Turas Camping and 4WD Adventures Magazine - Issue Nine

&

EXPLORING EUROPE

GEARBOXES CAMPING ACCESSORIES

WINTER CAMPING

& MUCH MORE

ISSUE

09

V T .

S A R U T .

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Y P O C E E R F R RIBE FOR YOU

EDITORIAL Well, here we are issue 9 has arrived another action packed issue that just happens to be our biggest mag yet.

In this winters issue we take a look at some great locations for 4WD touring across Europe, all of which are easily accessible from anywhere in Europe.

We take a look at the history of sleeping bags, the physics of tyre pressures and much more. As usual we report on some of the best gear and equipment and vehicle accessories on the market , including robust Defender hinges, a road shower, tent annexes, battery systems, 4x4 fridges and more.

We also visit the Somme region in northern France on this centenary year of World War I. The TURAS team continues to expand, and we are delighted to bring you this winter Issue of the magazine and look forward to bringing you more adventurous places to visit in 2019. Happy Christmas also to all of our readers, and best wishes for the new year.

From the TURAS team.

CONTENTS

o e d i v new

E H C R DA

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Campi 4WD G

ing & Gear

EUROPEAN

TOURING DES

STINATIONS 9 1 0 2

image : Geko Expeditions

E

urope is a beautiful and diverse continent, with lots of unique cultures, climates and topologies. With an area of over 10 million square kilometres, it should be no surprise that there are lots of amazing off road tracks and wonderful touring routes to experience

across all of Europe. In this article we take a very brief sneak peek at some amazing off road and 4WD touring options across Europe, all of these routes are accessible from anywhere in Europe, though you will need to catch a ferry to a small few of them.

Read on for a taste of some of the adventures available on your doorstep.

image; Alek Veljokovic

The Balkans, or the Balkan Peninsula as it is known,covers an area in eastern and southeastern Europe with a number of borders dividing the region.The area takes its name from the Balkan Mountains which comes from the Turkish word Balkan ‘’ a chain of wooded mountains’’ that stretches from the Serbian-Bulgarian border to the Black Sea. The Peninsula is bordered by the Adriatic Sea on the northwest, the Ionian Sea on the southwest, the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea on the south and southeast, and the Black Sea. The region is a four wheel drivers and wild campers paradise with the peninsula making up a combined area of approximately 470,000km squared or 181,000 square miles, making the area just slightly smaller than Spain.The region is predominantly mountainous and the climate along the coasts is Mediterranean, the further you go inland the more humid continental it gets in the summer, while in the northern part of the peninsula near the mountains, winters get frosty and snowy with the southern regions offering milder winter temperatures. In issue five of the magazine we caught up with Alek Veljokovic from Rustika Travel who specialises in adventure travel throughout the Balkans.

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l ur whee o f a s i on paradise s r e The regi p m a d wild c rivers an

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BALKANS

image; Alek Veljokovic

ICELAND Iceland, an Island country on the northern fringes of Europe is frequently described as ‘the land of fire and ice’. Its vast geologically active landscape dotted with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and fumaroles with vast areas of its interior landscape shrouded in enormous glaciers offers a unique four wheel driving experience. As a result of millions of years of volcanic activity shaping this Island, the land is now a four wheel drivers and photographers paradise. For drivers of 4WD vehicles Iceland contains an extensive network of rough mountain tracks through a desolate and yet stunningly beautiful interior that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.

Self-drive tours around Iceland are a popular mode of travel.

The sights along the way are numerous and breathtaking. But this beautiful and rugged landscape can also create challenges that drivers may not have come across in other countries.

Make sure you are fully prepared and know the rules of the road. Nature is one of Iceland’s many attractions for travelers, and while beautiful, it can also be harsh and unpredictable. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. s

crossing r e v i r lenty of Expect p in Iceland

image : Gecko Expeditions

A 4WD vehicle may be one of the best ways to tour Norway, and many of the tours that promise to bring you on a trip to see the Aurora Borealis use 4WD vehicles. It is easy to underestimate distances and driving times in Norway, the longest country in Europe. From Kristiansand in the south, it will take about 30 hours to reach the town of Hammerfest in the north, for example.

However, motorways and roads in Norway are relatively free of traffic by international standards, and well maintained.

Norway offers a large number of scenic drives. Virtually all roads (particularly in Fjord Norway, in the mountains, and in Northern Norway) have some scenic parts. Eighteen motorways in Norway have been named Norwegian Scenic Routes.

You can head to the fjords,and camping can often be the ideal starting point for driving excursions. You can wake up next to the Geirangerfjord, or choose a campsite within easy reach of the fjords and glaciers by the Sognefjord.

Further north you’ll find sheltered bays with white sand beaches and turquoise water, surrounded by craggy mountain peaks and ... hang on a minute, in Norway? Yes, really!

Try camping in Lofoten – you might be surprised. are Norway n i s d a o nays and r by inter c fi f a Motorwa r t ly free of ndards relative a t s l a n o ti

NORWAY

image ; Norwegian Tourism

The Spanish Pyrenees are the least visited part of the dramatic Pyrenean Mountains, guarding the border between France and Spain. The whole region is immensely beautiful – thickly forested foothills, secret plunging valleys and soaring snow capped mountains make for some of the best mountain driving in Europe. Home to Western Europe’s last bears and wolves, it is a forgotten area of Spain – villages still speak their own dialects, an ancient mixture of Spanish and Catalan. The Spanish Pyrenees are part of the following provinces, from east to west: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida (all in Catalonia), Huesca (in Aragon), Navarra (in Navarre) and Gipuzkoa (in the Basque Country).The French Pyrenees are part of the following départements, from east to west: Pyrénées-Orientales (North Catalonia and Fenolheda), Aude, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques (the latter two of which include the Pyrenees National Park).In Issue four of TURAS Magazine we joined Paul and Anne Blackburn of OneLife Adventure on a tour of the Spanish Pyrenees.

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PYRENEES cret hills, se ot o f d e t ores ing snow r a o s Expect f d n a g valleys s plungin ountain capped m

image: One Life Adventures

SCOTLAND

Scotland has all the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip – beautiful, ever-changing scenery, inire exped i h d n a or credible attractions and welOverl Rovers f d Scotland n a L ipped coming towns and villages. tion-equ ing Scotland tour All you need is the vehicle, an amazing play-list and some good company!

When touring Scotland in a camper or 4WD, your route can vary in length; trips can be as short or as long as you like.

You could easily spend a week or two touring a large area of the country, or explore a couple of regions over a weekend.

Plan a road trip to see some of Scotland’s most awesome sights – maybe you’ll weave through the dramatic mountains of Glen Coe, skirt the eastern coastline to see Dunnottar Castle, or wind your way along the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond?

Scotland Overland hire expedition-equipped Land Rovers for touring Scotland. Their vehicles include roof tents and all the equipment needed for up to 4 people to explore and camp in the wildest parts of Scotland. Click here for more information www.scotlandoverland.com

Image; Scotland Overland

months, r e t n i w e res nd in th inter ty w e v a In Finla h t cles mus ed all vehi ly studd preferab

Finland is the seventh largest country in Europe, in terms of area.With only 41 people per square mile, Finland is the most sparsely inhabited country in the EU. There are 187,888 lakes larger than 500 square metres in Finland.Finnish roads are generally in good condition and there is plenty of beautiful, peaceful scenery along the way for you to enjoy. The general speed limit in Finland is 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside. Both limits are in force as long as no other speed limit is signposted. On major highways you can drive 100 km/h in the summer and 120 km/h on motorways.

In the winter months, all vehicles must have winter tyres – preferably studded. Roads are generally not gritted. Instead, they are maintained by snowploughs. In winter the general speed limit is reduced everywhere to 80 km/h.The Finnish Transport Agency provides news updated and important information on road & weather conditions and on traffic & road works throughout Finland. Northern Finland is one of the best places in the world to wonder at the magical glow of the Northern Lights. Up here, the season is incredible eight months long, from late August until late April. As long as it’s dark and the skies are clear, there’s always a chance to capture the miraculous Auroras.

FINLAND

image Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

GREECE nand mou e d e g g u r dis red for WD para 4 s i Be prepa h t tracks in tainous

Greece is a beautiful country with amazing islands and beaches, and also with a deep and fascinating history and culture. However there is even more to Greece for you to discover , a hidden Greece. The Ipiros region is rugged and mountainous. It is largely made up of mountainous ridges, part of the Dinaric Alps.

The region’s highest spot is on Mount Smolikas, at an altitude of 2.637 metres above sea level. In the east, the Pindus Mountains that form the spine of mainland Greece separate Epirus from Macedonia and Thessaly. Most of Epirus lies on the windward side of the Pindus. The winds from the Ionian Sea offer the region more rainfall than any other part of Greece.

The Vikos-Aoos and Pindus National Parks are situated in the Ioannina Prefecture of the region. Both areas have imposing landscapes of dazzling beauty as well as a wide range of fauna and flora. The climate of Ipiros is mainly alpine. The vegetation is made up mainly of coniferous species. The animal life is especially rich in this area and includes, among other species, bears, wolves, foxes, deer and lynxes. In Issue 8 of TURAS Magazine we joined Greek Company Offroad Unlimited on an amazing and rugged tour through this mountainous and breathtaking region.

image: Offroad Unlimited EU

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system in Europe,running for 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) through Switzerland, France,Monaco, Italy, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia.

This dominant mountain range was formed millions of years ago when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided, creating this spectacular mountainous landscape. The highest mountain in the Alps is Mont Blanc, this massive peak reaches 4,810 m (15,781 ft) with numerous other mountains reaching over 4,000 m (13,123 ft). Expect to see the goat like Ibex wandering through these peaks and living at heights of up to 3,400 m (11,155 ft). This part of the world was a hub of cultural activity with evidence of humans living here over 5,000 years ago. The Celts are believed to have been a well established community here during the 6th Century BC. Alpine Rovers is a small but dedicated group of Land Rover and overland enthusiasts with decades of experience amongst them, with over 20 years exploring the Alps region. In issue two of the magazine we joined them on a tour of the Alps.

the Alps n i n i a nt hest mou dominant peak The hig is Blanc th is Mont 4,810 m reaches

ALPS the

image; Alpine Rovers

PORTUGAL Most people may not be aware that Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, with nearly nine centuries of history and traditions resulting from a legacy left by the various cultures who inhabited these lands over the centuries. Some of these cultures include the Phoenicians, the Arabs, the Greeks and Carthaginians, the Romans and the northern Europeans.

Portugal is also a 4WD Tourer’s paradise as it contains thousands of kilometers of dirt tracks. Not only is Portugal one of the best countries in Europe to explore a huge network of dirt tracks it is also a top destination for foodies, the Portuguese cuisine is delicious, diverse and very rich in its ingredients. For most of us who love nothing more that exploring the dusty tracks in our 4WD’s one of the best rewards you can have at the end of a long day’s touring is finding the perfect camp and resting up for the night. Though wild camping is not permitted in Portugal there are a number of rural accommodation options that include choosing numerous registered campsites and B&B’s. As a registered tour operator accredited for nature-related activities by the Portuguese authorities, but also as lovers of everything natural and pure, the Dream Overland tours are based on the great spirit of adventure while adhering to a strict code of conduct that respects the natural environment. We joined Dream Overland on one of their tours in this article from Issue three of the magazine.

s of kilo d n a s u o boasts th tracks. rt Portugal i d of s meter

image; Dream Overland

Romania is the twelfth largest country in Europe and is bordered by Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia and the Ukraine.

Its unique terrain is evenly divided between mountains, hills and plains so plenty of diversity when it comes to tackling 4WD tracks and wild camping. Recent government laws in Romania now limit access to some of its huge forests but despite this there is still plenty to see in this vast and interesting landscape.

If you are planning a visit to Romania and are unsure of which routes to take you can always engage a professional 4WD guide who often have access to most areas and have the local knowledge of where to go. In issue four of the magazine we caught up with British expat Marcus Newby Taylor who recently set up Transylvania Off Road Tours, an off road touring and rescue company that takes you into the heart of this unique and historic landscape.

ROMANIA e terrain u q i n u a a offers between d e d i Romani v i venly d ins and pla that is e s l l i h , s n mountai

image ; Marcus Taylor

CHECK OUT DARCHE VIDEO o e d i v new

E H C R A D

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T THE NEW

e r u t n e v d A r Engineered fo

TRAKA e l b a t g n i p m a C

T

he cleverly designed TRAKA 1800 table from Darche is built for campers on the move.

Available in two convenient sizes the TRAKA 1800 being the larger table is another well thought out quality camping and touring product from Darche.

First up the table folds neatly in half with the four removable legs easily attached to the base

of the table.The table is light and can be easily stored on your roof rack or in the back of your 4WD or camper trailer. One of the real selling points of this eye catching camping table is the table’s alloy surface, no more worrying about burning the surface of your table with a hot coffee pot or pan that has just come of your burner. The alloy tables surface allows you to place hot pots, pans, kettles etc and they won’t damage the surface.

The TRAKA 1800 is easily cleaned and also provides plenty of working space when preparing and cooking up your favorite camping meal. Easily accommodating a family of six, everyone will have plenty of space sitting around this table and enjoy a barbecue on the beach or a couple of beers with friends after a days touring. After a couple of days camping simply remove the detachable legs secure to the base of the table fold it up and place the table in the provided bag and away you go, it’s as simple as that.

