Archiv für den Monat Oktober 2008

In true and typical raging research mode, I went on a quest on the Internet looking for answers to a seemingly simple question, Wheel Spacers - Good or Bad? I posted the question on three different bush whacking, rock smacking, hardcore 4×4 forums, one in South Africa, one in the USA and the other in Oz. The results were rather interesting to say the least and I am now more confused then before. But that’s not the point

Before I take it any further I have to say that I neither mean any disrespect, nor do I intend to mock anybody or sound condescending. I just find it rather fascinating how different perceptions can be. It’s in the eye of the beholder, yes? Pursuant to my concerns and questions posted I received this, no doubt well meant reply:

Having taken a fully loaded and that is at GVM across the Simpson Desert and for an extended off-road and remote area tracks evaluation covering over 3500km I do not agree with your assessment of the potential risks.

Fun in the Namib

Allrighty then, me thought. Through the desert, fully loaded, 3500km at GVM, sounds just like the kinda scenario Wohni was conceptualised for. Strange enough, while the thread was going on and on, participants pointing out who has the mostest experience and the bestest knowledge, it was only two days later when I thought to myself “let’s check out this ominous Simpson Desert”. After all, there are all kinds of desert. Amongst many others the Sahara, largest of them all, the Moab, rock crawlers paradise or the mighty Namib, the oldest one of them all with the highest shifting dunes in the world, towering some 300 metres into the air.

Just to recap, the Namib is quasi right at our door step and my main photographic interest is the desert, especially dunes. Which makes it slightly important to conceptualise and build a rig suitable to traversing these areas and capable of taking the abuse and strain, both terrain and environment will confront it with.

Which brings us to the Simpson Desert and the challenges it presents to man and machine:

Big Red

Let's Go!

Big Red, also known by its aboriginal name as Nappamerri, is a huge sand dune in the Simpson Desert that stands approximately 90 metres above sea level and 35 metres above the plain, although height may vary due to winds and dunal movement. This sand dune which sits 33kms west of Birdsville in Queensland, provides an extremely challenging feat for 4WD enthusiasts although it is not necessary to scale its height to traverse the Simspon Desert as there are alternative routes. Source: Exploroz

No further comment, yet, besides trying to show (with the video footage below) what a dune can be, I’m happy to use this opportunity to introduce iDream Africa. Because I love what these guys are doing and because together with them I had the best fun you can have with your clothes on - with much more of it yet to come.

Keep it straight,

Tommy

iDreamAfrica - “Don’t Try This At Home” (00:15)

iDreamAfrica - “Desert Adventure” (04:31)

Share This

Hallo Zusammen,

Nachdem ich nun mehrfach aufgefordert wurde, mein Deutsch zu polieren, will ich das hiermit tun. Ich werde mein Bestes versuchen, das wesentliche unseres Wohni zusammenfassend zu uebersetzen - und zwar nicht woertlich sondern sinngemaess, denn sonst gibt’s Krautsalat.

Wie bereits erwaehnt, haben wir vor, das suedliche Afrika, extensiv und quasi bis ins letzte Eck, zu bereisen. Ausgangspunkt der Etappen und unser Zuhause ist Windhoek, Namibia. Dieses Jahr im Dezember geht’s erstmal nur an die Kueste, um der Hitze zu entfliehen. Dann wird noch etwas modifiziert, mindestens einmal im Monat in die Duenen zum Fotografieren und April/Mai entweder Angola oder Mozambique. Soweit erstmal der grobe Plan, nun zum Auto.

Die besagten “Ecken” und vor allem deren Entfernungen verlangen natuerlich nach etwas mehr als nur Vierradantrieb – wobei, und hier streiten sich die Gelehrten – der Landcruiser Pick-up alles andere ist als nur ein simpler 4×4. Anway, autark (oder autonom?) ist das Stichwort. Sprich, Sprit, Wasser, Vorrat und Saft fuer mehrere hunderte Kilometer und Tage.
Das Wohni bekommt also, zusaetzlich zu den serienmaessigen 180l Sprit, noch zwei 20l Reservekanister fuer den Notfall, 120l Wasser und eine 300amp (Sonnenschein) wartungsfreie Batterie. Desweiteren einen 12V, 60l Engel Kuehli und eine 45l Kuehlbox. Fuer den Fall das der Strom doch mal ausgehen sollte, werden wir einen 2kW Generator dabei haben und spaeter vielleicht irgendwann mal ein oder zwei Solarpanäle.

Da wir ungerne “aus dem Kofferraum” campen und auch nicht sehr viel von Zelt aufschlagen und abbauen, in Boxen rumwühlen, etc. halten, kommt die Wanne runter und eine GFK Kabine mit Hubdach hinten drauf (voll integriert). Darin werden wir (Eltern oben, Kinder unten) schlafen – und sonst nix. Ich sag das so, denn Wohni wird eigentlich kein Wohnmobil im ueblichen Sinne, sondern etwas anders. Wir haben hier in unserer “Gegend” das Glück, dass das Wetter meist gut und die Temperaturen selten unangenehm sind. Daher ist das draussen Aufhalten, Essen, Waschen, etc. kein Problem.

