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Einträge mit dem Tag ‘Old Man Emu’

Unser Wohni - Zusammenfassende Beschreibung

geschrieben am 28. Oktober 2008 um 05:59 von wohni

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

 

The Road To J-Bay, or “Kimberley se Wereld”

geschrieben am 1. Oktober 2008 um 10:45 von wohni
Boys 'n Toys

Boys'n Toys

Not sure whether this entry does any justice to the category “Journeys”, but I definitely think it’s worth a post.

Once the elsewhere mentioned planning, researching and negotiations phases where concluded, we purchased the said brand new Landcruiser Bakkie and had it delivered within a few days, thanks to Pupkewitz Toyota in Windhoek, who where more than forthcoming in terms of price and very accommodating with our trade-in (the sodding Renault Scenic we where trying to get rid of since day one almost).

Industrious and organised as usual, I had new rims and tyres fitted, a HiFi and Cruise Corntrol installed and two weeks later was on my way to Schroeder Motorhomes in Jeffreys Bay.

More

More Boys'n Toys

I would like to mention upfront, that driving a Landcruiser Bakkie, as such and in general, is quite different from anything mere mortals and “normal” passenger type vehicle drivers are used to. Especially a 2000km trip over more often than not quite bad roads, with a close to unladen vehicle, equipped with stiff, truck like, suspension, is no fun at all.

My very first trip, right after I picked up our new progeny, came to an early end about 1.5km later at a fuel station, in order to let down the tyres. Filled to the standard 2.5bar, yet no weight in the back whatsoever, I felt as if being ejected through the roof anytime soon. Furthermore and apart from that, I realised that, if I continue like this I will need a Dentist appointment soonest in order to put fillings, crowns and implants back where they were. The Landcruiser is one stiff customer to say the least. I let the tyres down to 1.5 bar, drove straight to the Garden Centre and loaded half a ton of mulch (which we needed anyway). Now ’sort of’ comfortable to drive, my garden had to wait to be mulched, as I was not willing to abstain from the newly gained ride comfort.

Namibian Main Road - First Rate

Namibian Main Road - First Rate

This may be a good time and place to quote one of the locals’ favourite sayings: “Africa is not a place for sissies”. True that and similar definitely goes for the preferred work horse utilised by the locally born and bred farmers: “A Toyota Landcruiser Bakkie is not a car for sissies”

For my trip to J-Bay I replaced mulch with everything we own that has anything to do with camping, not only, once again, due to the weight/load issue, but also to have everything down there for Schroeder Motorhomes to fit in and on properly. It turned out I should have engaged in some mulch export to South Africa after all.

First let me say that the Landcruiser with its 4.5l straight six goes like stink and that there was hardly a situation where overtaking caused even a hint of sweat. Also, I cannot remember having been overtaken much. Mind you, I’m not an excessively fast or aggressive driver (au contraire), but I did not plan to make the trip a three day exercise either. So I stepped on it and eventually arrived in Upington, which I had scheduled as the half way point and where I had a room booked for the night, way to early. Why, because Namibia’s main road to the South is first rate and, as it appeared, not much frequented on a Sunday. I would soon realise that it would have been better to continue another third of the distance to J-Bay or so.

Namibia's South

Namibia's South - For Desert Lovers Only

I got up before dawn the next day (unusual for me), to fuel up and have an early start, which turned out to be a good thing. I understand there are about two main roads going through Upington, yet I was not able to figure out on which one to continue and funny enough nobody I asked could tell me either. Following the road which made the most sense and which also had gathered the majority of votes from the locals, my GPS kept on pointing towards the co-driver seat’s headrest, constantly pointing out that I was busy driving through the bush or something like that. About 15km out of town I had enough, especially of the overly friendly GPS voice chewing away at my eardrums uninterruptedly.

Back in Upington (again) I spotted a middle aged couple in a Bakkie and decided to ask them for help. What followed is part of the (if not THE) reason, why I decided to stay when I first came to Namibia in 1995. The Afrikaaners must be the most accommodating, hospitable, friendly and at the same time sort of cute in their own way, folks on this planet - and, believe me, I have been around. The couple immediately pointed out a spot on the other side of the road and, causing a minor traffic jam, ushered me to turn around and meet them there. All I asked was: “Is this the road to Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay?”. A simple “yes” or “no” would have sufficed. Not so if you ask for directions in a reasonably remote, smallish town in South Africa, whilst making a concerted effort to ask in Afrikaans. We stopped at the agreed meeting spot, got out of our vehicles … shook hands … engaged in small talk … Where are you from? Namibia? Where are you going? Jeffreys Bay? Really? Hmmm? Why? What are you doing? … And so on and so on … All the while my butt itching to get back on the road, but shear heart warming friendliness making it impossible to get to the point. When we eventually did (come to the point), it became obvious that these folks don’t seem to get out of Upington very much and if so, the road would probably not take them beyond the point of no return of what one fuel tank gives. “Port Elizabeth? Dit is mos Kimberley se wereld, ja?” … Aaahhh, no! That would be a definite no, which I can say without consulting either the map or the GPS. Anyway, back and forth some more, it turns out the Missus must have been further than Britstown sometime around 1954 and that I had most probably taken the right road initially after all (I had).

Shaken, not stirred!

Shaken, not stirred!

Even if this is slowly but surely becoming a rather longish post, I would like to add two more things in praise of the Afrikaaners’ mentality. Would this meeting have taken place the night before, me being stuck or lost or a combination of both, there is now doubt in my mind whatsoever, that I would have had a meal and a bed at these people’s home. In fact, and I have experienced this before, I would have had a hard time to convince them the next day that I really really had to leave and get on my way. “Ja nee”, truly admirable spirit and a lot to learn from for some other cultures and folks in this world.

Anyhoo, to wrap it up, I just made it in time to J-Bay before close of shop(s), slowed and hampered by rather bad to worse roads throughout the Northern and Eastern Cape. I arrived at Schroeder Motorhomes with pulverised intestines, loose tooth fillings and a rash around my belt area.

Almost there!

Almost there!

Still, and even more so after this trip, I am convinced that this is the perfect vehicle for a 4×4 Camper conversion. Rugged and tough as nails, frame and suspension like a truck, a copious amount of horses under the bonnet, rigid axles, donkey gear, diff-locks, you name it … if this vehicle doesn’t get you there, you cannot go there, full stop.

Once the cabin and its interior, together with all the other bells and whistles, are mounted it will actually be a very comfy ride. In fact, we will most likely need to add some OME (Old Man Emu) shocks to counteract roll, supposedly double shocks at the rear. Apart from that a trailer stacked with fuel drums may be a splendid idea.

I will start posting about the planning and production stages soon. Until then, have a good one.

Tommy

 

The Road To J-Bay, or “Kimberley se Wereld”

geschrieben am um 10:45 von wohni
Boys 'n Toys

Boys'n Toys

Not sure whether this entry does any justice to the category “Journeys”, but I definitely think it’s worth a post.

Once the elsewhere mentioned planning, researching and negotiations phases where concluded, we purchased the said brand new Landcruiser Bakkie and had it delivered within a few days, thanks to Pupkewitz Toyota in Windhoek, who where more than forthcoming in terms of price and very accommodating with our trade-in (the sodding Renault Scenic we where trying to get rid of since day one almost).

Industrious and organised as usual, I had new rims and tyres fitted, a HiFi and Cruise Corntrol installed and two weeks later was on my way to Schroeder Motorhomes in Jeffreys Bay.

More

More Boys'n Toys

I would like to mention upfront, that driving a Landcruiser Bakkie, as such and in general, is quite different from anything mere mortals and “normal” passenger type vehicle drivers are used to. Especially a 2000km trip over more often than not quite bad roads, with a close to unladen vehicle, equipped with stiff, truck like, suspension, is no fun at all.