Key features include; Full alloy top – resilient to heat sources Impact resistant edges Easy to clean Light weight & space saving design Strong, sturdy and durable black frame Simple setup and pack down Folds compact with carry handle 2 year warranty Convenient carry bag included Dimensions: 1800 x 700 x 700 mm (open) 700 x 600 x 110 mm (folded) Weight: 10.76kg Colour: Black & Orange

all TRAKA table The DARCHE s on surface w to put hot item t them marki worrying abou table .

Falttisch von Darche - TRAKA Praktischer Falttisch von Darche in 2 GrĂśssen.

Die Aluminium Oberfläche garantiert eine einfache zu reinigende Tischplatte, hitzefest und kratzfest.

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ALU-CAB

SHADOWAWN

W

e have all been there, getting into camp late after a hard days touring, feeling hungry, tired and the last thing we want to do is spend too much time trying to get our camp set up for the night, particularly if its raining.

We all continue to strive towards getting our camp set up as quickly as possible so we can spend more time resting, cooking and having a cold beer while relaxing around the fire. The less time we spend trying to get our camp sorted the better the camping experience. With the continuous increase in the range of camping and touring equipment entering the market from roof top tents to awnings we are all trying to choose, within our budgets, the most suitable camp set-up solutions that offers the most efficient of the o e d i v solution when it comes to getting e th eck out h C awn our camp set up as quickly as possiShadow ble.

IS THIS THE WORLDS

STRONGEST FREESTANDING AWNING?

1 3 2

1.The Shadow Awn can be set up without using supporting poles in calmer conditions. 2. Built by Alu-Cab using high quality materials in South Africa. 3standing on the left tests all of Alu-Cab products in some of the harshest environments in the world.4 Genesis-Import showcasing the popular Shadow Awns at a recent show in France

MANUFACTURED IN South Africa

Awnings have come a long way in recent years and they are now regarded as a key accessory for most tourers and 4WD/Camping enthusiasts. This growing market also has led to more competition between touring and camping companies and this competition has required awning designers to come up with more innovative solutions that match customer needs, now giving us some top quality awnings to choose from.

One of these high quality awnings that is becoming widely recognised as the fastest setting up awnings on the market is the Alu-Cab Shadow Awn. Like all Alu-Cab products, this 270° Shadow Awning, is built to last, this is not the cheapest on the market but, then again, it is one of the toughest. Built in the

stormy Cape, this awning was designed to stand up to strong winds and harsh weather conditions.The strength of this free standing awning with its 5mm thick stainless hinges that easily and firmly articulates the strong awning arms is one of its biggest selling points.

With its innovative aluminium-coated canvas the Shadow Awn also keeps you cool when sitting under the shade on those blistering hot days. The Shadow Awn’s canvas coating with its acrylic-aluminized fabric material reflects the sun so that the temperatures are approximately 5°C cooler under the awning, now that’s pretty impressive.

This acrylic-aluminized fabric material is also lightweight, waterproof and tear-resistant.

4

Freihängende Aluminium-Markise als Regen- und Sonnenschutz. Überdeckt Fahrzeugseite und Heck. Für Links und Rechts erhältlich. Mit optionalen Seitenwänden zum Vorzelt erweiterba

One of the main reasons why this awning has become very popular amongst tourers in recent years is because of the ease with which it can be opened and closed effortlessly and by just one person.

Check out the video here that shows just how quickly the awning can be opened and closed.

The awning incorporates four arms, each containing a tie-down strap that can be used in strong winds (a peg bag & pegs are also supplied); one of the four arms incorporates a drop down pole that should be used very windy conditions. This drop down pole does not need to be used in calmer conditions and that’s why this awning can be set up so quickly.

Setting up the awning

To open the 270° Awning, simply unzip the transport sleeve. The awning is then pulled around the vehicle, and tied to a mount in the rear. To give the fabric more tension, which allows rain to drain easily, a short supporting rod in the middle of the awning arm can be pushed upwards which forces the rain water to drain off the awning. With a little practice, assembly and disassembly take less than a minute.

The awning is approximately 10m² and covers the side and rear of the vehicle,the awning is 2.6m long and weighs about 27kg.

Putting away the awning

When putting the awning away simply fold down the centre support rod. The holding strap has to be released at the rear of the vehicle, and the awning should be folded up. The fabric is then rolled up and secured using the velcro straps on the frame then just zip up the bag and away you go.

A CLOSER LOOK The supporting rod in the middle of the awning arm can be pushed upwards which forces the rain water to drain off the awning.

The Alu-Cab 270° Awning has three articulated arms made of 1.6mm thick aluminium.

The hinges with which the articulated arm is attached, are made from a 5mm thick stainless steel with nylon bearings.

K AT THE

ALU-CAB SHADOW AWN

The drop down pole should be used in windy conditions. This drop down pole does not need to be used in calmer conditions.

The acrylic-aluminized fabric weighs 260g/m².

This material is lightweight, waterproof and tear-resistant.

Brackets: Various options available, attaching to strong roof rack or load bars.

Genesis Import supplies a wide range of Alu- Cab products that includes a wide range of Ultimate 4x4 Overland Aluminium Vehicle Accessories, Conversions and Canopies. Genesis-Import which is based in Germany imports and distributes these top quality awnings as the main distributors for the South African based Alu-Cab. In the extensive Genesis Import catalogue you will see a wide range of international companies who manufacture top quality products for the 4WD touring

and camping market. These internationally recognised brands and products include the South African based Alu-Cab who manufacture, (hardtops, roof tents, awnings, campers, etc.),Camp Cover (bags and storage systems),Escape Gear (seat covers and accessories),EZDown (tailgate dampers and bonnet lifts for pickup vehicles),Rigidek - (cargo space covers for pickup vehicles), Front Runner (roof rack and off road/camping equipment) and SnoMaster - (refrigerators and freezers) and much much more.

GENESIS IMPORT b a C lu A r fo rs to u ib tr is d European

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Suspension kits built for: Comfort - Performance - Constant Load

Australia’s leadin formal approval f and the German F

For German custo the KBA/ABE cer annual re-certifca

TURASADPS(1)111018

The approvals co

www.ironman4x4.com

RIVE LIKE A PRO WITH SUSPENSION KITS FROM IRONMAN 4X4

ng 4x4 accessory company, Ironman 4x4 has gained for its range of suspension kits by German TÜV Nord Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

omers this means that their 4x4`s can legally install tified suspension kit upgrade without requiring ation.

over 10 different vehicles:

• Toyota Hilux

• Ford Ranger

• Toyota Prado 150

• Volkswagen Amarok

• Isuzu D-Max

• Mercedes Benz X-Class

• Mitsubishi L200

• Fiat Full Back

• Nissan NP300 Navara

• Renault Alaskan

IRONMAN 4X4

YEARS SINCE 1958

Family Owned Australian Company Since 1958

COOKING

LAMB n e v O h c t u in a D

T

here is something very special about cooking your food in the great outdoors and particularly when the evenings get colder and your fire is a very welcomed luxury. For us, we always seem to appreciate the food much more when we eat camp grub straight from an open campfire, all that fresh air, sea breeze and extra energy used when outdoors does wonders for your appetite.

Camp cooking should also not be seen as a chore but rather a fun part of your camping trip. In

our opinion it’s all about equipping yourself with the right gear and developing simple cooking techniques that will deliver the goods and will have your mates and your entire family giving you the thumbs up after your next camping meal.

Camp cooking can mean different things to different people, some like to go ‘all out’ spending as much time as they would at home preparing a complicated dish, whereas others are happy to eat beans straight from a can.

n the e Click od r e h o e i v w ne

ICE COLD

ANYWHERE

For us it’s all about simplifying the process, taking your time and enjoying the experience as you cook top notch dishes that will have everyone looking for more.

You don’t need to have every cooking gadget under the sun to be able to cook and present top class camp food. Whenever we go camping, we normally bring our SnoMaster fridge freezer which keeps our food and drinks cold, and also a couple of core camp cooking items. These include our Dutch Oven, a portable fire pit, and sometimes our double gas burner (this is normally used if open fires are not allowed). One of our favorite roasts to cook when camping is a leg of Lamb in the Dutch Oven. The great thing about having the SnoMaster fridge freezer in the back of the Land Rover is that we can keep our meats frozen while on extended trips.The ingredients here are simple and convenient. All you have to do is get a good leg of lamb , some herbs,salt, oil and some potatoes and veg and that’s pretty much it.

ter

s SnoMa

TIPS

n in Keep your food cold & froze ments the dual SnoMaster compart g that are perfect for campin

Get your fire started

Add the ingredients to your Lamb Roast

Wrap in tinfoil and place in the Dutch Oven

tch Place your coals on the Du ox Oven lid and cook for appr 90 minutes approx.

Konstruiert für den harten Einsatz in Afrika, sind die Kühlund Gefrierboxen des südafrikanischen Unternehmens SnoMaster in vielerlei Hinsicht einzigartig auf dem Markt. Bei der Entwicklung der Kühlboxen steht der Kundennutzen an erster Stelle und es werden keine Kompromisse eingegangen, die zu Einschränkungen der Praktikabilität führen.

Wrap your leg of lamb in some tin foil, place it in your seasoned Dutch Oven and throw your potatoes and veg into your pot. Put the lid on the Dutch Oven and then put the cast Iron pot onto the fire, don’t forget to put some of the hot coals or embers onto the lid to spread the heat evenly around the oven.

Depending on the heat of your fire, you should have your roast in 90 minutes or so. You will know it’s cooked when you hear it crackling in the tinfoil.

Dutch Ovens are made to last and have been used for hundreds of years, both by pioneers exploring new lands and were also used hanging over open fires in homes where bread, and hearty meals were cooked for the entire family.

These multi use pots are made of cast iron and are perfect for baking bread, cooking roasts, stews or anything that can be cooked in the oven at home.

Lamb Roast ingredients Leg of Lamb Salt/Black Pepper Garlic Rosemary Oil

thats it

The SnoMaster fridges and freezers are equipped with a 66 Watt SnoMaster high-performance compressor giving it a high performance regardless of whether it is operating on 12, 24 or 230 Volt.

ICE COLD

ANYWHERE

Family Owned Australian Company Since 1958

I RO N C L A D

5 YEAR

WARRANTY

5 YEAR WARRANTY

5 YEAR TURASADPS(2)111018

WARRANTY

www.ironman4x4.com

Scub

ba Driving breathe easy

SNORKELS Increased airflow improves vehicle performance Positive sealing provides ultimate engine protection Premium quality UV stabilised polyethylene Designed and modelled to suit a wide range of vehicles Ford Ranger

Mitsubishi L200

Toyota Hilux

Isuzu D-Max

Nissan Navara

Toyota Landcruiser

Isuzu MU-X

Nissan Pathfinder

Toyota Prado

Mazda BT50

Nissan Patrol

Volkswagen Amarok

IRONMAN 4X4

YEARS SINCE 1958

Family Owned Australian Company Since 1958

WEST COAS

EXPLORES P Exploring beautiful Portugal with UK off road specialists West Coast Off Road

ST OFF ROAD

PORTUGAL

THE UK BASED

WEST COAST OFF ROAD DON’T JUST KNOW EVERTHING THERE IS TO KNOW ABOUT 4WD VEHICLES - THEY ALSO LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN PACKING UP THEIR 4WD VEHICLES AND HITTING THE ROAD ON FAMILY ADVENTURES

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vehicles. The business was an aul Lundstrom, of West immediate success mainly due coast off road centre to Tony’s dedication to customhas off-road driving in er service and his philosophy of his genes. Paul and his building long term relationships brother Tom grew up with his customers. with spanners in their

hands.

Their father Tony, was involved in the tyre and car maintenance business for years before setting up the West Coast Off Road Centre in Southport in 1987.

Tony had recognised that there was a real need to cater for the maintenance, modification and preparation of specialist 4×4

A year after setting up the 4x4 business , fate intervened, and Tony met Tom Jacob from Australian company Ironman 4X4 who just happened to be in the UK at the time , and West Coast became the main UK importer of Ironman 4x4 suspension and accessories.

1

1. One of the earlier West Coast 4WD vehicles.2. Paul ,Toms son is a keen 4WD racer. and competes all over Europe 3.West Coast Off Road are the UK distributors of Ironman 4x4 products.

2

3

K are the U d a o r ff O t ian West Coas e Austral h t r o f s r o distribut Company 4 x 4 n a Ironm

Paul has been a keen offroader since the age of 11. He has worked at West Coast Off-Road and has been trained as a Mechanic ever since leaving school. Fully Qualified since 1998 Paul has built and modified 4x4 vehicles and bikes. He has owned , used and tested everything from Series Land Rovers, to Suzuki SJ and now also collects Toyota Landcruisers.

Paul races in rally raid, cross country off road navigator events, winch events, Trials, Ultra 4, Comp Safari and Expedition/overland with his Family and Friends.

In 2010, driven by their passion for off roading and a life centred around 4Ă—4 vehicles, Paul and Tom took over the business from Tony upon his retirement. Today, the business continues to go from strength to strength. If you use your four wheel drive to compete in winch challenge events, or for overland travel, green-laning, camping or indeed any activity where a four wheel drive is required, the team at West Coast provides specialist advice and support to help you get the absolute best from your vehicle.

