4XPEDITION Team 4X Community Forum - Recent Topics

The 2024 Landcruiser

Shovel — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:11:31 +0000

Specifically the base model... actually looks more exciting than anything I've seen in a long time. I'm not buying one at the moment because it's not at all in my budget but I can see one in my future.

What's unique about the new model - and the base model in particular - is that it's smaller and less expensive than the model it replaces. How often does that happen!

It looks like the higher spec ones screw this up a little by adding superfluous junk but here's what I find exciting:

4" narrower than the outgoing model.

Reportedly $25k less than the starting price of the outgoing model.

Although the dash does include two LCD panels they appear to be just business, no silly animations or cell phone video game junk.

Actual center differential (lockable) for true AWD and 4WD

Base model gets selectable rear locker

Base model gets tow package with brake controller (no word yet on towing but I would be satisfied with 5000 lbs from a vehicle this size)

Base model is devoid of silly drive mode games... it still has traction control naturally but it doesn't appear to divide it up into the half dozen questionable guesses with video game animations that seem almost universal now in the market.

I know everyone has engine/powertrain preferences and turbo 4cyl + hybrid isn't everyone's first choice but I actually like that idea. I wish they had used an ECVT (scaled up Prius style) instead of a conventional transmission behind it but I expect that may not be compatible with extended regen/engine braking with a heavy brick and a trailer.

Well it's all window shopping for now, but maybe in 3-4 years I'll be in position to buy one - first new vehicle I've been excited about in many years and first Toyota I've ever been excited about.

Finally found some Mermaids! I think? Mahahual Scuba Diving July 2023

John Twarog — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 21:33:00 +0000

Hi All,

Been super busy with work, and prepping for this trip as well, so have been pretty absent.

Here are some photos, and a YouTube video link to a fantastic scuba dive trip to Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Its is a 4 drive south, from Cancun, which most are familiar with. It is almost to the border of Belize, on the eastern coast of Mexico carrabean side!

This is the YouTube link. https://youtu.be/MaHLXsbCHTI

If you've never gone Scuba diving, this will give you a nice ride along, maybe it will stir an interest to try it out, or at least go snorkeling, or Free diving as I had done for many years before getting Scuba Certified. This trip I completed some Advanced Diver Training Courses as well, and have now completed over 20 dives, in the past year.

Here are some photos of the area, some dives, and the Mermaids that where our Dive Masters, just amazing and hard working ladies!!

Actually got some great video of Green Sea Turtles, and a Spotted Eagle Ray!

Hope all are well and having Great Adventures!!

JPT 😎 👍

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The Rancho Redux Ranch!

Shovel — Mon, 08 May 2023 17:11:52 +0000

Last month I had a surprise business trip sprung on me to the Midwest and my return flight was Louisville>Dallas>Phoenix>Spokane .   The flight path into Phoenix usually passes over Mt. Lemmon so as I flew over the ranch I took a photo from my little window seat, thinking I'd send it to Scott and Heather when I landed as a near-visit.

Well I did send it but I also missed my connecting flight to Washington and decided instead of being in a hurry to get home, maybe I could use a free day in Arizona where I already have friends and access to transportation.     That turned out to be a fantastic unexpected vacation!

The hard part of spending one day in a place where I have a number of friends & some family is unfortunately I can't go see everyone there just isn't time but it was going to be possible to combine a few visits, one of them was to an old friend who lives halfway between Phoenix and Catalina.    And that meant it wasn't much further to go visit Rancho los Cerros!

I'm very appreciative to Scott and Heather for taking the time to give us a big tour of the ranch, and hang out & finally get to meet in person.   It's going to be exciting watching the ranch develop under their care and vision along with of course the owners whose investment is riding on that development.

Perhaps one day in the not too distant future there will be a few restored guest rooms and make Rancho los Cerros a destination for more than just afternoon visits, provided one has the time to drive there.   It's really very secluded and doesn't feel like it's so close to Tucson & its suburbs.

Spring.. ish

Shovel — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 18:58:33 +0000

We've still had snow as recently as Sunday, and hail Monday so it's not exactly warm yet but spring is undeniably happening - and that means I can start work on the outdoor video projects I've been dreaming about all winter.

It means camping season is almost here too!    I don't know if we'll have the funds to visit "distant" Canadian destinations again this summer but there's a lot to explore within a 2-day weekend.

I'm hoping to wrap up my video series on restoring a very unloved, "Wrong Engine" Mustang and then have to make the decision on keeping it or selling it.   I'm building it as if I want to keep it.. but that's how I do all my projects and if I need to offer it to someone else they'll get something built with care and I think a little bit special.

For the video series at this point I want to develop my presentation and production skill.. taking the path of greatest resistance as always.

What does springtime bring for you?

March 2023 Gear Giveaway Winner!

Scott Leuthold — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 01:00:00 +0000

04/02/2023
March Gear Giveaway Winner Announced!

Congratulations to TEAM 4X Member #62, Robert Tenney of Maricopa, Arizona for winning the March 2023 Member Giveaway! Robert won a HydraPak Seeker – 3 Liter Collapsible Water Storage! Congrats Robert!

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Announcing the January 2023 Gear Giveaway Winner!

Scott Leuthold — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:27:18 +0000

I know, I know... it is late. I had to swollow an elephant getting Rove Ultra Expeditions website done in February. So, we will be skipping February all together for giveaways. BUT! I am happy to announce that Kevin Wright has won the January giveaway! Kevin won a Wolf & Grizzly Fire Starter Ferro Rod, Striker, and Fiber Kit!

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December 2022 Gear Giveaway Winner Announced!

Scott Leuthold — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 16:12:25 +0000

Congratulations to TEAM 4X Member #46, Alan Greenberg of San Diego, CA for winning the December 2022 Member Giveaway! Alan won a Trasharoo rear spare tire carrier trash pack. Keep your trash out of your vehicle after a camp outing with this handy product. Congrats Alan!

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Merry Christmas! Anyone traveling during the holidays?

Shovel — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 23:20:12 +0000

This year I don't have the budget for any big plans, but we're going to do some close to home adventures, snow sledding in the forest just outside of town.

Ho-hum but not humbug!

I hope you have a warm and memorable Christmas, or any other way you mark the season!

New Forum Version

Scott Leuthold — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 15:14:22 +0000

Hello, WPForo updated their forum to a new look and feel. I have been exploring it as well and getting used to it. This is an out of the box solution so when I updated to the latest version it automatically changed. Go to your profile page and note you can make some new personalization such as a background image etc. I like the new member list page.

November 22 Gear Giveaway Winner Announced!

Scott Leuthold — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 20:16:04 +0000

Congratulations to TEAM 4X Member, Scott Arnzen of Cape Girardeau, MO for winning the November Gear Giveaway! Scott won a Crankbrothers M19 Multi-tool and case for Cycling. I sure love mine. Congrats, Scott!

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