Hourless Life: Documenting Our Global Overland Adventure

[Hourless Life]

We did it. Today is officially our first day as full-time overlanders.

Achievement Unlocked.

Yesterday we sold our beloved Basecamp (our Winnebago View) and as of today we live exclusively in our Jeep Wrangler full-time until we pick up our Gladiator in June.

Then we’ll move into the Gladiator, finish the buildout, take it on some shakedown runs, and begin our drive around the world

.

One step at a time we are realizing our dream. Thank you for joining us on the adventure.

 

[Hourless Life]

This is us.

We have some thoughts to share, a favor to ask, an update, AND some exciting news. I'll try and keep it brief but hope you'll take a moment to read...

It is surreal to start our full-time overlanding journey as a family. We are humbled by all of the people and companies who have gotten behind us for this drive around the world.

Thank you!

Let's see, what to share first...

1. We plan on leaving the Central Texas area in early to mid-March. We'll be heading towards Arizona, then California, then Colorado (We'll be in these three states March-May of 2021.)

2. If you are in Arizona, Southern California, or Colorado and you have a piece of land you wouldn't mind allowing us to park on, and popping our tent for a night please send us a private message! (Yes we know that Arizona and Colorado have a lot of public land, but we actually enjoy meeting folks who have an interest in this lifestyle and spending time with them.)

3. On June 1st we'll pick up our Jeep Gladiator and take it to the fine folks at Juniper Overland for the addition of the Alu-Cab Canopy Camper and a few other items.

4. In early July we'll be back in Southern Arizona, specifically Tucson but this time with the Gladiator. We'll be connecting there with the Sonoran Expedition Collective for a continued build-out of the Gladiator.

5. Last night we received an email that really humbled us, and has us incredibly excited! We won't spill the beans on it just yet, but we will say that we have partnered with another top notch company on this journey. One that makes epic storage solutions for overland rig build-outs. If you have a guess let us know. We'll announce soon.

There are so many things in motion right now, it can sometimes be a blur. Step by step we are heading towards that day later this year where we start our global overland adventure. We thank all of you for being part of it with us.

Eric + Brittany + Caspian
Hourless Life

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Random question.... And kind of personal.... But how do you use the bathroom during a nasty thunderstorm? Just kinda curious.

 

[Hourless Life]

Random question.... And kind of personal.... But how do you use the bathroom during a nasty thunderstorm? Just kinda curious.

Hey we promised to be transparent. So no question is really off limits.

We know this is a "taboo" subject for some, but let's face it, we've all gotta go. ?

As fulltime travelers who spend much of our time offroad and off grid, one of the most frequent questions we get asked is about our restroom habits. ?

The answer to your question is dependent on several factors. Are we going pee or poo? What time of day is it? Are we completely off grid away from others, if not, do we have our awning and tapered extensions up? Believe it or not the answer to your question is really dependent on circumstance.

But the bottom line is that we go when we gotta go.

If it is just pee we brave the elements and make a mad dash for our desginated "pee spot."

If we are completely off grid and nobody is around and we have to go poo, we may just use a shovel and some bio degradable toilet paper which still ends up in our trash we pack out. Then just wear a rain jacket or poncho for the weather and grin and bear it.

If the awning and tapered extensions are up, then we are living in the lap of luxury. At that point we typically we use the Thunderbox USA collapsible toilet and then the toilet is typically set up under the awning away from the entrance in a corner for a measure of privacy. Then rain isn't an issue at all.

Here is a link to the toilet we use in case you want to check it out: Thunderbox USA

As you know, space is at a premium in the overland life. and the small footprint of the Thunderbox USA design is great for the overland lifestyle. The Thunderbox Toilet weighs just over 9 lbs, and when set-up is 16 in x 16 in x 15.5 in height (same height and size seat as most standard toilets.) But it folds down to only one inch thick so it is super easy to store when not in use.

