What kind of vehicle would be best to support light enduro bikes in the desert?

Things that are important for me are:
-reliability,
-off-raod capability (including long stretches of deep sand/dunes)
-reasonable fuel consumption on pavement (not more than 1HZ)

Budget: 9000Euro.

__________________
www.globerider.pl

Best? Another light enduro bike.

One important factor ... how much weight does this vehicle have to carry to support the bikes? Things like fuel, food, water, tyres all add up. No point in suggesting something when it won't carry the weight.

I was thinking about 7 days for 3 bikers + vehicle driver.
Distance up to 700km without refuelling.

That is 9l of drinking water per person per day (within emergency amount): 9x4x7= 252L

+ 3l for shower per person every day= 84 + water for washing kitchen stuff= 100L

20L of diesel per day = 140L

15l of petrol per day per biker: 15x7x3=315L
+ at least 200kg of other equipment.

In summary: 252+100+140+315+200=1007kg

P.s. My first choice would be HZJ79 but it is impossible to find one in my price zone at the moment.

__________________
www.globerider.pl

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-4x4-van-89746

Todo, Uaz 452 diesel:

+
simple
solid front and rear axle
big payload (over 1 tonne)
the weight can be placed between the axles
spacious
leafs front and rear


-
it is not known for its reliability
it is not existent in the Sahara
no comfort at all
engine swap on expedition vehicle can arouse some problems during repair
2.8tdi isuzu might have problems in the dunes with 2 tons of car + 1 tonne of load

__________________
www.globerider.pl

Either that, look around in the neighbouring countries, maybe you can find a project for less initial sum, but you would need to invest in the refurbishment.

Other option in my view would be LR Defender 130, and try to get one from some fire department, they're usually very aware of keeping the car in top shape.

Really curious with what you will buy in the end

cheers
Dooby

To find HZJ79 one should look in neighbouring continents or even further.
The refurbishment of old cars is very expensive.

LR 130 especially in double cab setup is particularly interesting because one can put a bike on the back of the car in case of bike breakdown or rider injury. That is a real asset.

On the other hand I suppose that LR130 with a tonne of load will be flat out in the dunes.
Besides I do not have faith in new LRs reliability. In EU it is not a problem, you will fix everything one way or another. Having a major car failure in the desert few days of driving from the nearest garage may impose some serious problems in terms of time and money.
New LRs are not popular in the Sahara except for those with european number plates.
This year I was on a trip to Djanet and the only LRs that I have seen were the old ones- LR III series ect.

__________________
www.globerider.pl

OK, got you. You´re looking for a comfortable, supersonic dune buggy, which isn´t stressed at 1ton payload to keep up with bikes for a fist full of change.

I´d still trust that UAZ.
Reliability of that thing is relative. Maintainabilty is for sure. At this price it is a steal. You could iron out a lot, for what you still have on your budget and fuel up for most of the trip.

As s´one already mentioned well cared firetrucks. How about this one
MAN 12.192 4x4. or this IVECO?

The MAN has already a 1200l water tank built in and lot´s of space to carry all catering and needs everywhere. Not quick, surely a little bit thirstier than a car. 130hp Ivecos start at 4k€, so you could save a lot for fuel upfront.

Too big. Here is one size smaller. Definitely does the job: MAN VW-MAN 8.150-FAE

But still 90km/h max and 20l/100km (of all qualities) of Diesel.

No Truck, too slow and thirsty?
No car (130, LC, etc), with 1ton always at it´s limit?
So, vans? But, I´d guess you do not want to bring a plastic electronic Sprinter to the dunes, when you already mistrust a mechanically governed 2.8 Isuzu?

In the van class, my all-time favorite definitely is a´90s MB410D with Iglhaut 4x4 and decent tires. Here is a similar well maintained low milage 309D 4x4. Not sure, if a Iglhaut with G-Model axles. These are rare, and sought after. That´s why not exactly in the budget. As this VW LT40 4x4

Really curious, what you will end up with.

Good luck.