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Overland Spares

Hi Guys
Ok I know there are pro's and con's to having a trailer when going on a
trip.
But is there anyone who knows what the list of these pro's and con's are so
you can make the best decision.
I would think if you bring a trailer the inclination would be to bring more
stuff with you cause you have more space to fill between the cruiser and the
trailer.
Also I know the idea would be to devide the weight between the cruiser and
trailer but if you carry more weight as a result is it worth it.
I know by sharing the load between the cruiser and the trailer you reduce
the pressure on the springs and shocks of the cruiser and maybe other parts
of the cruiser.
But is this reduced spring/shock pressure on the cruiser being paid for in
other areas, like extra drag, extra pressure on drivetrain.
Really is it better to carry or drag a weight or does it make no differance
at all.
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
 
Hi John
My thoughts on this and how I have justified the trailer:
weight redistribution - you probably do carry more, but my roof rack
will be almost empty, so the weight will have a lower centre of gravity.
I feel it is important not to over pack just because one has a
trailer... Once I have packed I will take some photos and you can
compare with other overland photos. (this will make me keep to my
intention.. ;-) )
with the trailer I can leave it in camp, and disappear seriously off
road for the day and really play (or go grocery shopping)- with a roof
top tent, and fuel etc stored on the rack, this would not be as easy, or
as successful.
I really think that choice of trailer is important. I looked at
every type of trailer, then settled on 3 manufacturers of dedicated off
road trailers, finally setting on Desert Wolf because I believe it to be
the best. I think that one must have a trailer which is at least a match
for our vehicles. I think a poorly or under designed trailer would be
more of a hindrance than a help.
A few specs from my trailer: Empty weight (still has tent and kitchen)
380kg, Max loaded weight 1500kg, the axle capacity 2500kg, the draw bar
(Alko) has 3500kg capacity. The ground clearance is 50cm, it has wheels
off a Discovery!!! (Spot the weak point - when I get to South Africa I
am going to see if I can get the axle swapped for a LandCruiser one)
I have pulled it off road and could not feel any noticeable
difference. At 55mph it really isn't there. I feel it once I go above
65mph and more so over 75mph... but if I am doing this in Africa I
deserve to spend time in jail as some poor pedestrian would land up
walking into the road. I have not pulled it consistently enough to
compare fuel consumption yet.
The only disadvantage I anticipate is in soft sand - It must be a
bit of an anchor... but I expect the torque of the LC to pull through.
It will be interesting for me to read this mail at the end..., and
then comment
Regards
Graham.
John Byrne wrote:
 
Graham,
If you don't mind me asking what kind of costs are we looking at for one of
these?
Anjam
(Being nosey)
 
Hi Graham
Ok fair enough, some really good points.
What distance do you expect to cover on road/tarmac,
off road/ gravel dirt etc.
Im not by any means trying to find fault with your idea its just I have
questions that once they enter my head I like to get rid of them if I can.
What did you expect the weight on the roof rack to be if you did not take a
trailer and what weight to carry in the cruiser.
If you take a trailer what way will this differ including the actual weight
of the trailer.
Pics would be great if you can.
So can you just change the axle from the one on it to an 80 cruiser one
without fuss.
If it has that good a ground clearance does that not make it easier to
topple or is that down to the loading.
Why is the one axle on the trailer concidered to be good when two would take
the weight off the rear of the cruiser.
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
 
Hi John
No problem with the questions, I have asked myself the same things along
the way, and you may ,ake me think of something I have missed...
(answers in blue in your text)
John Byrne wrote:
> Hi Graham
>
> Ok fair enough, some really good points.
> What distance do you expect to cover on road/tarmac,
> off road/ gravel dirt etc. Absoulutely no idea - we dont have a time
> limit or a final destination, our trip ends when we have had enough or
> the money runs out. From past experience I would say 50:50 tar/dirt,
> but that is just a wild guess.
> Im not by any means trying to find fault with your idea its just I
> have questions that once they enter my head I like to get rid of them
> if I can.
> What did you expect the weight on the roof rack to be if you did not
> take a trailer and what weight to carry in the cruiser. Looking at
> some of the racks I would guess they put 100 -150kg on the top, plus
> 300 -500kg inside, plus water tank and extra fuel tank (200kg) = 600 -
> 850kg. ( I would be interested in other peoples opinions on my
> guesstimates) Has anyone weighed their vehicle before and after
> packing. Where can you go to get a vehicle weighed?, Id love to know
> the exact weight of my vehicle before I fill her up.
> If you take a trailer what way will this differ including the actual
> weight of the trailer. I guess 850 kg plus 380kg(trailer) = 1200kg.
> Pics would be great if you can. There are some pictures on my website
> www.sfo.me.uk go to photos then Camping trailer and it should take
> you to my photobucket.
> So can you just change the axle from the one on it to an 80 cruiser
> one without fuss. Yes, looking at it it should be a straight swap. The
> bar etc is the same just the stub axle at each end is fitted for
> either a LandRover, Nissan, Toyota LC, Toyota Surf (4Runner) etc.
> If it has that good a ground clearance does that not make it easier to
> topple or is that down to the loading. No, you will topple the vehicle
> before the trailer. The fuel and water tanks plus the batteries (in my
> case 2 x 105Ahr) are all located at the bottom, in fact the case that
> holds them is the base of the trailer, so all the sigfifiacnt weight
> is at the bottom so it has a low centre of gravity.
> Why is the one axle on the trailer concidered to be good when two
> would take the weight off the rear of the cruiser.
> cheers When towing you always need some weight in the drawbar. The
> recommendation is a minimum of 50kg for tar use and more for off road
> use. I estimate my drawbar weight to be 70kg unladen and 120kg fully
> laden ( that is with water and fuel tanks full). Now on an operational
> point - I dont intend to carry 85kg of diesel around with me for fun,
> I am only going to fill the tank in cheap diesel countries and where I
> am going to be well off the beaten track.
> john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
>
> --
> European Land Cruiser Owners Mailing List
> Further Info: http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/
>
 
