I have checked out the postings and have listened to a lot of advice including some hype and have come to the following conclusion for an upcoming trip to Botswana/Namibia in my Gen 3 GLS LWB DiD. I am not one for a lot of bling, and prefer to keep my vehicles standard.
I would however appreciate some advice as to what I am proposing is practical.
ROUTE
We are doing Ghanzi, Maun, Moremi 3rd Bridge, Khwai, Savute, Ihaha, Nambwa, Ngepi and Etosha
SUSPENSION
The OME option only gives some 3.5-4cm lift for a lot of money. I will pack the car on a test trip and if I need it, fit some air helpers at the back. I assume Mitsubishi know a little bit about 4x4 suspension. Or is it worth while to spend the money on OME?
ROOF RACK
I do not want a permanent rack and only intend to carry a spare wheel, a 10kg tent and chairs. I am thinking of the Frontrunner 1.4m rack with clip ons to the standard rails.
FUEL
I intend to fit 2x20lt jerry cans in the space used for the 3rd row of seats. I will only fill up with diesel just before I need it. Is 130lt enough?
BATTERY
I will install a 80 amp battery and charger system tou use with my Waeco 50lt fridge
TYRES
I have Cooper Discover ATR tyres fitted and will cary 2 spares plus a repair kit and pump
COMMUNICATIONS
We will use Zartek 708 radios with external arials which will give about 2-3km range.
NAVIGATION
I am looking at either the Garmin 500 or 1410 with T4A. I prefer the 1410 as it has a bigger screen. I do not hike or have a boat. Is there any reason to get the 500 instead?
STORAGE
I am thinking of a Frontrunner shelving system with ammo boxes but find it a bit expensive and am worried about the extra weight. An alternative is the DIY Maizey system described else where. Or go without?
SPARES
Spare filters, hoses and belts. Also a toolkit.
Is there anything that I have missed when it comes to preparing the car for the trip?
2005 Pajero GLS LWB DiD
Geolander AT/S, FrontRunner roofrack, OME, dual-battery
Nikon D4, 500VR
Geolander AT/S, FrontRunner roofrack, OME, dual-battery
Nikon D4, 500VR
Hi Kennekam
I would not take the fuel inside the car. Rather put the diesel on the roof and carry water inside. Leaking diesel in a nasty substance (smelly and difficult to remove) and petrol in dangerous.
I agree on the OME. Very expensive and gaslifter should suffice.
While you fit a roofrack, fit a long one. You will find that you are going to fill it with lightweight luggage that takes a lot of space inside the car.
I would not take the fuel inside the car. Rather put the diesel on the roof and carry water inside. Leaking diesel in a nasty substance (smelly and difficult to remove) and petrol in dangerous.
I agree on the OME. Very expensive and gaslifter should suffice.
While you fit a roofrack, fit a long one. You will find that you are going to fill it with lightweight luggage that takes a lot of space inside the car.
Hi,
We've just returned from 7800km's trip starting in Cape Town through the Tuli to Vic Falls, Chobe, Caprivi down the Western side of the Delta to the Rigtersveld and home. I have a full length Roof rack & carried a second spare, 40lt's of Fuel & some recovery equipment. Spares included fuses, a few wheel nuts, Fuel Filter and Air Filter. Returned home with everything still in tact. Your trip sounds awesome.
We've just returned from 7800km's trip starting in Cape Town through the Tuli to Vic Falls, Chobe, Caprivi down the Western side of the Delta to the Rigtersveld and home. I have a full length Roof rack & carried a second spare, 40lt's of Fuel & some recovery equipment. Spares included fuses, a few wheel nuts, Fuel Filter and Air Filter. Returned home with everything still in tact. Your trip sounds awesome.