Morocco Easter time 2015

mikescuba · Apr 25, 2015

Great pictures, Oh how I wished I could have gone along. Never mind next year. What size tyres were you running on? 265 or 285's I'm surprised you were bottoming out on the tow bar and rear step. Last year I recall bottoming out twice I think.

MrNasty · Apr 26, 2015

The tires are 265, on the route the tow bar was grounding out pretty much straight away, I straightened Kens steps out as they were all bent up. I have a map marked on our route we took, Ken said he had not done this route for a couple of three years, or sections of it anyway. Good fun. Will definitely go again, just not next year.

mikescuba · Apr 26, 2015

MrNasty said:
The tires are 265, on the route the tow bar was grounding out pretty much straight away, I straightened Kens steps out as they were all bent up. I have a map marked on our route we took, Ken said he had not done this route for a couple of three years, or sections of it anyway. Good fun. Will definitely go again, just not next year.

I have 285's on mine which might just give that bit extra ground clearance which made the difference. Mind you following Ken anything could happen. Shame you can't make it for next year.

MrNasty · Apr 26, 2015

Kens fag lighter stopped working for his sat nav, so we were in front most of time, perhaps at times I was going too quickly and hitting things. But yeah, Ken does like a rough track or two lol.

I've been invited to spend a few weeks driving across the states in a Defender from Oregon down to Florida or taking my 110 to Iceland next year, but I haven't decided yet.

SpaceDawg · Apr 27, 2015

Hi All,

Could people PM me who are going next year, Mike, Adam,Sid you don't need to as your going anyway.

I'll get a meetup sorted for later this year, I was thinking maybe we should do it at a Land Rover show and kill two birds with one stone?

OLDUN · Apr 27, 2015

I seemed destined to be a follower - just wait until you can really follow me and then you will see some rough stuff.
Still unable to upload some photos as my kit is in the 110 which has not yet returned home from Spain.
Doubt I will be able to go next Spring as hoping to do something even more adventurous, but will probably go back in the Autumn as I promised an engine pulley hoist for a gentleman in Assa who fixed the clutch for me at a moments notice.

MrNasty · Apr 27, 2015

Was thinking about a Ford/ Dodge/ at a push Chevy double cab 4x4 turbo diesel V8 truck single not a dually for next time perhaps?

My reasons being driving on endless European motorways just to get there really sucks in a Defender, whereas a big Yank truck eat motorways, and the single wheeled 4x4 axle trucks are decent off road too, only draw back I see is they are 21 feet long lol

Was looking at these two for sale in the States

2001 Ram quad cab 4x4 5.9 turbo diesel cummins Dana Axles, running gear and engine are tough as nails, but interiors fall apart.

Or 2002 Ford F250 7.3 Powerstroke International 4x4, Pretty good all rounder.

ford%20f250%204x4%20powerstroke_zpsbmjsq8sf.jpg

Just a thought, I know that both these trucks weigh in at 3 tons a piece at least, but my wife is not really a fan of Defenders on long journeys, whereas these things offer air con that works, massive fat person spec seating, just the weight issue, I've seen these things in action in mud and they are pretty good, don't know about sand though. Thoughts?

mikescuba · Apr 28, 2015

MrNasty said:
Was thinking about a Ford/ Dodge/ at a push Chevy double cab 4x4 turbo diesel V8 truck single not a dually for next time perhaps?

My reasons being driving on endless European motorways just to get there really sucks in a Defender, whereas a big Yank truck eat motorways, and the single wheeled 4x4 axle trucks are decent off road too, only draw back I see is they are 21 feet long lol

Was looking at these two for sale in the States

2001 Ram quad cab 4x4 5.9 turbo diesel cummins Dana Axles, running gear and engine are tough as nails, but interiors fall apart.

Or 2002 Ford F250 7.3 Powerstroke International 4x4, Pretty good all rounder.

Just a thought, I know that both these trucks weigh in at 3 tons a piece at least, but my wife is not really a fan of Defenders on long journeys, whereas these things offer air con that works, massive fat person spec seating, just the weight issue, I've seen these things in action in mud and they are pretty good, don't know about sand though. Thoughts?