Whether that means a restoration, overland preparation, performance modification and anything in between, West Coast has built its reputation on strong customer service and vehicle-specific expertise.

And for Paul, 4x4 is his business and his lifestyle. All of his effort goes into preparing safe, well prepared, upgraded, aesthetically pleasing vehicles for his customers.

This Autumn Paul, Victoria and their one year old son Vincent took a 4WD touring trip to Portugal. After crossing by Ferry from Portsmouth

to Santander in the north of Spain their journey began.

They travelled in their Toyota Land Cruiser, a fully overland prepared 105 Series. (Paul has previously raced this car in the Carta Rallye Off Road (GPS Expert) Cross Country Race in 2018, where he and his co-pilot Mike Bibby came in 1st Place).

This same vehicle will next year also serve as a support vehicle in the Carta Rallye 2019 for a number of customers who are entering the race and need technical support from West Coast.

tumn u A y n n u ful s A Beauti rtugal o P n i y a d

PORTUGAL OFFERS

ENDLESS TRACKS TO EXPLORE IN YOUR 4WD

Beautiful vis of Portugal for miles on

of Km’s of s d n a s u o offers th Portugal explore . tracks to

Arriving initially in Spain, the family decided to start their offroad adventure in Vimioso. Paul had previously been there in 2015 as a co-driver in the Ultra4 Europe Championship ,returning home with 2nd place. He knew there was nice territory to cross. Known as ‘the rugged north’, drivinh though a landscape of mountains one day and then forested tracks intersected by deep valleys the next. The tracks were overgrown but relatively easy to navigate. Eventually arriving at the mountains near Torre (Tower), the highest point in mainland Portugal, at an altitude of 1,993 m (6,539 ft).

Driving on, the streets in villages became narrow as they passed through.Paul explains that the

stas in the North where you can see n a clear day.

tourist information offices have information about which tracks they are happy for 4x4 vehicles to drive on, but it is also simple to see the forest tracks, and natural roads which the locals use.

The road to the top is winding with beautiful vistas, on a clear day you can see for miles and on a cloudy day, you can often be looking down onto the top of a pristine carpet of clouds. Shops in the village at the top sell a selection of delicious local cheeses and sheep skin and woolen items. There can be a temperature differential of many degrees between the top and bottom of the mountain, if its 25c at the foot it might be 12c at the top.

GET THE KIDS STARTED YOUNG Camping is a great way to bond with little ones The mountain road is full of switch backs as you climb higher into mountain range, the fire breaks in the woodland break up the tree lines,into uniform forest tracks, driving fully exposed on the downhill side made for nail biting times for the family, on occasions. The family camped for the evening at the artificial ski slope Campizmo a nice sheltered spot. This is Portugal’s only ski resort, with a ski-lift running to the top of the peak, which operates all year round.

Next , the family drove towards the coast near Leira, where driving in the Dunes was lots of fun, although as they arrived in the area in the immediate aftermath of Storm Leslie, the devastation to the local businesses was terrible, fallen pine and eucalyptus trees had fallen decimating villages and seafront towns. Many of the Dune tracks the family drove required a chainsaw to help to clear the path.

En route back towards Northern Spain for their return ferry from Bilbao, Paul , Victoria and toddler Vincent stopped in the mountains again near the ancient town of Braga (Braga is sometime called the Rome of Portugal because of its many churches and ancient character). The landscape around the towns are littered with huge granite boulders, and the villages pre-date medieval times. The trails in this area are a mix between soft dirt trails, forest tracks and rocky outcrops.

Having enjoyed the wonderful vistas and some adventurous driving, the family then made their way back through Spain towards the ferry at Bilbao on the road back home. Here is some useful information that Paul has provided for those thinking of exploring Portugal in a 4x4 vehicle.

Off Road Driving in Portugal

Off-road driving is allowed on public unpaved tracks and there are plenty of these to choose from in Portugal. While road traffic regulations are pretty much the same in Portugal as in the rest of the EU, off-road driving is allowed on public unpaved tracks and there are plenty of these to choose from in Portugal. Specific rules apply inside Nature Parks and other environmentally sensitive areas under the control of the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (www.icnf. pt), and during the summer period (usually between June and Sept), when the country is affected by forest fires, care must be taken to observe the instructions given by the local authorities.

TACKLING THE TRAILS NEAR BRAGA

Climate

The rainy season normally goes from November to April and the Climate wise, being a southdry season goes from May to ern European country exposed early October. There are often to the Atlantic, the weather in warm, sunny days in the auPortugal is generally mild but tumn making it possible to travvaries from one region to anel and explore in your 4WD havother depending on the latitude ing pretty decent weather for and proximity to the sea. In over six months of the year. the Northern regions, particularly inland, winters are cold We hope to hear more from with temperatures often reachthese 4WD gurus in the future. ing sub-zero figures and some For more information on the snow falls mostly in the highest UK based West Coast Off Road mountain ranges. Summers are check out their website and the hot and dry especially in the wide range of 4x4 products south with temperatures easiincluding whats ly going above the 30ยบC mark, on offer from so be prepared to bring your Ironman 4x4. hat, sunscreen and ray-bans.

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The Offroad Monkeys are on the case, their goal- to make the LandRover even more resilient.

Many Offroad and expedition drivers encounter recurring issues with door hinges on their vehicles. Loose, broken or rusting hinges can be a real pain when on the road, there is nothing more inconvenient than a door that won’t properly close or stay closed, or indeed, won’t open.

Don’t despair, a solution is here. Made in Germany from high strength aircraft grade aluminium with high quality lubrication are the hinge sets from Offroad Monkeys. Made with inner stainless steel bolts with helical grooves to distribute grease in an optimal manner, these hinges also feature stainless steel bearings which can be replaced if needed without having to replace the entire hinge.

This is real engineering, used to solve a very common problem. The same level of engineering is incorporated into all Offroad Monkeys products, whether it is hinges for the doors, tailgate, window frames or

OFFROAD MONKEYS MAKE

EVERYTHING

FROM THE COMPONENTS TO THE FINISHED PART IN THEIR OWN WORKSHOPS

QUALITY MATERIALS

100% MADE IN GERMANY

bonnets. Offroad Monkeys is a small family business that is going from strength to strength on the basis of its excellent and top quality products. Since 1985 it has been manufacturing parts for the automotive and motorcycle industry.

The 15 person team at Offroad Monkeys design and builds the hinges on their premises in Germany, using top quality materials. All of the parts are made 100% in Germany.

Like the Landrover vehicles they are design to fit, these parts are design to last forever.

The fact that 4x4 As Müller says, “satdriving takes a toll on isfied customer are every vehicle, makes loyal customers”. all parts of a 4wd vehicle work very hard, About Offroad Moneverything is stressed keys Door Hinges and can eventually The original door start to wear down hinges have quite a and fail. This was the few problems. Rust challenge that was tends to build up and taken up by Fabian leaks down on the Müller, the manager door in a rather ugly of Offroad Monkeys. manner. Humidity Sick of seeing hinges can get into the car. fail, Müller decided Experienced Landy to design his own drivers know that solution to the prob- problem well. The lem, his personal Monkeys have a permotto is ‘Build things manent solution for with passion that will that problem. Their last forever.’ door hinges are made

highlight If you install these hinges you will have a permanent end to rusting and jamming door hinges.

The Offroad Monkeys Hinge Kits fit all Land Rover Defender 90, 110 and130,1988 and up. Parts can be created for other models on request 2 door kit includes: 4hinges 4 door kit includes: 8hinges These kits include mirror Exchangeable friction bear- mounts and fitted seals for paint protection ings(stainless steel) The parts are complex and Stainless steel mounting precisely milled to give kit(screws) are also available as an option. your Landy a new optical from high strength aluminum and are built to last for an eternity.

This new design has many advantages and innovative features.

Optimum protection against corrosion and external influences with protective anodizing The hinges contain easy to use lubricating nipples.

Stainless steel bolts with thick helical groove for optimum grease dispersion.

4x4 DRIVING TAKES

IT’S TOLL

ON EVERY VEHICLE

The heavy duty spare tire and the dynamic load changes take a heavy toll on the original rear door hinges. Many Defender drivers are familiar with the strong wear of the door hinges and squeaking and creaking noises that can be made by an aging rear door.

That was the reason Offroad Monkeys decided to develop durable rear door hinges using high strength aluminum.

They are fitted with exchangeable friction bearings. The bolts have a thick helical groove for

better grease dispersion.

These high tech hinges can withstand even permanent heavy use without wearing out. External add-ons like spare tire carriers are not needed any more. There will be no intrusion of water or humidity into the door due to the precise fitting of the hinges.

The Offroad Monkeys make everything from the components to the finished part in their own workshop. Manufacturing parts for both the automotive and motorcycle

industry. The team there attach great importance to using the best materials,to provide the highest precision and longevity. These parts are built to endure all kinds of rough treatment and tough environments.

The Team at Offroad Monkeys really stands behind the quality of its products, and are proud of the fact that these products are built 100% within Germany.

You can see their passion shining through in the products. And the team there is always ready to help you to fit the parts or to make special orders for your vehicle.

Business is booming for the company as more and more people become aware of the products , and the positive experience of customers is leading to a strong growth within the marketplace for Offroad Monkeys parts and accessories. The guys are frequent visitors to trade shows across Germany. Be sure to drop over and visit

‘‘

LIKE THE LANDROVER VEHICLES THEY ARE DESIGNED TO FIT THESE PARTS ARE

DESIGNED TO LAST FOREVER

their stand the next time you see them. They also recently produced a great promo video to demonstrate the parts in action and also illustrate the schematics of each part, check it out by clicking the play icon in this article.

A brand of Müller Motorcycle AG Pöttmeser Str. 166 D – 86669 Königsmoos phone: +49 (0) 84 33 / 24 90 010 fax:+49 (0) 84 33 / 92 99 79

email:info@offroad-monkeys.de www.offroad-monkeys.de

for more n informatio

WINTER

CAMPIN

w

R

NG

h t i w

WINTER CAMPING

REQUIRES GOOD EQUIPMENT

S

Tent camping in the winter is something very special. And winter camping in cold and snowy conditions can be very atmospheric.

There is nothing like returning to a cozy tent having had a nice time in a winter landscape.

However winter camping can also be challenging, and could easily become uncomfortable if you don’t have the right equipment with you.

The guys at 3DOG camping have provided some important tips and information about staying warm, comfortable and dry during your winter camping expeditions.

Here are some of their most important tips.

Cotton breathes. That is why you suffer less from condensation in a cotton tent. But if wet and/ or frozen, canvas can get very heavy,and such a tent cannot easily be transported by hand and because of the weight gain a cotton tent in winter is only suitable for transport by car or on some trailers like the 3DOG ofroad trailers.

The composite fabric of 3DOG meets the highest requirements for tent canvas and performs very well in winter conditions.

Winter camping can be great fun and very atmospheric, but it brings it’s own challenges and even dangers. Having the right gear and a good plan is a neccessity for winter camps.

The threads in the fabric are a mix of cotton and polyester. This mix combines the best of the natural fiber with that of a modern plastic material. The result is a strong, breathable fabric that feels pleasant and is distinguished by its high tensile strength and shape stability. Also ideal in cold winter conditions.

A small (electric) heater can serve to protect you from frost. It can make sense to stack everything that might possibly freeze (toilet-

ries, eyeglass, some food, fresh fruit) in a plastic container and to place it somewhere near to or in front of the stove.

If using heating of any type, but especially portable gas heaters, it’s very important to ventilate the tent well. If you need to keep liquids from freezing , for example drinking water, It is better to take small quantities (small bottles) and keep them warm near your body. At night in your sleeping bag.

STAY WARM STAY SAFE

EVERY YEA

GATHER AND HOLDS A WI

AR - 3DOG CAMPING

RS THEIR ‘PACK’ INTER CAMP SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE...

a winter campsite, somewhere in Germany every winter.

These weekends usually last from Thursday to Sunday and often include lots of fun activities such as tobogganing, ice You absolutely need warm skating or skiing. clothing, hat (windproof) and And, naturally, every evening gloves. ends by a roaring campfire, Your Undergarment are also where the campers are bound very important. Wear Long underwear under ski pants to to have plenty of adventures and tales to share with each protect you against the cold. other. And when it finally gets You can buy thermal undertoo cold, it‘s off to bed, using wear inmost outdoor equiplots of the tips above. Check ment stores. out also this short video proCotton clothing is less warm because cotton holds moisture duced by 3DOG demonstrating the joys of winter camping on the skin, so its better to and the suitability of 3DOG wear a base layer than a cotproducts for use in harsh winton t-shirt against your skin. ter conditions.

The guys at 3DOG love winter camping so much that they for more take a group of up to 25 trailrmation o f n i er and rooftop tent campers to You should Eat calorific and warm foods regularly, at least every three hours, and drink a lot of hot drinks.

S E X O B R GEA the t a k o o l r e s clo We have a rbox a e G e h t of workings

A

side from the engine itself, the most complex part of any vehicle is the gearbox. To help avoid finding yourself stuck in the middle of the great outdoors, miles from anywhere and struggling to get into gear it’s important that you take care of this crucial part of your vehicle. It’s also worth knowing some of the common early indicators that there might be trouble brewing, so you can identify any issues before they catch you out and turn that great trip into a memorable one for all the wrong reasons.

