WHAT'S THE BEST

What's the biggest...?

What's the best...?

Visit any 4x4 forum or Facebook page and it’s guaranteed that at some point someone will ask the most common question that’s ever been asked on a 4x4 forum or Facebook page "What’s the biggest size tyres I can fit…” It’s the same for overlanding and expedition pages... “What’s the best 4x4 for overland travel?” “What are the best accessories?” and so on.

These are, in reality, almost impossible to answer. It obviously depends on where in the world you want to go, and how long you’re going for.

Sometimes these questions are better left for the experts, those amongst us who are often found leading tours around the UK and further afield for a living.

Take Russ from Ardventures for example, he’s a veteran of far too many expeditions to mention, both in the UK and abroad. During the last decade, Russ has used a variety of 4x4s that have included a 300Tdi Discovery, a TD5 Discovery 2, and a Defender 110 Station Wagon.

He’s also used a variety of Jeeps, ranging from a Renegade to 2 AEV equipped JK Jeep Wranglers that were used for many a trips covering thousands of miles, from the Balkans to the Sahara.

Russ’s more recent 4x4 was a Discovery 4 Commercial that had almost every Prospeed option fitted, but with its mileage creeping into six figures, it was time for a change.

Scouring the marketplace for a replacement, his prerequisite was that his next vehicle would have to last him 5 years and handle very high mileage, and because of the far flung trips it will be used on, it also had to have proven reliability.

Russ thought long and hard about buying a double cab pick up, but after its initial purchase price it would probably cost him a further £10k to make it expedition ready with the addition of a canopy and associated gubbins. Plus, it had to be permanent 4-wheel drive, which ruled most of them out.

He looked at Jeep again, but the price of a long wheel base diesel Rubicon was around the price of a base model Defender, so that was no good. On the subject of the new Defender, he considered one, but at the time Land Rover wasn’t offering any decent deals, unlike now. Unfortunately the Shogun was off the list as it had been discontinued in the UK and Europe.

After a bit more consideration, Russ finally decided upon a Toyota Land Cruiser 150 Commercial, however, they are like hen’s teeth, so after a bit more consideration he eventually ordered a 5 door Active model, and after a BASC discount Russ was a very happy Yorkshire man!

Russ wasn’t necessarily hesitant about buying a Land Cruiser, he just felt that it didn’t have the soul of a green oval. He explained that in the past he’s owned Isuzu and SsangYong franchises, and he’s driven and owned many new Land Rovers, and it’s only the latter that he has a connection to when driving.

What’s next?

Russ’s 150 isn’t just used for 4x4 tours, another part of Ardventures is his 4x4 training business, both for private individuals and professional bodies, so there were quite a lot of things to consider, practicality was one and subtlety was another.

One of the first things Russ changed was tyres, but after a short period on a set of BF Goodrich KM3 mud terrains, it wasn’t long before he changed them to BFG KO2 as he said the ‘Cruiser just felt better to drive on all terrains.

Because of the winch bumper and extra weight the ‘Cruiser is likely to carry on tours, Russ went to Paul at West Coast Coast Off Road Centre who fitted both Iron Man suspension and an N4 full length underbody protection kit.

In the boot, Russ decided upon a set of Gearmate drawers. Asking why Gearmate, he replied that not only are they a British company, but they’re also beautifully made and fantastic quality.

In fact, previous to having them fitted to his ‘Cruiser he also had them fitted to a Ford Ranger and they worked really well. They’re also removable, so Russ has the best of both worlds.

Russ has fitted a second battery, and on the cards is an inverter that will help power the fridge and other accessories needed of foreign overland tours.

When it came to choosing a winch bumper and slimline roof rack, Russ wanted something subtle that wouldn’t stand out too much, and Acayx (https:// en.acayx.com ) had just the products.

Situated just outside Madrid, Russ was so impressed Acayx, that along with West Coast Coast Off Road Centre, he has now become an agent for them.

The winch bumper is manufactured and designed using 3mm sheet steel (5mm for the integrated winch support) and massively improves the approach angle. Weighing in at 35kg, there are LED spots integrated in the design, and after trimming parts of the original front bumper, it also provides side protection under the cuts.

The slimline roof rack is incredibly neat and followers the low profile of the ‘Cruiser. Russ opted for a couple of the accessories, from a wind deflector with LEDs to 3mm Aluminium cargo trays. One thing Russ insisted on before they were fitted was that they were both treated with a couple coats of Raptor to keep them looking neat.

Russ hasn’t finished building his ‘Cruiser yet, on the to-do list are diff, gearbox and transfer box breathers, an inverter and a roof top tent and awning from TentBox.

Once finished Russ will have a formidable 4x4 that will prove that you don’t need a huge amount of add-ons to explore the great unknown, just sensible accessories.

For tours, training and 4x4 hire, check out ardventures.co.uk