| Vehicle Choice |
Vehicle preparation |
| Vehicle condition |
Camping equipment |
| This is by no means the definitive guide to
expedition preparation, but rather a simple guide highlighting the most important points |
Choosing a Vehicle
| With the variety of Land Rover models available
today, the choice of vehicle for expeditions is not as simple as it was back in 1948. The
choices today all have their own advantages and disadvantages, and depend largely on
individual preferences and needs. Therefore we have listed the generic types of vehicles,
together with their associated advantages and disadvantages, from an expedition point of
view. |
| Which Land Rover is best for Expeditions ? |
Requirement |
Best vehicle |
Best
expedition vehicle |
Defender
110/90 |
Low
budget |
Series
II & III |
Comfort/space |
Forward
control |
Daily
car/weekend trips |
Discovery
or Range Rover |
Advantages
Spacious
Built for the task
Functional - can be easily adapted
Good cruising speeds
Economy in Tdi and power in V8
110 gives comfortable ride
Tdi and V8 models have minimal electronics |
 |
Disadvantages
110 as daily commuter is cumbersome
90 lacks space and is bumpy on dirt roads
Spares/maintenance can be costly especially Tdi |
Advantages
Low purchase cost
Simple mechanics
Proven strength
Cheap, available spares
Storage space
Easily modified and adapted
Value for money |
 |
Disadvantages
Slow on tar
High petrol consumption
Noisy |
Advantages
Storage space
Low purchase cost
Cheap available spares
Caravan luxury
Comfortable off-road |
 |
Disadvantages
Heavy & bulky
High fuel consumption
Slow on tar
See more FC overland pics |
Advantages
Comfort on and off-road
High cruising speed
Good off-road ability
|
 |
Disadvantages
Little storage space
Initial and maintenance cost (except early Range Rovers)
Electronic management systems |
Vehicle Condition - Servicing and checking your vehicle
| This is the golden rule which is easier said
than done. Especially when it suddenly dawns on you that in a weeks time you will be in
the middle of the bush, and there is no way that you will be able to complete that long
list of mechanical to do's before you leave. Most of the problems experienced on trips can
be prevented by replacing worn parts, tightening loose parts and replacing lost parts.
Especially in Africa where long corrugated dirt roads wreak havoc with all parts including
stationary mounted ones. Service your vehicle either privately (see our servicing page) or
professionally, but get it done regularly. Checking
your vehicle before during and after trips will also help to pick up potential problems.
If in doubt replace and fix, rather than hope that it will be alright. Periodically
checking and tightening all critical visible fixings/fittings during your trips is all
that is really required. |
| Exhaust
system from manifold to outlet |
Springs
and shock absorbers |
Wheel
nuts, and steering linkages |
| Engine
and gearbox mountings |
Propshafts
front and rear |
Battery,
connections, cables and earthing |
| Roof rack
and other accessory mountings |
|
Vehicle Preparation
| Vehicle preparation for expeditions can be
never-ending with the ever increasing number of gadgets and gizmos on the market. Just
because they exist does not mean that they are necessary, and just because your mate has
got one doesn't mean that you need one. More often than not you'll be too busy travelling
or too damn lazy to use them. The most valuable vehicle preparation you can do is too
maximise the packing efficiency by utilising the dead space of your vehicle. By doing so
you will be able to minimise roof loading, shorten packing times, know where things are
and have a more comfortable and safer trip. Make
sure that all items which you carry either
inside or outside are firmly secured, such that there is no free play, and room for
movement. Everything should be tight, free from vibration and rattle. |
| Fit
a built in water tank |
Pack
light bulky items on the roof |
Build
in underbody storage boxes for spares and tools |
| Fit
addition fuel tanks rather than jerry cans |
Keep
fire extinguisher in accessible spot |
Fit
a raised air intake (snorkel), mainly to minimise dust intake |
Camping Equipment
| Expeditions by their very nature involve a lot
of traveling, if not continually then intermittently. Therefore the camping setup needs
to be kept as functional as possible, without elaborate kitchens and tents. Quick and easy
means that you set-up and breakdown quickly and effortlessly thereby enjoying the
surroundings more and working less. Start with less equipment at first and buy what you
think you need after a trip or two, rather than breaking the bank and starting up your own
outdoor warehouse, and having to carry it all. The biggest mistake travelers make is to
carry too much, be warned! By using a bit of ingenuity and looking for the right piece of
equipment, you can have a very functional and comfortable setup. |
| Sleep
inside or use a roof tent |
Use
a portable or fixed kitchen box, to carry crockery and cutlery and basic foods, spices etc |
Have
a fixed water supply which is on tap, so that there is no lugging of heavy bottles. |
| Use
fluorescent lights, they are light, compact and efficient. |
Fit
a fridge (compressor type), and setup split charging using 2 batteries. |
Keep
clean things inside and dirty things outside, that way you won't be cleaning dirty clean
things all the time. |
| Try
to get lightweight cutlery |
Use
melamine crockery and plastic glasses and containers. |
Use
compact stackable aluminium pot set. |
|