The gearbox, or transmission as it’s also known, sits between the crankshaft and the drive-shaft, and its job is to harness the power created by your engine that turns the crankshaft (the rotating axle that takes power from the engine) and converts that into usable momentum to the drive-shaft running under the vehicle that ultimately powers the wheels. That explanation is easily written down but in reality is much harder to actually bring to life.

But let’s say thanks to the ingenuity of two Frenchmen, Louis-Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor, who developed the first standard transmission having taken the mechanism they’d seen used in lathes, they made several adaptations and produced the first three speed transmission which they demonstrated way back in 1894.

Known as ‘crash boxes’ due to the difficulty in changing gears, these are the basic design that still forms the starting point for most contemporary manual transmissions, however, it is the more modern Synchromesh gearbox invented

by Earl Thompson for General Motors some 38 years later in 1922 that are still commonly used today.

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GEARBOXES explained

This most popular of designs comprises of three shafts: the input shaft; the lay-shaft and the main-shaft, which run in bearings in the gearbox casing.

The engine drives the input shaft, which in turn drives the lay-shaft.

This lay-shaft rotates gears on the main-shaft, and these rotate freely until they are locked by means of the synchromesh device which is splined to the shaft. It is the synchromesh device which is actually oper-

ated by the driver, through a selector rod with a fork on it which moves the synchromesh to engage the gear. The baulk ring, a delaying device in the synchromesh, is the final refinement in the modern gearbox which prevents engagement of a gear until the shaft speeds are synchronised.

AVOIDING BAD HABITS THAT

WILL AFFECT YOUR

X O B R A GE

2

1

As you can imagine with a device so complex and with so many intricate moving parts it’s vital that you take good care of it and there are some simple ‘bad habits’ you can avoid doing when driving to help stop unnecessary wear and tear: • Don’t rest your hand on the gearstick when driving • Never use the clutch to hold yourself on a slope • Don’t suddenly apply heavy throttle when in a high gear but the engines is at low revs.

• Don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal when driving along • Don’t leave the car in gear when sat stationery in traffic, put it into neutral and take your foot off the clutch.

As well as doing all of the above, keeping on top of checking your transmission fluid levels and following the recommended servicing intervals will greatly extend the life of your transmission and avoid an early failure.

3

1. Euro4x4parts supplies a wide range of parts for gearboxes 2.By diagnosing the issue with your gearbox you can save a lot of money by purchasing the right parts 3.Euro4x4 parts will advise you in making sure you choose the right part for the job

www.euro4x4parts.com

Ford Maverick

r

efende D r e v o Land R

atrol Nissan P

THINGS TO LOOK out for

But, unfortunately, like all mechanical things, transmissions eventually wear out and ultimately fail to perform as they were designed to do. Your vehicle will normally start to exhibit some common warning signs that you should look out for that tell you your transmission is encountering issues or is in imminent danger of failing. Most common amongst these are:; Noise: Getting to know the ‘sound’ of your vehicle and noticing any changes is the best way to spot an early warning that things are starting to go wrong and to get it checked sooner rather than later. The range of sounds that can give an indication of different issues is varied and can manifest in several different ways: Whining and Howling – not the noise from the kids in the back this time but whining that appears suddenly and becomes loud a short period of time can indicate damage to the gear teeth or hub bearings. Most likely source is a lack of lubrication.

Rumbling and Growling – low pitched growling or rumbling when the engine is running is usually a sign of a faulty rolling element bearing.

Buzzing or Hissing – If the gear leaver is making a hissing or buzzing sound while the car is moving, especially when accelerating or decelerating check for a loose bolt or worn rubber isolators in the shift linkage which is the most common cause.

It could also be due to bent shift forks, shift rods/interlocks or excessive movement in the synchroniser sleeves. In all these instances the noise is caused by the shift forks contacting the grooves in the sleeves and the hissing sound then travels up the gear leaver.

S E X O B R A E G continued

Banging and Clunking – If felt in the gear lever and heard under the vehicle it usually indicates a broken or loose motor mount. Normally the sound is loudest when you’re letting out the clutch.

Grinding & trouble shifting – This ‘crunching’ sound is normally felt as much as heard. This is normally a direct result of a failure in the synchroniser process caused by either a problem in the transmission or by a separate clutch issue.

Lack of Response - If there is a delayed response to your input or there is a delay in acceleration after pressing the accelerator it’s time to get it checked.

Surging of transmission - abnormal jerking movements while changing gears.

Overheating - If your temperature indicator shows a high temperature but your radiator is fine this can be caused by clogging of the fluid cooler lines, a drop in fluid levels or a malfunctioning oil pump.

Fluid leaks – most gearbox failures are associated with fluid leaks so keep an eye out for these. If you think you may have a leak try laying cardboard under the vehicle when you park it up at night and then look for evidence of a leak in the morning and whereabouts it seems to be coming from.

Burning smell - Never something you want to associate with your vehicle but is commonly caused by overheating of the transmission fluid. Don’t panic, just get it checked as soon as you can. g

n France i Q H s x4part

Euro4

Euro4x4parts prov ide parts for 99% of 4WD vehicles on the road

Above all, ensuring you keep the clutch and transmission fluids topped up and regularly drain and replace them with the correct grade as advised by the servicing intervals for your vehicle will do more than anything to keep your gears running smoothly and you enjoying trouble free motoring.

If you start to have have issues with your gearbox/transmission get your vehicle assessed or assess it yourself if you have some mechanical expertise, you don’t always have to pay a fortune to a manufacturer to get your vehicle back on the road. Through well priced companies like euro4x4parts you can purchase quality parts and kits that can get you sorted without costing an arm and a leg. By doing this you could end up saving hundreds of euros. Euro4x4parts is a one stop shop where you can

purchase all your 4WD mechanical parts,be it gearbox mounting kits, overhaul kits, filters, bearings or shafts the list is endless.

The Euro4X4parts online catalogue includes more than 90,000 part numbers with their database of parts and accessories covering 99% of all 4x4s on the road, making it a unique supplier throughout Europe.

The online catalogue easily allows you to select the precise part you need, avoiding unnecessary returns. Euro4x4parts also provide the parts for older vehicles like the BJ40 where they stock over 400 parts for this iconic vehicle alone. Or if your driving a Nissan Patrol they stock approximately 570 parts for this popular fourby. So be it a Toyota Land Cruiser 80, 100 or a Mitsubishi Pajero euro4x4parts has got you covered.

supplying

70,000 PARTS,

SPARES & ACCESSORIES

FOR 99% OF 4WD VEHICLES IN EUROPE

image : Euro4x4parts/Geko Expeditions

HARD SHELL

ROOFTOP TENTS

aroud B s e m a ; the J In Focus op tent oft o r r e Explor

J

ames Baroud build premium hard shell roof top tents that are both designed and handcrafted in Porto in Portugal. These tents are designed to fit on the roof rack car or 4WD quickly. It all started when co-founder Tony Partenio set out to create a roof top tent that could offer resistance to travel on harsh off road terrain, perform well under extreme weather and in extreme temperatures, and provide a sleek, streamlined, and aesthetically appealing tent that was built for a for hard core adventures.

Ready to use in less than 30 seconds and packed away in less than 90 seconds, the James Baroud hard shell roof top tents are some of the quickest ones to set up on the market. All hard shells models feature gas strut assisted opening, solar fan, a five year warranty and are also waterproof and tested in 74mph winds.

The origins of James Baroud can be traced back to Portugal in 1997 when the James Baround co-founder Tony Partenio was using various types of rooftop tents which were mostly fine only that he believed the quality could be improved significantly. In the mid late 90’s there was room in the market for a high quality rooftop tent that could survive the elements and so the success story began.

In recent years these hard shell tents have equally become very popular in both the USA and in Europe , they are distributed in Europe under the Genesis Import banner in Germany. The quality of these tents is one of their unique selling points, not the cheapest but these tents are built to in accordance with the ISO world standards and underline everything you’d expect from a quality ‘European build’, so you are paying for a high quality product that is build to last.

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IN FOCUS plorer the Ex

The ‘Explorer’ features the popular design of the ‘Evasion’ but adds an integrated storage tray on the upper shell, with six tiedown points to assist in securing your cargo. The luggage rack on top of the tent gives you more space inside your vehicle by allowing you to store those large, bulky items (like camp chairs or tables) on top of the tent instead of inside the vehicle. In addition to the 360 degree windows, similar to the Evasion tent that we have been using, ventilation can be assisted by the solar powered ventilation system in extreme conditions.The tent opens in less than 10 seconds, through two

1

hydraulic cylinders, mounted on bearings, actuating the articulated arms that are protected by a canvas cover.

The tent can be closed by only one person and in less than 25 seconds. An incorporated elastic band around the canvas assures its inclusion inside the tent during the closing.The grey canvas consists of six aluminised layers that reflect the solar rays.

This canvas is UV light resistant, water-resistant but permeable to air. The canvas is fitted under cabling in curved aluminium guides towards the outside of the shell, ensuring perfect waterproofing

THE LUGGAGE RACK ON THE TOP OF THE TENT GIVES YOU MORE OPTIONS FOR CARRYING CAMPING GEAR

BUILT FOR COMFORT

EXPLORER

ir slots a o w t s l ha The shel

The shell has two air slots, equipped with a dust filter that improves the ventilation inside the tent. The top streamlined shell is equipped with a rear aileron. The shell locking is ensured by quatro tailor-made locks. Having used a James Baroud tent in the past

one of the real attractions for us is how easy it is to open and close these tents. Every time we use our James Baroud tent we are always amazed at how quickly it is to set up, this is a real advantage particularly when you arrive into camp late or when it is raining and the last thing you want to do is spend time getting your camp set up.

Unlike the James Baroud Explorer the down size of some of the other hard shells are that they can take up a lot of room on your roof rack but with the clever design of the Explorer this is overcome with the designed integrated storage tray on the upper shell.

r o f e r e click h ion at m r o f in

Contact Tel. +351 936 296 798 - E-mail: infos@jamesbaroud.com

excellence’16

Garantie comprenant la coque, la toile et mécanisme.

facebook.com/JamesBaroudOfficial instagram.com/jamesbaroud

A

OUT OF

AFRICA Rugged 4WD Equipment

from

Established over 40 years ago, APB Trading are specialists in Land Rover and 4x4s as well as vehicle accessories and outdoor equipment.APB Trading. Under their brand Expedition- Equipment.com they also outfit and sell a wide range of top quality equipment to the 4WD touring and overlanding markets. Philip Bond, the company’s founder and managing director explains that the company is proud to be selling a range of top quality products from a range of South African Equipment manufacturers. In many cases these South African companies were amongst the first to create new categories of robust touring and camping equipment for this specialised

customer base.

One such of these companies is National Luna , National Luna’s wide range of specialist 12-volt products are aimed at the 4×4 and caravan touring industry.

National Luna has been a market leader in the leisure industry for the past 30 years. Its products are developed and manufactured in South Africa with strict quality and performance requirements ensuring that customers have peace-of-mind when travelling to remote environments. In addition to its range of refrigeration, lighting and battery management products it also offers a wide selection of accessories which are ideal for customizing an

NATIONAL LUNA WAS ONE OF THE FIRST COMPANIES TO OFFER A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE DUAL-BATTERY SOLUTION TO THE GLOBAL OFF-ROAD MARKET

equipment installation.

The company is perhaps best known for its portable refrigeration systems, but it produces a wide range of products also including battery and portable power solutions, Dual Battery Systems, LED lighting systems and more. Its fridges are available in sizes from 40 litres up to 125L and have very low battery consumption and are very robustly made.

Boasting the largest range of 12V fridge / freezers in the world, National Luna is the only commercial manufacturer of off-road fridges in SA, and the preferred supplier to major off-road trailer and caravan manufacturers.

In 2002 the company became the first 4x4 fridge manufacturer to release a dual compartment fridge, a fridge also, in which the temperature of each compartment could be controlled indi-

vidually, with one fridge and one freezer compartment. The fridge used a single compressor and electronic control unit, which meant that the fridge contained more usable space, whilst also being smaller than fridges with multiple compressors, it was also cheaper to manufacture.

National Luna was also one of the first companies to offer a commercially available dual-battery solution to the global off-road market; and, for many years after, it continued to pioneer industry firsts in terms of dual-compartment refrigeration, battery monitors, 12V flu-

orescent outdoor lighting, and more.

Today, the company offers a host of dual-battery solutions (including DC-DC and solenoid), as an answer to a growing list of applications. National Luna has collaborated with battery manufacturer , Discover Batteries, and its in-depth technologically advanced battery-testing equipment has enabled it to reveal some charging issues and limitations around 20 amp DCDC chargers as opposed to older solenoid based systems that National Luna still offers (in some cases the DC-DC systems analysed were acting as power restrictors and unnecessarily

The new National Luna NLDC-25 features a 6-stage charging algorithm, designed to suit four different battery types. Upon installation, one can select either AGM/ Gel, Calcium, Wet-cell, or Lithium-Ion from the various battery options.

limiting the charge being sent to the batteries being charged).