Hi Anjam
It is pretty variable, and it depends on how much stainless steel and
what grade stainless steel is used.
It also depends on the add-ons you put on.
The cheapest trailer, from the cheapest manufacturer is about ?3500 and
if you went out and bought the top spec trailer from the most expensive
manufacturer don't expect much change from ?20 000, but you get what you
pay for.
I bought mine second hand and so did not spend this much.
Regards
Graham
Anjam Sohail wrote:
 
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Hello Graham,
I guess if you've convinced yourself you need a trailer there's no
point searching for explanations - just try it to see if it works for
you. If it doesn't, you can always donate the then surplus cargo to a
local mission.
Most people I know would say that you don't want a trailer - you
either need a bigger car or less stuff to carry. One person I know who
could give you more information is here:
http://www.a2b.uk.net/index.php
Africa is not only the Sahara, but if Tom Sheppard's opinion is
anything to go by, his book has a good section on trailers. The RGS
website used to have a free download copy of Tom's Desert Expeditions
Handbook and there is some good stuff on trailers in there. He tried
it on one of his trips (crossing the Empty Quarter) and he wasn't very
happy AFAIK. And he had one just to carry only the essential load -
fuel.
Spares - generally you won't need many if the LC has been prepared
well in line with the ardous conditions service schedule. Major cities
will have a Toyota dealership but not all spares will be available off
the shelf and may take days to arrive. Also, remember to take a good
tool set and keep and eye on it as it wil usually be the best thing
the local mechanics have ever worked with.
You will be definitely better off carrying spares for the suspension
and drivetrain rather than an engine overhaul kit. Do not rely too
much on brand reputation - things go wrong regardless of how much they
cost, and OME is not a particularly reputable brand.
17 inch rims may look cool but you will not find tyres for this size.
Stick to 7.5x16 (235x85x16) and you will have the least problem to
find a replacement. Brand new tyrs may not be easy to find, too, as
they costs about the same as in Europe.
And when you say you will leave the trailer and disappear seriously
off road for the day and really play - it's worthwhile remembering
there's no flatbed taxis out there to send your dead LC home for
repairs :)
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80
 
Roman
Interesting man, and he writes well - thanks for the link.
I had a quick look through and at one point he describes, with photos,
being "mock charged" by an elephant which required him to reverse in a
hurry. He comments "glad we didn't have a trailer".
I hadn't thought of that aspect of the matter!
Christopher Bell
|
|Hello Graham,
|
|I guess if you've convinced yourself you need a trailer there's no
|point searching for explanations - just try it to see if it works for
|you. If it doesn't, you can always donate the then surplus cargo to a
|local mission.
|
|Most people I know would say that you don't want a trailer - you
|either need a bigger car or less stuff to carry. One person I know who
|could give you more information is here:
|http://www.a2b.uk.net/index.php
|
____________________________________________________________
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systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
Hi Roman
Thanks for the info and the link.
Don't worry I am on std 16inch rims.
I have a copy of Tom Sheppards Handbook - pretty neat but outdated.
As I have said previously, it all comes down to the type of trailer, and
the torque of the towing vehicle...
Thanks
Graham.
Roman wrote:
 
Hi Chris
Sadly, comments which are severely factually flawed put me off the
source of the information (the website) and I then read everything else
they have to say with a bucketful of salt.
I arrived at the website irritated, as it is not Firefox compatible, but
what really peeved me is the comment you highlighted below.
Its flaws are:
1) The speed of a charging elephant is 25mph,
(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004737.html), they can and do go faster.
2) The top speed of a vehicle reversing is significantly less than
25mph, even in our go-anywhere, do-anything cruisers. :)
So, if you are genuinely charged by an elephant, your options are
forwards or stand still and brace yourself... A trailer makes no
difference in this instance, it might actually cause the ele' to abort
his charge because you have "backup". If it is a mock charge, just enjoy
it for what it is - bravado, intimidation, and a fantastic photo
opportunity; then make tracks as you have been warned.
So being charged by an elephant is not at all relevant to the pros and
cons of a trailer.
best wishes
Graham.
Christopher Bell wrote:
 
