What 4x4 Truck?

[FunkyFro]

Allo every body.
Nu here so best say allo.
"Allo"!
I'm currently in the process of planning my next travels.
It's not goin to be for a year or so as i have to get another vehicle.
I've spent alot of time on the road(about 10yrs) up untill about three yrs ago when my travels stopped here in Ireland.
Now he feet are itching and the wheels need to role!
I only travelled round europe then into north africa during my last stint.
This time i intend on taking in the rest of the world however long that might take!

As all of my land travel was done in a merc 609 we were a bit restricted to how far off the beaten track we could venture.
The limits were only found by getting stuck numorous times
But thats all part of the fun.
Right?
So my intention this time is to have a vehicle which will open up those limitations.
~As i have no previouse experience with 4x4 trucks i thought the best place to ask was here as i have seen a few nice vehicles and reports on here while floating around the site this last year.
I've been looking at some of the different manufacturers out there.
It seems Man and merc bases are the most popular.
I suppose i'm lookin for any advice, experiences or pitfalls people may have or know of with these different makes! Or others..

The only criteria i have at the moment is 4x4, length around 7mtrs(as i intend on making this truck my home for as long as a piece of string may be! and don't wish to be too cramped), capability to cary bike but that's neither here nor there.
I'm pretty handy at the old mechanics and fabrication but no expert.
So i'm toying with the idea of buying one and modifying it to my specs or starting from scratch, chassis, box etc.
I don't have an endless or massive budget either so i'm not going for all bells and whistles.
Well there ya go.
Any feedback much apreciated.