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I learned a lot when I tried to put a Merc diesel into my 2007 JKUR. I wasted $20,000 and 10 months of my life, and it was the most stressful thing I've ever tried to do. Never again. See point # 4 -Dan

Hi All, In my latest video I run through the top five "best" or "favourite" modifications that I made to the jeep I drove right around Africa. There's no doubt the setup has been battle proven, and I hope you can learn from what worked well for me. In the video I don't only talk about "what"...

Hi Ben, By the time I got to Africa my Jeep had about 75,000 miles on it (around 120,000 kms) I met people with Defenders that were just a few years old with 90,000kms who had already replaced the water pump, clutch, oil pump, starter and alternator. Of course I met people with older...

All the ones I met doing serious miles in Africa were like this too.... for a while. Then after the 2nd engine re-build or gearbox replacement or 5th wheel bearing or 4th clutch (or all of the above!) they were fed up with it. Quite a few said they had trouble with their clothes.... they were...

But they've just released a JL with a +500lbs payload without doing any of those negative things. So build a 4xe, but leave out the battery and electric stuff, and you have a wrangler will 500lbs payload more than a regular one... -Dan

All the official press material says the 4xe has identical payload and towing to the 3.6 (but it weighs 500lbs more). So all the websites and videos are quoting Jeep's official word on that - For example...

I know the diesel Wrangler has a lower tow rating (or is that the gladiator?) .. but I can't find hard numbers on the payload.. Do the diesel Wrangler and 3.6 Wrangler have exactly the same payload, despite the Diesel weighing 400lbs more? -Dan

Well, sorta. The new plug-in Hybrid 4xe Wrangler weighs 500lbs more than the regular 3.6 Wrangler (most of that is the battery which is under the back seat) BUT it has exactly the same payload and towing capacity (1,280lbs and 3,500lbs) as the 3.6 Wrangler. So in effect the frame, axles and...

My current Jeep was designed and built for 2 people (it IS a 4 door after all), and it worked very well for two people to live in full-time when my then-girlfriend came over to Africa. -Dan

I'm loving all these "expedition Land Rover" photos, thanks very much! I can't help but notice every single one so far has been a different way to carry more crap on your vehicle. Mine is already a touch over GVWR. I don't need a way to carry any more, that's for sure! -Dan

I love how the Bronco options are available on any trim level - so you can add the lockers or whatever to anything. I really hope this pushes Jeep to do the same. -Dan

Hi All, I designed and built a simple and reliable solar setup that was flawless for three years and 54,000 miles around Africa. Here's a walk through of that system, and what you might want to consider for your system Number 1 priority - simple and it works! -Dan

I think that will be one of the huge benefits of the diesel - the weight shouldn't make much of a difference to mileage. -Dan

If you're looking to build a vehicle you can actually live out of, I genuinely think it's extremely hard to beat the 4 door Wrangler with the Ursa Minor popup. It's a complete game changer. -Dan

Wow, really nice work - your fab skills make me insanely jealous! Is that a V8 & Auto? I don't know much about the OG Grands. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this. -Dan

When you say "identical", is the valve stem protected by the face of the wheel? As well as being steel, that's the main reason I chose the Mopar Winter wheels. I show it on video in this one -Dan

That percentage varies greatly depending on the individual person's choices. Yes, you could easily drive around the world and do less than 10% off pavement if you want. I met people that drive West Africa and were sad they only used 4x4 twice. Or, if you choose, you can also go out of your way...

Hilariously I just went into my dealer to order a spray can of Sahara Tan for my 2011 Rubicon to touch up a few places. There are no cans in all of Canada, and only 11 in the US. He said he'll try to get one, but the parts system may just cancel the order. It sounds like I'll be going to the...

As I drove it around Africa, with me in the drivers seat, all my spares, tools, clothes, etc. and about 20 gal of fuel and 10 gal of drinking water it was 6,200. Too heavy, and I vow to do better next time! -Dan

I drove a bone-stock TJ from Alaska to Argentina, and then drove my "camperised" JK all the way around Africa. That's a bit over 100k miles through 55 countries around the world. My advice - and it isn't always received well - is to modify the least amount of stuff you can. All that money...