They found that solenoid based chargers offered faster more reliable charging than 20 amp DCDC chargers, of course 40 amp chargers are more effective (and expensive). Now the company offers a range of DC-DC and Intelligent Solenoid systems, both of which have been optimsed based on the company’s extensive research.

battery clamps, as well as a quick-connect coupler and a fused cable for more permanent installation.

The charger continuously monitors the terminal voltage in order to determine if a maintenance charge should be initiated. If the battery voltage drops, due to self-discharging (or a load), the charger re-applies current to keep the battery full.

To learn more about National National Luna , also produces Luna’s extensive range of roan Intelligent Maintenance Char- bust, innovative and advanced 4x4 fridge systems, Dual Battery ger, which features a 5-year , maintenance charging guarantee The kit includes

systems and LED lighting solutions, check out APB’s online expedition shop at www.expedition-equipment.com or contact them at: enquiries@expedition-equipment.com

click here for more information

IT’S THE END

YEAR CELEBR

LAND R

OF THE 70TH

RATIONS OF

ROVER here’s to the next 7o years of innovation

S

ince 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true ‘breadth of capability’ across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world’s SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.

It has been a busy year for Land Rover with 70th anniversary celebrations taking place all over the world.With so many highlights and stories that have come to the fore in this celebrity year it is difficult to pick one over the other.

Some of these celebrations included record-breaking convoys, Land Rover Club gatherings all over the world and a display in London’s Design Museum.

THE NEW DEFENDER Landrover has released ‘spyshot’ photographs of the next vehicle which will bear its prestigious ‘Defender’ name. This mystery vehicle will be the most recent successor to a style of vehicles which first appeared over 70 years ago.

This new vehicle is expected to become available sometime during 2020. At the recent Paris motor show, Land Rover’s management team revealed that a ‘pilot build’ has been created and is in testing.

This means that the vehicles design and engineering are nearly complete.

NEW DEFENDER

2020 lets just wait and see

Land Rover chief commercial officer Felix Brautigam recently briefed the media that there have been four of these vehicles produced and that they are all undergoing road tests. He explained that the next stages of testing and further development will include testing in cold weather (Land Rover normally tests in the Arctic Circle) and also extreme hot weather tests, which take place in the Australian outback and other desert environments.

It is expected that the new Defender will be at least as capable off road as all of it’s predecessors, though we wonder if it will naturally contain some more recent electronic and digital components than present on previous vehicles.

These photos probably don’t show the true shape of the vehicle but it does seem that the overall body shape will be quite different than the previous models, while still keeping enough of the iconic design to ensure the lineage of the vehicle is recognised and acknowledged. In light of Jaguar Land Rover’s well publicised commitment to electrification and eco/hybrid vehicles, we guess that the new Defender will be available with a number of hybrid electrical/ renewable and plugin options. It is expected that the Defender will have an aluminium body built on an aluminium chassis and will utilise parts from other Land Rover vehicles and be built alongside other cars from the range.

110 was launched in 1983, and the 90 followed in 1984) replacing the original ‘Series’ Land Rovers which began production in 1948. The vehicle was renamed in late 1990, when

COMING

G SOON Navigattors latest GPS Navigational Systems

the Click on video here

REACHING SANDAKPHU The village of Sandakphu sits at an altitude of 3,636m and is only accessible by a steep and rocky track using a fleet of 42 thoroughly well-maintained Series Land Rovers

The village of Sandakphu sits at an altitude of 3,636m and is only accessible by a steep and rocky track using a fleet of 42 thoroughly well-maintained Series

Land Rovers

and is only accessible by a steep and rocky track using a fleet of 42 thoroughly well-maintained Series Land Rovers .Sandakphu is located at a height of 12,400 feet with a steep hazardous track meandering its way to the settlement. It is the tallest peak in West Bengal and is located in As part of Land Rovers 70th year the Darjeeling district. It is situcelebrations Land Rover took its ated right next to the Singalila National Park, which is located 70th anniversary celebrations to new heights by visiting this on the border shared by neighremote rural community in West boring states West Bengal and Sikkim.

Bengal. The village of Sandakphu sits at an altitude of 3,636m Deep in the Indian Himalayan region also known as the ‘Land of Land Rovers’ a fleet of classic Series Land Rover models dating from 1957 provides a vital transport link between Maneybhanjang and Sandakphu in West Bengal.

A film that was released in late summer highlights the spectacular 31km journey made often by residents Sandakphu is a very special place and the views that surround it are spectacular with the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, and Makalu –which happen to be among four of the five highest mountain peaks of the world – can be seen from its topmost point. It is said that it offers the finest view of Kangchenjunga.

The word Sandakphu means Height of Poison Plant, which can be taken as a reference to the various poisonous plants that grow over here.

The temperature veers between 5 to 15 degrees in the summer season and between -5 and -10 degrees in the winter season. There is heavy rainfall in the period between July and September so the track can be very challenging.

A film that was released in late summer highlights the spectacular 31km journey made often by residents of Maneybhanjang in West Bengal, India to Sandakphu for their means of living.

Towering gradients, rock-strewn pony tracks and treacherous weather are just some of the hazards faced on a daily basis by the residents and their Land Rovers on the journey to the hilltop village.

The Land Rover team visited the remarkable collection of Series models, which are a lifeline for the local communities.

This fascinating and compelling story unfolded in 1958 in Maneybhanjang, West Bengal. Life was tough in the then sparsely populated place along the Indo-Nepal border. But the people were tougher, determined to succeed against the odds, relying on ponies to move themselves and supplies across distances near and far. Until the first of the Series 1 Land Rovers arrived in 1958.

These early Land Rovers were first imported into India by British tea planters, who operated the various tea estates that Darjeeling is now famous for Over the years, most of the original equipment in these Land Rovers, including their petrol engines were replaced by Mahindra/Isuzu Diesel components.

While this gave them a fresh lease of life for a couple of decades.

It is our understanding that these ageing vehicles are now deemed unsuitable by the Government of West Bengal. One thing is for sure and that is that these workhorses have more than outlived their initial purpose are a true testament to the engineers who designed these early Land Rovers many moons ago.

ROOFTOP TENT

ANNNEXES

r fo

COMFORT & CO

S

ONVENIENCE

Annexes are great, adding a litle luxury and convenience when on a camping trip. An annex is the large room that you sometimes see hanging underneath a roof top tent. Annexes hang from the area of the roof tent that folds out and enclose the area underneath the tent including the roof tent ladder. Annexes generally come with a tough wearing PVC floor that help to seal the room from the elements, wind rain , and can also help to keep out unwanted visitors such as bugs and snakes. The room created by an annex is great to have. This large, waterproof room can be used as a living space, where you can setup tables and chairs and sit inside in wet or cold weather, it can also be used as an enclosed storage space, containing your geat boxes and portable fridge, or if there are a few people camping, can also be used as an additional sleeping area.

AN ANNEX PROVIDES A LOT OF ADDITIONAL

STORAGE AND LIVING SPACE

We have been using the Tough and hard wearing Tembo 4x4 Roof top tent and annex for many months now, and we almost always use the annex for the additional comfort and convenience that it brings.

The floor is optional to use,

however we generally do use it as it ensures that your gear stays dry, but also helps to keep the walls of the annex in place in windy conditions. During the summer we have had a few trips where we experienced nothing but non stop torrential rain for

MOVE ALL YOUR FREQUENTLY USED GEAR INTO

YOUR ANNEX FOR EASY ACCESS

LOTS OF SPACE TO SIT OR STAND IN A DRY ROOM RIGHT UNDERNEATH YOUR ROOF TOP TENT

a space to enjoy up to 3 days at a time, and it was great to have the option to retreat into the annex, sitting on a chair at a table, enjoying a meal or watching a movie. We all enjoy camping trips for the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, but its definitely nice to have an option for when the weather is too poor to really enjoy being outside. If its a sunny or warm day, its possible to roll up the window panels to let air circulate through the annex while not allowing insects or bugs through the fine mesh. At night we hang an LED light along the top of the vehicle to provide illumination. It really can be a very cosy space to enjoy on cold evenings when it is wet or when a campfire is not an option.

The interior rear wall can also be zipped closed or can be opened and rolled up to allow access to the side doors of the vehicle through the back wall of the annexe.

So in a sense the annex is also an extension of the vehicle , a little series of enclosed spaces, that includes the tent, the annex and your vehicle , all of which are accessible without ‘going outside’ An annexe like this is the perfect place, to cook, work and plan your route, while the outdoor environment is a little too harsh to sit outside.

Tembo Produces a range of tents made from heavier than usual canvas which are suitable for use in cold and wet environments. Learn more at : https://www.tembo4x4.com/

for more information on Tembo’s wide range of tents and accessories, click here ..

the

HISTORYof SLEEPING BAGS

1 2

T

he demand for insulated sleeping bags pretty much came about from the exploration and mountaineering communities. The natural insulating properties of camel hair was originally used in woven blankets in the late 19th century.In 1861 Francis Tuckett, vice-president of the English Alpine Society, used a textile with applied rubber waterproofing compound and effectively started a range of modifications that lead all the way to our contemporary sleeping bag. Tuckett continuously tested his prototype Alpine sleeping bag and within a few years he had perfected a bag design which consisted of blanket material with rubber-coated fabric on the underside.

It is believed that in 1890 a Norwegian company Ajungilak was the first company to commercially produce sleeping bags with an insulating filling.

Just over forty years later in 1933 the French alpinist Pierre Allain introduced the pied d’elephant (the elephant foot) a short sleeping bag that joined to a down jacket, both of which were covered by a waterproofed silk outer bag – the cagoule – which later became shortened to become the lightweight climber’s rain parka.

3

1 The materials used in making sleeping bags has evolved over the years.2.The demand for sleping bags came from the exploration community. 3.

Francis Tuckett, vice-president of the English Alpine Society

The Euklisia Rug Top Photo; An innovative rug that’s been described as the world’s first sleeping bag has been re-created and is going on display at the Newtown Textile Museum. The Euklisia rug - patented by Newtown entrepreneur Pryce Jones in 1876 - was exported around the world in the late 19th century. Documents show he sold 60,000 the rugs to the Russian army - and the British army also bought them

Over the years sleeping bags and the type of materials used in them has evolved and with the addition of hood shapes, collars, zip covers and dual zip systems, drawstrings, alternate baffling to hold the filling in place, compression bags, draw chords and so on, there are now some top quality products on the market to suit all types of weather conditions and activities. The development of sleeping bags over the years predominantly centered on weight (as this was very important for climbers/hikers) , breathability and the ability of the sleeping bags to resist water.

The 4WD touring industry is also innovating new designs that suit this camping and touring lifestyle and companies like Darche in Australia have come up with some interesting products that are designed to neatly fit the Darche range of camping products that includes the Darche touring rooftop tents and their range of high quality and innovative swags.

Designed für extra viel Raum, bieten diese Schlafsäcke den Komfort für Personen die gerne Platz zum schlafen haben.Erhältlich in 3 Grössen, 900mm Breite, 1100mm Breite und 1400mm Breite. Passend zu Swag Grössen und den Dachzelten.

Designed for those who prefer extra room, these rugged large, box shaped sleeping bags are purpose built to fit into Darche’s range of Swags and Rooftop Tents. Available in 3 sizes; 900mm wide, 1100mm wide and 1400mm wide - the range is designed with the tourer, adventurer, fisherman and all-round outdoor enthusiast in mind.

The Cold Mountain sleeping bag range features a Dual Zip system, ideal for entry and exit from either side of the sleeping bag, and allows 2 sleeping bags to be joined into 1 super-sized bag.

The toe zip assists in opening the sleeping bag as a doona, and can be unzipped for extra ventilation and coolness on warmer nights.

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED WITH

3 COMFORT RATINGS The two layered, robust modular construction of the Cold Mountain sleeping bags counteracts the ‘cold spots’ and enables an even distribution of warmth, with a fixed top layer filling and a floating bottom layer filling.f Ergonomically designed with 3 different comfort ratings, a heat trapping baffle collar, anti-snag zip guide, internal pockets and compression bag, there is a Cold Mountain sleeping bag for everyone, from first time campers through to High Country tourers.

We have been using the Cold Mountain -12 over the summer months and have been very impressed with it. During the hot nights we unzipped the bag and just used the top layer as a duvet in both the Panorama 2 and in one of the Darche swags. We are now putting it through its paces over the winter months. This is a big sleeping bag and packs relatively easily into the provided bag, don’t expect to be able to put the Cold Mountain 1400 into your rucksack for an overnight hike as it’s not designed for this but it is the perfect size for a RTT and larger swag and 4WD touring in general.

STAY TOASTY

ENGINEERED FOR e r u t n e v Ad

on n o i t a m r o f n i for more availw o n s t c u d o Darche pr here k c i l c e p o r u E able in

remote power ANYTIME & A

r ANYWHERE with

LIGHT UP YOUR CAMPSITE WITH

C

TEK, the Sweden-based manufacturer of high-tech battery chargers/maintainers, reminds owners that for those who dont use their vehicles and camping gear over the winter months taking a little

extra time to properly prepare your leisure batteries for storage can eliminate many hours of frustration in the spring.

Here are a couple of simple steps; Clean the battery, cable clamps and tray. Remove the battery from the battery compartment and use a paste of baking soda and water to clean and neutralize any acid. Accumulations

Keep your fridge freezer going for a couple of days Light up your campsite at night Recharge your phones and electrical gadgets Reliable power for days

of acid or dirt can enable small amounts of current to flow between the terminals. Use clean water to rinse off the cleaning solution.

Use a wire brush on the terminals and cable clamps until all corrosion, grease and other contaminating material is gone, and the metal is shiny. Apply dielectric grease to the terminals as a means of preventing corrosion in the future.

2) Inspect the battery exterior and check the electrolyte level Inspect the battery tray and the exterior of the battery case thoroughly. Look for leaks, cracks and corrosion, all of which can compromise performance and even safety. A leaking or corroded battery should be replaced.If it is a conventional (vented) battery, used in many classic cars, check that the level of electrolyte is above the minimum and at or below the maximum level line on the side of the battery. If it is an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery, also referred to as Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VLRA) or Maintenance Free, these batteries are sealed and do not need to be checked. Either return the battery to the battery compartment or find a clean, dry location to store it over the winter where it won’t have a chance

click video here

of being damaged or knocked over.

3) Attach a smart battery charger/ maintainer To avoid overcharging and possible battery damage, it is important to use a smart battery charger/maintainer, like the CTEK MXS 5.0. This

charger actually “talks� to the battery while it is attached, sensing the charge level and adjusting the rate accordingly.By doing so your batteries will be in tip top shape for the spring.

e r o m r fo e r e h he t click n o on i t a D m A r O R info FF O A 0 14 K E T m C e t s y S ng i g r a h C

KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR BATTERIES

THIS WINTER Batteries are not cheap and like your vehicle should be well looked after, there is nothing worse than getting into your vehicle on a cold wintry morning in the middle of nowhere and realising that your starter battery is dead, we have all been there and know how frustrating and costly this can be so better be safe than sorry.

There are a couple of ways we can avoid these types of scenarios and the well known Swedish company CTEK is well ahead of the game when it comes to smart battery chargers and using modern technologies like your smart-phone when checking your batteries condition.

EX TH

XPLORING HE WILDS with

ed me preload o c ll a s e ic Dev igation Navigattor d route nav n a l a ic h p with topgra s map option

sturdy m ounts ar e also av ailable via Nav igattor

Today, everyone is familiar with GPS navigation systems. A lot of vehicles come with built in systems and every smartphone now contains a navigation app of some sort. But these systems, while very useful and very common, are not suitable for all situations. Once you drive off the asphalt with one of these generic devices, suddenly you are on an ‘unknown road’ at best, and more likely you have entered into the blank space between the marked routes in your device’s maps. This is where Navigattor come in, with their range of innovative offroad navigation devices and accessories. Learn more.

If you are an off-road tourer or explorer, this is not very helpful. This is where the GPS system produced by Spanish Company Navigattor come in.

Navigattor devices come preloaded with a wide range of maps, including off-road topographic maps. The company provides these maps for free and are continually adding to their catalogue of available maps. Navigattor devices have been a key tool in the setups of many overlanding and offroad tourers around the world for the past number of years, and the company is noted for its robust, easy to use and very customisable GPS solutions.

eneration g t x e n a e hav Navigattor very soong n i m o c e c devi romo video p r e s a e t e h check out t

And now these systems are about to get even better. The Navigattor team has quietly been working on the next generation of their Navigation devices. These new devices feature next generation software and operating systems and modern hardware features and they are coming to the marketplace very soon. As with the existing products, the new systems will allow for a high level of user customisation and will come pre-loaded with a wide range of topographical maps in addition to route navigation maps. It will also be possible to add your own maps to the devices, including scanned paper maps.

u llow for yo a s e c i v e D n maps Navigattor w o r u o y e s nd u to upload a

FIND THOSE

REMOTE LOCATIONS THAT ARE NOT SHOWN ON MOST MAPS

An offroad navigation GPS can really help to discover and to reach some beautiful and remote destinations which would be impossible to navigate to using a conventional GPS system.

And the journey planning tools also help to make your driving more efficient, and safer, always knowing exactly where you are and what terrain you are about to encounter. We cannot say much more for now, but watch this space, we will review these next generation Navigattor devices in Issue 10 of the magazine in our February 2019 issue.

In the meantime if you are looking for some inspiration to get out and explore, check out the Navigattor teaser video. The next generation of Navigattor Devices is coming very soon.

In addition to their own navigation systems the team at Navigattor sell a wide range of vehicle mounts, external aerials and other accessories , and also provide top quality support including free maps and map updates.

Click on the link on this page to visit their website for more information.

for more n informatio

VOM FROM

20-6 -23-6

2019 the worlds largest camping and 4WD show

THE ROAD introducing the new & improved

SHOWER 4

T

he joys of enjoying a hot pressurised shower in the middle of nowhere that is warmed using a natural heat source has now been realised thanks to the innovative Road Shower. This US designed and patented product has been making waves around the world over the last year. Six years in development this very interesting concept is being continuously improved, with the Road Showers and additional accessories now available in Europe through the UK based Boondock Trailers.

The beauty about this product is that it is not only a shower, in fact the Road Shower has a number of other very useful functions. The Road Showers is primarily used as a shower where you can have instant and easy access to pressurized water wherever you go without the hassle of propane, pumps, or long set up times. With the hot or cold pressurised water it also has many other uses; it can be used to clean your dirty dishes at camp,clean your gear or that fish you might have been lucky enough to have caught and it can also be used for carrying extra water.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK &

EUROPE

The Road Shower has many uses when camping

The high quali ty flexible shower head

th The Road Shower comes wi all the required accessories

INSTALLATION The Road Shower can easily be attached to most rack systems. All you have to do is slide the carriage bolt into the slot (2 mounting options) and attach the mounting bracket. A second T-slot on the side allows mounting to the side of a roof top basket. The product can be mounted to most vehicles and sys- tems, examples include VW Vanagons, Westfalia Vans, Sportsmobile Vans, Campers, MacGregor 26 sailboats, vehicle factory racks,, Kayak racks, Bike racks, Luggage racka, Yakima, and Thule Racks Attach the Ro ad Shower to to name but a few. your roof rack using th e supplied brack ets

check out the video of the road shower in use on a recent camping & fishing trip

Made from powder coated and high quality aluminium the body of the Road Shower is built to take punishment. The bullet style spray nozzle is also well made and can be adjusted to a powerful stream or a gentle spray. Clips and velcro secure the hose in place.In the recent versions of the Road Shower pressures as high as 65psi can be reached by pumping the chamber with a bike pump, tire inflator, or a 12 volt compressor, giving you excellent pressure when using it to have or shower or clean your camping gear. In the summer months the solar heated water in the chamber will heat when you are on the move with hot water capable of reaching 100-115F. After pressurising the water using a bicycle pump we were very impressed on how far the water actually reached in a test. After the chamber is pressurised to 65psi, you should be able to get several minutes of pressurised water before having to refill the chamber with water and re pressurise.. The Road Shower also comes with a pressure relief valve on the cap for safety. This helps prevent over pressurization and a possible explosion. The cap valve releases at around 55 - 75 PSI depending on air temp, and other factors.

Fill the chamber up with either a hose or a jug

Pressurise the chamber using a hand pump

CLEAN YOUR FISH

SPRAY YOU

THE ROAD SHOWER CAN BE USED

ALL YEAR ROUND

UR BOOTS

WASH YOUR DISHES

New accessories include the flex neck low flow shower head which gives you the sensation of showering at home it’s that good. The flow of the water can be adjusted at the shower head. You can also purchase an on/off elbow so you can have the shower head on one end of the chamber and your hose on the other end. An extra elbow can be installed on every model of Road Shower 4.You will need an 8mm hex/allen wrench to remove the plug at the end of the Road Shower.

er The flex neck low flow show n of head gives you the sensatio showering at home

The flex neck low flow shower head is attached here.

Pressurise the c ing a a bike pum or a 12 volt com

The Road Shower can be simply attached to most rack systems. All you have to do is slide the carriage bolt into the slot (2 mounting options) and attach the mounting bracket.

chamber by usmp, tyre inflator, mpressor.

You can also purchase an on/off elbow so you can have the shower head on one end of the chamber and your hose on the other end.

The bullet style spray nozzle is also well made and can be adjusted to a powerful stream or a gentle spray.

Overall this unit does what it s on recent fishing trips and it c a couple of fish we caught, wa sand from our camping gear. able to have a warm pressur heat your water and not havin plumbed shower units. Going most definitely be perma

www.boondoc

says on the box, we have used it came in very handy for cleaning ashing the dishes and spraying . The real benefit here is being rised shower using the sun to ng to rely on gas and expensive g forward the Road Shower will anently fitted on our 4WD.

cktrailers.co.uk

ARE??????? THE

UK & EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTORS

Check out Boondock Trailers who are the UK and European distributors for the Road Shower by clicking here .

OVERLAND EXPEDITIONS IN YOUR 4X4 VEHICLE

We’ll guide you to amazing places All our expeditions are guided and will be limited to 7 guest vehicles. We believe that by limiting the number of vehicles will give everybody in the group a unique experience.

Your vehicle will experience

terrain that it was designed for, and in the process discover beautiful scenery, landscapes and wildlife.

Kudu is to reflect a love of the African continent, wildlife and the great outdoors.

Our aim is to h the overland e in your own 4 Our expeditio use of tracks a stretch throug scenery and la Europe and M

have you join expeditions 4x4 vehicle. ons include the and trails that gh spectacular andscapes of Morocco

ill experience Your vehicle w s designed for a w it t a th terrain

Discover beau tiful scenery, landscapes an d wildlife .

https://www.kuduoverland.co.uk/ T. 01278 424153 M: 07456 668530 E.admin@kuduoverland.co.uk

click here for more information

e h t g n i r o l p ex

SOMME REGION IN NORTHERN FRANCE

F

inding a network of dirt tracks in France requires some research and when you locate them the question is how do you know if you are allowed to drive on them? Generally you are allowed to use an existing public lane though look out for the signs that read “Propriété privée” this means private property and you should keep off these lanes. In France the same rules apply to driving on green lanes as in the UK and many other European countries, drive slowly and in small groups and keep all your litter in your car, the tracks are mostly in good condition but can be dusty and rough in spots particularly if you head into the forested areas.

Good greenlaning (dirt tracks) maps for France include the Memory-Map’s (IGN) 1:25000. These maps clearly identify greenlanes. If you join Codever http://www.codever.fr they will send you a useful booklet which explains where you can legally greenlane. Other useful maps include the IGN bleu Carte de Randonnee 1:25000 These are detailed maps that cover everything down to the narrow pathways, even barns, rivers and springs. If you know where you are going these maps are very useful as every part of France is covered.

scatOne of the many graveyards tered throughout the region

‘‘

‘‘

DRIVING THE 4WD TRACKS

IN THIS REGION IS A VERY

HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

War ?The Museum about the Great in the town of Albert

Recently we traveled through the north of France and had the opportunity to explore some the regions greenlanes predominantly in the Somme region. A place where 100 years ago the first World war officially ended.

Anyone who is in this part of the world should try and visit and see first hand this area and try and experience what so many young men endured during the

Great War. Etched in the history books as the battle of all battles, in the early morning of 1 July 1916, more than 100,000 British infantrymen were ordered by the British Generals from their trenches North of the Somme River in France. The British were annihilated that morning which resulted in thousands of casualties that would go down in history

as one of the biggest losses in one day inflicted on any army in the history of modern warfare.

Despite the enormous losses inflicted on the first day of the battle of the Somme, the offensive continued until the war came to an end on the 11th of November 2018.

Driving the 4WD tracks through this region is a very humbling

experience as you pass graveyard after graveyard with distinctive white and dark grey crosses that dominate the landscape. Many of the inscriptions carved on the crosses read ‘’a Soldier of the Great War Known Unto God’’ and there are huge remembrance memorials built in memory of various allied countries who fought in the many battles in the region.

You cannot help but imagine what it was like for the young men on both sides of the trenches who arrived here from all over the world between 1916 -1918.Back in those days most recognisable vehicle that negotiated this muddy landscape during the Battle of the Somme was the British made Mark 1 tank, this was the world’s first tank that took part in combat. The name “tank” was initially a secret code used by the British to maintain secrecy and disguise its true purpose . This vehicle was developed in 1915 to break the stalemate of trench warfare. The Mark 1 had a 6 cylinder and 105 horsepower petrol engine, its main benefits included surviving the machine gun and small-arms fire in “No Man’s Land”, being able to travel over the difficult muddy terrain, drive over the barbed wire and cross the gaps between enemy trenches, it was also used to carry supplies and troops through the difficult muddy terrain.

You could easily spend a couple of days touring the 4WD tracks in the Somme with so many sites of historical significance and sites of remembrance.

The mud in the Somme is very different to anything we ever experienced before, it’s very slippery and heavy.

after a good st fa k a re b l ta n e n conti oof top tent r e th in p ee sl ts h nig

THE MUD IN THE SOMME

IS VERY DIFFERENT TO ANYTHING WE EVER EXPERIENCED

EXPLORING THE

TRACKS IN FRANCE

IN A 4WD

No offence to bus tours but having a 4WD or taking part in a 4WD tour really does allow you to experience and absorb this landscape as you drive from battlefield to battlefield along narrow dirt tracks that take you right into the heart of this historic region.

