Hi Guys
I have bought a 2007 3.8V6 GLS LWB absolutely standard (no accessories or modifications)
I intend going to Kgaligadi, Richtersveld, Sani etc - nothing too hectic in the near future.
What would you experienced guys consider essential accessories/modifications (I would think long range fuel tank to start with) and what would you consider to be "nice to haves"
I would appreciate your advice
Lilylou
Congrats and Welcome.Lilylou wrote:Hi Guys
I have bought a 2007 3.8V6 GLS LWB absolutely standard (no accessories or modifications)
I intend going to Kgaligadi, Richtersveld, Sani etc - nothing too hectic in the near future.
What would you experienced guys consider essential accessories/modifications (I would think long range fuel tank to start with) and what would you consider to be "nice to haves"
I would appreciate your advice
Lilylou
As an oil burner myself(diesel) I would say an extra tank is not a must have, but on the petrol it might be needed.
I would say that proper bash plates for the front and possibly rear, to protect the rear bumper, is the first investment that must be made. Then I would say a proper snatch strap( to pull you out if you get over eager), compressor and tyre pressure gauge. Learn how to use your vehicle and maybe do a proper training, which is worth a lot in the end. I personally believe a lot in adjusting tyre pressures for the terrain at hand and thus this on the wishlist.
With these items you can travel far and wide and still be good to go.
If you are considering more off road travel an All Terrain tyre is probably also on the cards, but can wait until you have finisehed the current set. Kgalagadi and Richtersveld is prone to be heavily corrugated and a new set of shock absorbers might be needed to smooth the ride, but check your current setup first as the Original shocks are not bad quality at all.
CATS
Lilylou, The additional equipment that you buy, will depend on where you want to travel. If it is close to civiliansation, basically nothing but i you plann to go out into the bush then extra equipment might be needed. I did my first two trips Richtersfeld and Angola) in my dead standard 2004 3,8 GLS with the standard factory tyres fitted. I did carry 200 lit of pwtrol and 80 lit water extra.
We have touted in the following places: Namibia (many times including Van Zyls Pass), Angola, Zambia, Zim, Botswana (a number of times) Sani Pass and Richtersfeld so I would like to say, we do have some off road experience. As we agianed more experience, we decided that the second row seats only take up space with the result that when we go on tour, they are removed to gain some extra space.
I have made the following modifications:
a. A long range tank (100 lit+) in the boot where the third row seats fit into, with ita own pump and filter.
b. Engel 40 lit fridge. We bought annother one for realy long selfcontained trips.
c. Second battery (102amp deepcycle in the engin bay plus 3 additional powerpoints - 1 on the rear of the console (for the fridge and two in the rear pillars). These are used for 12 v lights and the petrolpump of the second tank.
d. In the place of the second row seats I carry the Engel and a 100 lit stainless steel tank for water. On a realy long trip the two fridges will stand next to each other and a different shape 100 lit water tank next to them
e. A good quality compressor (not ARB - they are too expensive but should last forever)
f. Tent. You must decide either roof top or dome tent - we have both and depending in the trip we use the one we think will suit the trip the best.
g. I have modified the Pajero roofrack. My rack is now a proper rack, it still loks like the Pajero item but it can handle a rooftop tent and 100 lit of fuel plus camping chairs, shovel, etc.
h. A rear bash plate in my opinion is the priority and then plates in front.
i. A roller drawer system is very handy. I designed and made my own and after about the fifth trip decided not to take it out at the end of the trip. It remains in the Pajero
j. Pending where you go to, concider a second spare wheel. Mine hangs behind the standard spare. We have been on a number of trips with the second spare and to date, no problems with the rear door.
k. When going into the bush, I use six steel wheels with a slightly more aggresive thread pattern.
I do not have a high lift jack or a winch and I do not se the need for these items. I do have the necessary tow and kinetic straps
I think the list should get you thinking. A word of advice: think very carefylly before you buy. The salesperson will tell you what he thinks you need whilst you might think diffirently. A very comprehensive first aid kit is a must - but think about it and ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. I do not have a snake bite kit. If you ask around and get advice from eg John Marais, he will tell you the small kits that you can buy, is not worth it price that you pay for it.
The most important item that you need when travelling off road and outsire the RSA is insurance with a a proper 4x4 insurance company.
Enjoy buying kit!!
Cloyd.
We have touted in the following places: Namibia (many times including Van Zyls Pass), Angola, Zambia, Zim, Botswana (a number of times) Sani Pass and Richtersfeld so I would like to say, we do have some off road experience. As we agianed more experience, we decided that the second row seats only take up space with the result that when we go on tour, they are removed to gain some extra space.
I have made the following modifications:
a. A long range tank (100 lit+) in the boot where the third row seats fit into, with ita own pump and filter.
b. Engel 40 lit fridge. We bought annother one for realy long selfcontained trips.
c. Second battery (102amp deepcycle in the engin bay plus 3 additional powerpoints - 1 on the rear of the console (for the fridge and two in the rear pillars). These are used for 12 v lights and the petrolpump of the second tank.
d. In the place of the second row seats I carry the Engel and a 100 lit stainless steel tank for water. On a realy long trip the two fridges will stand next to each other and a different shape 100 lit water tank next to them
e. A good quality compressor (not ARB - they are too expensive but should last forever)
f. Tent. You must decide either roof top or dome tent - we have both and depending in the trip we use the one we think will suit the trip the best.
g. I have modified the Pajero roofrack. My rack is now a proper rack, it still loks like the Pajero item but it can handle a rooftop tent and 100 lit of fuel plus camping chairs, shovel, etc.
h. A rear bash plate in my opinion is the priority and then plates in front.
i. A roller drawer system is very handy. I designed and made my own and after about the fifth trip decided not to take it out at the end of the trip. It remains in the Pajero
j. Pending where you go to, concider a second spare wheel. Mine hangs behind the standard spare. We have been on a number of trips with the second spare and to date, no problems with the rear door.
k. When going into the bush, I use six steel wheels with a slightly more aggresive thread pattern.
I do not have a high lift jack or a winch and I do not se the need for these items. I do have the necessary tow and kinetic straps
I think the list should get you thinking. A word of advice: think very carefylly before you buy. The salesperson will tell you what he thinks you need whilst you might think diffirently. A very comprehensive first aid kit is a must - but think about it and ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. I do not have a snake bite kit. If you ask around and get advice from eg John Marais, he will tell you the small kits that you can buy, is not worth it price that you pay for it.
The most important item that you need when travelling off road and outsire the RSA is insurance with a a proper 4x4 insurance company.
Enjoy buying kit!!
Cloyd.
Thanks so much for the feed back.
I have a lot of thinking to do - I think the long range tank instead of the third row of seats is a brilliant idea - they are pretty useless anyway.
Both of you seem to think bash plates are essential so I will do this straight away.
I have been on one or two training courses but now want to get out there.
I'm not sure about the tent - I don't think ma would enjoy that too much! Probably hire an offroad caravan first.
Neither of you mention a snorkel?
Lilylou
I have a lot of thinking to do - I think the long range tank instead of the third row of seats is a brilliant idea - they are pretty useless anyway.
Both of you seem to think bash plates are essential so I will do this straight away.
I have been on one or two training courses but now want to get out there.
I'm not sure about the tent - I don't think ma would enjoy that too much! Probably hire an offroad caravan first.
Neither of you mention a snorkel?
Lilylou
1. Bash plates
2. Recovery kit and Tyre repair kit (learn how everything works)
3. All Terrain Tyres
4. Small compressor.
This is acc to me the essential stuff to take most pass'es, trails and so on for day trips outings and play.
The car is protected, you can deflate and inflate and fix tyres.
You can get unstuck.
Obviously if you want to camp your list grows huge!
2. Recovery kit and Tyre repair kit (learn how everything works)
3. All Terrain Tyres
4. Small compressor.
This is acc to me the essential stuff to take most pass'es, trails and so on for day trips outings and play.
The car is protected, you can deflate and inflate and fix tyres.
You can get unstuck.
Obviously if you want to camp your list grows huge!
PAJERO 3.2 LWB GEN 4 AUTO
Rocksliders|Roof Rack|Bash Plate|Suspension lift|Dual battery system|
Rocksliders|Roof Rack|Bash Plate|Suspension lift|Dual battery system|
Would the bash plates be supplied by Mitsubishi ?
Of course Kgaligadi and Richtersveld would be more than a day trip.
I'm also thinking a decent fridge/freezer, and then I wonder if a second batteryn is really necessary - provided you remember to switch the thing off at night or if you intend stopping for any length of time - your goodies are not going to thaw.
I agree 100% with the compressor, recovery kit etc
Lots and lots to think about
Lilylou
Of course Kgaligadi and Richtersveld would be more than a day trip.
I'm also thinking a decent fridge/freezer, and then I wonder if a second batteryn is really necessary - provided you remember to switch the thing off at night or if you intend stopping for any length of time - your goodies are not going to thaw.
I agree 100% with the compressor, recovery kit etc
Lots and lots to think about
Lilylou
Uys @ Stofpad 4x4 makes the bashplates. Mitsubishi doesnt have what you are looking for.
Look here: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sh ... 96&page=11
Look here: https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sh ... 96&page=11
Attachments:
PAJERO 3.2 LWB GEN 4 AUTO
Rocksliders|Roof Rack|Bash Plate|Suspension lift|Dual battery system|
Rocksliders|Roof Rack|Bash Plate|Suspension lift|Dual battery system|
Lilylou,
If your plan is to hire a caravan, then you are not planning to realy rough it with the result that you would need a lot less kit. With a caravan, I would install air bags as a priority. As far as the snorkel goes, some people swear by them and others think it is not realy needed as long as you clean/ swop your air filter often whilst driving in very dusty conditions.
If your Pajero is a 3,8, then I would say that an additional fuel tank is essential. Mine is a 3,8 and I can say from experience that they can and do get very thirsty when you work them hard. My extra tank in the space of the third row seats space drew some heavy critisism - dangerous, fuel vapour in the cab, spillage whem filling it, etc. All of which is possible if you do not use proper caps and have a vent pipe to the outside! If I can be very honest, I will prefer to have ny 100 lit tank full and be in a roll-over rather than having 4 x jerry cans full on my roof and be in a roll-over accident. I have been to many Pajero scraps to buy odds and ends, and have not found one where the third row seat space was damaged or seriously damaged.
Whilst doing my study to decide on an extra tank, I did look into buying the Front Runner tank but in the end decided against it for the following reasons: a. An additional 40 liters in a V6 is not realy worth the money that you pay for it (some people said that they could only get about 35 liters into it), b. The most vulnerable place on a Gen 3 and 4 Pajero is the space below the third row of seats and the rear bumper cover. If you look at the photos I posted on my rear bash plate, you will see why!! - and that damage was caused by the Namib sand.
If you should descide to buy a snake bit kit, I suggest you contact Johan Marais (author of a few books on snakes and they are available in both afrikaans and english and are on sale at all the 4x4 shops) or the South African Vaccine Producers at 011 386 6063 to get some assistance. A list of contact numbers are in the book.
Tyre wise, you will also get a lot of opinions. I did my first trip to the Richtersfeld, Sousus an into Angola on the factory tires without any problem. The big thing when you decide to buy equipment is to listen to all the advice, sit down and drink a cold one and realy think it through with the question "Do I / Would I realy use it, or do I buy it on somebody elses advice?" I still do not have a high lift jack or a winch and for the best in me, can not see my spending those amounts of money on something that I might not need. Yes, you do need recovery kit and maybe a little more that the minimum.
Lastly, a word of advice, never travel in the real sticks alone - always travel in a group - minimum of two cars preferably three cars min.
regards, Cloyd
If your plan is to hire a caravan, then you are not planning to realy rough it with the result that you would need a lot less kit. With a caravan, I would install air bags as a priority. As far as the snorkel goes, some people swear by them and others think it is not realy needed as long as you clean/ swop your air filter often whilst driving in very dusty conditions.
If your Pajero is a 3,8, then I would say that an additional fuel tank is essential. Mine is a 3,8 and I can say from experience that they can and do get very thirsty when you work them hard. My extra tank in the space of the third row seats space drew some heavy critisism - dangerous, fuel vapour in the cab, spillage whem filling it, etc. All of which is possible if you do not use proper caps and have a vent pipe to the outside! If I can be very honest, I will prefer to have ny 100 lit tank full and be in a roll-over rather than having 4 x jerry cans full on my roof and be in a roll-over accident. I have been to many Pajero scraps to buy odds and ends, and have not found one where the third row seat space was damaged or seriously damaged.
Whilst doing my study to decide on an extra tank, I did look into buying the Front Runner tank but in the end decided against it for the following reasons: a. An additional 40 liters in a V6 is not realy worth the money that you pay for it (some people said that they could only get about 35 liters into it), b. The most vulnerable place on a Gen 3 and 4 Pajero is the space below the third row of seats and the rear bumper cover. If you look at the photos I posted on my rear bash plate, you will see why!! - and that damage was caused by the Namib sand.
If you should descide to buy a snake bit kit, I suggest you contact Johan Marais (author of a few books on snakes and they are available in both afrikaans and english and are on sale at all the 4x4 shops) or the South African Vaccine Producers at 011 386 6063 to get some assistance. A list of contact numbers are in the book.
Tyre wise, you will also get a lot of opinions. I did my first trip to the Richtersfeld, Sousus an into Angola on the factory tires without any problem. The big thing when you decide to buy equipment is to listen to all the advice, sit down and drink a cold one and realy think it through with the question "Do I / Would I realy use it, or do I buy it on somebody elses advice?" I still do not have a high lift jack or a winch and for the best in me, can not see my spending those amounts of money on something that I might not need. Yes, you do need recovery kit and maybe a little more that the minimum.
Lastly, a word of advice, never travel in the real sticks alone - always travel in a group - minimum of two cars preferably three cars min.
regards, Cloyd
Just one little point - I see a snake bit kit mentioned.
I would NEVER advocate anyone carry a snake bite kit. In the wrong hands they cause considerably more problems than they are worth, and could be downright dangerous. And forget other rubbish like snake-venom-sucker-outers.
Snake bite should be treated symptomatically, so get a decent first aid kit and do a decent first aid course.
I would NEVER advocate anyone carry a snake bite kit. In the wrong hands they cause considerably more problems than they are worth, and could be downright dangerous. And forget other rubbish like snake-venom-sucker-outers.
Snake bite should be treated symptomatically, so get a decent first aid kit and do a decent first aid course.
Simon Bloomer