61 Days Overlanding: What worked? What didn't?

[@seamus9750]

Everyone should have an extended overlanding trip on their bucket list...had the privilege of spending a year doing such. It's a great reset in life.

[@overlandersa]

Absolutely! It was very interesting how many people on extended trips we met along the way.

[@davidpaveley1876]

Finally, some useful advice and not just a product promo. Please make more vids in this line. Respect sir👆

[@overlandersa]

Thank you, I really appreciate your comment!

[@donovanpautz]

Thank you for sharing your input and experiences. It really helps eliminate unnecessary school fees.

[@overlandersa]

Thanks, that's the idea. Glad to hear that it does help.

[@mart9999999999999999]

just loving the practical and honest advice , wishing you happy and safe travels . thank you

[@overlandersa]

Thank you! You too!

[@lesemaphorenomade8978]

Thank you for sharing your experience 🙏

[@overlandersa]

@@lesemaphorenomade8978 A pleasure. I hope it was of some help.

[@ryanjbecker1]

Very informative and to the point. Thank you

[@overlandersa]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BotchGaudio]

best review I saw.

[@overlandersa]

Thanks! I really appreciate the compliment.

[@justicemotaung4892]

Thank you for your well edited video's, they were highly informative. I guess I can say I am ready to go camping. God Bless

[@overlandersa]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it to be helpful. Enjoy the camping!

[@waleedranjbar6052]

Great video 👍 Very helpful

[@overlandersa]

Glad you think so! Much appreciated.

[@wilkinsonsworld]

Loved your content. Thanks for the useful tips.

[@overlandersa]

Glad it was helpful! I now had a look at your channel and given your level of experience I am quite surprised that I could add anything useful.

[@debh9328]

I love your setup! Thank you so much for showing everyone this!

[@overlandersa]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@africansafariexperts1499]

Dankie Oom! :) Despite having a lot of overland experience that was most helpful in your opinion of what works for you and what was challenging. So glad you made it to Zambia! Next time, go into the Kafue, I can highly recommend it and if you need advice, let me know :)

[@overlandersa]

Wie's jou oom? :-) Ek voel nie soos 'n oom nie! We did go to Kafue and enjoyed it a lot, except for the tsetse flies. See episode 2 of the series kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4u6ZqiKrdN4o68si=p5-tJEbSZ45Fxuc3 Regards

[@TheOverlandLegend]

Very interesting thanks

[@overlandersa]

Thanks - I appreciate the encouragement!

[@ColbyGarrod]

Hi guys, I love your work and passion to travel and see. Unfortunately, places , can I. Ask how long have you been doing this for?

[@overlandersa]

More than 20 years...

[@Francois-y8y]

Great tips, thank you !! Very interesting about the charging of the battery and not even needing the solar backup....

[@overlandersa]

Thanks! Yes, I was also very pleasantly surprised. I think it is the combo of factors: 40A charger, large capacity (150ah) + lithium battery that worked so well.

[@seanfrench1029]

Nice setup Emile. Several great ideas. On my 2017 Everest I have a EeziAwn 270° Batwing too and love it. Its pricey with restrictions in strong winds but has been worth every cent. I agree with chair choice and also leave behind bigger chairs and opt for same FR chairs like yours. Not sure if you're aware but FR sells a carry bag for a pair of chairs. Makes packing easy. For lounging about, we take a compact hammock if natural attaching points are available. Love my Jetboil too and also have the Jetboil Minimo for more regulated cooking. 360° makes a collapsible windscreen for Jetboil. On long trips I take 2x jerry cans on roofrack to keep standard size spare wheel underneath and a 2nd spare (tyre only) on roof to reduce weight and store fire wood inside the tyre. Its peace of mind having a 2nd tyre in case of irrepairable damage and then you have same tyre when going to a nearby local tyre fitment center or garage. I'm envious of an inboard GPS as those only came out with 2018 Everest models. I use T4A maps on my Garmin Montana. Keep up the good content. 😉

[@overlandersa]

Thanks! We did consider the carry bag for the FR chairs but ended up deciding against it. I can't say that I missed them. Interestingly, we also took along a hammock which my wife used quite a lot. I'll definitely look into the windscreen for the Jetboil. Do you know who stocks them? I agree on the peace of mind with a 2nd spare. Thanks for your comprehensive comments!

