G
Guest
Guest
Hi Peter,
For the snow chains : this is indeed an impressive and very usefull
accessory, far more usefull =96 and cheaper, and safer, and lighter =96 then a
winch. Just like in snow, put them on when it is very slippery and you=92re
losing control. However, if you put real mud tyres =96 like the MT=92s which I
recommend =96 you will already be in very deep mud before being stuck.
Tyres : There is not much difference between the Cooper ST=92s and the BF
Goodrich MT=92s, but don=92t take the AT=92s, the other two options are better (in
my opinion).
The size : definitely 235/85R16, which is the standard tyre size on this
continent. Even in the middle of nowhere you will be able to find a
second-hand 7.50-16, which is roughly the same size, if needed.
Floods : Let=92s hope that by November the soil will have dried out, but with
the changing climate one never knows.
Mauritania : Currently heave flooding in the south of the country, I don=92t
think it is possible to drive through to Mali for the time being. The
analysis of the situation there is however still ongoing but, given the area
where the flooding is taking place, will be underestimated. You will need to
transit through Senegal, for which you will need a Carnet for a vehicle
older then 5 years.
Generally : the situation is worse than reported but in certain areas the
situation is indeed desperate. Off-list I can send you situation reports for
the countries you intend to travel to, however, on the IRIN network you will
find the information you need. See on
http://www.irinnews.org/IRIN-Africa.aspx
You will find maps of the flooded region (which are updated weekly at least)
either on http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/satelliteimages/118967742667.htm
or on http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/doc404?OpenForm
<http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/doc404?OpenForm&view=3Drwmaps&kwd=3Dor(%22F
loods%22)&key=3D21&rc=3D1&offset=3D0&hits=3D25&sortby=3Drwpubdate&sortdirection=3Ddescen
ding>
&view=3Drwmaps&kwd=3Dor(%22Floods%22)&key=3D21&rc=3D1&offset=3D0&hits=3D25&sortby=3Drwpubd
ate&sortdirection=3Ddescending
You should be able to consult these =93on the road=94 in any cybercaf=E9.
Cedric Vandermeulen
From: [Email address removed] [mailto:[Email address removed]] On
Behalf Of [Email address removed]
Sent: vendredi 21 septembre 2007 18:35
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: [ELCO] Overlanding Queries
Hi y'all,
For the past 2 years .. since becoming a 'Cruiser fan on an epic day with
some of you on Salisbury Plain .. I have been a Volvo owning empty nester
lurker; for the past month I've been a proud 80 series owner and (as of now
) I am of the non lurking variety!
As you can guess from the title of this post, I intend to go overlanding: I
hope to leave some time in November for a trip around Africa. Departure is a
certainty, the date an aspiration and the route at the mercy of the vagaries
of Africa (floods, Tuareg nation building et al).
I was until recently a complete mechanical virgin... cue jokes etc! ... but
under the, oh so patient, tutelage of 'The Boss', AKA Julian, I have been on
a steep learning curve; my breathers extended, suspension lifted, bearings
immaculate, brakes effective and oil very cool, I now look down on the
London traffic and 'feel the trade winds in my sails'.
There is much more to do, so much more to learn and advice to seek, and this
the first, but not the last, email seeking to tap into the knowledge and
experience of ELCO members. So, can you help me with some initial queries:
1. Snow Chains. I will probably not have a winch and so intend to take,
amongst other things, snow chains to help overcome this shortfall. At what
stage do you put snow chains on? When first encountering a Camerounian mud
track and before the worst appears? Or wait for the worst to appear .. if it
is that easy to identify .. and once 'in it' then put them on? Presumably a
mask and snorkel would be handy! OR, and before I get them, are snow chains
over rated and best left over here?
2. Steel Wheels. Jon's useful post noted. Is there any difference in
strength between the 'modular' (one with holes in) and the 8 spoke type? I
always err on the side of caution and am leaning towards the modular, is
this right? Does anyone know of a reliable supplier of 16" modular steel
wheels?
3. Tyre Make and Type. Whilst I was on the hunt for steel wheels, I was told
that BFG A/T are good but that, as Andy has pointed out, Coopers should be
considered as their tread pattern on the Cooper ST fits in the 'gap' between
the BFG A/T and the BFG mud/sand tread; so overcoming the weakness of the
BFG A/T in muddy conditions. Coopers are used more heavily in Aus and the US
than here and I am posting a query on ELCOOL... but any views here?
4. Tyre Size. Also what are you views on the merits/benefits of a size
235/85 R16 Vs a 285/75 R16, I need to buy 6 of one or the other and was
leaning towards the 235/85, but now I'm having second thoughts!
5. Floods. Cedric, a warm welcome to you. We are seeing a bit - not much -
about the flooding in the North of Africa. What in your view will be the
impact for overlanding in November through to January in terms of
infrastructure, ease of travel ,etc? Up to recently my route was to have
been Mauritania, Mali, Niger (and the Air Mountains) then Burkina Faso,
Ghana and south from there. The Tuareg have spoilt the Mali and Niger leg,
what is your view on the situation?
