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Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

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  #16  
Old 30 Aug 2014
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emprovements..
hello everyone, seems like sue best lad a forum so far.

Im thinking of buying one as getting a landi or cruiser cuts quite a big chunk out of my budget. Id rather spend the money on traveling as y don't mind braking down (as I have had only good experiences so far, lets hope they stay like this)

Well the thing is, I'm planing to travel central asia maybe even to mongolia, and i think getting spares in ex soviet countries should not be too hard, also i don't mind traveling slow and low un luggage. But a little increase from the 400kg wouldn't bee bad. (i think i have nearly put this much on my bike before)

does anyone have experience in this?
the diesel seems to be the best choice.. what do you guys think?
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  #17  
Old 30 Aug 2014
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Vitara might be a better bet , less transmission problems , the lada was a bit beset by driveline vibrations , I used a vitara 1600 towing a camper trailer to cross Australia
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  #18  
Old 30 Aug 2014
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Niva is tough little vehicle, only minus is small fueltank.
And btw Vitara might be too complicated and less easy to find spareparts there (former soviet)...
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  #19  
Old 30 Aug 2014
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yes i think the lada will be ok for eastern europe. Im thinking about the 1,9 diesel… for the small tank y can carry a few jerry cans, 2x 20litres will do the job i guess,central asia is not too bad i hope, only mongolia could be a problem.

Im interested in increasing the payload a bit. 400kg is quickly reached, especially with a roof tent.. what do you guys think!
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  #20  
Old 31 Aug 2014
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We had a Niva Cossack for about 16 years , the Mk1 , have driven a Mk2 (1.7 engine, and deeper tailgate) and the drivetrain seemed a bit better (vibration wise) . From a practical point of view , it would be easy enough to increase payload , by fitting heavier duty rear coil springs . The problem would be that legally you would be overloaded anywhere in the EU , how big a factor this would be in Russia , cant advise on that . The diesel engine used is a 1.9 peugeot/citroen unit , good engine , need to change cam belt regularly , because if it goes , usually breaks cam , and caps, and means new cylinder head assy !! The biggest pain with them is usually wiring problems . The seats are a bit uncomfortable , but the ride is excellent . HTSH
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  #21  
Old 9 Sep 2014
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very good availability for nivas in eastern europe, almost non existent for old suzis. I've spent quite a bit of time in Belarus, Ukraine and a bit in Russia and Nivas are quite prolific.

The UK importers did have to do quite a bit of work on them to make them fit for sale in the UK, so I wouldn't buy one from eastern europe!

I've never driven a niva (although I have driven quite a few suzukis) but have heard good things about them, very capable little trucks.

weight is your enemy in a small truck, beefing up the suspension just means something else will fail. treat the disease, not the symptoms. keep your weight down. why do you need a rooftent?
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