Graham
I stand - or rather sit - corrected. The nearest I've come to an
elephant was at Sacramento State fair and it was doing about 0.25mph
(forwards, with my wife & then 4 year old daughter on top).
The aforementioned daughter is about to take her driving test ... sigh,
make the most of them when they are young. For all his faults, and I'm
not competent to judge, I admire him for just getting on with it and
taking his kids to all those places.
And I'm glad you couldn't get Firefox to work on it either - I thought
it was just me. When will people learn that trendy Javascript etc is
usually a hindrance rather than a help!
CB
|Hi Chris
|
|Sadly, comments which are severely factually flawed put me off the
|source of the information (the website) and I then read
|everything else
|they have to say with a bucketful of salt.
|I arrived at the website irritated, as it is not Firefox
|compatible, but
|what really peeved me is the comment you highlighted below.
|
|Its flaws are:
|1) The speed of a charging elephant is 25mph,
|(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0004737.html), they can and do
|go faster.
|2) The top speed of a vehicle reversing is significantly less than
|25mph, even in our go-anywhere, do-anything cruisers. :)
|
____________________________________________________________
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systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
Graham / Roman
Re relevance of Elephants to Trailers
Slightly off the point but on the doctor doo little trend.... & I have been doing very little today
I've seen pictures of vehicles destroyed by Black Bears in Yellowstone national Park. Yogi bear style going after the packed lunch.
I once got quoted =8050K to make a Landcruiser AK47 Proof (german company). The idea for "Tourism in War Zones" fell flat on its face with the cease fire in the North.
I wonder if you can get those trailers Yogi bear proof!! :) Or in your case, get a reverse truster fitted so you can out run the Elephant!
Cheers
Niall
 
So it seems a bolt-in roll cage would possibly be a good thing. If the worst
happened, you'd be able to get it upright and continue as long as the screen
and roof weren't too crushed.
I recall seeing the Mitsubishi L200 on the "Long Way Round" programme take a
tumble. I was surprised to see that they had gone to huge expense prepping
the thing and not fitted a basic cage. Had they done so, it would have held
up better than it did.
Neill Watson
On 7/11/06 6:10 pm, "Graham & Lucinda Smith" wrote:
 
Neil / Graham
Good link.
Agreed - You'd be mad to go 3rd world without a roll cage!!
Niall
 
Not sure about roll cages. Necessary on a Land Rover as they are not strong
above the chassis but I didn't go for one on my 80 and probably wouldn't
even if I was on my way south in the next few weeks. The cruiser is made of
much stronger stuff but of course there are some occasions when nothing will
stop you. I've seen very few of our 80s with cages.
On the subject of spares, I recall someone putting together a good list a
while back. There is a balance between taking what might be needed and
weighing the car down like a Brinks Matt van. The weight of spares will kill
your springs if you don't' choose carefully. I think Roman hit the spot
earlier on with his answer. If the car is prepped before you go most stuff
will last. Avoid water at all costs if at all possible - why do so many
people go wading instead of driving round in the dry when it means they will
have to rebuild hubs?- and don't drive on beaches. The pictures someone
pointed us to are a case in point. If I can find my list I'll gladly publish
but the one thing I didn't have last year was the one thing that failed, and
that despite it being replaced as part of the prep for the trip. (inner axle
oil seal.)
Enough. Time to eat.
Jeremy
HDJ81V with usual suspects etc.
 
On 11/7/06, Jeremy Llewellyn-Jones <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Jeremy,
OK, it's not healthy for the chassis but would you agree the 200km
drive along the waterline from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou belongs to
"100 things you must do before you die"?
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80
 
Hi Guys
Just a little off topic or maybe not
I would love to have the balls to go and do something like overlanding but
with the history of my cruiser and its Jinx I dont think so.
Also other things bother me a bit, like the wildlife both Human and Animal.
I was watching a program tonight about things like snakes and such in Africa
and it its scary what things live there waiting to get you.
Also all the diseases that are waiting to put a damper on the so well
planned trip.
john 92HDj 80 1HDT
 
Hi Niall
Now that begs the question , can you get roll cages to fit the cruisers pre
made for the inside of it.
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
 
Might not be an off-the-shelf thing, but I know a man who can make a really
cool cage with compound curves to fit up in the roof contours.
Makes a lot of LR (spit) cages and runs a 8x8 MAN.
Neill W
On 7/11/06 10:07 pm, "John Byrne" wrote:
 
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