Thanks,
Peter Jacques
1994 1HD-T, 2.5" OME, oil cooler
For the snow chains : this is indeed an impressive and very usefull
accessory, far more usefull =96 and cheaper, and safer, and lighter =96 then a
winch. Just like in snow, put them on when it is very slippery and you=92re
losing control. However, if you put real mud tyres =96 like the MT=92s which I
recommend =96 you will already be in very deep mud before being stuck.
Tyres : There is not much difference between the Cooper ST=92s and the BF
Goodrich MT=92s, but don=92t take the AT=92s, the other two options are better (in
my opinion).
The size : definitely 235/85R16, which is the standard tyre size on this
continent. Even in the middle of nowhere you will be able to find a
second-hand 7.50-16, which is roughly the same size, if needed.
Floods : Let=92s hope that by November the soil will have dried out, but with
the changing climate one never knows.
Mauritania : Currently heave flooding in the south of the country, I don=92t
think it is possible to drive through to Mali for the time being. The
analysis of the situation there is however still ongoing but, given the area
where the flooding is taking place, will be underestimated. You will need to
transit through Senegal, for which you will need a Carnet for a vehicle
older then 5 years.
Generally : the situation is worse than reported but in certain areas the
situation is indeed desperate. Off-list I can send you situation reports for
the countries you intend to travel to, however, on the IRIN network you will
find the information you need. See on
http://www.irinnews.org/IRIN-Africa.aspx
You will find maps of the flooded region (which are updated weekly at least)
either on http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/satelliteimages/118967742667.htm
or on http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/doc404?OpenForm
<http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/doc404?OpenForm&view=3Drwmaps&kwd=3Dor(%22F
loods%22)&key=3D21&rc=3D1&offset=3D0&hits=3D25&sortby=3Drwpubdate&sortdirection=3Ddescen
ding>
&view=3Drwmaps&kwd=3Dor(%22Floods%22)&key=3D21&rc=3D1&offset=3D0&hits=3D25&sortby=3Drwpubd
ate&sortdirection=3Ddescending
You should be able to consult these =93on the road=94 in any cybercaf=E9.
Cedric Vandermeulen
From: [Email address removed] [mailto:[Email address removed]] On
Behalf Of [Email address removed]
Sent: vendredi 21 septembre 2007 18:35
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: [ELCO] Overlanding Queries
Hi y'all,
For the past 2 years .. since becoming a 'Cruiser fan on an epic day with
some of you on Salisbury Plain .. I have been a Volvo owning empty nester
lurker; for the past month I've been a proud 80 series owner and (as of now
) I am of the non lurking variety!
As you can guess from the title of this post, I intend to go overlanding: I
hope to leave some time in November for a trip around Africa. Departure is a
certainty, the date an aspiration and the route at the mercy of the vagaries
of Africa (floods, Tuareg nation building et al).
I was until recently a complete mechanical virgin... cue jokes etc! ... but
under the, oh so patient, tutelage of 'The Boss', AKA Julian, I have been on
a steep learning curve; my breathers extended, suspension lifted, bearings
immaculate, brakes effective and oil very cool, I now look down on the
London traffic and 'feel the trade winds in my sails'.
There is much more to do, so much more to learn and advice to seek, and this
the first, but not the last, email seeking to tap into the knowledge and
experience of ELCO members. So, can you help me with some initial queries:
1. Snow Chains. I will probably not have a winch and so intend to take,
amongst other things, snow chains to help overcome this shortfall. At what
stage do you put snow chains on? When first encountering a Camerounian mud
track and before the worst appears? Or wait for the worst to appear .. if it
is that easy to identify .. and once 'in it' then put them on? Presumably a
mask and snorkel would be handy! OR, and before I get them, are snow chains
over rated and best left over here?
2. Steel Wheels. Jon's useful post noted. Is there any difference in
strength between the 'modular' (one with holes in) and the 8 spoke type? I
always err on the side of caution and am leaning towards the modular, is
this right? Does anyone know of a reliable supplier of 16" modular steel
wheels?
3. Tyre Make and Type. Whilst I was on the hunt for steel wheels, I was told
that BFG A/T are good but that, as Andy has pointed out, Coopers should be
considered as their tread pattern on the Cooper ST fits in the 'gap' between
the BFG A/T and the BFG mud/sand tread; so overcoming the weakness of the
BFG A/T in muddy conditions. Coopers are used more heavily in Aus and the US
than here and I am posting a query on ELCOOL... but any views here?
4. Tyre Size. Also what are you views on the merits/benefits of a size
235/85 R16 Vs a 285/75 R16, I need to buy 6 of one or the other and was
leaning towards the 235/85, but now I'm having second thoughts!
5. Floods. Cedric, a warm welcome to you. We are seeing a bit - not much -
about the flooding in the North of Africa. What in your view will be the
impact for overlanding in November through to January in terms of
infrastructure, ease of travel ,etc? Up to recently my route was to have
been Mauritania, Mali, Niger (and the Air Mountains) then Burkina Faso,
Ghana and south from there. The Tuareg have spoilt the Mali and Niger leg,
what is your view on the situation?
Thanks,
Peter Jacques
1994 1HD-T, 2.5" OME, oil cooler