Top Ten Vehicle Modifications for Overland Travel

[David Harris]

Yeah, it's a lot like malaria...

but a lot more fun . . .

(I saw your microprint on my LR's . . . :ylsmoke

Nothing at all against Toyotas, BTW. Awesome vehicles . . . (I've owned three . . .)

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

Compressor

I use one of these....
BIG PRO 7 COMPESSOR:
Scroll down......
http://www.probag.com.au/components 1.html

But this is better....http://www.4wdworld.com.au/Endless-Air-Compressors.html

Cheers,
Peter

 

[corax]

The catch-22 to a very reliable vehicle is that when things do go wrong (and they will . . . ), the driver often doesn't know the first thing about fixing it, and probably doesn't have the right equipment/materials on hand to fix it, right when they really need to. . . . There's something to be said for intimate first hand experience with the mechanicals of your chosen vehicle. If you know how it works, and have worked on it before, you can figure out a way to jury rig it and keep it going in a field situation.

David

I'll add "listening to your chosen machine." Not just in an audible, "where's that squeak coming from" way, but really paying attention and noticing any change in drivability, handling, etc so you can look into it before it becomes an issue (or know how to deal with it if it does). I've seen alot of people ignore the hints (or screaming signs) of impending mechanical failure and wonder later why their vehicle left them stranded, "with no warning." Although, that could be considered part of maintenance I guess.

. . . I am not convinced that HAM radio would be all that useful if I was in serious trouble though admittedly better than nothing.

. . . . I've been unsatisfied that if I were in real trouble that amateur radio would be the lifeline I need. In my mind there is no substitute for cellular phone coverage . . . I am not discouraging amateur radio use but have personally found it more useful for rig to rig coms (when lucky enough to ride with hams) on the trail. I am not comfortable that radio represents an emergency com method viable enough if I was solo and in dire need.

Agreed, the limitation is in range (more-so with 2M and 70cm) and whether someone is listening. With HF you can reach farther, but that's more equipment if you already have VHF or UHF.
However, how many people carry or can afford a sat phone? GlobalStar lists a $35/ month service fee with usage at $1.50 -> $2.50 in addition to the $600+ purchase price of a phone. I think a better value (and less equipment, weight, etc) would be Spot -> $100/yr for service and less than $200 in equipment that you can carry on your person if you leave the vehicle.





BTW, my RN61 4runner is an official

:ylsmoke:

 

[David Harris]

BTW, my RN61 4runner is an official

:ylsmoke:

See ya out there . . .

 

[Overland Hadley]

However, how many people carry or can afford a sat phone? GlobalStar lists a $35/ month service fee with usage at $1.50 -> $2.50 in addition to the $600+ purchase price of a phone. I think a better value (and less equipment, weight, etc) would be Spot -> $100/yr for service and less than $200 in equipment that you can carry on your person if you leave the vehicle.

I agree.

I would like to carry a sat phone, but can not afford it. So I carry a SPOT.

 

[Overland Hadley]

I like the little expeditionaire for that.

Are they still making the ExpeditionAire? I could not find it on their website.

 

[matthewp]

Are they still making the ExpeditionAire? I could not find it on their website.

Found it HERE.

 

[Scott Brady]

Yeah, looks like Wil has it: http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=479

I would also give George at EOP a call if you have questions. He is a great part of the community.

 

[targa88]

Spot

I agree.

I would like to carry a sat phone, but can not afford it. So I carry a SPOT.

Don't leave home without it.
One incommunicado experience - convinced me to get one 2 years ago. Well worth the price of admission.
Plus has the advantage of linking to multiple media: websites, email, etc.

 

[southpier]

whatsa "Spot" ???

 

[I Leak Oil]

If you own an older vehicle "spot" means Stupid Previous Owner Trick.:elkgrin: It usually indicates some sort of "fix" that entails wiring 10000 watt lights through a piece of 20 ga. wire with no fuse!

Or Spot is a satelite messenger device....rather boring compared to the excitment of driving 65 mph while the spot wiring fix ignites over your head..

 

[Marcie's Disco]

Agreed, the limitation is in range (more-so with 2M and 70cm) and whether someone is listening. With HF you can reach farther, but that's more equipment if you already have VHF or UHF.
However, how many people carry or can afford a sat phone? GlobalStar lists a $35/ month service fee with usage at $1.50 -> $2.50 in addition to the $600+ purchase price of a phone. I think a better value (and less equipment, weight, etc) would be Spot -> $100/yr for service and less than $200 in equipment that you can carry on your person if you leave the vehicle.

I completely agree with you, Sat Phone is spendy. I do not own a Sat Phone. I can say with certainty that I have no justification for Sat phone ownership, I'm sure I am not in the minority. I would consider ownership or rental if I were on extended travel in a developing countries.

As rapidly as technology evolves, the use of Smart Phone apps combined with SPOT type devices within the next few months may change the way we view communications within the context of this conversation. There is some promising marriage of SPOT Connect and app phones that is piquing my interest.

I just think that communications for overlanding has passed up radio. There is some exciting technology on the market that addresses many of the shortcomings of radio and has more natural interface. When I think about the upfront cost of being properly equipped for HAM Vhf/Uhf/HF as well as its inherent limitations, the current and emerging SAT technologies are surprisingly affordable.

 

[corax]

whatsa "Spot" ???

SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker web site
FAQs

The FAQs link above has much more, here's a partial list
How does SPOT differ from ePIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) such as ACR? Why use SPOT as opposed to these other options?
SPOT is the first and only device that uses both the GPS satellite network and the proprietary SPOT network to send exact GPS coordinates to emergency services as well as friends and family.
Not only is SPOT significantly less expensive, it also weighs less and in addition to notifying emergency services of a user’s exact location in a life-threatening situation, SPOT offers three additional functions
not available through any other product or technology:
• Ask for Help In the event of a minor mishap, SPOT sends a message and a user’s exact location to request non-emergency help from friends or family.
• Check In Called SPOTchecking, this feature sends a text or an email with a link to Google Maps showing a user’s exact location to selected contacts to let them know they are okay. Waypoints are stored for review later,
as well.
• Track Progress Called SPOTcasting, this optional feature allows a user’s contacts to track their progress in real time with virtual views provided by Google Maps. All waypoints are stored so they can review their entire
route at a later date.
Why use SPOT instead of just a satellite phone?
Not only are the SPOT device and operating costs significantly less expensive, it also weighs less and in addition to notifying emergency services of a user’s exact location by sending GPS coordinates in a life-threatening
situation, SPOT offers the three previously mentioned functions, Ask For Help, Check In and Track Progress.
SPOT also floats, is waterproof and has a longer battery life than satellite phones.
Since you can not talk to anyone directly, what is the benefit of using SPOT in non-emergency situations?
The key benefits to using SPOT in non-emergency situations include the ability to store waypoints of exact locations during your journey to review at a later date, and the option to let friends and family know you are
alright with the touch of a button rather than getting into a conversation that may interrupt your journey at a hefty price point.
What is the benefit of using SPOT during natural disasters like hurricanes and floods?
SPOT provides additional peace of mind that your exact location has been communicated to emergency services as well as friends and loved ones during a natural disaster or any un-planned emergency situation, such as
getting lost driving on less-trafficked roads or when land line and/or cell phone networks may be interrupted.

 

[Mr. D]

very good information to read

 

[Gerdo]

SPOT now has a unit that allows you to use your smartphone, via bluetooth, along with the standard SPOT communication options.