Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Dec 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Posts: 2
Overland with a Ford?

I've been looking around, trying to gather some info about building a 4WD Camper for a Africa tour. Most of the resources I see are for Range Rovers or Unimogs, which don't have the aftermarket support here that they have in Europe.

I'm thinking I might be better off using an American vehicle. Ford makes a version of their F-450 truck with locking diffs, a 560 ft/lb diesel engine , and of course 4WD. Does anybody know someone who has done this or something similar? Ideas?

-Will

Flagstaff, Arizona

[This message has been edited by TheKaiser (edited 01 December 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
This couple has used US made trucks on their trips: http://www.turtleexpedition.com

But I have to admit that we didn't see one single Ford or other American made truck on our trip through Africa. So I wouldn't be too sure about parts/workshops etc. while underway, without checking very carefully beforehand!
Not to mention that some of the tracks we took were narrower than our LR Defender. Which isn't exactly a wide vehicle! We had to push our way through, and a bigger Ford or whatever wouldn't have made it through the dense bush sometimes. Just my opinion.
Good luck with your trip!

Erik D.

www.dunia.no

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Check the link Eric left you above, the Turtle V used by the Turtle Expedition is based on the Ford Super Duty 550 and it’s awesome.

The reasons there are no American trucks doing expedition duty in Africa is because:
1) there are much fewer Americans who go on African Expedition than Europeans.
2) Toyota and Land Rover support is by far much better in Africa than anything else.
Still, people often have to order in parts from Europe in case of break down for different reasons. So I wouldn’t go out of my way to get a Toyota or a Land Rover.

I’m researching building a Sahara camper myself in the next couple of years and so far I’m leaning towards a Ford Super Duty truck. Why ?

Land Rovers although very capable are not very reliable (I hope I won’t get lynched for saying this )

Toyota Hilux is too small. I know Toyota makes the Tundra but that’s a US only model and haven’t been tested yet in the Sahara.

Unimog is my absolute favorite but the idea of driving 75 km/h on tarmac makes me shiver.

Inspired by Turtle Expedition I think the Ford would be best but I have to study the fuel consumption and tank capacity a bit more before I make my final decision since I’ll be spending as much time as I can off-road.

If you plan on doing a lot of off-road in soft sand I would pick a lighter model. Maybe the 350.

Check this link on campers buildup:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000135.html

let us know what you decide.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Posts: 2
Very interesting A.B., this Turtle V is almost exactly what I was thinking. The more I think about it the more I like it. The diesel in Ford's super duty trucks are much more powerful than Unimog, Rover, or Landcruser mills. I'd be worried about weight though, the turtle V looks very close to the 17,000 LBs the chassis is rated for.

-good stuff, looks like alot more research is in order.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 180
Nobody sane drives more than about 80kmph in most of Africa anyway! Tell me again why you want all those horses? :-)

Michael...
__________________
Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Michael,

I do most of my travel inside Egypt, exploring and photographing the Western Desert.

Why I need Horses:
I always have to drive long stretches on the, almost empty, Oasis road from Cairo to the point where I go off-road. The drive is usually very boring and takes a lot of time from small amount of time I can allocate to these trips. For example traveling from Cairo to Dakhla at 75 km usually takes 2 days. At 100 - 110 km or so I will save at least ½ a day in each direction. On a 4 to 6 day trip (work permitting) that makes a big difference.

Why I need Torque:
I rarely stick to common tracks. I love to explore the difficult to reach places. The more torque the easier it is to cross the huge dunes and climb steep escarpments with the fully loaded Jeep.

Quote:
<font face="" size="2">Nobody sane drives more than about 80kmph in most of Africa anyway!</font>
I agree, but, I’m born and raised here and I’m quiet used to the driving manners (or lack of it ) and the bad roads. Statistically I’m part of the problem .

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 227
Finding myself in the US, I've looked at these trucks and think that there may be one in my overland future when the 110 retires!

I'd immediatley disregard the F450 and F550s, goood though they are they both are dualies, that is dual wheel rear axles. The Turtle F550 had some serious mods done to the rear axle. You don't need to carry all that weight IMHO.

The F350 seems to me to be the best base vehicle. It'll take a lot of load and if you choose the right wheelbase you'll be ok (the best compromise to me is the half-cab SWB, which is about 147 inches IIRC).

The new Powerstroke 6.0 V8 Diesel is a wonderful engine. I drove one a few weeks ago and couldn't believe how quiet it was in the cab. The only time you can hear it is at idle.

If it's a camper you're after you can get the chassis-cab version of the F350 and build up as required.

Another alternative is the 4x4 trucks from Sportsmobile - http://www.sportsmobile.com/.
Again, I've checked these out and using a base Ford vehicle you can end up with a really nice truck. If you could only get the Sprinter 4x4 Diesel in the US I think that would be worth looking at, but the Ford E350 based vehicles are very comfortable also.

Cheers,
Nick.

------------------
www.exerro.com
96 BMW F650
96 Defender 90 300TDi
97 NAS D90
98 Camel Trophy 110
__________________
Nick Taylor, a Colorado Mack'em
blog | vehicles
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Dec 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Be very aware that if it's not Land Rover or Toyota, you will not find any sort of spare in W.Africa. At least with the two 'normal' 4x4s you have a fighting chance...

I know it's been mentioned, but there you go!

Sam.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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


 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 20:53.