Expedition advice.

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Gunscrossed

Active Member
Posts
132
Right, I've been a Land Rover nut for years and have owned a fair few Land Rovers over the years (still currently own three!).

Anyway, I retired in November 2016 and basically have decided it's time to stop dreaming about doing some overland trips in a Land Rover and start planning.
Basically I'm after some advice on vehicles.
Can anyone give me some advice on what spec I should be looking for? I'll probably be travelling alone or possibly with the wife if I can talk her into it!

Cheers,
Pete
 
Pete - don't drive to The Gambia!
Sounds like a fantastic time planning mate. Hope all goes well and good luck
 
Right, I've been a Land Rover nut for years and have owned a fair few Land Rovers over the years (still currently own three!).

Anyway, I retired in November 2016 and basically have decided it's time to stop dreaming about doing some overland trips in a Land Rover and start planning.
Basically I'm after some advice on vehicles.
Can anyone give me some advice on what spec I should be looking for? I'll probably be travelling alone or possibly with the wife if I can talk her into it!

Cheers,
Pete
I would go for the most basic spec you can find and I wouldn't go alone. The sand gets every where. I took my 200 tdi 10 three years ago and I still keep finding sand in it. Part of the fun is being in a group and of course you have more security. And there is someone to pull you out when you get stuck or if you have a breakdown.
 
Probably Scotland first, then hopefully Morocco, maybe further if I enjoy it, like I say I don't work and have a decent pension.
 
Are there many mods you can do to the 200 and 300 Tdi?
Is it worth considering the Td5?
tdis are great engines and simple in that if you have only a 12v supply to pump they will run quite happily though with solenoid pin removed theyd run without any power,were as the td5 is a very robust engine and one of my favourites but is ecu reliant, tdi or td5 i be happy with
 
Probably Scotland first, then hopefully Morocco, maybe further if I enjoy it, like I say I don't work and have a decent pension.
Then you don't need to worry too much about the engine. You might have considered a 200 or 300 if you were going somewhere remote as they are easier to keep going yourself. You might want to consider a longer wheel base for a bit more travelling comfort.
 
tdis are great engines and simple in that if you have only a 12v supply to pump they will run quite happily though with solenoid pin removed theyd run without any power,were as the td5 is a very robust engine and one of my favourites but is ecu reliant, tdi or td5 i be happy with
Noticed you were back on before, James. Good to see you back :)
 
Should I look for a vehicle that's already had some expedition mods done or start with a blank canvas?
90 or 110?
 
Should I look for a vehicle that's already had some expedition mods done or start with a blank canvas?
90 or 110?
You're not going to need any mods for Scotland. Personally, I'd go for a 110 just for the space and extra long distance ride comfort. You'll have time to think about anything you might need for Morocco.
 
Should I look for a vehicle that's already had some expedition mods done or start with a blank canvas?
90 or 110?
I would go for a 110. I think you will find axles are a bit stronger, plus you have the extra space. What ever you do to modify it after you have done a trip you will discover things don't work out as expected once on the trail. Below is a blog compiled by one of the guys on our trip. You might find it interesting reading and will give you some idea of what you could expect. I definitely wouldn't go alone if you want to go off the beaten track.
http://land-rover-discovery-1.blogspot.fr/2014/04/day-2-morocco-trip.html

I am hoping to go again in April if all plans work out.
 
For Scotland you will need a heater that works. For Morocco you will need air conditioning. For the European motorways you will need something with a bit of go in it so you're not stuck with all the lorries in the slow lane. You would be better off with something that is simple and easy to fix. And lastly, you will need some off-road ability.
Unfortunately, Land Rover do not make such a vehicle. A well sorted 300 tdi auto Disco (with a/c) was the closest I go to this.
You could try another manufacturer but every time I have strayed from the green oval it always ends up in tears.
For your first morocco trip I would suggest joining Atlas overland or Trailmasters.
If you fancy a go at Spain then Spanish4x4 are brilliant.
 
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