Hope that answers your question ~ E

 

[alanymarce]

As far as why not ship to Australia? We've learned that the import requirements for Australia are inordinately stringent. Basically you can't import a vehicle unless it is showroom quality clean. By the time we get to Australia, which we plan to be our last continent of the 6 habitable continents that we'll traverse, our vehicle is going to be as filthy as it will get. Our current hopes are to ship it back to the States from Asia and then fly into Australia and either purchase, rent, or be sponsored with a vehicle for the time we'll explore Australia. It seems to be the better option from what we've researched. Though that could all change by the time we get there. We're anticipating it could be as much as 10-14 years from this writing. So as they say, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I can see your point. We did a "deep clean" of our vehicle and customs released it immediately after an inspection. No need for cleaning/fumigation. Now, the cleaning was really careful - essentially down to toothbrushes on the underside. I'd guess that a steam clean (as they do at truck stops), and a subsequent had clean would do the job. However... fully appreciate that you might, after years on the road, need an "official" cleaning. I've seen a lot of comments on the cost, and only once have I seen it suggested that it would be more than a few hundred dollars. Anyway - I can see your point.

Alternatives: Renting for a year is out of the question, for obvious reasons. I haven't seen a "rent/buyback" option in Australia, however that would be a good option if you can find it. We looked at the cost of buying and it was a lot higher than we had expected - you can buy "ready to roll" and it'll be expensive, or you can buy and then do the conversion, which in our case would have been either eating significantly into travelling time, or expensive because Australian labour rates are high.

 

[Hourless Life]

I can see your point. We did a "deep clean" of our vehicle and customs released it immediately after an inspection. No need for cleaning/fumigation. Now, the cleaning was really careful - essentially down to toothbrushes on the underside. I'd guess that a steam clean (as they do at truck stops), and a subsequent had clean would do the job. However... fully appreciate that you might, after years on the road, need an "official" cleaning. I've seen a lot of comments on the cost, and only once have I seen it suggested that it would be more than a few hundred dollars. Anyway - I can see your point.

Alternatives: Renting for a year is out of the question, for obvious reasons. I haven't seen a "rent/buyback" option in Australia, however that would be a good option if you can find it. We looked at the cost of buying and it was a lot higher than we had expected - you can buy "ready to roll" and it'll be expensive, or you can buy and then do the conversion, which in our case would have been either eating significantly into travelling time, or expensive because Australian labour rates are high.

There is so much we are going to learn along the way. I feel a bit overwhelmed at glancing at all of this, but I'll do like I've always done and take it a step at a time. I really appreciate your insight and experience.

Regarding the visas: I've spent most of the morning looking at the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website. It looks like the longest we could possibly stay is 12 months in Australia and we have to apply for the visa 7-9 months before arriving at a minimum. This doesn't even touch on the importing of the vehicle (if we went that route.)

Regarding importing the vehicle: From what I'm seeing online, just importing the vehicle alone costs start at around $1200 USD. Shipping the vehicle into the country could be up to $5000, then shipping it back to the USA could be another $5000. This does not include a cleaning fee, documentation fees, vehicle import authorization, plating, etc. Multiple websites are saying that Australia is the most difficult country in the world to import a left hand drive vehicle into. So again we'll see. But considering we will only be there less than a year, my guess is that we'll have to figure out something other than taking our vehicle there. Not sure what this looks like at this point. I'm sure by then I'll have a much better idea and truth be told in over 10 years those rules could change significantly.

My hope is that by then we'll have made friends with folks Down Under and maybe find an overlanding type outfitter where we could rent, or borrow one of their vehicles for that portion of our trip. We'll see how all that plays out. It is pretty daunting just to read through their official websites and see all that is involved.

@Dan Grec did a great video on this topic here: How To Ship Your Vehicle Down Under

 

[alanymarce]

Regarding the visas: I've spent most of the morning looking at the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website. It looks like the longest we could possibly stay is 12 months in Australia and we have to apply for the visa 7-9 months before arriving at a minimum. This doesn't even touch on the importing of the vehicle (if we went that route.)

Regarding importing the vehicle: From what I'm seeing online, just importing the vehicle alone costs start at around $1200 USD. Shipping the vehicle into the country could be up to $5000, then shipping it back to the USA could be another $5000. This does not include a cleaning fee, documentation fees, vehicle import authorization, plating, etc.

Multiple websites are saying that Australia is the most difficult country in the world to import a left hand drive vehicle into.

@Dan Grec did a great video on this topic here: How To Ship Your Vehicle Down Under

We applied for our visas about a month ahead - the first arrived in a week, the second in 27 days (if I recall correctly). They were for 12 months.

You're not going to import the vehicle - you're in the country temporarily.

Shipping costs have doubled recently (blamed on the pandemic), so yes, they're high, however you need to look at the costs of buying (and probably converting) and Australian vehicle. If I recall correctly we paid USD 2900 to Australia and a bit more shipping back, however we did pay quite a lot in additional fees (many of which have to do with an armed escort to accompany the vehicle to the port, Police inspection.... so would not apply to you).

We took our LHD vehicle into Australia - zero problems - lots of amusing situations, as in dropping the vehicle off for a service and the mechanic gets in on ther wrong side and finds there's no steering wheel... No rules, other than a "LHD" plate on the back if the vehicle is over 3.5 t GVM (maybe 4.5 - didn't apply to us so don't remember clearly). Anyway - we found no difficulty at all.

Dan's video is very good. He's more negative about carnets than we are, and we had no problems with the carnet. Getting CTP insurance was for us a bit confusing but after a few days asking around we obtained CTP for all of Australia in Queensland. One pice of good news - if you drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Australia you don't have to pay toll fees!

Having said all this, I'm not trying to convince you to take the vehicle into Australia - just weigh the options...

 

[Hourless Life]

Right, I mean temporary import of vehicle, not a true import. I'm so thankful that you are sharing your personal experience. We are all about weighing options and getting information from folks who have the experience we yet do not have.

I can imagine how funny that must have been when the mechanic got in on the "wrong" side! What I am learning is that I have much to learn. But this is always the case with something new right? Thankfully we have folks like you that are watching and guiding. Truly appreciate it! ~ Eric

 

[Dan Grec]

Dan's video is very good. He's more negative about carnets than we are, and we had no problems with the carnet. Getting CTP insurance was for us a bit confusing but after a few days asking around we obtained CTP for all of Australia in Queensland. One pice of good news - if you drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Australia you don't have to pay toll fees!

Having said all this, I'm not trying to convince you to take the vehicle into Australia - just weigh the options...

That's because you are able to get a carnet cheaply and (relatively) easily.

For those of us with North American registered vehicles, it's a royal pain in the backside, and about 10x as expensive as what the ADAC charge.
(The ADAC will not issue Carnets to North American registered vehicles.. I asked . )

-Dan

 

[alanymarce]

That's because you are able to get a carnet cheaply and (relatively) easily.

For those of us with North American registered vehicles, it's a royal pain in the backside, and about 10x as expensive as what the ADAC charge.
(The ADAC will not issue Carnets to North American registered vehicles.. I asked . )

-Dan

Yes you're right of course. I looked at Boomerang a while ago when considering buying in the USA or Canada and take your point. We've obtained carnets in Europe and in Colombia, and they're OK from the financial perspective, and easy to obtain. ADAC is more form-filling than ACC. I didn't know that ADAC will not issue for USA/Canada-registered vehicles - thanks for the awareness.

 

[Dan Grec]

Yes you're right of course. I looked at Boomerang a while ago when considering buying in the USA or Canada and take your point. We've obtained carnets in Europe and in Colombia, and they're OK from the financial perspective, and easy to obtain. ADAC is more form-filling than ACC. I didn't know that ADAC will not issue for USA/Canada-registered vehicles - thanks for the awareness.

When I tried to get a Carnet I spoke to about 15 issuing authorities around the world who all refused to issue one for a north American registered vehicle - their insurance doesn't cover it apparently. (and that was before boomerang even existed).
I even got the FIA involved, and after speaking to someone high up there they said "bad luck".
(That was before Boomerang existed, and the Canadian motoring authority had just stopped issuing them)
Now that boomerang exist, I believe FIA rules say North Americans MUST get one from their "local" issuer.

-Dan

 

[alanymarce]

When I tried to get a Carnet I spoke to about 15 issuing authorities around the world who all refused to issue one for a north American registered vehicle - their insurance doesn't cover it apparently. (and that was before boomerang even existed).
I even got the FIA involved, and after speaking to someone high up there they said "bad luck".
(That was before Boomerang existed, and the Canadian motoring authority had just stopped issuing them)
Now that boomerang exist, I believe FIA rules say North Americans MUST get one from their "local" issuer.

-Dan

Yes, I think the only organisation which will issue (or at least did issue at one time) carnets to vehicles registered outside their home country is ADAC and evidently this is for only certain countries. I did see a post recently (and didn't think to make a note of the details) which said the the Swiss authority will issue for vehicles not registered locally, however as you say, the FIA intention is to ensure that the carnet authorities issue only for their own countries and nearby countries which don't have a carnet authority. Some countries don't have a carnet authority at all - either they've never had one or there's a gap between authorities (there was a gap in the UK for example when the AA and RAC stopped issuing and CARS hadn't started). It's evidently as big a royal pain in the backside for them as for us : )

 

[Dan Grec]

It's evidently as big a royal pain in the backside for them as for us : )

Which is why my advice and videos are fairly anti-carnet.

If a person lives someplace where they're easy and cheap to get and renew, then sure, it will make many parts of the world easier (west Africa).
But for some of us, it's ten times more pain & expense than it's worth.

-Dan

 

[smlobx]

Great trip planning and great discussions all around.
‘We are building our Gladiator for extended multi country trip (central and possible South America) and appreciate the discussions so far. We took a 15,000 mile trip this past summer from VA to AK and back and found the saying “keep it simple stupid” (KISS) to be a valuable lesson. The longer we traveled the less we needed!
We are also being very careful with the weight of our Rubicon. We’ve recently added a Long Rang America auxiliary fuel tank and have the Alu-Cab canopy that we are working on.

One question...what are you doing for additional electrical capacity and charging? I’ve decided to go with a BattleBorn 100AH battery and a Redarc BCDC charger that will allow us to use our portable solar panel as well as charging from the Jeep’s alternator but I’m always interested in other people’s opinions.

 

[Hourless Life]

Great trip planning and great discussions all around.
‘We are building our Gladiator for extended multi country trip (central and possible South America) and appreciate the discussions so far. We took a 15,000 mile trip this past summer from VA to AK and back and found the saying “keep it simple stupid” (KISS) to be a valuable lesson. The longer we traveled the less we needed!
We are also being very careful with the weight of our Rubicon. We’ve recently added a Long Rang America auxiliary fuel tank and have the Alu-Cab canopy that we are working on.

One question...what are you doing for additional electrical capacity and charging? I’ve decided to go with a BattleBorn 100AH battery and a Redarc BCDC charger that will allow us to use our portable solar panel as well as charging from the Jeep’s alternator but I’m always interested in other people’s opinions.

Hi Eddie,

We haven't fully locked everything in, but we are looking at going with lithium batteries, 280W of solar, a RedArc management system, and the recommendations of Juniper Overland in Denver, CO based on our anticipated needs when it comes to electrical capacity. We're also still locking down our heating system. So there are still parts and pieces that will have to be factored into what power consumption we'll have. Wish I had more information at this point, but as of this writing I do not.

Eric