My Land Rover and global travel
Baja
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,232
Likes: 52
From: Georgia, USA
I strongly encourage you to spend a lot of time reading there, as I said in post #22, before asking a lot of questions. You'll likely find a lot of your questions have already been answered.
Pro Wrench
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 322
From: BC, Canada
These appears to be the nearest Overland Rally events closest to you:
http://www.overlandexpo.com/schedule-classes/
http://www.overlandfestival.com/
VERMONT OVERLAND RALLY, October 8-11, 2015 | Vermont Overland: promoting adventure travel in the Green Mountain State
My family and I just returned from our 2nd NW Overland Rally. Lots of classes and events. My kids attended the Survival Training for Kids class. There are classes such as Vehicle Packing, Radio Communication, Offroad Recovery, etc.
http://www.overlandexpo.com/schedule-classes/
http://www.overlandfestival.com/
VERMONT OVERLAND RALLY, October 8-11, 2015 | Vermont Overland: promoting adventure travel in the Green Mountain State
My family and I just returned from our 2nd NW Overland Rally. Lots of classes and events. My kids attended the Survival Training for Kids class. There are classes such as Vehicle Packing, Radio Communication, Offroad Recovery, etc.
Last edited by acg; Jul 9, 2015 at 10:05 AM.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 112
Likes: 4
Having travelled in land rovers then may I make a few suggestions
I would keep the petrol engine. I have travelled to Africa in both petrol and Diesel engines. The quality of some of the diesel was questionable and we quickly went throught the diesel filters. I would take a petrol engine and put in an in line filter. Cheap and you can bring extras for little weight and space. The electrics on the discos are normally pretty good. Yes we complain about the coil packs at the back of the motor but it's well protected. I wrap the wires ands the top of the plugs with densel tape and did not have problems.
As for the transmission then as long as it's rebuilt you should not have problems.
Suspension. I personally would not go for a 3" lift. I would stick with a 2" lift. When you go higher then you are throwing your centre of gravity out. Even more so when you add a roof rack on there. That brings be to another point. Every one over loads there racks and then you will find that the gutters start to crack. As you are stripping the interior then I would but some kind of partition in the back then you can keep the heavier things in side and lower down. After the first trip then we did that placing the fuel and water in side at the back. Try lowering full fuel cans up and down in the sun in hot humid countries. Also there is less chance of having it stolen.
Speaking of security then I would go for window guards as well. Also a safe for documents and personnel items. Keep nothing on the out side that you cannot live with out or need to keep the vehicle moving Haywards Heath to Gatwick.
Dual batteries and on board air will make you life a lot easier as well
Take plastic pens trinkets and sunglasses to give away. I won't say bribe but a helpful donation can get things moving along.
Be careful of taking cb radios. Some countries do not like them and we had one ripped out of a Range Rover once at a boarder crossing.
One of the most useful tools you can take is patience. At a boarder crossing once we were held up for 18 hours. Nothing else to do but get the camp stove out and make a cup of tea. Don't get annoyed with beauracrats.
The best tyres I personally found was Michelin XYZ. They offered the best compromise in all different kind of terrains. Take extra inner tubes!!!
You will find all kinds of information and what works for one person will not work for another
I would keep the petrol engine. I have travelled to Africa in both petrol and Diesel engines. The quality of some of the diesel was questionable and we quickly went throught the diesel filters. I would take a petrol engine and put in an in line filter. Cheap and you can bring extras for little weight and space. The electrics on the discos are normally pretty good. Yes we complain about the coil packs at the back of the motor but it's well protected. I wrap the wires ands the top of the plugs with densel tape and did not have problems.
As for the transmission then as long as it's rebuilt you should not have problems.
Suspension. I personally would not go for a 3" lift. I would stick with a 2" lift. When you go higher then you are throwing your centre of gravity out. Even more so when you add a roof rack on there. That brings be to another point. Every one over loads there racks and then you will find that the gutters start to crack. As you are stripping the interior then I would but some kind of partition in the back then you can keep the heavier things in side and lower down. After the first trip then we did that placing the fuel and water in side at the back. Try lowering full fuel cans up and down in the sun in hot humid countries. Also there is less chance of having it stolen.
Speaking of security then I would go for window guards as well. Also a safe for documents and personnel items. Keep nothing on the out side that you cannot live with out or need to keep the vehicle moving Haywards Heath to Gatwick.
Dual batteries and on board air will make you life a lot easier as well
Take plastic pens trinkets and sunglasses to give away. I won't say bribe but a helpful donation can get things moving along.
Be careful of taking cb radios. Some countries do not like them and we had one ripped out of a Range Rover once at a boarder crossing.
One of the most useful tools you can take is patience. At a boarder crossing once we were held up for 18 hours. Nothing else to do but get the camp stove out and make a cup of tea. Don't get annoyed with beauracrats.
The best tyres I personally found was Michelin XYZ. They offered the best compromise in all different kind of terrains. Take extra inner tubes!!!
You will find all kinds of information and what works for one person will not work for another
Three Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 19
From: TEXAS
Always good for a look before planning overseas travel especially by vehicle through border crossings:
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...visories.html/
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...visories.html/
Camel Trophy
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 1,410
From: Michigan
So, it's been nearly ten years since this post began...man, time flies. Anyhow, how goes it Alex? Has the journey/adventure started yet? Bunch of good info here, but like anything...some of it, not all, has become antiquated. Border crossing, vaccine requirements, language barriers, exchanging currency, shipping costs, documentation (for vehicle and persons), corrupt government officials, etc...have all been seriously compromised or made more difficult over the last few years. Not saying all of these issues can't be overcome...but there is a learning curve like no other.
l believe the second post...advising the purchase of a Toyota...was sound advice. They are the gold standard for international travel. There's a reason you don't see folks traveling internationally in a Discovery ll...reliability, availability of parts, complexity of repairs and fuel mileage. Traveling internationally is difficult enough...with a reliable vehicle...why make it that much more difficult? (I know, l know...says the guy that drives a 1990 Defender...but...200tdi, bullet proof and simplistic, 27 mpg, repairable with a screwdriver and a hammer...lol) My other suggestion would be...plan a trip across Canada or head to Mexico. Maybe, even with another experienced overlander. Baby steps, build confidence and street smarts through trial and error...and where there's a little shallower safety net (getting help from family or friends).
Side note: just for clarification on cost...my trip to Alaska, 10,000 miles in five week time...cost roughly $2K.(fuel, food, camping - rough camped 50%, maintenance and cigars - $350.00 - ate out twice and stayed at one motel). So, to maintain that pace...you need some pretty deep pockets....or consistent income.
Renting vehicles in other countries seems to be a popular decision nowadays. A lot of companies out there that offer services for this.
Explore the Expedition Portal or Overland Bound websites. Visit the sites and just READ...there are folks there that really walk the walk.
Anyway, hope you are still planning on doing this.
l believe the second post...advising the purchase of a Toyota...was sound advice. They are the gold standard for international travel. There's a reason you don't see folks traveling internationally in a Discovery ll...reliability, availability of parts, complexity of repairs and fuel mileage. Traveling internationally is difficult enough...with a reliable vehicle...why make it that much more difficult? (I know, l know...says the guy that drives a 1990 Defender...but...200tdi, bullet proof and simplistic, 27 mpg, repairable with a screwdriver and a hammer...lol) My other suggestion would be...plan a trip across Canada or head to Mexico. Maybe, even with another experienced overlander. Baby steps, build confidence and street smarts through trial and error...and where there's a little shallower safety net (getting help from family or friends).
Side note: just for clarification on cost...my trip to Alaska, 10,000 miles in five week time...cost roughly $2K.(fuel, food, camping - rough camped 50%, maintenance and cigars - $350.00 - ate out twice and stayed at one motel). So, to maintain that pace...you need some pretty deep pockets....or consistent income.
Renting vehicles in other countries seems to be a popular decision nowadays. A lot of companies out there that offer services for this.
Explore the Expedition Portal or Overland Bound websites. Visit the sites and just READ...there are folks there that really walk the walk.
Anyway, hope you are still planning on doing this.
Last edited by The Deputy; Feb 1, 2025 at 10:41 AM.
4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 10
Likes: 3
In the next 3-4 years, I would like to take my Disco with me ouside the US and drive across Africa/Middle East/Europe/Asia/Australia. Obviously, that's a huge and time consuming undertaking that's going to rack up a lot of miles and to take a long time to prepare for. I've got a few questions and concerns for you guys.
Engine/Trans:
The US spec 4.6 V8. I don't know if I trust it for a trip like this. It's not reliable and outside the US I predict parts will be harder to find than for the diesel. I also don't trust my current transmission because sometimes it acts... funny. I'd like to swap a manual transmission and a different engine. I'm thinking a 350 with Vortec headswith all new bearings, bored 10 over, port and polish, an aftermarket truck cam, ditch the AC. Then probably a T5 transmission. That, or stick with the engine I have and throw on a new water pump, oil pump, and drop the auto trans for a new manual from the UK. To be honest, I'd like to keep the Rover V8, I just don't know if I can trust it on a trip like this. I'd love some feedback.
-=-=-Edit: What about sticking a T5 between the Rover V8 and the Rover Transfer Case?-=-=-
Drivetrain:
HD Axles, 4.11 gears, one Detroit locker and one Posi-, keep 4 extra hubs, all new brakes, 16" rims with really aggressive ATs or maybe MTs. That, or throw on some 2500 Silverado axles. Thoughts?
