Sounds like it would be ideal to bring all if it were possible. Reckon we might not have room and the weight a huge consideration for us - will have to wait till we've packed up to see what space we have left. Meantime, we've decided the bag is for us. Have been reading a bit of Chris Scott's...

Anyone interested meantime, there is a live version in action on www.jollyfollies.com website. You can get idea from a friends and family perspective, see actual route, get last known location, also last check-in instance and status. Also zoom in closer using the google map to location. Will...

Thanks J - will have a better look into. Meantime that sat phone on eBay in France went for £563!:eek: But what price safety and need for comms wherever hey! Just seems like such alot of money - plus need to buy simm and minutes etc. Think if we do decide - it will be the spot thingy for us I...

Being on a budget This sat phone business seems really expensive so have been looking into alternatives. How about a Satelitte Personal Tracker as an alternative? Have been looking at a website called www.findmespot.com and there are a couple of dealers in the UK. Instead of phone, the trackers...

Maybe a case of bringing both hi-lift and bag as happy medium (for LR, caravan and child safety). Trolley jack looks like out of the equation meantime. Will look into the hi-lift better (still looks a bit worrying !) Thanks for info.

Excellent update J. I have just been looking on the Vodaphone website and they do the Iridium on a hire basis for £5 per day for average hire periods of 30+ days. Also the 3G data card and kit for I think £2 per day to provide email and internet. Says, easy CD install 'out of the box'. Might be...

Has anyone used these instead of 3T Trolley Jack or a Hi-Lift Jack? Am wondering as being a girl (a laydeeeey!) and if an emergency and hubby can't help or not around for any reason (stuck in a ravine?) don't think I'd be able to lift the trolley jack out of the vehicle myself (the wheel I could...

Thanks - will re-check my reading of where I got this info from - I probably mis-read.

Thanks G - will come back shortly. Just want to get head around maps and books, get vehicle in etc. and will then be armed with loads of questions am sure. Have been looking at your spares list and equipment list - very useful already for us. Just one more for now though - both Saharan Rally...

Sorry G - mind has been elsewhere - plus been away. Have not been idle though - honest! but been preparing with mechanic (so can understand all this gobbly gook all you in the know already understand about (I can understand the spares lists now! well almost!). Plus, we did a towing course plus a...

Buying own Landy has got be the most ideal what to go but how about going on an organised expedition? - as a way to avoid worrying about age to drive, or cost and outlay of vehicle, carnet, visas, insurance, diesal etc. A few companies offer food, lodgings and a much smaller fee in exchange for...

Griff - A route down to Lake Iriki it is we reckon as probably our furthest point South. Looks good and we can then come back along the coast. Had a quick look at a paper map to see the places you mentioned and also the route you took in more detail. We have some ideas ourselves of points of...

We have taken great help and advice from you guys in preparation for our bigger trip next year, (2 adults, 2 kids). As part of this, we decided to do a bit of a trip this summer through France and Spain and will have 3 weeks in Morrocco. Any ideas for us for Morrocco route? Will have off road...

Excellent read! - thanks Big Lad:D

Looking forward to report...

Tom Sheppard's book seems to have been attracting huge prices on e-Bay and Amazon etc recently due to being out of print. If anyone interested, have just managed to get a copy of edition 2.1. Tom has done a reprint of 500 copies but think he is down to his last few. Cost is £40 plus shipping...

Hello RQ,' Thank you for your very comprehensive list. Good to know the real issues faced and the ways and mindset in terms of handling from a past traveller - agree with what you say - all makes good common sense - exactly what we're after. Agree with the less is more and to try to combine as...

Aah - thank you vey much - I thought the V's were associated more to petrol but got myelf confused when I started to see Diesal V's also. Makes sense that the V's start to appear on the more diesal newer engines. Was just trying to understand fundamentals a bit better so yep - probably digging...

As a complete novice - think I have identified that I have a 300Tdi - based on the fact that it's a Defender 110 CSW 2495cc 1998 P reg. Looking under the bonnet - the simple tell tale signs I've read about being the yellow dip stick and rubber matting cover over the turbo. Also the age of the...

OK - would like to do a bit of both. Try to work out identification of the basics (with help of book) and then bring to the mechanic to assist in advising if correct, provide a more detailed tour and then help us with 'how to' service correctly etc. Found a CD on eBay based (supposedly) on the...