Overlanding field repair - what went wrong and lessons learned

[@Stephen-wc8fn]

I’m here late, but would be really interested in a tour of your spare parts box.

[@jckrarup]

love what you did to your vehicle and especially the engineering perspective! Getting tons of inspiration for my Series IIa build.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

These older vehicles (mine is now 30) will go wrong from time to time because of their age even if you are very disciplined about maintenance however they are repairable if you are a reasonably competent mechanic. The alternator has however proved to be a pain as my recent videos show. Modern vehicles will also go wrong if you are doing trips however they can only be repaired by main dealers. I know which works for me.

[@johnallen3555]

awsome advice!

[@NathanNostaw]

Some points. The advice of resolving the cause of a change is a valuable point. We get complacent from being so close to help/repairs in normal life and put off repairs until failure, but when out and about those conveniences and easy spare parts are not there. I am confident in my ability to keep a series land rover going, but our Disco 3 is another story (couldn't afford a Defender). The spares I plan on carrying are more sensors, switches etc (i wouldn't be able to get at many mech parts anyway).

[@defendermodsandtravels]

I may do a video on spares and tools one day. I don't carry any sensors or switches. All switches have been replaced at some point and I have installed relays in the headlight circuits which protects that switch. My old Defender has very few sensors and none which could incapacitate the vehicle.

[@petermenzies1714]

many folks keep their old belts, hoses & alternator as spares, although old they are proven to work.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

Yup I tend to do the same. Fit your spare and keep the take-out as a contingency.

[@adelarsen9776]

1) The greatest and biggest problem with vehicular charging systems is dirty (oxidised) battery terminals. Dirty terminals is the root cause of just about every electrical problem in a car. Terminals and their connectors should be regularly removed, cleaned and retightened. 2) Everyone should carry a multi-meter and know how to use it. 3) Everyone should carry a terminal post / connector cleaning tool. It's a fantastic piece of kit and completely essential. 4)When on extended trips, especially off-road, terminals need to be checked, removed, cleaned and re-attached more often.

[@NathanNostaw]

Good tips, I would add that people should use dielectric grease on all fittings too. Even in heat shrunk connectors.

[@defendermodsandtravels]

Thanks for the advice Ade. I put petroleum jelly (vaseline) on the terminals and find that effective. I really haven't had any problems with the battery terminals but find that spade connectors give problems from time to time. It's also essential to make crimped connections with a proper die type crimper - those made with hobby crimpers tend to loosen up over time. The multimeter is of course one of the most essential tools.

[@FogartyAvenue]

Egg-c-lent vid