Huskynose

I agree with the spirit of your ideas on spares but trust me - when you choose to go remote (Namibia / Sahara desert, Congo, Gabon, DRC) you will need basic spares for 4 reasons:

1) Knock on effects: In Central Africa you tend to have back to back visas so if you get delayed because of a small issue (e.g. broken water pump) the impact goes far beyond the issue of waiting for an expensive spare to turn up

2) Extremes: No matter how well prepped your vehicle is it is put under extremes on a long term overland trip. Heat, dust & grit, does strange things to things like seals, pumps, filters etc.... e.g. the heat destroyed our air hose on the compressor for example which we swapped with our spare fuel line.

3) Expense - if you have to call on help in say Congo / DRC, it can cost. We heard of one couple who broke down - a tow cost the $500!! The garage they were taken to then ripped them off (i.e. the fix was sub standard) and the vehicle was broken into whilst in the garage.

4) Survival / safety - In the desert / bush you can find yourself stuck for the lack of a spare part or fix - e.g. cracked radiator. Whilst this is fine in Europe - 48'C shade temperatures, wild animals and a lack of people mean you are on your own, so its basically sensible to consider the "what if factor".

So in summary - a basic spares list is worth packing if you "choose" to go to more remote parts of the world. If your pottering round in Europe and have AA / RAC cover no worries. Whilst you cant pack everything, take some basics just to make life easier. Even though we had a basic spares kit, we still had to visit plenty of local garages for oil changes and small fixes along the way.

One final word......we neglected (forgot) to pack the T55 torx bit that allows you to open the gearbox oil inspection nut - these are HARD to find in Africa!! A small item BUT caused us some fun and games to find one.......in a plumbers shop in Congo!!

HTH

Nick

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Langebaan Sunset - Africa Overland
http://langebaan-sunset.blogspot.co.za/