Vehicle Modifications
Our vehicle is a 1994 Toyota 4runner 3L TD known fondly as ndlovu. We chose a Toyota for reliability as well as the availability of know-how and parts throughout Africa. Ian has thoroughly enjoyed buying parts for the vehicle and making modifications!
Ndlovu is an old girl so there has been much work to do to prepare her for such a long trip. Both shocks and rear coil springs have been upgraded to TJM Offroad products, disc brakes and front skid plate have been replaced. The old girl was also given a new set of boots with 6 Cooper Discoverer S/T (all terrain tyres).
Ndlovu is an old girl so there has been much work to do to prepare her for such a long trip. Both shocks and rear coil springs have been upgraded to TJM Offroad products, disc brakes and front skid plate have been replaced. The old girl was also given a new set of boots with 6 Cooper Discoverer S/T (all terrain tyres).
The Toyota was not particularly suited to a heavy duty roofrack and the problem was solved by a good friend Gav Tillstone. Gav made and fitted the roof rack to Ian’s specifications and his help is greatly appreciated. (Gav -you do know that if it fails you will have to fetch us from Angola!)
The next item to be fitted was the roof tent- a Primetech USA tent bought from Germany. When trialled in Snowdonia the tent proved that it can stand up well to the elements. The facts that it can be put up in a matter of minutes and has a comfortable mattress are bonuses! The only problem is remembering that you cannot drive into underground car parks with it on! We have recently added an awning which will attach to the roof rack and provide shelter from midday African sun and rain showers.
The next item to be fitted was the roof tent- a Primetech USA tent bought from Germany. When trialled in Snowdonia the tent proved that it can stand up well to the elements. The facts that it can be put up in a matter of minutes and has a comfortable mattress are bonuses! The only problem is remembering that you cannot drive into underground car parks with it on! We have recently added an awning which will attach to the roof rack and provide shelter from midday African sun and rain showers.
A winch bumper was custom made for our vehicle by Les at KTC Offroad Supplies in Wrexham. The winch we are using is a generic copy of a warn 9500 lb. The main problem is that our UK insurance will not insure the vehicle with this modification so it will not be on the vehicle until we leave.
Even with only two people storage space is going to be our biggest issue! Ian has solved this by designing storage drawers and storage space for the back of the vehicle- thus minimising the hassle when trying to find something. The storage will be made from 12mm plywood to keep cost and weight down. The packing situation is complicated but Ian enjoys the challenge and tessellation! He will be building the storage over the next month and space will be included for our portable fridge.
The fridge- a necessary luxury! We bought an Engel Ellipse although it was expensive we believe it was a worthwhile investment! The fridge has a 38L capacity and can contain 2L bottles upright which helps with storage.
Electricity and spare battery: Ian has rigged up an in car system which allows the fridge to be plugged in at the same time as other devices (music chargers etc). A 1000W inverter is going to be used combined with a solar panel and spare battery- this will hopefully fulfil electricity requirements while in transit/the bush.
All of the above modifications have brought much joy to Ian who has enjoyed buying equipment and solving logistical problems. Ruth has suffered through long discussions about tyres, 30mm screws for the storage and gear ratio of the winch. She is however happy that Ian enjoys all of this!
