In the world of overland travel, few vehicles evoke the same level of respect as the Toyota Land Cruiser. This 1990 80 Series, imported from Spain and meticulously outfitted by Campteq, is a prime example of why the Land Cruiser is held in such high regard. Over three days, starting from Telluride, Colorado, we set out to explore the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains, testing this uniquely prepared rig across Ophir Pass, California Pass, Engineer Pass, and finally, the infamous Imogene Pass. Out here, where the roads are rough and civilization is a distant memory, the 80-Series Land Cruiser transformed from a capable 4×4 into a true expedition vehicle, blending resilience, comfort, and self-sufficiency to tackle anything the high country could throw at it.
A Solid Foundation: The Engine and Drivetrain
At the heart of this Land Cruiser is a 1HD-T turbo diesel engine—a powerhouse renowned for its low-end torque and reliability, which is exactly what’s needed for high-altitude climbs and technical trails. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and triple-locking differentials, this powertrain is designed to conquer tough trails without sacrificing efficiency. The Land Cruiser’s transfer case has been rebuilt with overdrive gears, a modification that allowed us to cruise comfortably on highways yet gave us the low-end pull needed for crawling up steep grades and over loose rock.
The turbo-diesel engine hummed confidently on the steep, winding trail up to Ophir Pass. The Land Cruiser climbed steadily, and with the factory triple locking differentials engaged, it powered over loose shale and gravel with minimal effort. The diesel’s low-end torque and overdrive gears provided the versatility to switch seamlessly between technical maneuvers and more relaxed highway stretches, a blend of power and adaptability that prepared us for any terrain we encountered.
First Taste of the High Country: Ophir Pass to Silverton
Ophir Pass is often the first hurdle in the San Juans for overland travelers. Narrow, rocky, and with breathtaking drop-offs, the trail is as thrilling as it is challenging. Equipped with Firestone Destination XT 315/70/17 tires mounted on Nomad Sahara 17 x 8.5-inch wheels, the Land Cruiser maintained excellent grip and stability even on the loose rock. The upgraded Old Man Emu suspension allowed a smooth, controlled climb without bottoming out or losing traction.
As we descended into Silverton, a quick lunch break let us test Campteq’s slide-out kitchen, a game-changer in overland cooking. Compactly stored and easy to deploy, the setup made it possible to cook a hot meal without unloading half the truck. The National Luna 50-liter dual-zone fridge/freezer kept our ingredients fresh, and the 17-gallon stainless steel water tank, fitted with baffles to minimize sloshing, provided a steady supply of water for cooking and cleaning. The slide-out kitchen embodied the purpose of this build: efficiency, comfort, and self-sufficiency in the most remote places.
Tackling California Pass and Engineer Pass
Refueled and ready, we left Silverton and climbed toward California Pass. The terrain grew rougher, and the switchbacks narrowed as we gained elevation. This is where the Land Cruiser’s triple locking differentials again proved invaluable, ensuring traction across the loose gravel and rock-strewn trail. The Campteq PopTop, while providing ample headroom and sleeping space, preserved the vehicle’s original stability by keeping weight low, essential for maintaining control on precarious ledges and steep inclines. With rain clouds gathering above, we pushed on to Engineer Pass, braving a mix of wind and shifting weather as the landscape turned even more dramatic.
High up on Engineer, we encountered Ricardo, a Peruvian shepherd guiding 300 sheep through the alpine meadows, his faithful dogs by his side. Ricardo’s presence reminded us that even in the remote reaches of the Rockies, we’re never truly alone. We shared a few words about the changing weather and his journey, marveling at the simplicity and resilience of his life on the mountainside.
Camping at 12,000 Feet
As dusk settled over Engineer Pass, we found a campsite perched at nearly 12,000 feet. Out here, the Campteq PopTop proved its value once again. In minutes, we converted the interior into a cozy, insulated sleeping area that protected from the mountain chill and whipping wind. The 100-amp lithium battery, charged by a Cascadia 90-watt hood-mounted solar panel, powered our lights and the National Luna fridge, allowing us to settle in without concerns about draining power.
This was no ordinary camping setup; the Wrappon 12-volt toilet added convenience without straying from Leave No Trace principles, and the Campteq PopTop provided ample room to prepare our gear for the next day. After a quick meal on the slide-out kitchen, we climbed into our beds, lulled by the silence of the mountains and the flickering stars overhead. The auxiliary heating system kept the cabin warm, and despite the weather’s unpredictability, we slept soundly, ready for what the morning would bring.
