Probably a bit of a long shot but if you don't ask.....


Having spent years trying to make up my mind which vehicle to use as the basis for a multi-year, "at least round Africa and Asia but then who knows" trip, I've decided to go for a modern vehicle after all (I know - electronics) and after visiting Bad Kissingen this year came across the Oberaigner 6x6 conversion.

I have an HGV license so was going to go for an old Merc 1222 AF or similar but have decided that for a very long term journey, driving comfort, noise levels, engine efficiency etc are worth paying more for, though I understand the downsides of modern electronics. So, decision made, it will be a modern 4x4 or 6x6 and I'm going in with my eyes open.
www.oberaigner.com if you don't know the vehicle.

I like the idea of having a 4.8m x 2.2m cabin but not having to haul it round on a 9 tonne vehicle. Using the Oberaigner means it should come in at under 5 tonnes on a 7 tonne GVW chassis, which I consider ideal. It's also 250mm to 400mm shorter, another advantage.

I've raced, rallied and rolled a few 4x4s for 20 years in Dubai so am not looking for an extreme desert adventure truck - I've already got that out of my system - but my only concern with the Oberaigner is ground clearance. Max clearance is given as 257mm on the tallest, identical wheels all round tyre option. I'm an experienced dune / sand track / corrugated gatch track driver but not so much on mud or "African terrain" - whatever that may throw at me (though 2 weeks spent in the Masai Mara last summer gave me some idea what to expect at least on dry roads.)


I figure there will be plenty of people here with an opinion / knowledge as to whether 257mm is going to be a limiting factor or just as good as a Land Cruiser or Defender in the ruts and mud.


Thoughts and comments welcome before I drop a great deal of money on a supplier quite soon - the plan is to start the journey post summer 2015, from Dubai.


Thanks, and have a great, healthy, safe, 2015.