Travelling in style
If youāve not already come across it on social media, this is Ralph the L322 Range Rover. Heās an early diesel example, sporting (ha! maybe not the best term for this engine!) the BMW Td6, and although he arrived as a tarmac queen with 22in rims, he will eventually become my laner and overlander. Heās far from economical averaging 23-24mpg, but is very comfortable, and after 9 months living in a self-converted Freelander 1 I fancied a bit of luxury and a lot more space! So far Iāve done a fair bit of maintenance work - itās been undersealed, serviced, the crankcase breather filter has been uprated to the BMW cyclone separator, the EGR has been blanked, and Iāve replaced his hedgehog (end stage heater resistor) as theyāre notoriously problematic. Iāve ordered lots of new rubber bits to fit ā belts, hoses, bushes, air bags (yes it is still on air and will remain that way!), and tyres, all be replaced by yours truly, as will the brakes and various bits and pieces such as tailgate straps, gas struts, and one lower door seal. Iām also going to install a second battery, underbody protection, and rock sliders.
18
THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE