Baja

[Doc]

So I'm pretty solid on retiring and moving to Baja at this point...
Target is 62 which falls in Oct 2023...
600 some days to zero hour...
Planning to drive down and rent long term winters in between camping/roadtripping at leisure...
The vehicle...
1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Automatic that has not been without issues...
Million mile motor with only 160k on it but, like I said, some issues...
The latest, obsolete computer, so it has been shop bound since Nov 2021 (partially due to dead mechanic...diff thread)...
What say you, geniusii of the OSP? Roll with the old? Or go with something newer?
Part of me wants to trade-in for a gasser with a manual transmission...
And I do need a 3/4 ton size truck to tow a 27 foot trailer...
And possible Oregon summer home...
So yeah, no Tacomas or any of that talk.
Doc

[Doc]

And, I don't know about you all but...
I don't have $50k...
Much less $100k to drop on a new truck...
Doc

[Tex]

Yo Doc, sounds like you will be living the dream soon.
Being not mechanically oriented, I would want a truck with the least amount of issues. But that usually means less miles and thus more expensive. I would also want a truck with the best gas mileage possible. My dad has a 1990 4-runner with 260,000 miles and has minimal maintenance but those used 4-runners are not cheap.

[Major Lazer]

I really like this plan Doc!!! I'm sort of counting down the days until my youngest graduates from HS which is about 7 years I think. I certainly wont be retiring then, but have my sights set on GTFO away from PDX and North Coast both I am pretty burnt on these days. Hopefully have some flexibility to at least get down to south coast and eventually further south to much warmer waters.

As for trucks, its been a long while since I had one. Owned a few late 80s early 90s Toyotas, both I rallied down to baja on several occasions. Crazy how expensive they are these days!!! My recent trips to baja have been to Sisters and Abres, both pretty deep down the Peninsula. One of my bestie's had a late 90s Toyota he's outfitted specifically for baja. Mostly suspension upgrade and metal rack for boards and gear and fold down metal table on the side, which is quite nice for cooking. I fly in to SD and he picks me up and then we rally, always dirtbagging it deep off the Mex 1 off-roading for 50-70 miles a lot of the time. Some other friends in Ventura we have caravanned with have newer Tacomas with cab over campers, which are a nice option as well esp during wind storms. They had had to upgrade suspension.

While I don't know to much about specs and what not esp considering towing a trailer, I think an older truck is the way to go. Rolling low profile has it advantages vs. being a gringo in a newish truck with all the bells and whistles. I guess you'd have to consider availability of parts which is a crap shoot rn due to supply chain issues. Also getting work done down there. I know my buddy has never really had a problem finding mechanics down there for his old Toyota. Anyways my 2 cents. Sounds like your going to post up around Todos or something, set up a home base, and make trips from there?

[Doc]

Closing in on 150 days until retirement in October...
Probably gonna have to keep working some though...
Given the depleted state of my 401k compared to pre-COVID.
I've looked & looked for the best vehicular options for travel/surf rig...
But as much as I'd like a newer gas Tundra with a four wheel camper...
It probably isn't in the books.
I think the 1999 diesel F250 is gonna have to be the truck for now...
I have a removable back window kit I need to install...
Which is why I especially like the Tundra...
So I can drop both windows and slide in longboards for security.
But sticking with the F250, a canopy & a over canopy lumber rack seems doable...
Extra cab for the dogs and some storage...
Lumber rack so can carry a bit more watercraft...
Canopy for sleeping inside if needed.
If I do find a 4 wheel camper for the F250 that'd be a plus...
And they are out there...
Just trying to stay on budget!
Work to do and the clock is ticking.
Doc

[SlimVest]

https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/forum/15-gear-exchange/

campers

[Major Lazer]

Overlanders kinda taking over lately. Saw a dusty crew of 5 blasting north on 5 around Wilsonville Memorial Day.

[Doc]

Have a chance to buy a 2012 Toyota Tundra 5.7L
Gasser. 4x4, crewmax 4 Door, sliding rear & sunroof.
But 5.5 foot bed & hi mileage...261k.
Or stick with the truck in hand...99 F250 SD Diesel 7.3L.
Lots of annoying ticky tack repairs but pretty reliable.
6.5 foot bed extra cab, canopy that leaks, loud as F-250all.
Feel I can get same or better if I sell the Ford.
What say y'all? Any preference out there?
Have a feeling the Tundra will feel luxurious.
But reasons seems to indicate that +250k zone is where things go tits up.
While the Ford could roll 500k with proper ($$$) maintenance
Doc

[smithgrind]

Fix up the F250 and make sure it's tight...
Brush up on your Spanglish, gringo...
Bring your shortboards too, it's shred time...

[Doc]

That's what i'm thinking...
I like your writing style.
Doc

[smithgrind]

The style suits the thread…
Pertinent info needs a clean presentation…

[Major Lazer]

I cannot comment on such matters. These types of vehicles are well above my pay grade at the moment. However, I do know that used vehicles are very hard to find right now, especially those that are niche. For now, I am keeping my van because I will need it for chasing fall surf and have yet to find a replacement. Fingers Xed for all the above.