Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Which portal axle is best, Volvo C303 or Unimog? Which portal axle is best, Volvo C303 or Unimog?
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 67
Which portal axle is best, Volvo C303 or Unimog?
Hi

Dreaming again...

Which of the above portals are the most reliable for overland use? I have heard that portals overheat at motor-way speeds, is that correct?

I know there are people that have taken these vehicles around the world and would like to hear of problems encountered (if any) with the a axles, seals, shafts ect...

Thanks
Pete
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
They are for vehicles of different weight categories so they can't really be compared. My U500 has a top speed rating of 70 mph - but on 395/85R20 tires, which are 1189mm in diameter (447 rev/mile). On smaller tires the portal boxes might overheat at 70 mph (higher rpm).
People drive SBU Mogs with Claas overdrives at >60 mph. But nobody drives a Mog at 75-80 mph (except perhaps in Dakar races), if nothing else for economy and safety reasons. I think if you pushed the portal boxes that fast they might overheat.
And Mercedes is very specific about using certain types of synthetic gear oil in the diffs and portals.

Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 67
Thanks Charlie, do you know of any modified portal axles that perform similar to Land Rover / Toyota i.e. speed, ratios etc

Pete
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 May 2008
HU Sponsor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 161
Hi. You can get portal kits to fit to Land Rovers and Toyotas axles. I don't know much about them, but you can get them.

Cheers,
Matt

PS, it was 20.5 deg C today in Derbyshire!
__________________
www.mattsavage.com
VIAIR - 12 & 24 volt compressors and systems. Tyre levers, Land Rover parts, Sand Tracks, Allisport Intercoolers, Overland Prep, and much more...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Dubai
Posts: 192
Do you really need to run portals on an overland vehicle, the set up LR, Toyota and Nissan do is more than adequate, imaginge getting spares for portals in a far out place.

Good in theory but in practice I doubt it would make for a good overlander, better off spending your money on a set of diff locks instead.
__________________
An aussie escaped from london, now in Dubai.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
I don't recommend an extreme modification like custom portal axles for overlanding. Get a reliable vehicle like a Landcruiser Troopcarrier with difflocks. How are you going to fix it or get parts in back of beyond? In other words, I second Col Campbell's advice.

Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kent, UK
Posts: 67
Thanks Gents, pretty much answered any questions I had and like I said, only dreaming. I'm in one of those boats where the main purpose of the vehicle is for long distance travel but I like to get really muddy as well

Anyway, will stick with standard setup and like you say, spend the money on lockers.

pete
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Volvo Lap lander C303 lidel Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 29 Apr 2008 11:22
new overlanders portal nessie 4 wheel Overland Travel 3 7 Mar 2008 17:44
Extending axle breathers danielsprague Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 26 Jan 2007 10:33
Volvo C303 for sale on Ebay luisGuerreiro Equipping the Overland Vehicle 0 10 Sep 2006 22:05
Front Axle Lube danielsprague Equipping the Overland Vehicle 3 15 Dec 2005 14:04

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 22:25.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top