis Dan. I covet the exotic land cruisers and defenders, but as you said, not practical for North America.

Too cold to head to canada...stay in paradise 3 more months✌

great vid dan 👍 I recommend a 99-04 jeep grand Cherokee there everything you need $5000 in upgrades and you'll be unstoppable

Personally I would take a Right Hand Drive vehicle wherever I can be allowed to for overlanding, since I am from South Africa, and because it is something different I would do it. I will drive Left Hand Drive only if I am not allowed to do Right Hand Drive. FJ Cruiser for the win. I do like the 70 series but some of us here in South Africa wish we could have had the 71 2-door short wheel base in Right Hand Drive from the factory but I do believe one can get it but it would take full deposit and lots of wrestling with corporate.

Over here in Dubai, we have the Land Cruiser in left hand drive. Just two weeks ago, I saw a whole bunch of white Troop carriers just waiting to be sold. So you could come over here and get one, if you like. I like the idea of using every day cars. I think that you should stick to the Jeep brand because of what it has done to let you have adventures. Toyota is a good, but it is so over done and frankly like you said, doesn't inspire those in North America or any part of the world that doesn't have the 70 series Cruiser. Pretty much every single overlanding or off road channel has a Toyota build. What I liked about your channel is that it showed that Toyota isn't the only brand capable of going all over the globe. I've seen the comments all over the internet about Jeep it being unreliable, etc. In fact, you can't post a video about any pickup truck or off road vehicle on youtube without being trolled by a Toyota fanboy. What people don't understand, is that modern Toyota is the just the same as any other manufacturer or even worse sometimes. If Toyota are the kings of off road, why do they put their alternators so low in the engine bay? They're resting on the reputation that they've built over the years and right now don't care about their customers. They know that nothing anyone says will hurt their sales. People will buy a turd, if its got a Toyota badge on it. #RantOver

Love your honesty and integrity Dan. So a Mercedes Sprinter Winnebago is out of the question? ;-)

Dan, glad to see you and Katie had a great time here, I’m still scratching the surface of WA, 😊huge country then there’s the rest of oz🤪. Have you ever considered a 4WD van like Jason’s from Primal Overland would be interesting to hear your views on the pros and cons have a good trip home and you and Katie enjoy Xmas

Great video… thank you!

You could import one from Venezuela, they are left hand drive, mostly petrol engines, and decent prizes.

Great video! I have a 2020 Quicksand Toyota Tundra and I love it. It's also a great vehicle for overlanding and very reliable. -30 degrees where you're moving to! Are you coming to Alberta!?!! Maybe I'll see you on the roads if that's the case. What province are you moving to?

You could also look at getting a Middle East Spec version with the V8 Diesel. Just check it out in the UAE.

Only in a Dan Grec video will you get a cut of simply the word "Legalities" scored to heavy metal

Thanks for the video 😎👍

Heads up folks if you are importing into California you can throw the rules out the window. CARB requires testing of your imported vehicle which is a pretty penny. Without it you won't be able to register it in CA

very good video and interesting, Dan you provided a good and very useful video, again.

Looking forward to seeing you in a Ford E350 with a 4x4 conversion and modest lift.😁

Get a gladiator in Canada mate

Your video is so great and attracting!! Very hope to work with you! Could you shoot a video for our brand?

Bazinga, Dan… bazinga... For North America, you might like the 4Runner, Tacoma, Wrangler Unlimited (again), Ranger, or even the new Frontier. But one thing is certain; There’s nothing in the US like the 70 Series or Hilux. Every part on all of our Toyotas are weakened here thanks to “market studies” that reveal that most owners don’t use their trucks for anything that needs prior high levels of durability. It’s now all Wall-E-World, all the time.

You may be able to import and own any vehicle over 25 years old in the USA, but some states are starting to make it so you can’t legally register or drive it on public roads in those states. See Maine as an example.

Bummer :)... well it makes sense... I've been so close to importing a 70 series but the parts availability has always stopped me, and I drive a NAS Defender 90.. which a pain in the ass sometimes to fix in fact it is being replaced with a Toyota 200 series for my overland truck..

I am from CR and did not know about the limitation of right hand drive.