My very first trip, right after I picked up our new progeny, came to an early end about 1.5km later at a fuel station, in order to let down the tyres. Filled to the standard 2.5bar, yet no weight in the back whatsoever, I felt as if being ejected through the roof anytime soon. Furthermore and apart from that, I realised that, if I continue like this I will need a Dentist appointment soonest in order to put fillings, crowns and implants back where they were. The Landcruiser is one stiff customer to say the least. I let the tyres down to 1.5 bar, drove straight to the Garden Centre and loaded half a ton of mulch (which we needed anyway). Now ’sort of’ comfortable to drive, my garden had to wait to be mulched, as I was not willing to abstain from the newly gained ride comfort.

Namibian Main Road - First Rate

Namibian Main Road - First Rate

This may be a good time and place to quote one of the locals’ favourite sayings: “Africa is not a place for sissies”. True that and similar definitely goes for the preferred work horse utilised by the locally born and bred farmers: “A Toyota Landcruiser Bakkie is not a car for sissies”

For my trip to J-Bay I replaced mulch with everything we own that has anything to do with camping, not only, once again, due to the weight/load issue, but also to have everything down there for Schroeder Motorhomes to fit in and on properly. It turned out I should have engaged in some mulch export to South Africa after all.

First let me say that the Landcruiser with its 4.5l straight six goes like stink and that there was hardly a situation where overtaking caused even a hint of sweat. Also, I cannot remember having been overtaken much. Mind you, I’m not an excessively fast or aggressive driver (au contraire), but I did not plan to make the trip a three day exercise either. So I stepped on it and eventually arrived in Upington, which I had scheduled as the half way point and where I had a room booked for the night, way to early. Why, because Namibia’s main road to the South is first rate and, as it appeared, not much frequented on a Sunday. I would soon realise that it would have been better to continue another third of the distance to J-Bay or so.

Namibia's South

Namibia's South - For Desert Lovers Only

I got up before dawn the next day (unusual for me), to fuel up and have an early start, which turned out to be a good thing. I understand there are about two main roads going through Upington, yet I was not able to figure out on which one to continue and funny enough nobody I asked could tell me either. Following the road which made the most sense and which also had gathered the majority of votes from the locals, my GPS kept on pointing towards the co-driver seat’s headrest, constantly pointing out that I was busy driving through the bush or something like that. About 15km out of town I had enough, especially of the overly friendly GPS voice chewing away at my eardrums uninterruptedly.

Back in Upington (again) I spotted a middle aged couple in a Bakkie and decided to ask them for help. What followed is part of the (if not THE) reason, why I decided to stay when I first came to Namibia in 1995. The Afrikaaners must be the most accommodating, hospitable, friendly and at the same time sort of cute in their own way, folks on this planet - and, believe me, I have been around. The couple immediately pointed out a spot on the other side of the road and, causing a minor traffic jam, ushered me to turn around and meet them there. All I asked was: “Is this the road to Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay?”. A simple “yes” or “no” would have sufficed. Not so if you ask for directions in a reasonably remote, smallish town in South Africa, whilst making a concerted effort to ask in Afrikaans. We stopped at the agreed meeting spot, got out of our vehicles … shook hands … engaged in small talk … Where are you from? Namibia? Where are you going? Jeffreys Bay? Really? Hmmm? Why? What are you doing? … And so on and so on … All the while my butt itching to get back on the road, but shear heart warming friendliness making it impossible to get to the point. When we eventually did (come to the point), it became obvious that these folks don’t seem to get out of Upington very much and if so, the road would probably not take them beyond the point of no return of what one fuel tank gives. “Port Elizabeth? Dit is mos Kimberley se wereld, ja?” … Aaahhh, no! That would be a definite no, which I can say without consulting either the map or the GPS. Anyway, back and forth some more, it turns out the Missus must have been further than Britstown sometime around 1954 and that I had most probably taken the right road initially after all (I had).

Shaken, not stirred!

Shaken, not stirred!

