Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 24 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 194
There’s some great advice on here, I like the “Anyway relax for now……..”. There is of course the down side of forums, they can scare you to death! And of course beware of the bias that individuals have for certain makes of vehicle.

From your description you are starting with a blank sheet which can be good. My thoughts would be go along to as many meets/shows as possible and try and match your personalities, spending power, intended destinations and starting knowledge with others who have been there and done it. Probably personality and spending power being the two most important.

For some it’s all about a certain type of vehicle and the off roading. I don’t get that from your initial question so you need to be able to filter that out.

Van’s are all over Africa, held together with string and a prayer. I’m sure given a sympathetic driving style and a good basic van to start with you would be fine, but as others have mentioned you haven’t said what type of route/roads you are planning on. My experience of cheap van's is that they have had a hard life with little care and maintenance. Recent ones, say less than 10 years old tend to be full of electronic engine management. I would suggest you investigate spares availability along your intended routes.

To prepare a vehicle (without throwing money at useless bling) and to keep it going, even by bodging it, it would be useful to have some mechanical knowledge. How about investigating basic mechanic courses at your local college?

Russ
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 24 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by RussG View Post

match your personalities, spending power, intended destinations and starting knowledge with others who have been there and done it. Probably personality and spending power being the two most important.

it would be useful to have some mechanical knowledge. How about investigating basic mechanic courses at your local college?

Russ
Yes, I had some similar thoughts recently about the original post: for me a lot of it comes down to ones' philosophy toward travel.
For instance, "is the destination or the journey of greater importance" and that type of thing.
There are a few threads in the HUBB about this, probably more inclined to the 2 wheel school, including bicycles, rather than 4, or more.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 25 Nov 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Posts: 22
Hey guys,

So had a little squizz on eBay and found a caravan with 49 000 on the clock and has all te stuff I want. Has an oil leak. £800..worth buying and spending £5000 on new and spare parts?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 27 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
I've got a Mercedes Benz T1 campervan built by Westfalia (James Cook model) and have taken it along many 000s of kms of dirt roads in Aus and throughout Europe with no great problems - stuck once in the Pyrenees. Longest trip has been nine months and you then appreciate that having a hot shower in the morning, turning on the heating, cooking inside with a fridge, etc. etc. We have waffle boards and a Tirfor winch for when I get too stupid and go beyond the capabilities of the tyres.

There are quite a few German campers around that are 4x2s but with a diff lock - which will get you almost as far into trouble as a 4x4.

If you are desperate for a muddy road 4x4 then the Volkswagen 4x4s with a Westfalia conversion are a good buy in Germany.

When you see that the majority of locals dont have 4x4 and are driving down dirt roads all the time you start to wonder whether 4x4 is just an expensive and rarely used luxury - unless you have some very specific locations that really do require 4x4 only. Years ago we used to drive down our local beach in Kombis and Utes - now only 4x4 are allowed by the council.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 27 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 280
Just bear in mind that a lot of the posts here aren't talking about traveling in Africa. Of course you can travel the length of Africa without 4x4 but it will limit you. You need a 4x4 to visit most game parks - for many a quintessential part of a trip to Africa. Or if you want to explore some of the desert. Or any number of places just a little off the beaten track whether that be a rough track down to a lakeside or up a mountain.

But life is a compromise!
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 27 Nov 2012
HU Sponsor
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 161
Hello. You don't have to spend lots of money. You can, but you don't have to!
Like Darrin says, the most important thing is a reliable vehicle. Fitting fancy spot lights could cost £300, or a fitting a gearbox oil seal might cost £30, which is going to get you home?!
And like someone else said, you don't have to have a 4x4. A good estate car would be fine. Or a small van, or even a small car! People have driven around the world in every type of vehicle you can think of.
Cheers, Matt Savage
__________________
www.mattsavage.com
VIAIR - 12 & 24 volt compressors and systems. Tyre levers, Land Rover parts, Sand Tracks, Allisport Intercoolers, Overland Prep, and much more...
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 9 Jan 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: london
Posts: 178
Hi
just come back after 3.5 years away, to me its about what you want to do/go, 4x4 is handy but if you don't want to go to deserts and deep mud jungle roads you don't need it. Two good friends of mine have been the same places as I have been in a 308 merc camper van, no ground clearance, no 4x4. Yea they got stuck on the beach and had to be pulled up to the lake on the Karakorum, but no big deal always someone to help. It was ultra reliable and inexpensive. If you don't want to go off road to those really really remote places you don't need a 4x4 but like I said it is handy .

The merc is easy to get repaired, change the clutch and do the essentials, however you can garuantee the part that breaks is the part you have not got. The best bit 3 bits of advice I got was:

don't spend all your cash on a vehicle that you cant then afford to take anywhere.

In choosing whether to go somewhere don't listen to those that have NOT been there.

And in case of breakdown or disaster put on kettle and calm down its always easier after a cuppa

Good luck you will love it and have the time of your lives, be warned coming back into the real world can be really, really hard.
hope this helps Mark
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 28 Feb 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: In Ireland, Working to save for the next trip
Posts: 291
BRILLIANT advice there Mark! especially number 3! :-)

Merv.

Quote:
Originally Posted by marky116 View Post
Hi
The best bit 3 bits of advice I got was:

don't spend all your cash on a vehicle that you cant then afford to take anywhere.

In choosing whether to go somewhere don't listen to those that have NOT been there.

And in case of breakdown or disaster put on kettle and calm down its always easier after a cuppa

Good luck you will love it and have the time of your lives, be warned coming back into the real world can be really, really hard.
hope this helps Mark
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 12 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Posts: 22
Thanks so much for your help guys. So I've decided that we would like a van/truck of some description that is kitted out already...or maybe not. Have budgeted £6000. 4x4 is important I think unless theres a fair amount of clearance. We will be going to game parks and desert.

We plan to go for 3-4 years...not to just Africa but ship over to South America, go up to canada and then ship to Asia and head back. we are thinking of taking £50 000 and eating really cheap (think markets, fresh food and cooking ourselves), staying in the car, doing mostly outdoors walks, etc, we aren't into adventure sports. We also plan to work in Europe a bit more on the way to Africa, and then wherever we can really. Is 50 000 enough?
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
In view of length of time you intend travelling then something larger than a L/crsr or defender would be preferable eg
this
Military vehicles, militaria and military classifieds

or this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALBOT-EXP...item2328f504f3

or another
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leyland-DA...item27cee49ac4

HTSH
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Advice needed for Imilchil-Cascades d'Ouzoud route CaBRita Morocco 8 4 Feb 2014 18:28
Route advice for Indonesia/Malaysia Panny West and South Asia 15 4 Nov 2012 01:58
RTW trip - route planning advice needed electro Route Planning 3 26 Sep 2012 14:13
Route advice - Rekkam Plateau to Azrou jdeks Morocco 2 26 Aug 2012 14:36
Solo Russia advice muppet8mycat Route Planning 6 30 Jan 2012 12:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:16.