Roads only take you so far. There's a lot more of the world out there to see, and sometimes you need a special vehicle to get you there. These are Jalopnik readers' choices for the ten best expedition vehicles.
Welcome back to Answers of the Day — our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Wapster
10.) Volkswagen Westfalia Syncro
Suggested By: Swine
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: Adding an all-wheel-drive system to the already capably off-the-grid Westy was a stroke of genius. Unless there's a tree in the way, this well get there (if slowly).
Photo Credit: Dave O
9.) Rolls-Royce Phantom Torpedo Tourer
Suggested By: Defender90
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: If you're going to do something, do it with style. Originally outfitted for tiger hunting with gun mounts and searchlights, this 1925 Phantom backs up the gear with the most solid platform and running gear available in its day. Rolls-Royces were a popular choice in the rougher parts of the British Empire for those with the means.
Photo Credit: Bonhams
8.) BMW R 1200 GS
Suggested By: E39Ed
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: If four wheels and enclosed sleeping areas are just too safe and comfortable, BMW's family of GS motorcycles may be your cup of spring water. A legion of hardened adventure travelers swear by the bulky and phenomenally capable bikes.
Photo Credit: Paul and Menno Ridderhof
7.) Toyota Land Cruiser
Suggested By: nibby4WD
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: Our pick of the standard SUV class, the Land Cruiser is a favorite of explorers and paramilitary movements around the globe. Older ones with the pushrod inline-Six are among the most mechanically reliable vehicles ever built.
Photo Credit: Don Carroll
6.) EarthRoamer XV-LT
Suggested By: HammerheadFistpunch
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: An EarthRoamer has about as much in common with a normal RV as Everest base camp has with a state park: the same basic idea turned up to a hundred. Basically a luxury cabin cruiser on the capable shoulders of a Ford heavy-duty pickup, this will go just about anywhere while not wandering too far from modern comfort.
Photo Credit: earthroamer.com
5.) KAMAZ-4911
Suggested By: 24hrs of BtheD19
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: Exploring is usually done at one's own pace, but if it turns into a competition it's best to be prepared with a competition vehicle. The big Russian-made rigs have dominated the truck class of the Dakar rally for a decade.
Photo Credit: Daniel Peppes Gauer
4.) Jeep Wrangler
Suggested By: BigHarv
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: It's a small miracle that such a ridiculously capable vehicle is available at local dealerships across America at an affordable price. With minimal preparation, a Wrangler will happily handle everything short of a climb straight up El Capitan.
Photo Credit: Jeep.com
3.) Steyr-Daimler-Puch/BAE Pinzgauer
Suggested By: DukeofBirnam
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: Half of this list could be military vehicles. We're giving the nod to the Pinzgauer because of its compelling combination of bombproof construction, reasonable carrying capacity, moderate footprint, and ground-clearance-enhancing portal axles.
Photo Credit: Mike McGrath
2.) MaxiMog
Suggested By: m2m, destroyer of brake pads, disks
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: A Mercedes Unimog is already one of the most capable vehicles on the planet, so properly preparing it for an expedition is the finishing touch. The Maximog takes the basic idea and adds just about everything good.
Photo Credit: Maximog.com
1.) Dobbertin Surface Orbiter
Suggested By: nryoung
Why it's fit to tackle the unknown: When Rick Dobbertin got tired of crafting award-winning hot rods, he decided to build a fully-amphibious super-RV using the stainless steel tank of an old milk truck. The Surface Orbiter project ran out of funding before it could live up to its globe-lapping potential, but it did clock 30,000 miles on land and 3,000 in the water. One person's monument to going anywhere and everywhere possible.