One thought springs to mind is Parts?
I had a friend who took a Willy's Jeep to Morocco. It ended up coming back on the back of a truck. I can't remember exactly what broke, it was something small and petty but he couldn't get the part out there. I remember him saying next time he will get a Defender. With Defenders there are loads of parts laying about out there. Even Paddock can ship them out there in a few days.
I wouldn't have much confidence with reliability with a US joby. My brother works out of Miami, he is in the trade. He doesn't rate anything US at all. Plus your asking a Defender to tow a 3 ton plus the laden weight of all the gear out when it gets stuck in the sand. And as you probably well know, they all do get stuck. If I wanted something with more comfort I would consider something a long the lines of Discovery or Landcruise. or simply just change the wife. They are fairly cheap out there. ( Joking of course, just incase we meet up with her)

mikescuba · Apr 28, 2015

This might help you decide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH1Vke2Z6VY

3extruckers · Apr 28, 2015

Get a P38

Ours went very well out there, loads of room and plenty of comfort too....

OLDUN · Apr 28, 2015

Spoke to ADAC today - apparently the 110 is on its way to Germany - so it will take at least two more weeks to arrive in UK.

mikescuba · Apr 28, 2015

OLDUN said:
Spoke to ADAC today - apparently the 110 is on its way to Germany - so it will take at least two more weeks to arrive in UK.

Weren't you covered by Relay? I thought they collected you and the vehicle and took you to your destination right away.

OLDUN · Apr 28, 2015

Well Mike I opted for the cheaper option from Germany - about £80 any car with my wife and I covered - AA equivalent for UK and Europe would have been well over £400. So in 3 years have saved nearly £1000 but just have to wait a bit longer for the car to get back. So it's probably worth it - that is if I get the car and its contents back in one piece - goodness knows where it's parked for 4 weeks!.

mikescuba · Apr 28, 2015

OLDUN said:
Well Mike I opted for the cheaper option from Germany - about £80 any car with my wife and I covered - AA equivalent for UK and Europe would have been well over £400. So in 3 years have saved nearly £1000 but just have to wait a bit longer for the car to get back. So it's probably worth it - that is if I get the car and its contents back in one piece - goodness knows where it's parked for 4 weeks!.

I suppose France has to have some advantages. Here your covered with your normal vehicle insurance. A van I dive broke down, Relay picked me up within half and hour. Took me to the nearest garage and waited to see if they could fix it, otherwise he would have driven me home from Paris which would have been almost 500 Kilometers. The same would have applied from Morocco I'm told. Hope I will not have to find out though. Have you decided whether your going to repair the engine or replace it with a reconditioned one.

OLDUN · Apr 28, 2015

It's a tricky one - will initially try for a rebuild - after 12 trips and I can't believe I've done that many since 2010 to North Africa the 110 probably needs a bit of other work also - I can see a big bill looming. Next year it will first travel several thousand miles in a container!!.

mikescuba · Apr 28, 2015

OLDUN said:
It's a tricky one - will initially try for a rebuild - after 12 trips and I can't believe I've done that many since 2010 to North Africa the 110 probably needs a bit of other work also - I can see a big bill looming. Next year it will first travel several thousand miles in a container!!.

Since our last trip I have renewed the front wheel bearings and ball joints. I still have this vibration I'm trying to identify. Oh, I had to replace the clutch. I'm debating with myself whether to replace the shocks. I think they will probably be OK for another trip. Luckily I have a Garage here who don't charge very much, I get the parts from Paddocks. I have new valve guides which I might get fitted. He will charge me 100 for that. Keep us posted.

MrNasty · Apr 28, 2015

Mike have you checked your UJ's for the source of vibration? Easy to change and cheap too.

mikescuba · Apr 30, 2015

MrNasty said:
Mike have you checked your UJ's for the source of vibration? Easy to change and cheap too.

Hi, Yep, I had a brand new front prop which I put on and even when I took the rear prop off and drove it the vibration was still there.

OLDUN · May 20, 2015

Well got the 110 back a few days ago - looks like the K & N filter is the culprit - research shows it cannot cope with fine dust - looks like a replacement engine job.
Tried to get some photos uploaded but files too big!!.

james6546 · May 20, 2015

OLDUN said:
Well got the 110 back a few days ago - looks like the K & N filter is the culprit - research shows it cannot cope with fine dust - looks like a replacement engine job.
Tried to get some photos uploaded but files too big!!.

That's a shame, I was considering a K&N filter, glad I didn't bother!

Try putting the photos on photobucket, that is easier.

Morocco Easter time 2015

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