Best Configuration for Overland Expedition

I have a 1984 land rover 110. It was originally a hardtop but was converted to a 2 door pickup by a previous owner. It will eventually be kitted out with some overland expedition mods. Africa would be first on the list. I have the opportunity to convert it back to a hardtop or put a canvas on it.

My question is what is the best base vehicle configuration for overland type expeditions? i.e. hardtop, pickup, doublecab, soft top...?

Also has anyone found any problems with soft tops on expeditions, as this would be my preferred option?

Thanks in advance.

If I go 110 route id go for SW or utility but a DCPU with a custom tray would be a nice option

i have a double cab and I love the look - but 110 full cab would be better.

There's lots of benefits to the DC like:
- not worry about mess / smelly stuff going in the back, like rubbish and fire cooking grills.
- makes the ac more efficient for our smaller space.
- has the fridge in the rear, rather than heating the main cab

but…
- hard to secure anything in the rear
- interesting to build storage for the rear that takes the amount you'd want for an overland. I've basically built a rear end of a 110 under the canvas in shelves and lockers
- if it rains - you HAVE to go outside to get anything.

I love the look of mine and I've worked hard to make it right for me, but to be honest if I had a full cab 110 I wouldn't have had those problems.

If your going to Africa think security. It's actually not as bad as you'd think but I wouldn't take a soft top. Also, if you take a hard top you can build storage solutions into the roof and walls.

Good points about the DC.

What's your planned route?

I'm nowhere near planning a route yet but the general idea was to go from Morocco down the west coast, hit cape town, then back up the east. I haven't really gotten into the finer logistics of areas to avoid, and actual route planning etc... as I still have a lot of work to do on the vehicle. Once the vehicle is sorted I'd have to go on a few smaller excursions to test/improve the it.

It already has a 2 inch lift and upgraded Terra Firma shocks but everything else is quite rough and ready. Electrics is a big worry as the original normally aspirated 2.25L was removed to fit a 300 TDI and it looks like the electrics were an after thought.

But there is plenty of info on here to keep me going in the meantime.....

ive just been through the pain of a lazy petrol to 300tdi convert with wires everywhere. to be honest I haven't finished really as I'm planning on updating the fuse box with something that looks like it might hold together a bit more.

download the wiring diagrams for the engine models and spend some time going through and being methodical. Alot of things will come out and be cleared up, but I don't think there is anyway to do it except the LONG & BORING way.

There are lots of places to avoid; I'm a big believer in the fact that the world isn't as scary as people (the media) makes out but you do have to be sensible. The west coast route is quite a challenge now due to the Islamic instability in Mali. Western Sahara is full of land mines and even Algeria is a bit problematic. Once your into Serra Leone (assuming Ebola doesn't take hold) and beyond it'll be fine but research that initial bit carefully. If your serious about doing this let me know when your route planning. An old friend of mine works for the forign office and lives in Freetown. I can run a route past her.

Good luck

If your on a budget in terms of kitting your vehicle out I made a thread on here for a trip across India. We build everything ourselves on a shoe string. Might be helpful.

Oh and try and get a copy of Tom Sheppard's 'vehicle dependent expedition guide'

Thanks for all the tips and advice. I think for peace of mind in terms of security I'll have to go with the Hard Top config. It looks like the first job on the list is bulkhead repair/replacement. I'll try to start a build thread at some stage as its always helpful to get other peoples opinions and experience, and hopefully they'll point if I'm about to make a massive f**k up before it's too late.

Why not have a taster trip, say maybe 2 weeks off roading in Morocco? Then sell the 110 and buy a 300 tdi Discovery auto with air con.
Or a Toyota Landcruiser if you wish to be a traitor.

I have no real experience with over land travel, but it might be worth spending £20 or sow on the rugged guide dvd. One of the disks is all about prepping of the vehicle prep. Interviews with a think its call foot loose 4x4 and how there landys and land cruisers are set up.
Integrated draws, Wolfe boxes, cooking, water carrying etc.

I converted my 90 hardback to overland with aux batteries solar charging fridge etc. when me the wife and dog toured west Africa for 12 months.

I would probably go for hardback with some additional access from the sides to get to the hard to reach places. Or you could custom make a back for a pickup. But you'll need good skills in fabrication in ali.

Where will you sleep? We have a roof tent and that was great but doesn't work well on a ragtop. And you'll have to leave your car from time to time and you won't want to worry too much about security. Don't forget all your worldly possessions will be in it.

A great books include Africa overland by bradt and Chris Scott Sahara overland both had some advice on prep and Chris Scott some great routes.