Thanks for this

Dude if you imported a 70 series I would be one of the few Americans who flock to it and drool over it in excitement even I can't drive stick. But I heard that the manuals in 70 series are relatively dummy proof. Since I'm a complete dumbass I might be OK.

JKU's forever!!! Thank you, Dan! Until the Ineos Grenadier is available! Haha! Seriously,I hope to see more adventures in the JKU..I'm biased! BTW, will you be in the US for any 'Adventure Shows' this year...specifically East Coast?

The Mahindra Jeep (Thar) are a bit small, but not too much $. People have bought Royal Enfield in India and travelled internationally although with hiccups. The price might outweigh shipping costs?? 1,100 rupees for a year which was about £12 at the time of writing. Pretty cheap and good to show the cops if you get pulled over. Road Tax - This is usually paid for at the beginning of the life of the bike and I believe that it lasts for 20 years so unless you are buying a really old bike it should still all be valid and paid for so nothing for you to worry about. Just check it out though, to see how much time is left on it. Pollution under Control Certificate - this needs to be obtained in order to cross the border to Nepal. Cost was 100 rupees in 2014. If you have a word with them and say that you need it to pass then they should look after you, or pass them 200 instead of 100 and you shouldn’t have any issues… If the paperwork you have states “hypothecated with XXX” where XXX is a bank then that means a loan was taken out to purchase the bike in the first place. You should make sure that there is some kind of information that shows the loan was repaid in full otherwise the resale value of the bike is much lower if selling to someone who knows what they are looking at. International Driving License - You should really have one of these. It’s easy to get apparently, from your home country. You just apply for it and pay a little money. I didn’t have one and it cost me in other countries like Indonesia but it never caused a problem in India. Strictly speaking if you get pulled over by the Police you should have the international license. Your Story to The Police If you get pulled over by the Police you need to have your story straight. You need to say that you are BORROWING the bike, not renting, because rental bikes need to have yellow printed number plates on them and you shouldn’t be riding them too far out from the state that the bike is registered in. So you are borrowing it from a friend who is the owner. You are going to return it to them after a few weeks and you have all the paperwork. You do not have the number for the guy so he is not contactable by the police should they ask. If you are having any issues then a small bribe usually does the trick and you can get out of most situations by paying 200-500 rupees. When you are riding along the road, if someone tries to stop you at any point and you can feasibly get away with not stopping by saying you didn’t see them just carry on as normal. Don’t speed off, just make it look like you didn’t notice them. The fewer questions the better and if you’re a foreigner any security or police will always try to get as much money out of you as possible. Best to not have that conversation or negotiation as you will always come off worse…

I know the 70 series LC is the go to for touring off vehicle. But, for me I still think these cars are the most over rated off road vehicle on the road. First is and I agree you Dan, is the price. With every vehicle price is number one, but most people don't think so by the look of things. Next to say they extremely reliable and I agree with that to a level. To make these car off road ready, you need to change just about everything on these cars, it's not really a Toyota anymore and when you do this the price is just plain stupid. So with your planned new vehicle you will be using soon, can't see you buying one of these cars, just way too costly and over rated.

Would love a 4Runner trip!!!

Why is it so hard to get an inline 6 diesel on a off road vehicles for the USA MARKET for fk sake 😫

1970’s or 1980’s era Chevy Suburban with a clean body (rare-ish) and Chevy 350 cubic inch. You can buy crate replacement engines Mail order for $2.5k transmissions for less. KISS principle.

Great video, as told in my last message, buy a Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited with a new JXL hardtop extension

Thanks!

Wouldn't it make more sense to import a 70 from North Africa or the Middle East? Way cheaper, V6, RHD.

Great discussion. I reached the same conclusion, which is a shame, because I’d love to own a 78 series. So disappointing that Toyota isn’t selling any solid axle vehicles suited to overlanding in North America. When will you reveal the vehicle you are going to build next? Will it be another Jeep?

Safe travels home!

Land Cruisers direct has been in trouble iwth legal issues. There was just a news story about the owner Steve having a warrent out and his whereabouts are unknown. you might want to steer clear of land cruisers direct?