Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Light Overland Vehicle Tech
Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
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



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 11 Dec 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: South Manchester, looking out the window at the Peaks, UK
Posts: 72
I know you've found your car but a vote from me for the Citroen dispatch. I had one on hire to go to a couple of enduros and even though it was the size of a car it took my bike and all the gear no problem.

It was also long enought to put a camp bed in and crash out at the end of the day. I think that there is even one with a clever electric pseudo AWD system but that's not the one I had.

38
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 27 Nov 2014
Crusty's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Herts, UK
Posts: 216
I thought I'd post an update on how my 406 has performed after a year of ownership.

It hasn’t been to Nordkapp, but it’s clocked up around 12000mls in the UK; a mix of local pottering around and longer trips to Scotland and Devon. The odo now reads just under 197000. The car cost less than a set of tyres for a 4x4 and still returns over 50mpg on the motorway, it’s comfortable and quiet inside and there’s heaps of space with the seats down – I’ve had ½ a tonne of scrap metal in it.

I bought this particular car, after a lot of looking, because it was previously owned by a mechanic who serviced it regularly and replaced things as and when needed.

The largest expense was a full set of winter tyres which I cleverly fitted in advance of all the snow we were expecting last year, which then failed to materialise.....

The only biggish problem has been a broken front spring. Bizarrely, it broke when the car was parked overnight... It turns out this is a bit of a known issue with these cars. I had parked it facing downhill with the weight on the front, so I guess that contributed to its demise. Luckily, I had access to most of the tools I needed and a local parts supplier who had one the shelf. I did have the spring fitted to the strut by a garage as I couldn’t compress it enough with the tools I had.

Other than that it’s just been service items and a £7.00 temp sensor from ebay.

So don’t let high miles put you off, if a vehicle has been looked after properly it could work in your favour as it has for me….
__________________
Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Last edited by Crusty; 28 Nov 2014 at 16:39.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 28 Nov 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232


sounds like a goodun!!

shame merc don't still make vans like that
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 6 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty View Post

I bought this particular car, after a lot of looking, because it was previously owned by a mechanic who serviced it regularly and replaced things as and when needed.
I am still learning the importance of this statement.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 6 Dec 2014
Overland Tonka's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Originally London. Now driving my Toyota.
Posts: 191
Quote:
Originally Posted by moggy 1968 View Post


sounds like a goodun!!

shame merc don't still make vans like that
Buy a good old Merc.....i was offered a 4wd estate made for the German/ Austrian or Swiss market i think for £400. LHD so great for travelling.
__________________
Facebook " Kevin Heike " come and say Hello as we travel around the world.
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
Transporting motorcycles in a van in Russia Ratkes Northern and Central Asia 6 26 Jun 2013 07:31
Suzuki van van 125? maria41 Which Bike? 16 30 May 2013 12:12
London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki Van Van!! In aid of our wounded servicemen. LondontoJohhanesburg Ride Tales 15 24 Mar 2013 01:09
London to Johannesburg on a Suzuki Van Van!! In aid of our wounded servicemen. LondontoJohhanesburg Ride Tales 4 11 Mar 2013 21:40
For Sale: 4x4 Custom Expedition Van – South America dinoevo Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 15 Feb 2013 03:28

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 22:28.