1 3

2 4

During the battle of the Somme this land was churned up with the constant bombardment of bombs which lead to the land becoming waterlogged with heavy rain and snow and all this resulted in very unpleasant conditions for the men and the vehicles that had to negotiate this very challenging environment.

A word of caution when driving this region in a 4WD is, make sure you stick to the designated tracks and the 4WD right of ways. It may be just over 100 years since the Battle

of the Somme but its legacy and dangers are still very real today, millions of unexploded munitions remaining buried under the topsoil throughout this region. The French and Belgian authorities and military are still cleaning up and discovering tons of bombs every year. So sticking with the established tracks or taking the tour with established 4X4 touring companies, like the Battlefields by 4X4 is well advised considering the potential dangers.

1. Our Kelly Kettle gets lots of use on our travels.2. Another perfect camp in the Somme Region 3. Setting up the James Baroud. 4 . Ammunition dispayed in one of the many Museums in the region

5

If you decide to visit the Somme region there are a number of options on how to visit these sites with various touring services that include bus tours and tailor made 4WD tours to the battlefields. The main 4WD touring service is called Battlefields By 4X4, they offer 4WD guided tours that are designed to enable small groups to visit battlefields, iconic cemeteries and memorials and access some of the European battlefields of the First and Second World Wars.

They guide you along rights of way, across the battlefields, giving you a unique and informative commentary over CB radio from experienced Battlefield Guides.

As you explore the off grid tracks in the Somme today, unlike the images you would have seen in the history books, the striking difference between the landscape of Northern France and Belgium and that of 19141918 is the colour. Today the fields are bright yellows, greens, with the distinctive red poppies visible throughout the region.

During the Great War, the colour would have been predominantly a brown and grey mud dominated landscape with thousands of craters created by the constant bombardment of shells.

But driving through this region in a 4WD and witnessing the battle sites, consisting of the large grassed over craters and trenches,and the magnificent memorials that honour the hundreds of thousands of men who served in this theatre of war really does bring this place to life.

CAMPING

IN THE REGION France has a well earned reputation when it comes to campsites with a huge selection on offer. In the Somme region there are a number of campsites that offer a variety of touring pitches for travellers close to the Somme battlefields and the River Somme. We stayed at the Les Puits Tournants campsite located close to the Australian Memorial. Most of the pitches are placed informally in unmarked areas around the dominant fishing lake that is found in the center of the campsite. It’s a great location to set up camp and explore this region.

You could easily spend a couple of days touring the 4WD tracks in the Somme with so many sites of historical significance and sites of remembrance. It is a very humbling experience and like one we have never experienced before. We highly recommend anyone who will be touring in the North of France or close to it to go and visit this place a place and a time that should never be forgotten.

‘‘

Time to get the dinner on the after a a long day touring Somme region

‘‘

Camping a t the Les Pu its Touman campsite lo ts cated besid e t h e Australian memorial

FRANCE HAS A WELL EARNED REPUTATION WHEN IT COMES TO TOP QUALITY CAMPSITES

OX S B U NA

I C N O CHE F N IT

I

K P M

A C A

This portable storage camp s kitchen holds enough utensil oto feed four people .four pe

Store all of your cooking utensils and your favorite spices and sauces used for cooking when camping, in this all-in-one kitchen kit. With enough utensils to feed four people ,everything is packed in a sturdy, handy Ammo box. The foam inserts ensure order and prevent rattling or damage. The inserts are made of cross-linked, high-density polyethylene foam.

It has a fine, regular and closed structure and does not absorb water. The transport crates, called a ‘Wolf Pack’, is made of durable, black HDPE plastic with a dimension of 510 x 400 mm and, including a high lid, a height of 295 mm. The lid, secured with four clips, is easily removable. The transport boxes can also be stacked very well. Sold by Genesis-Import click here for more information.

Portable

TENT

HEATERS g n i p m a c r e t n i for w

The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy and Little Buddy are two great options for people who enjoy the great outdoors, and are very popular in the USA with hunters, fihsermen and campers. They can also be used to heat garages and shed or other locations here a portable heating solution would be useful.

can be dangerous to use. And, it is true that gas heaters can pose risks if they are not used correctly. It is very important to read and to follow the safety instructions that come with the heaters and to always ensure that sufficient ventilation is in place wherever you are using the heaters. However, in terms of safety, the Mr.Heater products A lot of people worry that gas are amongst the safest portable heaters , heaters using butane, gas heaters that are available propone or mixes of these gases and have a number of advanced

THE ‘LITTLE BUDDY’ IS

PERFECT FOR TENTS

AND LIGHT TO CARRY

safety features.

With both of these heaters you can screw on a propane or propan/butane mix tank and have instant gheat in a few seconds.

The Portable buddy is the larger and more powerful of the heaters and can heat an enclosed area as big as 20 meters squared.

In Europe the heaters are supplied by GBP and come with a range of different adapters that allow for the heaters to be attached to whichever tank/ cartridge type is the most common in a number of European Countries.

Two of the most common fears about gas heaters, are the levels of oxygen in the room where the heater is being used , and also the fear of a heater tipping over and perhaps causing a fire.

Both the Portable Buddy and the Little Buddy come with low oxygen cut off systems, where sensors measure the level of oxygen in the space, and will automatically shut down the heater if these measurements fall below a certain level. In addition both of the heaters have a tip over sensor that will

in Buddy e l b a rt o The P el bag its trav

also shut off the heater if they fall over or tilt beyond a certain angle (approximately 45 degrees).

We found both of the heaters easy to light using their built in ignition systeme. For the Little Buddy, you need to hold the button in for about 60-90 seconds before igniting, but this works reliably every time. The heaters are silent and dont smell at all. We recently used them in very cold weather and both heaters filled our Tepee with warmth, to the point we had to turn them off at one point because it was getting almost too warm.

As the Mr. Heater range is now compliant with European standards, the “LITLLE BUDDY” and “PORTABLE BUDDY” are

finally available in Europe and thus begins a new stage in the development of the brand internationally. These heating products, known and recognized across the world, have all the necessary safety features, and now work in bi-carburetion, on disposable butane / isobutane cartridges, small propane bottles and, for the “PORTABLE BUDDY”, on all types of LPG bottles.

These fuels are commercially available everywhere in Europe.

GBP -Gas Business Partners- in France are currently seeking distributors for these products in the UK and across Europe.

For more information on purchasing a Mr.Heater Portable heater, you can contact: Company GBP -Gas Business PartnersFrance Sas 19, rue du General GOURAUD 57950 MONTIGNY-LES-METZ FRANCE WWW.GBP-FR.COM

for more n informatio

MR.HE

Interested in becoming a

DISTRIBUTOR For

MR.HEATER PRODUCTS

GBP-FR ARE SEEKING DISTRIBUTORS FOR MR.HEATER PRODUCTS IN THE UK AND EUROPE PLEASE CONTACT : nicolas@gbp-fr.com

EATER

for more n informatio

IGLHAUT ALLRAD

4WD

conversions

MARKET LEADERS

F

IN 4WD CONVERSIONS or over 30 years IGLHAUT have been one of the market leaders in converting commercial vehicles to all wheel drive capability. It all started in 1983 when a caterer from the Allgäu Alps wanted his Mercedes Transporter to be converted to 4WD for transporting guests to his hotel in the mountains. This led to the first 4WD conversion of a Mercedes Transporter and the start of an innovative all wheel drive conversion business. Innovation is the name of the game for Iglhaut Allrad and they recently presented a world premiere of the all wheel drive conversion of the new model Mercedes Benz Sprinter.

rs of e 30 yea v a h D A ns T ALLR onversio c d w IGHA UL 4 ce in experien

Presenting the new 4WD co nversions in Hamburg

CUSTOMERS COME FROM VARIOUS BACKGROUNDS THAT INCLUDES POLICE FORCES & EMERGENCY SERVICES & GLOBETROTTERS WHO WANT TO BUILD AND CONVERT ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

lution o s d a o r ect off The perf

The recent unveiling of the new IGLHAUT Allrad vehicle conversions took place at the IAA Expo that was held towards the end of September in Hanover, Germany. The all-wheel specialists from IGLHAUT presented four vehicles in total at the show with the highlights including the very impressive Mercedes Benz Sprinter 416 CDI and the Hymer ML 580.

and is a perfect solution for a desert or off road expedition.

The company is constantly innovating, developing and offering all wheel drive capabilities to vehicles, through technologies that are patented and have TUV approval and certification.

With an international reputation IGLHAUT Allrad rebuilds utility-vehicles that require drive-systems for extreme use that are both reliable and capaIn previous years the IGLHAUT ble. Customers come from varall wheel drive vehicles were ious backgrounds that include, not generally manufactured for the lifestyle touring market, but police forces, the medical emergency services, fire brigades, these vehicles are now attracting attention from more touring armies, energy suppliers, building and transport companies as customers seeking tough offwell as hunting enthusiasts and road utility vehicles, designed with robust, reliable, sophisticat- those Globetrotters who want to rebuild and convert a leisure ed and durable technology that has proven itself in everyday life vehicle to 4WD.

In partnership with the Hymer-centrum Sulzemoos (motorhomes), IGHAUT Allrad have in recent years been converting the very popular Hymer ML-T and the Hymer ML-I to 4WD capabilities. Other developments by Iglhaut Allrad includes the 4WD concept for the Vito (Transporter) and the V-Klasse (Van). These vehicles have always been favorites amongst emergency services that include mountain rescue and fire department vehicles.If you are going to the Abenteuer & Allrad show in Germany be sure to check out their stand or you can get more information from their newly designed website by clicking below.

In partnership with the Hymer-centrum Sulzemoos (motorhomes), IGHAUT Allrad have in recent years been converting Hymer ML-T and Hymer ML-I to 4WD capabilities

TYRE PRE

ESSURES explained

TYRE PRESSURES look

r e s o l c a e v a h s ’ t le

W

hat is air pressure? Here’s a quick visual example. Take a 1 inch square piece of metal that is 1 foot long and weighs 1 pound.

Standing that piece of metal on its end on a scale it would exert 1 pound of force per square inch of force (1psi). If you were to use a 10 foot long piece of the same metal it would apply 10psi of pressure and so on.

The way gases like air exert

pressure on the inside of a sealed container like a tyre, is through the action of the atoms of air colliding with the sides of the tyre. Atoms within the tyre are constantly hitting into the sides of the tyre , these collisions exert an outward pressure on the tyre. There are two ways to increase this outward pressure. One is to put more atoms of air into the tyre, the more collisions with the inside of the tyre, the more pressure exerted on the tyre.

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ays check out the informaon your tyre b efore adjustng your tyre p ressures.

The other way is to raise the temperature of the atoms inside the tyre, the higher the temperature the faster the atoms move, and therefore the more they collide with the inside of the tyre.

When you inflate your vehicles tyres you are using a pump to increase the air pressure within the tyre by increasing the number of atoms that make up the air inside the tyre, tyres typically contain from 30-40psi air pressure.

You can now imagine that the outside air temperature or weather can have a direct effect on the pressure of your vehicle tyres. Tyres can deflate during cold weather because the air contained within them ‘contracts’ when they are cold, as the atoms within are colliding less with the walls of the tyre. According to tyre manufacturers, air pressure can drop by 1-2psi for every 12C change in the temperature. For example if the temperature drops from 30C to 0c your tyre pressure could drop by up to 5psi.

You should also always check your tyre pressures when your car, and tyres are cold, friction between the road and the tyre can heat the tyre and the air within, giving an inaccurate reading of your tyre pressure.

Similarly in very warm weather your tyres psi can increase. So knowing all this it makes sense to regularly check your tyre pressure , especially as the seasons change.

the

INDEFLATE

T

he Indeflate is a new device that is designed to inflate or deflate two tyres simultaneously by simply equalizing the pressure between two tyres automatically once connected.

This well made and engineered product is made in South Africa.The indeflate has been developed with ease of use in mind. A very useful tool for those who find themselves regularly adjusting their tyre pressures when heading for a days four wheel driving either up in the mountains or along your favorite beach.

FUNCTIONS

Using your onboard or portable compressor the indeflate inflates and deflates 2 tyres simultaneously. In indeflate automatically equalises both connected tyres’ pressure.The indeflate also has a built in 6 bar gauge for monitoring whilst inflating or deflating.

The indeflate infl ates and deflates 2 tyres simultaneo usly

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2

1. The indeflate is made from high quality components .2 Drifta testing the indeflate on Stocktons beach in Australia 3. The patented dump valve system allows for qucik inflation and deflation of your tyres.

With the indeflate the process of airing up and deflating your tyres one by one is a thing of the past, with the indeflates dump valve system technology this shortens the time needed to adjust your tyre pressures significantly. Also with the built in mounted gauge you can now relax and monitor your tyre pressure while inflating, deflating and not have to disconnect and reconnect your compressor to go through the process with the neighbouring tyre.

durable and scratch resistant.

The product also incorporates a 700kpa/100psi combination Gauge that is manufactured by one of the world’s leading suppliers of high quality pressure and temperature measurement products.The two x 3m air hoses are well made making them flexible and easy to use; they are also abrasion and ozone resistant and can withstand pressures of up to 2000 kpa(300psi) and temperatures of -10’C to +60’C.V

The product also incorporates a 700kpa/100psi combination Gauge

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The patented dump valve sysThe Indeflate Bodies are made tem allows for quick and easy from Aluminium and go through inflation, deflation and equalia Military spec hard anodizing sation of two tyres at the same process which make them highly time .

