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 George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 4
Doing Africa in a '79 LR S3 88''

I plan to do Africa overland from Germany to Cape Town, starting in spring 2005. That's still a long time ahead, but it'll take me a while to save enough money for a new start after my return and also to do the trip which I plan to last for about a year and a bit without any financial problems.
I plan on doing it in my '79 S3 88 which seems feasible.
The car is in a very good state. It was actually imported from somewhere in Africa, whre it's been very dry, i.e. there's no rust on the chassis, etc. It's sturdy and the dents in the body make it look far worse than it is.
The engine is new, just being run in.
I do all maintenace myself, I've got a good collection of tools and all the repair-manuals.
I've got a cyclone-filter which still needs to be fitted to the car. Also, the car is equipped with tow spare tyres, one on the bonnet, the other on the rear door.
Then there's a stury roof-rack with wooden planks which is also suitable for holding sandboards on the sides, etc.
In addition to this I plan to do the following alterations to the car which seem a good idea. Maybe someone with more experience can give me some good advice on this:
- I plan on putting in a double aluminium floor in the loading bay on the rear, approx 10cm high for holding spares, tools, etc. There would be a sort of sturdy drawer for the tools in the back part, which would only be accessible if the rear door is opened.The front half would be accessible from the inside, for spares, gaskets, small stuff.
Also, there would be a small hidden compartment there for valuables, cash, etc.
As it takes quite some trouble getting in there and things aren't visible from the outside, this might be a good protection against theft as well.
- On one side I plan to mount a foldable bed made of aluminium which can simply be folded together and the up against the side.In order to use it you would have to put forward the backrest of one front seat, the front end of the bed would then rest on the dashboard. The bed would be just broad enough for a thermarest mattress, which should do for sleeping in the car. Beside this, I plan on mounting a roof-tent, which is far more comfortable if you're somewhere safe.
I've got some water- and even airproof aluminium-boxes (made of 5mm cast aluminium) from an army surplus store. These sould do fine for holding cameras, films, etc.
Hmm, what else...
I've got five 20l water-canisters made of plastic with the same dimensions as Jerry-cans as well as five 20l Jerry cans for Diesel.
Would that be enough or need I take more?
I'd need to store them somewhere. Here in Europe the car will consume around 10l/100km, which would give me a radius of approx 1.400km. Given that it might consume double as much going rough, I'd still have a radius of 700km. Would that do or should I take more?
In order to keep the heavy items as close to the bottom of the car as possible, I'd store them on the inside and put some of the lighter things in my aluminium-boxes which are bolted to the roof-rack.
Is that a good idea?
Which spares do I need to take besides the shafts for the axles and spare springs (I don't mean basics like fanbelts, etc., just the serious stuff)?

Hmm, those are lots of questions and I know I'm planning far ahead, which is why I won't ask any more.I'd be glad to hear from others who've got experience doing the trip in an S3.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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 17:14.