We by no means pretend to be experts, indeed we are novices in many respects. What we have managed to put together has all been gleamed from our own limited experience and from hours of pouring over the vast amount of information found on numerous websites. The available information is not always easy to use because what works for one person under a particular set of circumstances, will not necessarily work for us. A lot of the modifications we have made and the equipment we are taking with us may well be over the top. We simply don’t know. We have never been to the places we are travelling to, and many are a long long way from expert help. Also, throw in the fact that we will contend with language challenges and thus we have tended to err on the conservative side. Added to that, much of the world drives on the right hand side of the road, which is opposite to what we are used to.

We have made our best judgement call on the gear selected. Page Tips and Info records what we have learned over a period of time during our travels, what gear and kit we found to work well and what stuff we took with us was found to be a waste of money.

Vehicle and modifications

We are driving in a Toyota Land cruiser diesel 100 series. Quite simply, this vehicle should be relatively easy to maintain as it is used throughout the entire world, gives a very comfortable ride, has substantial interior space and has a powerful 4.2lt engine capable of getting through and over challenging terrain. The 100 series better suits our budget and does not have the reportedly troublesome D-4D engine.

We have added a bulbar (twice saved us big money during our earlier working time in Africa), winch, spot lights, heavier suspension (the big Land Cruiser has a surprisingly low load carrying capacity – 600kg), improved brakes to more safely handle the heavier loads, auxiliary diesel tank (all up total capacity 160lt), heavier back bumper to carry additional kit including extra spare wheel, and tinted windows for added security.

Gear taken with us

Some of the gear is required to keep our vehicle moving forward, some to sustain us, stuff to keep us safe and comfortable, some for communication, storage and electrical supply.

Stuff to keep the vehicle moving forward

  • Recovery gear
  • Spares and tools
  • Compressor

Gear required to sustain us

  • Cooking facilities and eating utensils
  • Water tank (60lt) and filtration system
  • Clamshell type rooftop tent
  • Campsite comforts (chairs, lights, etc)
  • Fridge (Luna National)

Communication

  • Laptop, tablet and mobile phones
  • GPS navigation and tracking devices

Stuff to keep us safe and comfortable

  • First aid kit
  • Insect repellents
  • Small wardrobe of summer and cold weather clothing (expected temperatures will range between about -10 (Himalaya) and 40 (Central Asia)
  • Heat exchanger to make hotwater for showering and washing
    Foldup toilet

Electrical

  • Deep cycle AGM 120ah house battery charged by the vehicle alternator
  • USB and 12v plugs front, rear and in tent to charge and run electronic devices
  • 1500w modified sine wave inverter to run a couple of 240v home comforts

Storage

  • 3- draw cabinet, fridge slide and kitchen table self made using 9mm and 12mm marine plywood.