WTB Tom Sheppard Vehicle Dependent Overland Travel

[Arivalsend]

That would be great. I am interested in a copy.

Great ....now I have more competition. That one for 780 on amazon will be 900 next week:ylsmoke:

No seriously in a ideal world a book with this much information would be more readily available to all the cool Expo members:wavey:

I mean if I look up some obscure, dusty astrophysics book I invariably find like 9 copies for $5-10 apiece.

 

[stevenmd]

I have a contact at the RGS (from whom I got my brand spanking new copy in the fall). I have sent her an email to see if they can be had. I will advise when I hear back from her.

David

I can't believe you're holding out on me David!:shakin:

 

[Scott Brady]

I am working with Mr. Sheppard and the RGS on a reprint (have been for a few weeks now). I will advise ASAP...

In the meantime, here is Tom's most current volume.

4x4 Driving

Sections Include:

The Ingredients
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Preliminaries (Basic 4x4 Operation)
Operating Techniques (Intermediate 4x4 Operation)
Recovery
Advanced Driving
Expedition Basics
Loading, Tires
References

From the Author:

This book is about 4x4's: Selecting them and driving them, not just about off-road driving - though there's quite a bit of that, plus something on expeditions to kindle the embers of all who buy such vehicles.

 

[Arivalsend]

I am working with Mr. Sheppard and the RGS on a reprint (have been for a few weeks now). I will advise ASAP...

Sounds great I will be crossing my fingers. In the meantime I am going ordering up his current work. Thanks for the update

 

[Fifthpro]

I am working with Mr. Sheppard and the RGS on a reprint (have been for a few weeks now). I will advise ASAP...

In the meantime, here is Tom's most current volume.

4x4 Driving

Sections Include:

The Ingredients
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Preliminaries (Basic 4x4 Operation)
Operating Techniques (Intermediate 4x4 Operation)
Recovery
Advanced Driving
Expedition Basics
Loading, Tires
References

From the Author:

This book is about 4x4's: Selecting them and driving them, not just about off-road driving - though there's quite a bit of that, plus something on expeditions to kindle the embers of all who buy such vehicles.

I have the last 3 editions of 4x4 driving as well as the so called "Holy Grail" Vehicle Dependent Expeditions.......

When I got the "Holy Grail" in my hands I have to say I was disappointed....some may be looking for a rock to throw at me but, I feel that the 4x4 Driving book is an abridged version of the VDE so called Bible. It is not worth the $300 asking price some may be tempted so dish out.

Not sure if I fanned the fire or threw water on it but that is my thoughts.

 

[GaryMc]

I am working with Mr. Sheppard and the RGS on a reprint (have been for a few weeks now). I will advise ASAP...

Scott, what about adding a 'Backorder' feature to the order page so folks can at least get in line?

 

[Redline]

You know, I really like my copy of the book and have yet to use it to its full potential, but $300.00 for a paperback is worse than a textbook. And if Brady and Co. get a new/reprint made...

I do like the idea of the 4x4 Driving book and plan to buy one.

I have the last 3 editions of 4x4 driving as well as the so called "Holy Grail" Vehicle Dependent Expeditions.......

When I got the "Holy Grail" in my hands I have to say I was disappointed....some may be looking for a rock to throw at me but, I feel that the 4x4 Driving book is an abridged version of the VDE so called Bible. It is not worth the $300 asking price some may be tempted so dish out.

Not sure if I fanned the fire or threw water on it but that is my thoughts.

 

[ckkone]

Is the RGS currently out of stock? I had my wifes cousin, who lives in London, pick one up for me in December.

No reason to pay $300 for it

It can be ordered here:

http://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/3F591B6E-1664-43D5-B2EF-7CA007BD26C0/0/publicationorders.htm

Complete list of publications can be found here:

http://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/E75289DF-1530-45AD-81F7-29A5FD7C7512/0/EACPubs2007.pdf

 

[MoGas]

I'm sure I'll get banned or regulated for this, but it is my opinion that this book is over rated elitist dribble.

If you need a book to tell you how-to expedition travel, you are in a sad state. The only way to learn is to do.

 

[Fifthpro]

I'm sure I'll get banned or regulated for this, but it is my opinion that this book is over rated elitist dribble.

If you need a book to tell you how-to expedition travel, you are in a sad state. The only way to learn is to do.

Well, that is my post with less sugar added. I was in fear of a good flogging, tar and feathering, etc. It is tough to say how valuable this would be to the beginner or someone who has not grown up and spent most of their life traveling, etc. Life experiences do come at a cost......could the mistakes be offset with a copy of VDE is the question one will have to come to once they have read it.