Suspension:
I'm thinking stock suspension design with a 3" lift, all new bushings, and replace the watts with a panhard. Simple enough.
Exterior:
Rock sliders w/ steps, steel bumpers, Winch on the front with recovery points front and back. No question.
Storage:
I'll need a roof rack, probably full length. Bolt some metal storage boxes to it and weld some sort of locking mechanism up on each of them. Probably 4 of the large brown metal boxes you find at the Army Navy store and then water-resistify them. Put a metal floor in the rest of the rack and keep a bunch of bungees. Also some jerry can mounts. Four?
Interior:
Gut it. Everything except dash, two seats, door panels, A and B pillar trim, and center console. Rubberize or bedliner the floor and make some additional storage in the back across the entire floor that can be opened from the top and that I can have an air mattress on top of. Gonna need a cooler, too. Replace all the door weather stripping, maybe some weatherproof seat covers.
Cooling:
Chevy truck radiator with electric fans and an inline thermostat.
Electronics:
Assuming I keep the Rover V8, how can I waterproof the electronics? I'm about two turbo couplings and a trimmed quarter panel short of a snorkel, so I'll be throwing one of those on no doubt. I need a way to waterproof all the sensors and onboard computers. Of course, a carb'd 350 wouldn't pose this problem, but that sure is a hell of a lot of fab work to complete the swap.
That's all I can really think of. I'd love some thoughts, feedback, ideas, and to be told of anything I've missed. Thanks guys!
Engine/Trans:
The US spec 4.6 V8. I don't know if I trust it for a trip like this. It's not reliable and outside the US I predict parts will be harder to find than for the diesel. I also don't trust my current transmission because sometimes it acts... funny. I'd like to swap a manual transmission and a different engine. I'm thinking a 350 with Vortec headswith all new bearings, bored 10 over, port and polish, an aftermarket truck cam, ditch the AC. Then probably a T5 transmission. That, or stick with the engine I have and throw on a new water pump, oil pump, and drop the auto trans for a new manual from the UK. To be honest, I'd like to keep the Rover V8, I just don't know if I can trust it on a trip like this. I'd love some feedback.
-=-=-Edit: What about sticking a T5 between the Rover V8 and the Rover Transfer Case?-=-=-
Drivetrain:
HD Axles, 4.11 gears, one Detroit locker and one Posi-, keep 4 extra hubs, all new brakes, 16" rims with really aggressive ATs or maybe MTs. That, or throw on some 2500 Silverado axles. Thoughts?
Suspension:
I'm thinking stock suspension design with a 3" lift, all new bushings, and replace the watts with a panhard. Simple enough.
Exterior:
Rock sliders w/ steps, steel bumpers, Winch on the front with recovery points front and back. No question.
Storage:
I'll need a roof rack, probably full length. Bolt some metal storage boxes to it and weld some sort of locking mechanism up on each of them. Probably 4 of the large brown metal boxes you find at the Army Navy store and then water-resistify them. Put a metal floor in the rest of the rack and keep a bunch of bungees. Also some jerry can mounts. Four?
Interior:
Gut it. Everything except dash, two seats, door panels, A and B pillar trim, and center console. Rubberize or bedliner the floor and make some additional storage in the back across the entire floor that can be opened from the top and that I can have an air mattress on top of. Gonna need a cooler, too. Replace all the door weather stripping, maybe some weatherproof seat covers.
Cooling:
Chevy truck radiator with electric fans and an inline thermostat.
Electronics:
Assuming I keep the Rover V8, how can I waterproof the electronics? I'm about two turbo couplings and a trimmed quarter panel short of a snorkel, so I'll be throwing one of those on no doubt. I need a way to waterproof all the sensors and onboard computers. Of course, a carb'd 350 wouldn't pose this problem, but that sure is a hell of a lot of fab work to complete the swap.
That's all I can really think of. I'd love some thoughts, feedback, ideas, and to be told of anything I've missed. Thanks guys!
I have a Discovery 1 with a 4.6 and have travelled extensively in the Middle East while working in Dubai (including being arrested by the Yemeni army) and the car always got me home.
An unmodified vehicle will be easier to have spares sent if required because any LR dealer worldwide can just work off your VIN number.
If you want to start your travels in Australia I can even supply you the D! - set up for long distance travel and very low mileage!
Some parts of the Middle East have much cheaper and more readily available petrol (gasoline) than diesel.
Enjoy your travels...
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 480
Interesting thread. I try not to be a naysayer, but I sure hope he never tried this for a great many reasons, many of which have been noted. I am finishing a second stint where the continent is the focus.
Some things key to note:
- There is no infrastructure
- Alex had zero experience (no offense) as demonstrated by a number of questions he asked
- ‘Mericans are either not thought of highly or are great targets for kidnapping in many places
- Fuel (type and availability are very suspect)
- Lots of geopolitical issues
I’ll give a quick example as a cautionary tale because like others, my experience doing stuff like this was on 2 wheels primarily. On ADV, there was a great story of a kid who just finished his undergrad, and wanted to have a big adventure just before starting Law School where he was already accepted. Full of vim and vigor, he bought the equipment, did a decent bit of research, created a route and set out. in a very typical emergency move due to a burro or cow, he ended up crashing and due to a lack of resources like we are accustomed to in the States or Euroville, he ended up paralyzed. He was able to recover enough to still start Law School with some new realities in place. Sadly, he ended up struggling with coming to grips with much of this and ended up taking his own life.
I mention this to provoke thought. Adventure is what each individual decides it to be, and the level of risk they are willing to engage can often determine the level they are willing to undertake. Traveling the African Continent is an expert level undertaking, and not not for someone who does not have much experience in things WELL beyond vehicle maintenance and durability.
The first time I did the Rubicon, I got flown out in a helicopter (and then back in to perform repairs- blew up the rear end) and by the time I got out, the left front wheel was the only one driving the vehicle. The second time I rode Baja, I crashed at a decent speed and did a laid out flip and if I had not chosen to wear my Leatt, I’d not be eating with a fork. The only time I’ve been knocked out was going off a cliff in the Sierra and face planting into a boulder. Between rolling vehicles, racing cars, dragging my knees deep into triple digits on the track and countless other examples of how I’m very lucky to be alive, I have gained the one thing that a trip like what was initially described is critical to have: experience.
Watch something silly like Long Way Round, or Long Way Down, or any round the world ride report on ADV as well as countless other platforms describing true “overlanding”. If you want to see the hipster version, head to Expedition Portal and do some “research” (read: shopping, because that place is more about how much you spend that what you have done).
My point is, if one is to want to undertake an adventure of this magnitude, and has that little experience, it would take many many years (like 10 as in how long ago this thread started) in order to not just gain the necessary experience just in driving and learning self sufficiency, and then a couple more to plan a route, and then a couple more to determine all the hoops to have to go through just to cross boarders and such, just to be to a comfortable place to just to start a trip like this.
I hope I don’t sound like a curmudgeon more than I do usually, but I’d had to see someone get in over their head and the adventure turns negative.
Some things key to note:
- There is no infrastructure
- Alex had zero experience (no offense) as demonstrated by a number of questions he asked
- ‘Mericans are either not thought of highly or are great targets for kidnapping in many places
- Fuel (type and availability are very suspect)
- Lots of geopolitical issues
I’ll give a quick example as a cautionary tale because like others, my experience doing stuff like this was on 2 wheels primarily. On ADV, there was a great story of a kid who just finished his undergrad, and wanted to have a big adventure just before starting Law School where he was already accepted. Full of vim and vigor, he bought the equipment, did a decent bit of research, created a route and set out. in a very typical emergency move due to a burro or cow, he ended up crashing and due to a lack of resources like we are accustomed to in the States or Euroville, he ended up paralyzed. He was able to recover enough to still start Law School with some new realities in place. Sadly, he ended up struggling with coming to grips with much of this and ended up taking his own life.
I mention this to provoke thought. Adventure is what each individual decides it to be, and the level of risk they are willing to engage can often determine the level they are willing to undertake. Traveling the African Continent is an expert level undertaking, and not not for someone who does not have much experience in things WELL beyond vehicle maintenance and durability.
The first time I did the Rubicon, I got flown out in a helicopter (and then back in to perform repairs- blew up the rear end) and by the time I got out, the left front wheel was the only one driving the vehicle. The second time I rode Baja, I crashed at a decent speed and did a laid out flip and if I had not chosen to wear my Leatt, I’d not be eating with a fork. The only time I’ve been knocked out was going off a cliff in the Sierra and face planting into a boulder. Between rolling vehicles, racing cars, dragging my knees deep into triple digits on the track and countless other examples of how I’m very lucky to be alive, I have gained the one thing that a trip like what was initially described is critical to have: experience.
Watch something silly like Long Way Round, or Long Way Down, or any round the world ride report on ADV as well as countless other platforms describing true “overlanding”. If you want to see the hipster version, head to Expedition Portal and do some “research” (read: shopping, because that place is more about how much you spend that what you have done).
My point is, if one is to want to undertake an adventure of this magnitude, and has that little experience, it would take many many years (like 10 as in how long ago this thread started) in order to not just gain the necessary experience just in driving and learning self sufficiency, and then a couple more to plan a route, and then a couple more to determine all the hoops to have to go through just to cross boarders and such, just to be to a comfortable place to just to start a trip like this.
I hope I don’t sound like a curmudgeon more than I do usually, but I’d had to see someone get in over their head and the adventure turns negative.
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