Descending into Ouray and Climbing Imogene Pass
The next morning, we descended into Ouray, the “Switzerland of America,” known for its towering peaks and narrow streets. The Land Cruiser’s compact build was ideal for navigating the narrow, cobblestone streets and winding paths leading out of town, where larger rigs might struggle. After a quick resupply, we set out to tackle Imogene Pass, a route known for its steep climbs, loose rock, and breathtaking views.
Imogene Pass is not for the faint of heart, with rapidly changing weather adding to its challenges. Midway up, we encountered a sudden downpour, slicking the rocks and creating treacherous conditions. The Land Cruiser’s ARB bullbar with its 12,000-pound winch provided peace of mind, knowing that we had the means to recover if necessary. Equipped with a Puma 3/4 HP compressor and Apex air hose reel, we could adjust tire pressure on demand, ensuring the Firestone Destination XT tires maintained traction across slippery surfaces and softer, muddy sections.
At the summit, the rain broke, revealing a view that stretched across the jagged peaks and alpine valleys. It was a scene that made every challenge of the journey worth it, a reminder of why we venture into these wild places in the first place.
Efficiency and Self-Sufficiency: A Thoughtfully Designed Interior
The Land Cruiser’s interior modifications, designed with overland travel in mind, were integral to the success of this journey. The 60-liter AluBox storage system kept tools and recovery gear organized and easily accessible, while the Gobi rear ladder allowed quick access to the roof-mounted solar panel and storage. The Goose Gear drawer system not only kept everything tied down but also provided designated space for each piece of equipment, from the 13-year-old National Luna fridge to the emergency first-aid kits.
Campteq’s attention to detail extended beyond just gear storage. The lithium battery, managed by a Victron battery system and DC-DC charger, powered all auxiliary systems without generating excess heat, even at high elevations. The Auxbeam switch panel made it easy to toggle between accessories, providing control over lighting, charging ports, and more without cluttering the dash. This setup allowed us to spend our time enjoying the journey rather than worrying about power management or equipment failures.
Final Descent and Lessons Learned
Descending Imogene Pass back toward Telluride, the Land Cruiser’s rugged build and Campteq upgrades had proven their worth at every stage. The lessons from this journey were clear: simplicity, efficiency, and thoughtful modifications transform a capable 4×4 into a true overlanding rig. Each feature, from the solar-powered battery system to the triple-locking differentials, had its place, working together to create a seamless experience on some of Colorado’s most challenging trails.
Meeting Ricardo and his flock, navigating rain-slicked rocks on Engineer Pass, and camping high above the treeline reminded us why we seek out these remote places. The Land Cruiser, outfitted with Campteq’s precision engineering, wasn’t just a vehicle; it was our shelter, our kitchen, our tool kit, and our constant companion through a landscape as unforgiving as it was beautiful.
For those looking to build a Land Cruiser that combines durability, comfort, and independence, this Campteq 80 Series offers a blueprint. It’s a vehicle that encourages adventure, ready to go wherever the road, or lack thereof, might lead. And in the San Juans, where mountains meet the sky, this rig proved it could take on the wild and bring us back to tell the story.
Specifications
1990Hdj80 LHD
imported from Spain
Power
1HD-T turbo-diesel engine
H55F 5-speed transmission
Transfer case rebuilt with overdrive gears
Suspension and Drive
Triple-locked, factory-locking differentials
Old Man Emu shocks and springs
Wheels and Tires
Nomad Sahara
Firestone Destination X/T 315/70/17 tires
Recovery and Armor
ARB bull bar
Come Up 12,000-pound winch
Safari snorkel
ARB recovery gear
Accessories
Campteq 2-person live-aboard interior with slide-out kitchen
Campteq PopTop conversion
Campteq 17-gallon stainless steel water tank with baffles
National Luna 50-liter dual-zone fridge/freezer
AluBox 60-liter storage
Wrappon 12-volt toilet
Gobi rear ladder
Apex air hose reel
Puma 3/4 HP compressor
Cascadia hood-mounted solar, 90 watts
100-amp lithium battery
Victron battery management system, DC/DC 18-amp low-heat output
Solar charger controller
Auxbeam switch
Resources
- ARB USA arbusa.com
- Nomad nomadwheels.com
- Campteq campteq.co
- Wrappon 12-volt toilet wrapponusa.com
- Gobi Rear Ladder gobiracks.com
- apex air hose reel apexdesignsusa.com
- Puma 3/4 horse compressor pumaairusa.com
- Auxbeam auxbeam.com/collections/switch-panels
Images: Sinuhe Xavier
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