November 2022

The End of an Era

We decide to sell our Provan Tiger Overland Vehicle


To close out a truly significant time in our lives and to properly remember our friend and ever faithful travel companion La Tortuga, and also just for the fun of it, here’s the ad I posted on the Tiger forums as well as on Expedition Portal for the sale of our Tiger.

In the fifteen plus years we had our Tiger it carried us over 292,000 miles (470,000 kms) through sixty-five countries around the world.  It was and still is a wonderful vehicle for overland travel.  We were happy to be able to sell it on to a younger couple who will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

So, In Memorium, La Tortuga:

For Sale:  

One of a kind 2007/2016 Tiger Overland Vehicle

This unique vehicle combines the best of two eras.


The chassis is a 2007 Silverado Classic 2500HD; the last of the pre-emission control diesels.  It features four wheel drive along with the Duramax LBZ diesel engine combined with the 6 speed Allison automatic with push button shift control.  This combination was only available in 2006 and 2007 Classic models and is widely believed to be the very best Duramax to have.   Because it is pre-emission control, the unit runs properly on all grades of diesel fuel and you can take it anywhere in the world just as we have.  No DEF required.

While the Tiger body was first built in 2007, in 2016 it underwent an extensive four month rebuild at the Tiger Factory.  Upgrades done at that time were installation of a new, taller TX top, largely new wood floor, updated exterior storage compartment, all new cabinets, new vinyl flooring, new headliner and upgraded electronics.  In the intervening years, Tiger Vehicles had made many improvements to their construction practices, most especially the sturdier TX top, all solid wood cabinets, fiberglass shower enclosure and much improved insulation.  Our rebuilt Tiger is a much better vehicle than the original was back in 2007.  

DSC 8696

Mechanically, our Tiger has always been maintained in excellent condition because we have needed it to be.  As full time travelers, with our Tiger as our home, we’ve always maintained the vehicle in completely ready to go condition.  It has had to be prepared to go on a long trip at all times because we are always on the move; in our life, we are always on a long trip; far from ‘home’.  

DSC 8701

This vehicle is ready to go wherever you want to take it whenever you want to leave.  In 2022 our Tiger covered 21,000 miles through 35 States and 5 Canadian provinces.  From Alabama to California to the easternmost point in North America at Cape Spear, Newfoundland, and then back to Alabama.  This is a truck you can get into on the first day and take off for distant adventures.  In preparation for selling the unit, we’ve recently spent $4,000 preparing it after our travel season to ensure that everything works as it should and everything is in great condition.  The Tiger comes with complete service records in both paper and electronic forms.

In addition to its regular servicing schedule, in 2016, with our Tiger back in the States for the first time in many years, we undertook a very thorough mechanical inspection and upgrade to bring everything back to as near a like new condition as possible.  

Mileage is 292,765 miles.  This is not considered high for a Duramax LBZ as you can see by reading here, or here, or here.  As mentioned above, vehicle comes with complete service records, both paper invoices and spreadsheet records.

DSC 8667

More information can be found in the Vehicle section of our website at Travelin-Tortuga.com, and additional details and photos are shown below. 

2007/2016 Tiger Equipment, Accessories & Recent Maintenance Items:

DSC 8675DSC 8704DSC 8682
  • 6 265x75x16 BFGoodrich All Terrain KO2 tires mounted on 6x7 Alcoa Aluminum wheels (as you can see in the photos, we carry 2 spares), 2 tires new in 2021, 4 new in 2022; approx 15,000 miles on all tires with tires rotated approx. every 6,500 miles.
  • ARB Bull Bar front bumper
  • Warn 16.5 TI winch
  • Hi-Lift Jack plus 4 ton hydraulic jack
  • Assorted 4x4 accessories as well as LPG and 240 volt adapters for foreign travel
  • ARB air compressor for lowering and raising tire pressures
  • ARB Sand Ladders on custom removable side mount
  • Custom aluminum rear storage boxes
  • 8 leaf rear suspension by Deaver Springs with custom valved King shock absorbers
  • Front shocks are Fox.  All shocks new 3/20.
  • Artec Industries rear axle support truss 
  • Roadmaster rear anti-sway bar
  • 480 watts of solar (3 panels) new 4/16 with MPPT controller new 4/22
  • 420 combined amp-hour, 4 AGM 6-volt golf cart batteries installed at Tiger factory 10/22 along with all wiring, fuses, etc. upgraded to current Tiger production standard
  • 2000 watt Magnum inverter — Solar, Battery, Inverter package allows unlimited wild camping without the need to plug in to shore power
  • Bully Dog tuner/code reader
  • Edge Performance digital engine monitor
  • This Tiger does not have a generator; upgraded alternator, charge relay and wiring allow rapid charging of house batteries while driving or by idling the engine.  This system also allows running the convection oven for baking.
  • This Tiger does not have a rooftop air conditioner.  This allows room for solar panels.
  • 3 ceiling mounted Fantastic Fans; two with covers to allow use when raining
  • Custom insect screens on both front cab doors
  • Eclipse sunshades in windshield
  • All electric refrigerator (12-24-120-240 volts)
  • Sharp Microwave/Convection oven
  • Espar diesel furnace
  • Custom wooden ladder for bed access
  • Water pump and water heater both new 1/20
  • 2 12-volt engine batteries new 2/21
  • Mattress new 3/21
  • Sofa rebuilt & recovered 3/16 
  • Cab seats rebuilt and new cab headliner 1/20
  • Turbo and all injectors replaced 4/21
  • Front wheel hubs and bearings, EGR valve new 4/22
  • Combination switch - turn signals, wipers, cruise control new 11/22
  • Master power window/mirror/door lock switch new 11/22
  • Body Control Module new 11/22


                   

© Rick & Kathy Howe 2001-2023