Suggestions for making my Series III ready for overlanding?

[TravelinLight]

Sarah, glad you are keeping the truck. I am following this thread closely.

I replaced everything on my Dormobile this last weekend like Jeffrey and TeriAnn suggested at the expo. I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner! I would say the original posts about good working order vehicle is the best starting place and then trying to keep it light and simple.

 

[Sleam]

Thanks Sean! I was wondering how yours was working. After new tires this week, my brother, his girlfriend and I just did a 140 mile road trip in NM and big thumbs up! It did great! Next year then I will aim to come to Expo in this. Bring your family too okay? The more the merrier right?
Stay in touch,
Sarah

 

[Antichrist]

I had a Koenig pto winch but went with an old electric warn when I fitted my overdrive.

Yeah, that's the downside if you have one that runs off the transfer case rather than the engine.
The Koenig is great winch though. I like them so much I bought another last year. Though this one I may convert to hydraulic and put on my '95 Disco.

 

[McBride]

Sarah,

I'm an neighbor - I live way back up in the Ortiz. I've seen your LR on 14. My overland vehicle is a crazy looking white Mercedes G-wagen camper.

Like you I do mostly solo backcountry routes, mainly in the winter. I'm really looking forward to seeing your progress. What a great platform!

It seems like you are on a good path. Lightweight equipment is the way to go in my opinion. I agree with the others on an electric winch but before that purchase I'd recommend some maxtrax and a shovel- the Maxtrax are basically super long and grippy "sticks and rocks" to go under your tires and will get you out of 90% of stuck situations. I'm sure you have good judgement and can easily identify obstacles/terrain that should be avoided. That's really the key when going solo. You can almost always turn back and find another route - this is where having an ample auxiliary fuel supply is super valuable. The only time I've ever pressed on against my better judgement is when I didn't have enough fuel to turn back.

Seeing as you run solo a low sleeping/storage platform inside the vehicle seems prudent - you could even pull the passenger seats for extra width and length if you are tall. If the LR is going to be a dedicated travel vehicle then removing seats and building out the rear is a viable option. One nice thing about a rear platform is that water/fuel tanks, aux battery and other heavy items can be located central and low which maintains good vehicle performance.That combined with a quality SUV type tent/awning/enclosure for the dogs might suffice.

Just some thoughts. Look forward to meeting you someday.

William

 

[Sleam]

Sarah,

I'm an neighbor - I live way back up in the Ortiz. I've seen your LR on 14. My overland vehicle is a crazy looking white Mercedes G-wagen camper.


Just some thoughts. Look forward to meeting you someday.

William

Nice to meet you too! I'll have to look out for you and the G-wagon now, won't I? Did you build a platform in the back for yours? I have an extra gas tank but not sure how I'd attach it underneath but the other Rover I had, we used the space under the seats for gas tanks. I wish I'd paid more attention to how it was set up. I'm looking into the tent options. I just got back from a few days in the San Juans in my 4runner and am tired from crashing in the back with the dogs as my brother had the tent!
Stay in touch though, and more ideas always welcome,
Sarah

 

[McBride]

Sarah,

How are the San Juans looking? Someday I'd like to buy you a cup of coffee and get some good route info for the San Juans for my list.

My G has some serious camper accommodations on the rear rather than a platform. I've seen some rear platform setups that are beautifully executed and seem like a luxurious condo. I'll work on digging up some good photos of examples. Maybe other forum members can too.

Here is a pic of my camper so you'll recognize me. I have a long thread over on the Expo GWagen forum - "Purchased an Expedition G-Wagen.

William

 

[Antichrist]

I have an extra gas tank but not sure how I'd attach it underneath but the other Rover I had, we used the space under the seats for gas tanks. I wish I'd paid more attention to how it was set up.

The aux fuel tank under the left hand seat is attached/installed the same as the right hand one. You just have to weld in a tank support if it's not already there. They are available from various rover parts places.

 

[Sleam]

Thanks Tom, I'll have a look, since I have the tank I might aswell use it right? And William, I'm in the Ortiz Mtns too, west side. And the San Juans were bloody cold this week! All layers on, three sleeping bags and three dogs and I kept warm enough.

 

[Sleam]

Mornings before the sun hits the lake. Beautiful beyond words, I love the San Juan Mtns. (But no, we didn't take the LR!)

 

[LR Max]

The aux fuel tank under the left hand seat is attached/installed the same as the right hand one. You just have to weld in a tank support if it's not already there. They are available from various rover parts places.

I run dual fuel tanks. Its pretty awesome, especially since my fuel gauge doesn't work.

If you notice, the stock fuel tank valve for dual tanks is like, $300. Also it'll be very leaking and crappy. I replaced my old one with one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Fuel-Three-Way-Valve-Brass/dp/B000MTB7QA

Works GREAT. Changed it over like, 10 years ago and its been working perfectly. I suggest buying this and making up your own brackets. The rest of the install is fairly straight forward once you get the chassis brackets installed.

 

[Antichrist]

Actually PA Blanchard has them for £89.95, still not cheap though. I got one of the Moeller ones for a 109 back in the 80's, a lot cheaper that the genuine for sure.
Nice thing about the genuine is it has contacts to switch the gauge also.

 

[Sleam]

I'm taking notes fellas! The book in the Rover is filling up fast with a wish list. My brother helped me put the roof rack back on for tent and lightweight gear. I'll put the extra water and heavy stuff under the dog bed in the back. I'm planning an overnight trip next week to a creek in the Cibola NF if I can find one! Either that or into the Jemez Mtns.
Do you have any links for the jerry can brackets to fit to the back panels next to the tailgate?
Thanks by the way, this is a great supportive thread for me. It helps...it was great having my brother over here for a week, he took Shorty out and about and gave a big thumbs up, saying it rode better than his Defender!

 

[Antichrist]

Do you have any links for the jerry can brackets to fit to the back panels next to the tailgate?

I'd make some swing out chassis mounted carriers, rather than mounting to the body.
Or were you thinking of ones like these?

Is it just water cans? I'm not at all a fan of petrol cans hanging off the back. I don't trust people behind me.

 

[Sleam]

Like the photo was in mind but I don't know. It seems like it would be a good way for water since I have to carry enough for three dogs and myself. Although the weight would be better in the middle wouldn't it, under the dog platform?

 

[Antichrist]

Yeah, in the middle would be ideal, but you should be fine with two cans on the rear chassis. The bigger issue might be your tail lights being blocked.
Since you have a hard top you could mount lights in the roof rear panel.