Wir haben aber gerne einen gewissen Komfort, wie z.B. die eigene Toilette und eine ordentliche Dusche. Wohni bekommt im hinteren Teil, über der abgeschrägten Verlängerung eine Heckgarage. An der Innenseite der Klappe, rings um den Rand haben wir Zeltstoff, den man einfach runterlassen kann und somit in null-komma-nix ein Badezimmer. An der Klappe befestigen wir auch einen Lattenrost, der als Boden dient. Dann brauchen wir nur noch das Porta Potti aus der Heckgarage zu holen, die Dusche aufdrehen, der Warmwasserbehaelter hat sich in der Zwischenzeit aufgeheizt – und voila.
Unter die Heckgarage kommt eine ausziehbare Küchenzeile mit zweiflammigem Gasherd und Waschbecken.

In der Kabine sind hauptsächlich Stauraum, Schränke, der Kühli, etc. Die zweite Sitzreihe besteht aus zwei festen Sitzen fuer die Jungs mit Dreipunktgurten und Isofix Halterungen fuer deren Stuehle. Zwischen den Stühlen kann man, quasi als Schwiegermutter/Schwiegervater Sitz ein vier-teiliges, gepolstertes Brett, einhängen und wenn man es nicht braucht einfach zusammenklappen und verstauen. Damit hätten wir also einen 4-6 Sitzer.

Da wir aus Gewichts- und Schwerpunktgründen die Ersatzräder nicht hinten oben haben wollten (und an der Heckklappe geht nicht), kommen diese auf einen Träger der vorne am Luten befestigt ist und an der Bullbar abgestützt wird.

An der Fahrzeugseite befestigen wir eine grosse Markise mit optionalen Seitenwänden, welche auch bei Bedarf mit dem Duschzelt verbunden werden kann und somit ein gemütliches Vorhaus bildet.

Ein wenig zum Technischen: LC79, neu, mit bewaehrtem 4.5l Reihensechser (Benziner), säuft wie ein Loch und zieht dafür aber, dass sich die Ohren anlegen. 285/75 Bridgestone Mud Terrain auf 16” Alufelgen (konnt’s nicht lassen). Da wir das maximum von 1.5t ausnutzen (und auch zertifizieren) werden, brauchen wir vorne einfache und hinten doppelte OME (Old Man Emu) Dämpfer, die Blattfedern sind stark genug, so wie sie sind (das weis ich so genau, weil mir bei der Fahrt nach Jeffreys Bay fast die Plomben rausvibriert sind).

Dann kommen natürlich noch die Schnick-Schnacks, wie High-Lift-Jack, Sandbleche, irgenwann mal vielleicht eine Winde und auf alle Fälle was zum Reifen pumpen.

Sooo, das war’s erstmal – mit wunden Fingern und wahrscheinlich 1001 Schreibfehlern (sorry).

Bis Neulich
Tommy

Share This

Paint job:

Share This

Fact is, the new Land Cruiser LC79 Bakkie has a front track 4” wider than the rear track (or axle). This was apparently done to accommodate the larger V8 Turbo Diesel engine, which absurdly may not even become available in Southern Africa.

Common sense dictates, and some seem to have experienced this already, that the narrower track in the back may present a problem, especially in sand. In our specific case we have added worries, because Wohni definitely has a higher centre of gravity than a non-converted Bakkie would have – plus – we will more often than not travel on the limit of gross weight, thus exaggerating any phenomenon and/or occurrence.

Wheel Spacers

The obvious thing to do would be adding wheel spacers at the back. However, a 2” extension of leverage on each side is no minor alteration and may or may not cause havoc in difficult terrain. Doing a quick thumb suck I guesstimate the increase in forces applied to be approximately 3-4% each side, yes?

On a positive note, we are ‘only’ concerned about the rear and hence don’t have to deal with reinforcing ball joints, etc. Also, as far as roll stability goes we would definitely have an added bonus. Still, forces on the diff, bearings and the axle itself are reason enough to be concerned.

I feel somewhat between a rock and a hard place about this, but tend towards going for the added benefit of the spacers versus the minor risk of breakage, hoping that Murphy is not around when push comes to shove.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and/or input.

All the best

Tommy

Amended 27/10/2008 - Interesting threads and discussions about this:

@ ExplorOz

@ Expeditionportal

@ Landcruiserclub

Share This

Because I like to sleep straight and steady and because I’d like to be able to use every drop of water, especially from a flat tank and for some various other reasons, including that I may be full of nonsense, I want the camper straight and level when stationary. That may be a bit over the top, but hey, caravans have been kitted out with leveling devices ever since. Admittedly, caravans are usually stationary for much longer periods than a camper, nevertheless, that’s no reason to abstain from this convenience, especially if the solution is reasonably simple.