Even if this is slowly but surely becoming a rather longish post, I would like to add two more things in praise of the Afrikaaners’ mentality. Would this meeting have taken place the night before, me being stuck or lost or a combination of both, there is now doubt in my mind whatsoever, that I would have had a meal and a bed at these people’s home. In fact, and I have experienced this before, I would have had a hard time to convince them the next day that I really really had to leave and get on my way. “Ja nee”, truly admirable spirit and a lot to learn from for some other cultures and folks in this world.

Anyhoo, to wrap it up, I just made it in time to J-Bay before close of shop(s), slowed and hampered by rather bad to worse roads throughout the Northern and Eastern Cape. I arrived at Schroeder Motorhomes with pulverised intestines, loose tooth fillings and a rash around my belt area.

Almost there!

Almost there!

Still, and even more so after this trip, I am convinced that this is the perfect vehicle for a 4×4 Camper conversion. Rugged and tough as nails, frame and suspension like a truck, a copious amount of horses under the bonnet, rigid axles, donkey gear, diff-locks, you name it … if this vehicle doesn’t get you there, you cannot go there, full stop.

Once the cabin and its interior, together with all the other bells and whistles, are mounted it will actually be a very comfy ride. In fact, we will most likely need to add some OME (Old Man Emu) shocks to counteract roll, supposedly double shocks at the rear. Apart from that a trailer stacked with fuel drums may be a splendid idea.

I will start posting about the planning and production stages soon. Until then, have a good one.

Tommy

 

The Road To J-Bay, or “Kimberley se Wereld”

geschrieben am um 10:45 von wohni
Boys 'n Toys

Boys'n Toys

Not sure whether this entry does any justice to the category “Journeys”, but I definitely think it’s worth a post.

Once the elsewhere mentioned planning, researching and negotiations phases where concluded, we purchased the said brand new Landcruiser Bakkie and had it delivered within a few days, thanks to Pupkewitz Toyota in Windhoek, who where more than forthcoming in terms of price and very accommodating with our trade-in (the sodding Renault Scenic we where trying to get rid of since day one almost).

Industrious and organised as usual, I had new rims and tyres fitted, a HiFi and Cruise Corntrol installed and two weeks later was on my way to Schroeder Motorhomes in Jeffreys Bay.

More

More Boys'n Toys

I would like to mention upfront, that driving a Landcruiser Bakkie, as such and in general, is quite different from anything mere mortals and “normal” passenger type vehicle drivers are used to. Especially a 2000km trip over more often than not quite bad roads, with a close to unladen vehicle, equipped with stiff, truck like, suspension, is no fun at all.

My very first trip, right after I picked up our new progeny, came to an early end about 1.5km later at a fuel station, in order to let down the tyres. Filled to the standard 2.5bar, yet no weight in the back whatsoever, I felt as if being ejected through the roof anytime soon. Furthermore and apart from that, I realised that, if I continue like this I will need a Dentist appointment soonest in order to put fillings, crowns and implants back where they were. The Landcruiser is one stiff customer to say the least. I let the tyres down to 1.5 bar, drove straight to the Garden Centre and loaded half a ton of mulch (which we needed anyway). Now ’sort of’ comfortable to drive, my garden had to wait to be mulched, as I was not willing to abstain from the newly gained ride comfort.

Namibian Main Road - First Rate

Namibian Main Road - First Rate

This may be a good time and place to quote one of the locals’ favourite sayings: “Africa is not a place for sissies”. True that and similar definitely goes for the preferred work horse utilised by the locally born and bred farmers: “A Toyota Landcruiser Bakkie is not a car for sissies”

For my trip to J-Bay I replaced mulch with everything we own that has anything to do with camping, not only, once again, due to the weight/load issue, but also to have everything down there for Schroeder Motorhomes to fit in and on properly. It turned out I should have engaged in some mulch export to South Africa after all.

