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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 Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 14 Jan 2012
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Vans?
Although I have a 4x4 you have to balance the above against the less complex nature of a basic van conversion. I.E. a Transit / Sprinter type as long as you avoid the newest Euro 5 complex engine management with traction control, stability control..........MB parts in particular are available everywhere, either second hand or direct from Germany (at a cost of course)

More space, usually more comfort, speed and economy. Our 2.5TDi T4 will cruise all day at 140kmph and still get 7.6 litres/100km.

You can make them a little more rugged. Snorkel, AT tyres even a limited slip or locking diff.

All depends on your criteria and expected usage I guess.

BTW I know someone who’s selling an absolutely immaculate VW T5 4Motion 174bhp van. I’d be tempted if I had the money (£10kish I think) but they are pretty complex and possible not as robust as the more basic T4.

Russ
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Old 14 Jan 2012
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The most useful thing you could perhaps take is a set of bridging ladders/waffles. They will help if you get stuck in mud, get over a ditch you can't cross, in sand and make a useful table, jacking pad, something to lie on when you're under the car in the rain.
Sand ladders are a waste of space, so are winches. I like to have a hi-lift as they have a couple of different uses, but they are also heavy and a potential death trap.
Snorkel good for dust as mentioned, and probably water from time to time.

Try and keep yourself light and you avoid difficulties in the first place. Nowhere is that remote these days, and even if you find you have got yourself in the cack, someone will be along sometime - just make sure to keep a few tinnies in the fridge so you don't go thirsty in the meantime.

Also fully kitted up 'expedition' vehicles with badges and aluminium bling all over don't half attract a lot of attention - not always the right sort either.
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  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eightpot View Post
I like to have a hi-lift as they have a couple of different uses, but they are also heavy and a potential death trap.
Am curious re the death trap comment (apart from learning the hard way to keep all your body parts clear of the arc of the lever) - could you elaborate?
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  #4  
Old 17 Jan 2012
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they can be a death trap if you do this:

hilift farm jack auto jacking fail (or proving Roy wrong and winning a bet) - YouTube

getting back to OP, you can get most vehicles most places, but using something with 4x4 and ground clearance will make all the difference in soft sand, slick mud, rocks and snow - with the right tyres......... and will give you more options to get further off the beaten track.

If you are not planning a hardcore desert crossing then as mentioned a Tdi van, be it 2wd or 4wd is a good way to go for space, economy and ease of fitting it out for sleeping in, there is always a compromise!
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Old 17 Jan 2012
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Originally Posted by Gipper View Post
Wow - can't believe it didn't break the back window on that LR!!

But yes - these things need to be treated with a lot of respect. Luckily I only had to use mine in anger once, for changing a wheel.
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Old 18 Jan 2012
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Overland Journal: Jack of all Trades

A good link for those who do not know how to use a Hi-Lift. They are not dangerous if you use your loaf.

Front protection in Africa is pretty vital. We hit all sorts in West Africa recently and a dog in Morocco. Probably would have been none damaging but not worth the risk.

To sum up this thread 'everything is possible'.

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  #7  
Old 19 Jan 2012
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the other and main problem with a Hi-Lift is how unstable they are - it's so easy for the car to pitch over once it's lifted, and either fall on you or bury a wheel hub in the ground (or you). Even more prone to it with a loaded overland truck.
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