Leveling Jack

Rummaging around between the shelves at Bushwhackers, the Namibian sister to Campworld, I found something that looked pretty much the same as what I had in mind anyway and what I also had sketched up a while ago (see picture). They’ll set you back short of 700 bucks each and weigh in at around 5kg each. We tested them on a caravan and they were easy and smooth to operate. All that’s needed are either jack-points at key locations and/or a slight modification of the lift arms to fit your already existing jack-points. They also sell all sorts of miniature water levels, which will aid you in getting it right.

I suppose a good place to store them is either right at/on the entry door to the cabin or any other place where they are easy to reach and immediately accessible, as leveling will be the first thing to do once a place for the night(s) has been chosen, yes?. Grab the jacks, wind them until steady, have someone check the water level(s), adjust … voila … shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Whaddayafink?

So long,

Tommy (trying to keep it straight)

Share This

Pursuant to the experiences described in ” Garmin GPS or Why Me? ” I felt the urge to publish the following list of things to consider when buying a GPS:

1. Make sure what your requirements are, research available options and talk to somebody who knows (apparently not me).

2. I f you decide to buy i.e. a Garmin, go to an official Garmin dealer and make sure he has actually sold a GPS before.

3. Insist on features and compatibilities as per your requirements and let them give you a demo.

4. Make sure the software that comes with is it is up-to-date and/or that the latest applications, maps, etc. are loaded on the device.

5. Make sure that you will be able to upgrade and/or load additional features at a later stage by yourself without having to go through a nightmarish rigmarole in cyberspace.

6. If you are a Bushwhacker, you might want to consider devices with Routing, Recording and/or (Back)Tracking abilities.

7. Don’t buy a GPS at HiFi Corporation, Incredible Con-Artists and/or the likes. The sales people hardly know the difference between a Flat Screen and a Laptop.

8. If your GPS tells you that you are three kilometers off the main road, which has been in existence since 1954, you might have bought a lemon.

Feel free to ad to this list at anytime - the likes of me will highly appreciate it. After all, a good GPS will set you back by a considerable amount.

All the best

Tommy

Share This

The day before I delivered the Landcruiser to J-Bay, and unfortunately in a hurry, I organised a Garmin GPS to be built in properly by Schroeder. I was actually lured by a special deal for a Garmin Nüvi 250 advertised by HiFi Corporation. Due to time contstraints I skipped the usual thorough research, which turned out to be a mistake, and rushed to the shop to grab the GPS. I should have known better and especially listened to the alarm bells inside my head. The salesman had an answer to EVERY question, usually something like “yes yes” or “no no”, generally quite short on communication and giving me the impression that he wants to get rid of me and my questions.

Anywho, it turned out I purchased a GPS without routing and/or tracking abilities and trying to upload the Tracks4Africa Maps turned into an unsolvable nightmare. The latter may be due to the Garmin 250’s capability/compatibility and/or my incompetence and/or due to the fact that you seem to need some sort of map viewer software (Mapsource), which comes on a DVD, which again is only available to South African buyers and/or when bying some or the other Garmin Maps product - hmmm. Trying to download and activate the software from Garmin ended up in being subscribed and registered to numerous portals with endless new product numbers and and and. What a f***up.

Related Links:

• Tracks4Africa FAQs
• Garmin Support

I eventually instructed Schroeder to organise the proper Garmin, the 710 I believe, and have the T4A maps loaded, because I’m really getting tired of a GPS constantly telling me that I am about 3 kilometres off the main road, which has been in existence since 1954 mind you.

Cheers & Beers

Tommy

Share This

The Ol' Cap'n

With the price of crude oil soaring and the world economy in crisis, with financial gurus advocating frugal financial and investment strategies, when the sensible thing to do would be to pay off the horrific mortgage, lay low and squirrel away pennies, what do we do - “we” buy a Land Cruiser to supplement our stable of petrol-guzzling modes of transportation.

At 16 litres / 100kms I imagine that the Voyager perhaps falls short of a meaningful contribution to saving the planet. Undoubtedly the Vespa scores a few points in this department although one can’t exactly pile a family of four on it for a picnic in the bush.

And then there’s the 1948 Opel Kapitän. Frought with one mechanical ailment after the other, the mechanic has seen more of it in the last year than we have (haven’t laid eyes on the ol’ cap’n since January 2008), but dang that’s a really cool car!

Charming Speciman

And there’s the rub; charming speciman that my spouse is, he has a twitchy ignition finger which results in a trade-in (or two) every eight to twelve months. The Audi went for the Ford Ranger, which went for the VW Microbus (which, mea culpa, I wrote off - note that you cannot flip a VW Microbus onto its roof on a gravel road and expect it to keep going, also note that if it ain’t strapped in it’s not going to stay in so just buckle up, okay?), which was replaced by the Range Rover, which went for the Mitsubishi Outlander, which went for the Land Cruiser. In between my Clio went for the Scenic, which went for the Voyager. And all this in less than 5 years… sigh… but, as long as he keeps on trading cars and doesn’t contemplate trading me in for a younger model, it’s hunky-dory with me.

Have a good one

Doris

Share This

Window cutouts (too high?) … and some windows removed (huh?):

Share This

Pop-up roof mechanism adjustment, Bullbar fitted:

Share This