What spares to take?
 

2 weeks until we take our Landcruiser to Mali from UK. What spares should we take? So far have decided to take an extra wheel as well as the spare - but haven't got one yet. Any ideas where we can get a cheap wheel and what else is advisable, parts wise?

Guide - If you don't know that it will fail - don't take it.

You need to find out what items fail frequently that will stop you from going on .. and you'll need to find out how to replace them ..

Might be better in the 4WD forum .. but I'd be looking for a group specalising in teh same model of landcruiser you have .. do a google .. and ask there .. could be a news group..

Things like radiator hoses and fan belts can have 'universal' fixes check your loacal auto parts place..

Wheel bearing kit - a stuffed wheel bearing is the only thing that will stop you dead in your tracks - you cant even be towed easily.

Other than that............rely on local ingenuity, fencing wire and a bit of epoxy.

Clutch and brake seal kits are light and fairly cheap but reassuring to have. Ratchet straps real handy for those unfortunate bodywork repairs needed in the bush and can be used for tons of other things. We brough spare oil, fuel and air filters on our trip. For piece of mind we had a spare inner tube and a couple of tyre irons and tyre repair kit (didn't bother with another spare wheel). Also depends on how old you vehicle is.. as we had rust issues etc. You can really get carried away an bring altenators, spare springs, drive shafts etc but I reckon it is the extra weight of carrying these items will overload your vehicle causing mechainical failures. I would prefer to go as light as possible - saves on fuel too.

The Africa Overland Network Independent Overland Travel across Africa, Asia and World is a good resource for finding out what others brought with them.

Cant advise you with regards to spares.

But let me comment that the landcruiser is a good choice where you are going. Not just because it's a good car to do the job in, but because out of 10 cars in western africa, I'm guessing that 9 of them are toyotas. Ok, I may be exagerating a bit. But not a whole lot.

You will propably have no trouble getting spares should you find yourself in need. Even if your model is a new or new'ish one.

?????????..............................

Do you have a question?