[@seanfrench1029]

@overlandersa Emile the windshield is made by 360° and is got it from Outdoor Warehouse. Cape Union Mart might have too. Do note, the windshield is light aluminium. Just find a way to s3cure it around your jetboil.

[@overlandersa]

​@@seanfrench1029Thanks!

[@SoftCampingSouthAfrica]

Nice setup Oom. I agree on the anderson plugs. I once drove for 8hrs and the fridge wasn’t plugged in. Cigarette light style connection sucks off road. One of the first things i upgraded coming back from a 2 week camping trip. That braai unit is Top G. I’m definitely getting it. Looks well thought out and simple.

[@overlandersa]

"OOM" says thank you.

[@cathyharris8942]

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make this vlog. One always learns something new. I really like the ‘cub’ boxes - may I ask where you got them from?

[@overlandersa]

Thank you for the encouragement! The cub boxes we have were made by Frontrunner. You should be able to get them from most of the major 4x4 outlets.

[@maphirimutshutshu2128]

Great video

[@overlandersa]

Thanks!

[@shaunmoller2997]

Thanks for sharing

[@overlandersa]

A pleasure -Thanks for watching!

[@shailendratiwari8517]

Very Insightful info, thank you. Where we can find the camera mount setup you got on your car door? Had been looking for some Time.

[@overlandersa]

It is a Gimpro door mount and you can buy directly from the manufacturer. gimprogear.com/product-category/door-mounts

[@shailendratiwari8517]

Got it, never knew they 45 minutes away from me. Thank you

[@alidapretorius5890]

Wow, Emile - julle toerusting is indrukwekkend - dis meer glamping as camping!

[@overlandersa]

Ja, as mens so baie kamp moet dit maar liefs gerieflik wees!

[@african7498]

Dankie vir die reeks videos. Het dit baie geniet. Ek sien jy bly ook in die Kaap. Ons besoek ook graag die Caprivi, Botswana, Kalagadi en KNP. Wat van n braai en lekker gesels in Durbanville?

[@overlandersa]

Ons kan so maak, maar is bietjie onseker hoe ons gaan kontak maak want ek skat nie een van ons is bereid om 'n email of telefoon nommer so publiek te deel nie? Enige voorstelle?

[@african7498]

@@overlandersa Ek het my foon nommer gestuur. Het jy dit dalk verwyder?

[@overlandersa]

@@african7498 Nee, nie gekry nie

[@dewaldsteyn8266]

Thank you for sharing. Valuable tips. I have two questions if you would not mind answering. 1, did your alloy wheel rims work fine or would you recommend steel rims for a trip such as what you took? 2, would you recommend a pre or post-additional fuel filter?

[@overlandersa]

The alloy wheels worked just fine. Since starting overlanding more than 20 years ago I've always just used the standard OEM rims and so far never had a problem. I've never had additional fuel filters, but I do see their value. I would not consider it a must have unless you refuel from informal fuel sellers, which I have never had to do, because I like fitting a long-range fuel tank and to carry quite a lot of fuel. I think fuel quality at branded filling stations in Southern Africa have improved a lot, so if you only refuel from them you should be OK. But I don't see a downside to fitting an additional filter - I've just not done so.

[@deontheart1609]

Very Informative video. Where did you get the two small braai grids on the stand? keep up the good work!

[@overlandersa]

They are called Flip 'n Braai. flipnbraai.co.za/ They are in Cape Town, but you can order online as well. And thank you for the compliment!

[@cathyharris8942]

I have just shown my husband this vlog and he loves the braai grids & stand!! What is it called and where did you get it from please? Hope you don’t mind me asking 😁

[@overlandersa]

No problem. It's called Flip 'n Braai - www.flipnbraai.co.za

[@johannstapel]

Thank you very informative. How did you dust proof the canopy - the next gen Ford load bin seems to have endless dust entry points & large gaps!😮

[@overlandersa]

We added a bit of foam rubber around the tailgate and the Alu-Cab canopy has a pressure equalisation vent. Between the two we had very little dust ingress

[@wesselbotha3928]

Suspension upgrade a must in my view (if you plan to keep it for a while). Cleartop is better to store stuff than ammo boxes in drawers imo.

[@overlandersa]

Yes, it just tends to be expensive... On the previous vehicle I did it when I had to replace the shocks anyway.

[@wesselbotha3928]

​@@overlandersayeah it is quite expensive! But helps a lot on deep rutted roads. Great watching the series🙌

[@overlandersa]

@@wesselbotha3928 Thanks!

[@overlandersa]

What is Cleartop?

[@wesselbotha3928]

@@overlandersa ammo box canvas bags which you can see what's in it from the outside e.g. have a look at tentco ones. They're great in terms of seperating items in your ammo box or drawer and you can easily see what is in each canvas bag. For clothing you can put your t-shirts in one, your pants in another one, etc. We also use ziplock bags and put each day's cloth in a small bag. So you just quickly grab your small bag from a drawer with your clothes for the day in it.

[@ScottyD_NZ]

What is the dashboard cover you have? It looks great

[@overlandersa]

Hi, it is made by Takla. They make them vehicle and model specific to match speaker grills, light sensors etc. We use it to store binoculars, a GoPro, notebook etc. It is nice to have binoculars readily accessible.

[@ianlevy8765]

Great video, very usefull info, thank you. Can you please tell me what the height of your rig is, from top of closed tent to the ground. My garage entrance door is 243cm in height and I would like to know if a bakkie like yours will fit through it? Thanks Ian

[@overlandersa]

I'll check and let you know.

[@overlandersa]

Hi, the tent is not currently on the vehicle, so I measured the distance between the ground and the bottom of the hoist we use to take the tent on and off. That distance is 232cm and then there is about 10 to 15 cm clearance to the bottom of the hoist. This is without the load bars on the tent and note that our vehicle is not lifted. But our current setup should fit into your garage. Regards

[@ianlevy8765]

@@overlandersa Thank you for that info, it is very helpfull and I appreciate your time on it. Great channel and I have been subscribed for many months. Dankie julle.

[@owenwiggins9416]

Thanks for an informative video. Could you say where you stored the 150AH lithium battery? Was that fitted under the bonnet in the space Ford provides? Would you buy the Ranger again and would you also consider the 3l V6?

[@overlandersa]

Hi, thanks for the compliment! The aux battery is in a removable battery box on the left of the drawer system under the canopy side box. I would definitely buy the Ranger again. I honestly think it is currently the best value for money and nicest features among the major brands (I had Hiluxes before so it is not a brand loyalty thing). I would probably go for the 2l again as in normal use it should be lighter on fuel than the V6. There is also the price difference... However, I would also look at the Wildtrak X, because it has some nice features and offroad suspension.

[@martinbotha1186]

Great video, great advice. I retrospect, would you opt for a battery solution without solar (presumably at slightly lower cost?)

[@overlandersa]

I think I would do the same again, because then you are ready for all eventualities, including staying put without driving for several days. I had the solar panels, because in my previous setup I needed them. What I would recommend is buying the National Luna DC charger (which includes the solar input anyway). Then you can add the solar panels later, if driving proves to be insufficient.

[@martinbotha1186]

@@overlandersa thank you, sounds like a plan. I assume the lithium battery can be used to start engine if there is failure of your primary battery?

[@overlandersa]

​@@martinbotha1186I think it would depend on the specs of the specific lithium battery. High current applications like starting is not necessarily their strength, so it would be best to ask before buying. Another factor is that many of them don't like heat. I was specifically warned not to install mine in the engine bay, but that was a relatively cheap one, so others may be more heat resistant. So again, it would be best to enquire when purchasing.

[@terencecasey5277]

Great review, can i ask you for your input on the `ARB fuel tank and did you get it recalibrated on the dash. Did the bakkie handle the extra 60ltr ok when full or lean to the left?

[@overlandersa]

Hi, yes I did get the fuel gauge re-calibrated. It was the first one my local agent did, so they first had to find out how to do it, but once they found out it was a less than 5 minute job. They plug a laptop into the vehicle, go to vehicle setup and then enter the size of the new tank along with the ARB part number. After that the fuel gauge and range estimates automatically work correctly. After filling up range would be something like 1400kms. They do not do anything to the fuel tank itself - the floater arm is already replaced as part of the tank installation. I do not notice any additional leaning with a full tank. The tank is very nice, but expensive. On my previous vehicle I went the aux fuel tank route which then gravity fed into the regular fuel tank. That also worked, but the range and fuel gauge was inaccurate from full to about the 3/4 level. The reason I did not go that route again was because the new Ranger has a lot of additional chassis bracing running through where the aux tank used to go, the aux option available when I installed was actually 3 separate aux tanks and that felt a bit too much extra piping etc. It would be cheaper though. But on balance I am very happy with the ARB tank - after a while you forget how much you paid for it and it is a quality product. You can look at some of their testing videos on their website.

[@terencecasey5277]

Thank you for your feedback I also looked at the other options above the spare wheel but as you said 3 separate tanks and wanted a better system. It is expensive but worth it so will be fitting onto my new wildtrak X

[@michaeldande]

i have the new hilux 2023 GD 6 Will i be able to drive through from katima to moremi on that ...without modifying the shocks but upgrading on better tires

[@overlandersa]

Absolutely! (I assume it is the 4x4 version?) If a Ford can do it, a Hilux will also be able 😁

[@jasonkopp5476]

Great rundown. Did I understand you correctly that the factory navigation comes with T4A?

[@overlandersa]

Yes indeed, that is one of the benefits of Ford's built-in navigation in the Rangers and Everests - at least on the SA models. The navigation is a combination of T4A and another supplier, with full T4A points of interest. The routes and waypoints that are supplied by T4A are often marked with a little T4A logo. I really don't know why Ford doesn't make more of this in their marketing.

[@jasonkopp5476]

Interesting, thanks for that. I’ve got a Next Gen Everest and wasn’t aware!

[@francoisvandermerwe-mavic2661]

@@overlandersa I have the same Wildtrak, just bought it in Sep 2024, and the T4A is not part of the navigation anymore. Or, maybe I just do not know how to find it.

[@overlandersa]

@@francoisvandermerwe-mavic2661 Hi, the T4A maps and points of interest are seamlessly integrated with the onboard navigation on the South African version of the Wildtrak so the hints of when you are using T4A tracks and data are rather subtle - a small T4A logo on a track or a T4A logo with a point of interest. Here is a way to check whether you have it: Open the onboard navigation and search for "Tamarak Mango" (without the quotation marks). A listing for Tamarak Mango Estate at the Clanwilliam Dam should come up as one of the results. See whether the result shows a T4A logo or touch the more information option and then look for a small T4A logo. The wording of the listing should match the text on the T4A maps, guide app and website. Let me know whether you see a logo, so I can investigate further if necessary.

[@anthonycoward4416]

Hey great video would the dc National Luna system be ok with keeping a ford warranty- my ford dealer said I’ll lose my warranty

[@overlandersa]

​@@anthonycoward4416 As long as you do not cut into the vehicle's wiring loom i don't think it should be a problem. Our installation simply connects to the battery. I had the same setup with my previous Ford and it never was an issue. But obviously I cannot guarantee how they will view it. I did correspond with Ford on their policy before my first installation and they said that if the "unapproved accessory" did not cause the issue claimed for under the warranty it will be OK.

[@anthonycoward4416]

@@overlandersa thank you so much - sorry last one don’t perhaps have a referral that could help me

[@overlandersa]

@@anthonycoward4416 Sorry, I don't understand. What kind of referral do you mean?

[@edwardbmurphy6378]

how much did the whole 61 days cost in USD or Rand?

[@overlandersa]

Expenses were in a combination of ZAR/Namibian$, USD, Zambian Kwacha and Botswana Pula, so I will provide it in those currencies as exchange rates do fluctuate a lot. Costs excluding fuel were approximately ZAR/Nam 8500, plus USD 3360 plus Kwacha 14700 plus BWP12000. (The Botswana one may not be quite accurate). Fuel was approx ZAR/Nam13400 plus USD 235 plus Kwacha 14000 plus BWP4200. It would be easy to spend a lot more...