Gavin,

For some travel background have a look at hectorsadventures.com

Chris

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Chris

Hi Gavin & Family, looks like your setting your self up for a great adventure. I am also planning an overland trip but for me it will be at least three years before i can go. I have recently started converting a Bedford MJ 4x4 truck using the military office body which was designed to fit on that truck, internal dimensions are aprox 14ftx7ft`7in. After a fair bit of research on various trucks i bought the MJ because it has a reputation for reliability, is very robust, is very simple (no fancy electronics) and it is quite economic 15mpg on tarmac is achievable and they are not expensive to buy and spares are readily available in the UK. The down side is they are slow, but if your "off the beaten track" it will be fast enough, if you want to blast down the motorway to your destination look elsewhere ! another minus for me was the size of the box body i would have prefered one just a few feet longer but did`nt want to get into making special mounts etc, fitting a box that was`nt made for off roading and the overhang at the rear would also reduce it`s off roading abilities (angle of departure). At the end of the day it`s the travel that counts not the truck dont spend all your time and more importantly your money on the vehicle, save it for the travel. The way i look at it is , I want a half way decent truck with a nice living quarter but not that immaculate that i`m affraid to use it. Just my thoughts (ramblings), good luck with your plans and pop a posting here occasionally to keep us informed, regards ......Marty

But thinking of something just a tad smaller than some of you lot. The idea is Paris to Peking by Panda (yes a FIAT PANDA 4x4) the route at the moment is Belgium, Germany, Czech Rep. Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakstan, Russia, Mongolia, and China, but who knows I may abandon China if what I've been reading about driving is true.

Anyway I thought I'd say hi to the fellow Frenchies here.

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One for Oldbmw, how about your gypsy caravan with horse removed and a lister diesel powered horse sustituted, engine from a cement mixer or similar driving a mini sized wheel between the shafts, it would be slow but steady and it would burn anything from chip fat to diesel, Just think of those clay baked hedgehogs and balmy evenings with the violin! mmmmm

Think I will stick to the Massy ferguson with roof and cabin

There's a big Russian KRAZ on Ebay right now - looks brilliant for what you want, and you could always invade a few small states along the way.

LR FC 101 is a great truck - unstoppable - but they are getting on a bit these days, last examples were demobbed over 10 years ago. Look at one with major parts refit. But I have several friends who have overlanded with them (and continue to do so) and love them.

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'91 LR 110 Def/Disco hybrid "Elsa"
Bring me the horizon....