 

[MoGas]

Well, that is my post with less sugar added. I was in fear of a good flogging, tar and feathering, etc. It is tough to say how valuable this would be to the beginner or someone who has not grown up and spent most of their life traveling, etc. Life experiences do come at a cost......could the mistakes be offset with a copy of VDE is the question one will have to come to once they have read it.

I just get tired of all the "you need this" elitist stuff. You NEED, enough food to last 1.5 times the planned days, enough fuel for the same and shelter, fire starting ability, a good knife, a trenching tool, a compass and maps of the areas you intend to visit, a self recovery device and most importantly, COMMON SENSE.

You don't NEED: ARB fridges, Roof top tents, GPS, SPOT, Sat phones, Internet, laptops, portable kitchens, and all the other things that many people buy to look cool. Let alone a book that tells you that you need all these unnecessary things.

 

[Blair G]

I just get tired of all the "you need this" elitist stuff. You NEED, enough food to last 1.5 times the planned days, enough fuel for the same and shelter, fire starting ability, a good knife, a trenching tool, a compass and maps of the areas you intend to visit, a self recovery device and most importantly, COMMON SENSE.

You don't NEED: ARB fridges, Roof top tents, GPS, SPOT, Sat phones, Internet, laptops, portable kitchens, and all the other things that many people buy to look cool. Let alone a book that tells you that you need all these unnecessary things.

I think for the person who is truly interested in "Overland " travel, this book is a great book. If it wasn't, people would not be willing to pay as much as they do. I don't think the book will sit well with people who think an "expedition" is a weekend in the desert and the biggest challenge is running out of beer. While that is a crisis, it barely is on the same scale as crossing the Sahara without support, without the modern things we are using today. Hell, most people don' even know how to operate a GPS, let alone read a map, use a compass or in his case a solar compass. Most of what he talks about is the fact you don't need the modern things that so many have.
In todays world ,there a precious few places on this earth that one can find a true "expedition", at least like the ones you read about. In my opinion ,if you have never left the USA, then the only thing you have had is a fun time. Which is not bad, but it lacks the global flavor that other parts of the world add.
Is the book worth $800 bucks? To some it has. I paid 80 for it and it has been worth every penny. Name one other book of reference regarding "overlanding"
that can compare?

Blair

 

[DavidG]

I just get tired of all the "you need this" elitist stuff. You NEED, enough food to last 1.5 times the planned days, enough fuel for the same and shelter, fire starting ability, a good knife, a trenching tool, a compass and maps of the areas you intend to visit, a self recovery device and most importantly, COMMON SENSE.

You forgot bottle opener.

Seriously though, it is an interesting book to read. I bought a copy 10 years ago, realized I didn't reference it nearly enough, and finally sold it to help finance the RTT I also don't need...but really enjoy

To each their own. If you have the $$ to spend on it and think you will enjoy it, go for it.

 

[seriessearcher]

I am not sure I follow

With that logic then we should not send our children to school or even a higher education. They should just get out there and learn the hard way?? Why read books and pay high tuition rates?

I can see your point about the bling bling, but there is also a lot to learn about responsible travel. The current price is way too much for me, but if it makes me a more confident traveler then it is well worth it.

To throw out a blanket statement that it is better to learn by doing throws away the adage learn from others mistakes.

I have also seen posts blasting folks for making rookie mistakes, not getting the proper training. That seems to come as a double standard. Do they go out and make rookie mistakes or possbly read a book to help them?

My 2 cents as I have decided to wade into this pool.

 

[Scott Brady]

There are all levels to all activities. Things can be done in the most basic or haphazard of ways or in a Unicat with years of research, and every flavor in between. For either side to judge the other is only self-serving drivel...

To assume that the VDE is not of advantage to a new or even seasoned traveler is to make the same assumption of any other good resource. Some people do well with lots of planning and research and preparation, learning from the experience of others (like anyone who pursues high-education). Some people like to jump in a 30 year old VW and see what the adventure brings them. Why is one right and the other wrong?

I believe that the highest quality equipment and serious preparation results in a predictable, and most often positive outcome. I also believe that good gear like a comfortable and dry place to sleep and a good cooking kit and a fridge can also improve the mood of the team, increasing alertness and their general mood.

The Sunday paper is littered with the eulogies of the unprepared. But they were probably having a blast right up to the point that their VW died on a lonely mountain road, the snow falling heavily and darkness coming...

To each his own. :camping: