We were so honored to see that our vehicle was featured as the 2019 Editor's Choice Award and selected as the Top Used Vehicle to Buy in 2019 by the team at Expedition Portal [READ MORE].
"CHEWIE, WE'RE HOME."
Most folks will say I'm a Toyota guy, but truth be told, I'm not. I'm a Land Cruiser guy.
Back in 2006, my personal 100 Series daily driver became Equipt's first company car. After thousands of miles together I was influenced into selling her, and picked up a new 5th Gen 4Runner. Don't get me wrong, that 4R was a great vehicle; it was as capable as my 100 Series, about the same size, offering equal power AND better fuel economy. I used to tell people, "...the best thing about the 5th Gen 4Runner is that it's lighter than the 100, and the worst thing about the 4Runner is that it's lighter." It was a magnificent vehicle, but I missed my hundie.
When the urge to secure another Land Cruiser failed to wane from my to-do list, I did what anyone might do. I spoke with the Lead Engineer of Toyota. He told a gathering of us like minded Land Cruiser fanatical types at an event that "...the LC200 is the strongest Land Cruiser we've ever built." I didn't question his expertise and began the hunt for my own. What I found still doesn't disappoint; she has power, elegance, and toughness, and fits right in with my heavily-modified '76 FJ40. While nothing will replace the love I had for my 100, this 200 is quickly becoming my favorite vehicle. Ever.
Allow me to introduce Equipt's Millennium Falcon, or MF200 for short. She is one badass MF.
Before moving forward, you're likely already asking yourself two questions:
- What is going on with the title of this SoJournal?
- Why is the 200 called the Millennium Falcon? ...wasn't that a spaceship??
Both excellent questions, and we should get the answers out of the way so we can focus on the build out.
Hans' own large white cargo hauler featured beautiful black highlights, super sweet buttons, and most importantly traveled like a bat out of hell! When I finally found a for-sale listing on a lightly used 2013 model, her loving nickname was born from the moment I laid eyes on her beautiful Blizzard Pearl exterior.
The name really started to stick as I drove home for the first time with my Wookiee copilot Stella, my fox-red Labrador. The 200 handled like a champ, the same way I knew Solo felt about his girl. As we pulled into the driveway of my home, I turned to Stella and quoted those famous words, "Chewie, we're home." It became official after I placed my new decal (left) on the rear window. My wife's eye roll sealed the deal. Although in reality this is all playfully ironic because this machine ain't no hunk of junk.
Take a look below at the snapshot of upgrades we put into MF200. There's quite an array of drool-worthy goodies because after multiple builds, we spared no expense to make this our best yet.
MF200 BUILD SPECS |
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|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | 2.5" OEM Lift Stock +400 lb Rated Springs |
| WHEELS & TIRES | BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2 Tires, 285/65-18 18” Fuel Anza Anthracite with Black Ring Wheels |
| ACCESSORIES | ARB Commercial Bar ARB Intensity 9” Driving Lights & Fog Lights Warn 10,000 Winch ARB 200 Series Safari Snorkel Custom Goose Gear Cabinets TrekPak Organization System National Luna 50L Weekender Fridge AT Overland Fridge & Stove Combo Slide National Luna Dual Battery Kit Group 31 AGM Auxiliary Battery Slee Offroad Battery Trays Blue Sea Auxiliary Fuse Block ARB Twin Cylinder Compressor Eezi-Awn K9 2.2Mx1400mm Roof Rack Eezi-Awn Stealth Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Eezi-Awn Series 2000 2.5M Awning |
While I could write about why I made each of these choices, it's always better to see visuals. Luckily for me, our great partners at Expedition Overland hosted me at their new shop up in Bozeman. Clay and I walked through this build front-to-back, showing off each section of the 200 and giving a great overview of my selections.
These builds are far and beyond the best part of my job. While no build is ever completed, the continual evolution and refinement is half the fun. Give us a ring or shoot us an email and we can discuss your own. I'd love to help get you setup!
Cheers!
PAUL MAY
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT