Overlander Interview - Erwin Hofer

Date: 3 August 2008

Location: Cusco, Peru

Overlanders: Erwin Hofer, Isabel and their German Shepard Ricco

Nationality: Switzerland

Vehicle: 1990 Mitsubishi Pujero, 2.5 liter turbo diesel

Mileage: ~10 liters per 100 kilometers

Total mileage: 200,000 kilometers, bought 1 year ago with 150k km

Background: Have been in South America for one year, prior to that overlanded four months in Australia. Plan to journey through Central America and Mexico to North America.

Comments: The rooftop tent was good for Australia, but not so for South America. Too much rain and wind in SA. Climbing down in the rain, dark, cold, etc. is the biggest disadvantage. If he had it to do over again would have chosen a larger vehicle. Considering buying a used 4x4 diesel truck with a pickup camper for the U.S. / Canada portion of their trip.














They had the storage boxes and swiveling table built in Mendoza, Argentina. Prior to that they had a single platform in the back. In very cold places they sleep in the back with the dog.

Aussie padlock

Here, they would call a dog like that tied to a car: an "Aussie padlock". I bet they've never had any worries in that regard.

Thanks for another interview. Had one of those with an 3.9 NA FG aircleaner and bigger exhaust. Imported it from Japan as a 15year old import. Very comfortable tourer and it was good for towing. Some of them in that model had the crank pulley come loose and do damage to the end of the crank, so with 200,000k on it, tell them it would be safe to check it when they next get it serviced.

dhackney said:

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I love the prioritizing -- looks like good quality wine glasses tucked in there to keep a little civility on their tour. Good form.

And thank you, Doug, for sharing.