3

The strong clip-on chucks make it simple and safe to connect to the tyre valves.The indeflate also comes with a good quality carry bag with a high quality zipper that makes it convenient to store in the back of your touring vehicle.

If you find yourself deflating and inflating your tyres regularly well this is something that should have a permanent home in the back of your 4WD. The convenience of being able to inflate and deflate your tyres simultaneously is simple but a brilliant concept. The first thing you will notices about this product is the high quality ma-

terials used to manufacture it, from the aluminum body, to the hoses and valve, no shortcuts were taken here, it just simply sings quality. As regular visitors to beaches for a spot of fishing this has saved us lots of time allowing us to deflate and inflate our tyres in half the time. The guys at Drifta sent us over the product to have a look at, they are also big fans of the indeflate and they can be purchased on the Drifta EU website at www. drifta.eu . Also check out the video where Luke and Jake from Drifta explain the benefits of the indeflate by comparing it with other products. Just click on the play icon.

LUKE AND JAKE FROM DRIFTA TESTING THE INDEFLATE ON STOCKTONS BEACH IN AUSTRALIA

WWW.DRIFTA.EU

Click here for more information on the Indeflate availabe from Drifta .

LATE SUMMER 2018

OVERLAND SHOW

The Adventure Overland Show boasts the largest gathering of expedition vehicles in the UK. Since its launch in 2013 the show has developed into a major national event featuring all forms of alternative travel.

advice on planning, logistics & preparation, oodles of camping and rocking evening entertainment - it’s the biggest and best event of its type in the UK!

Starting in 2018, there are now two shows each year: Spring and Late Summer.

Bringing together those of us This is a show where you can who love exploring the great meet fellow travellers, discuss outdoors, the Adventure Overland Show includes two full days your gear requirements with the of free seminars spanning expe- experts and improve your skills during a number of focussed dition trucks, 4x4s, adventure bikes and 4x2 campervans pre- workshops. sented by the enthusiasts themIt’s more than just a show, it is selves, traders galore including campervan and truck conversion also a gathering of like-minded folk, a festival for enthusiastic specialists, clubs & their firepits, incredible display vehicles, overlanders, adventurers and explorers. It really has a festival The Map Room presented by Overland Sphere with free travel vibe.

car park and campsite is also filled with interesting and well kitted out vehicles.

In the evenings, the bar, which is located in a large tent, is always hopping, with lots of people and a selection of great live acts and DJs. The local beers and ciders are also delicious, many travel and touring stories were shared here until quite a Some of the talks at this year’s long time after the sun went show included, “Encouraging More Women to Say Yes to Over- down. landing” – some “Tips and Tricks for Live on the Move” This is a great show and we will definitely be back next year for both the spring and late summer The selection of speakers and shows. If you are near enough to talks is fascinating and very diverse. There really is something pay a visit to Straford next year, we recommend that you do. for everyone at this show.

In addition to all of the great exhibitors and traders, the visitors An essential feature of all the Adventure Overland Shows are the Seminars, talks given by both professional and amateurs.

In fact so popular have they become, the rooms dedicated to these informal talks have also grown over the years as their popularity have increased.

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HTTPS://ADVENTURE-O

OVERLAND-SHOW.COM

for more n informatio

HAND MADE

&

CAMPING

BUSH

TOOLS

FOREST EDGE

SUPPLIES (UK)

There is more to a handcrafted hatchet and knife than meets the eye. We recently caught up with Dave from Forest Edge Supplies at the Spring Aventure Overland show in the UK, to have a look at some of their beautiful handmade pieces including the Damascus steel axe and the eye catching handmade knives whose blades are made from... wait for it recycled leaf springs from retired 4WD vehicles.

Axes have been used for a number of purposes for thousands of years and have been used all over the world by many tribes as weapons and as a ceremonial symbols. Did you know that the phrase ‘Burying the Hatchet’’ originated from native American Indians meaning to make peace, the tradition came from the hiding or putting away a tomahawk (hatchet) when a peace agreement was made between fighting parties.

An Indian Tomahawk axe

An ancient st one axe

The earliest examples of handled axes were found with heads of stone with some form of wooden handle attached using whatever materials were available at the time. Axes made of copper, bronze, iron and steel soon appeared as the benefits of using these materials were realised. Forest Edge supplies bring a range of interesting and innovative products ideas for those who enjoy the great outdoors and camping.

A Viking batt le axe

It’s a mobile store that travels all over the UK and specialises in everything from high end Leatherman, Gerber and Swiss army knives, survival equipment and other accessories. Based in Churcham in the United Kingdom , on the edge of the famous Forest of Dean, these guys have close connection with the heart of the forest.

The Forest Edge axes are striking to look at and the craftsmanship that has gone

into making these top quality products are of a very high standard and if looked after these axes will last a lifetime.

Aesthetically the striking looking patterns in the steel really stand out and catch your eye when you see them for the first time. The unusual yet striking pattern in the steel was seen in Damascus blades that were first made over a thousand years ago.

TOP QUALITY

TOOLS

The Damascus steel on these axes really stands out

ives Some of the high quality kn from Forest Edge Supplies

The steel was initially imported from India and Sri lanka where the Arabs introduced this steel known as wootz steel that was used to make weapons. The swords that were made using this metal were characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge. The Damascus steel got its name from the capital city of Syria one of the oldest cities in the world.

This type of steel used for making weapons thrived up until the mid seventeen hundreds but then it is believed that the reason why it went into decline was because of the breakdown of a number of the main trade routes that were supplying the very popular metal

DAMASCUS el S te

The art of making knives and Damascus steel axes has been around for a long time and it’s great to see this craftsmanship still being practised by outdoor enthusiasts and specialised craftsmen like Dave from Forest Edge today. There’s something very unique about having a handmade knife attached to

your belt and a handmade axe like these Damascus steel ones having a permanent place in the back of your 4WD.

r o f e r e h k c i l c n o i t a m r o f n i more

ARK PAK

730 Portable Power System

A PORTABLE Battery Management System

ArkPak 730 that will keep your gadgets charged for extended periods when exploring the great outdoors.

This clever unit has a built in 300W inverter, a 7 stage smart charger and a built in battery management screen, the system also has a variety of sockets and ports to charge various types of accessories. The all in one battery charger, portable powNow available in Europe, the er station and dual battery Australian based ArkPak has system is another excellent come up with a remote dual option for powering your camping gadgets. battery system called the With the modern age we live in there’s no denying just how dependent on technology we have become and this has led to an ever increasing demand for having access to remote power when camping and touring. In order to charge our mobile phones, cameras, fridge freezers and camping lights etc having a 12v dual battery system has in many cases become a necessity as opposed to a luxury.

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e power l b a rt o p ect The perf .......... solution

The ArkPak also has a Time Tracker function; it is essentially an on-board microprocessor that constantly assesses the state of the battery. It tells you both the percentage of battery remaining, and the number of hours until it’s full, during charging, via an interactive LCD screen. A great feature for those struggling to find room for a second battery under your bonnet is the optional DC-DC 12V Car Charge Adaptor that lets you charge up and run your ArkPak via your vehicle’s 12V socket. What this means is you can charge your ArkPak using the 4WD’s alternator just like a conventional dual-battery system. If you’re staying in the one place for a while and don’t want to flatten your starting battery, you can also recharge your ArkPak using the 240V charging adaptor, the Anderson plug, or even via solar panels.

Distributors for ARK Corporation products include Tuf-Trek in the UK and XPedition who are based in Switzerland

the

BRITISH

MOTOR museum

W

e recently visited the British Motor Museum in the UK to check out its world class collection of Historic British cars including some very old Land Rovers. This place is a reminder of just how big the British Motor industry used to be.

There are over 300 classic cars for you to enjoy from both the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust ,along with an archive con-

taining more than one million objects, from photographs and film, to publicity material and technical records.

This huge array of vehicles and interactive historic material tells the story of the British motor car and the industry that has produced various styles of vehicles for over one hundred years. The museum and its interactive displays is cleverly designed to give you a unique snapshot of British social life throughout those innovative years.

The museum has dedicated zones on Motorsport, Design & Concepts, Jaguar, Land Rover and film cars. The impressive collection was developed in the 1970s when a new division of the British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC) was formed to preserve and manage the company’s collection of historic vehicles. The present location was chosen, on the site of the former RAF Gaydon airfield in South Warwickshire, which was home to the Rover Group’s design, technology and testing ground.

Given that it is coming to the end of the 70th anniversary of Land Rover we were particularly interested in the Land Rover collection on display. Some of the Land Rovers on display tell the story of how these iconic vehicles progressed over a 70 year period.

e ht into th g i s n i t a e gr m gives a s u e s u m e nd Rover Th a L l a n i g ori

THE 1955 AUSTINS A90 WESTMINISTER

The HUE 166, the first land Rover, this vehicle concept has come a long way since this vehicle came of the production line. It was in 1947 when Maurice Wilks (then technical chief of Rover) came up with the idea of what would become a huge success story that would re-invent the then struggling Rover car company.

But it’s not all about Land Rovers there is a huge array of adventurous vehicles on display and one that caught our eye was the Austins A90 Westminster 1955 (2639cc, 6cyl). This Adventurous Austin A90 completed the first ever journey from North Cape the most northerly point of Norway to Cape Town the most southerly point in South Africa between July and October 1955. In total the trip covered an impressive 17, 500 miles. The driver on this adventure was a man called Richard page who was a journalist.

Tomb Raider Land Rover Defender 110 HCPU This beauty was built for the 2001 blockbuster movie Tomb Raider where the scene of Lara Croft putting this Defender through its paces in the Jungle no doubt raised the Defenders profile around the world. The Director of the movie Simon West said ‘’The Defender was the perfect choice to star as Lara’s vehicle’’, ‘’the theme of the film is based on action and adventure, so Lara’s vehicle had to be rugged enough to match up to all the challenging stunts’’.

This Defender started its life as a white 110 high capacity pickup before ten members of the Land Rover team from the Special Vehicles Department were given the task to transform this vehicle into an eye catching Bonatti grey motor with a V8 engine , additions included a roll cage, chequer plates, roof rack, expedition tool rack, 2 winches, sat navigation and some impressive spot lights.

r and Rove L r e d i a us Tomb R y in the Museum The famo la 0 on disp 1 1 r e d n Defe

THE NUFFIELD GUTTY WAS

BUILT IN 1947

1935 Royal Winchester Hutchings Caravan Nuffield Gutty prototype The name Nuffield Gutty was used for three prototype vehicles built in 1947 in an attempt to meet a British War Department specification for a light field car to replace the American Jeep that was in service in large numbers following the war. This vehicle featured a horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine similar to that designed for the planned small post-war car to be called the Morris Mosquito, that would eventually appear as the Morris Minor.

There is also plenty to see for the kids like the Shaun the Sheep’s Land Rover. You can sit in Shaun’s Land Rover and have your photo taken, then enjoy Shaun the Sheep story time.

The British Motor Museum offers a research and registry service for several British car marques.

For a small fee, owners may send in their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN - aka chassis number) and/or engine numbers, and they will research the original production records for that vehicle and send back whatever information on the vehicle is available. This is a ‘Certified Copy of a Factory Record’ or more commonly known as a Heritage Certificate. This can include such details as a list of the options the car was ordered with, the original paint colour and any identification numbers that may be missing. This can be useful when applying for tax exemption or to obtain an age-related Registration Mark.

All up our visit to the British Motor Museum was a great trip down memory lane, you dont have to be a motor car enthusiast to appreciate the vehicles on display here. But not only that this experience is a reminder of just how big the British motor industry used to be and the great contribution it has made to the automobile industry all over the world.

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SEA BASS

t Fresh fish for dinner tonigh

W

hen on a camping trip or touring , it‘s great to feel self sufficient and to know that you have with you everything you need to keep you motoring on.

This includes having all of the necessary equipment, shelter and food. Of course, in general you will need to keep your portable fridge stocked with the essentials and to stock it up whenever you have the opportunity. But for us, when the opportunity arises, we love to do some fishing and (hopefully) enjoy some food that we caught ourselves along the sea shore. On a recent trip we caught a couple of Sea Bass and enjoyed a delicious meal by the campfire that evening. The time of day that you fish can influence the type of fish that you are more likely to catch, fishermen often say that fishing at dawn can be better than fishing in the evening, but that dawn and dusk are both great times to go fishing, this is especially true of Sea Bass.Bass activity also

FRESH FISH COOKED ON AN OPEN FIRE...AS GOOD AS IT GETS

usually increases in the period before a new and full moon.

We found that plastic worms worked great for attracting the Bass, but lugworm and other forms of natural bait work well also.

A local fisherman advised us that when bait fishing from the shore that we should aim to cast the line no more than forty metres out as Bass often spend a lot of their time very close to the shore.

If you do manage to catch one, sea bass is a white fish and is meaty, but not too ‘fishy’ tasting, it has a delicate and delicious flavour and It tastes great when grilled or fried. Of course, even if you don’t catch a fish, it’s still a lot of fun trying, but perhaps it is wise to have a backup meal in your freezer … just in case..

Catch of the day a beautiful Sea Bass

NOTHING MAKES A FISH BIGGER

THAN ALMOST BEING

CAUGHT

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