First let me say that the Landcruiser with its 4.5l straight six goes like stink and that there was hardly a situation where overtaking caused even a hint of sweat. Also, I cannot remember having been overtaken much. Mind you, I’m not an excessively fast or aggressive driver (au contraire), but I did not plan to make the trip a three day exercise either. So I stepped on it and eventually arrived in Upington, which I had scheduled as the half way point and where I had a room booked for the night, way to early. Why, because Namibia’s main road to the South is first rate and, as it appeared, not much frequented on a Sunday. I would soon realise that it would have been better to continue another third of the distance to J-Bay or so.

Namibia's South

Namibia's South - For Desert Lovers Only

I got up before dawn the next day (unusual for me), to fuel up and have an early start, which turned out to be a good thing. I understand there are about two main roads going through Upington, yet I was not able to figure out on which one to continue and funny enough nobody I asked could tell me either. Following the road which made the most sense and which also had gathered the majority of votes from the locals, my GPS kept on pointing towards the co-driver seat’s headrest, constantly pointing out that I was busy driving through the bush or something like that. About 15km out of town I had enough, especially of the overly friendly GPS voice chewing away at my eardrums uninterruptedly.

Back in Upington (again) I spotted a middle aged couple in a Bakkie and decided to ask them for help. What followed is part of the (if not THE) reason, why I decided to stay when I first came to Namibia in 1995. The Afrikaaners must be the most accommodating, hospitable, friendly and at the same time sort of cute in their own way, folks on this planet - and, believe me, I have been around. The couple immediately pointed out a spot on the other side of the road and, causing a minor traffic jam, ushered me to turn around and meet them there. All I asked was: “Is this the road to Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay?”. A simple “yes” or “no” would have sufficed. Not so if you ask for directions in a reasonably remote, smallish town in South Africa, whilst making a concerted effort to ask in Afrikaans. We stopped at the agreed meeting spot, got out of our vehicles … shook hands … engaged in small talk … Where are you from? Namibia? Where are you going? Jeffreys Bay? Really? Hmmm? Why? What are you doing? … And so on and so on … All the while my butt itching to get back on the road, but shear heart warming friendliness making it impossible to get to the point. When we eventually did (come to the point), it became obvious that these folks don’t seem to get out of Upington very much and if so, the road would probably not take them beyond the point of no return of what one fuel tank gives. “Port Elizabeth? Dit is mos Kimberley se wereld, ja?” … Aaahhh, no! That would be a definite no, which I can say without consulting either the map or the GPS. Anyway, back and forth some more, it turns out the Missus must have been further than Britstown sometime around 1954 and that I had most probably taken the right road initially after all (I had).

Shaken, not stirred!

Shaken, not stirred!

Even if this is slowly but surely becoming a rather longish post, I would like to add two more things in praise of the Afrikaaners’ mentality. Would this meeting have taken place the night before, me being stuck or lost or a combination of both, there is now doubt in my mind whatsoever, that I would have had a meal and a bed at these people’s home. In fact, and I have experienced this before, I would have had a hard time to convince them the next day that I really really had to leave and get on my way. “Ja nee”, truly admirable spirit and a lot to learn from for some other cultures and folks in this world.

Anyhoo, to wrap it up, I just made it in time to J-Bay before close of shop(s), slowed and hampered by rather bad to worse roads throughout the Northern and Eastern Cape. I arrived at Schroeder Motorhomes with pulverised intestines, loose tooth fillings and a rash around my belt area.

Almost there!

Almost there!

Still, and even more so after this trip, I am convinced that this is the perfect vehicle for a 4×4 Camper conversion. Rugged and tough as nails, frame and suspension like a truck, a copious amount of horses under the bonnet, rigid axles, donkey gear, diff-locks, you name it … if this vehicle doesn’t get you there, you cannot go there, full stop.

Once the cabin and its interior, together with all the other bells and whistles, are mounted it will actually be a very comfy ride. In fact, we will most likely need to add some OME (Old Man Emu) shocks to counteract roll, supposedly double shocks at the rear. Apart from that a trailer stacked with fuel drums may be a splendid idea.

I will start posting about the planning and production stages soon. Until then, have a good one.

Tommy