That sounds too tight.

Just to baseline an 80 series (new fluids, filters, wheel bearings, CVs, pads, etc) you are looking around £450 in parts (mostly from Milners Off Road) and I would have thought the Hilux wouldn't be too far off.

As for roof racks, and other expeditiong kit, etc - these are scarce and tend to hold their value so won't necessarily be chaep.

As for fuel or water tanks, unless you are going to wander around the scrap heaps to see what will fit where, you will struggle to get these second hand- you should be able to modify a car fuel tank to fit up under the rear tray, but then you need to relocate the spare wheel - water tanks will be harder - cheapest option is just to go for plastic Jerries or perhaps a new tank from someone like C.A.K. Tanks.

Be warned, usually the most exppensive part of these trips is the vehicle prep.

Trip Prep
 

Nige,
One very helful aspect of Horizons Unlimited is the regional meetings that occur each 3-6 months in different parts of the world. Have a look elsewhere in HU for the meetings near your home. I am sure you will meet people with similar experiences that will be willing to help you plan for the trip.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/

You are among like minded friends here. Most trying to work out how they can make a worthwhile trip without a pile of cash. Let me know if I can help.

Tom Sheppherd
 

Try looking up Royal Geogrpahic Society

Website www.rgs.org

As previously said second hand parts are tough to come by....we have tried but things like roof tents, racks and tanks tend to either be sold with the vehicle or they are no cheaper than a new one.

Its possible to spend as little or as much on your vehicle/preparation as you want to, but I think spending more on the base vehicle is worthwhile. Then think about what you really need based on where you are going.

Perhaps a 4x4 meet for us lot on here would be a good idea so we all share ideas and it would give people chance to check out other set-ups.

Tom Sheppards book
 

RGS link to page -
Expedition Logistic manuals

I ordered my book from RGS today, they seem really helpful, and mentioned there explore seminar which sounds interesting unfortunately, I am away during it.

Explore - expedition & fieldwork planning seminar

By the way thanks for the tip Bec!

So, when you thinking of going Nige?
I've done some, I want to go for a long time, next time.

overlanding on a budget
 

hi Nige

i think you will have realised that there is a lot of goodwill on this site to anyone brave (stupid?) enough to want to travel overland through africa..my advice if is to take with you only those items that yu really have to and avoid the "just in case items" sooooo (and i await the shouts of denial from everone) forget spending money on expensive overlanding boks except chris scotts! dont bother with extra long range tanks , and water filtration, forget taking lots of spares (they are available in africa cheaper than here) just make sure that you vehicle is in good condition before you go and rely on your own instincts to get you out of problems..i love roof top tents but ive seen people cycling in africa carrying woolworths cheapest tents.. go for it and when anyone tells you you MUST have something always ask WHY

and if you watch the borman /mcgregor thing remember its TELEVISION drama not a "how to" documentary

if you need a chat message me and ill send you my phone number



good luck

jeff

Gone wandering