3extruckers
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Oh, and i still have and will have osmand on my phone next time too (got a bigger screen now 
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Morocco March 2016
- Thread starter 3extruckers
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Cheers Vince. To be honest though I hopefully won't need any navigation, it isn't my strong point!
Funds allowing I will have a new Garmin by the time we go to Portugal, got a few more important things to sort first though, such as a working brake servo!
MrIFan
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James, if you're going for a Garmin I can highly recommend https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/outdoor/handheld/montana-600/prod75226.html
They can be found a lot cheaper on ebay.
Not as big a screen as on some of the car specific units but they are the best all round and most customizable unit available (unless you really want to splash the cash on the newer Monterra). Also, having an internal battery, you can use it away from the vehicle for hiking or just finding your way round a strange city.
Free routable mapping for the entire planet is available from Free worldwide Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap and contains far more off tarmac info than Garmin's own mapping.
They can be found a lot cheaper on ebay.
Not as big a screen as on some of the car specific units but they are the best all round and most customizable unit available (unless you really want to splash the cash on the newer Monterra). Also, having an internal battery, you can use it away from the vehicle for hiking or just finding your way round a strange city.
Free routable mapping for the entire planet is available from Free worldwide Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap and contains far more off tarmac info than Garmin's own mapping.
mikescuba
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Oh, and i still have and will have Osmand on my phone next time too (got a bigger screen now
I have Osmand on my phone and I have downloaded a Map of Morocco and some of Europe including France.
I have been able to use it locally here and it seems fairly straightforward.
I am playing around with the Toughbook. I have managed to Get the USB connected GPS system working. What I now need to do is find a mapping system that will read my positioning. I have been playing around with it most of today thanks to James. I do seem to be making some progress, but still along way to go.
MrIFan
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Sorry, I had only read James last post before posting re GPS units. Having now read yesterdays posts I wouldn't worry about screen size. If you are following a pre planned route there is a brightly coloured line on the screen with your position on it. If the pointer moves off the line then you are off route, simples! A bigger screen could be of use if you are just heading off on an unplanned route but it's certainly not essential once you get used to the Montana.
With regards to learning how to use Basecamp I'm happy to show anyone the basics of planning a route and transferring it to the unit. I know James already has Basecamp so maybe I could show him and he can pass it on when you have your get together. All of the roads and most of the Pistes you will be using are on the open source maps. For the short sections that aren't on the mapping it is quite easy to create a track in Basecamp using Google Earth for reference. Even easier, I probably have a track log for where you are planning on going. I've been running off road motorcycle tours in Maroc for over 10 years so there's not that much of it I haven't covered and logged.
With regards to learning how to use Basecamp I'm happy to show anyone the basics of planning a route and transferring it to the unit. I know James already has Basecamp so maybe I could show him and he can pass it on when you have your get together. All of the roads and most of the Pistes you will be using are on the open source maps. For the short sections that aren't on the mapping it is quite easy to create a track in Basecamp using Google Earth for reference. Even easier, I probably have a track log for where you are planning on going. I've been running off road motorcycle tours in Maroc for over 10 years so there's not that much of it I haven't covered and logged.
So after pranging the Disco I have an interim replacement....
This is only temporary, the Silver Disco is going to be coming back with a nice shiny HD front bumper and maybe a winch!
The entire aim of that build is now Morocco. Happy I have a plan now.
Two discos and not two pennies to rub together!
This is only temporary, the Silver Disco is going to be coming back with a nice shiny HD front bumper and maybe a winch!
The entire aim of that build is now Morocco. Happy I have a plan now.
Two discos and not two pennies to rub together!
mikescuba
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,So after pranging the Disco I have an interim replacement....
This is only temporary, the Silver Disco is going to be coming back with a nice shiny HD front bumper and maybe a winch!
The entire aim of that build is now Morocco. Happy I have a plan now.
Two discos and not two pennies to rub together!
Well, you have exactly one year from yesterday to get it ready. Or 363 days. What's wrong with taking that one?
mikescuba
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Once you start loading them up its surprising just how much gear you have to take. Especially when you need things like showers etc.
The Garfields 90 was well loaded up on our last trip. We just threw everything in the back of the 110 but that wasn't such a good idea as a lot of things got smashed over the rough terrain. I will start working on the inside of mine when the weather warms up.
We added some cargo tracking down the edges, has worked quite well for places to tie stuff down to. I will take a pic when I have worked out where everything is going. Just need to get a cargo net or something. Fortunately I think we can leave the bedding in the roof tent which will help.
mikescuba
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I want to build some storage cupboards inside mine. Table and chairs I will leave stored on the roof rack as when we stop they will be the first things we will want to use. The problem we had last time was we had to pull everything out to get to anything we needed. Once you have done a trip you begin to get some idea of what set up you need. It's all part of the fun.
mikescuba
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First test of storage setup.
We will be adding some cargo nets and some places to hook things under the roof windows
I shall look forward to seeing the picture after you have driven it across the desert for 30 minutes. After the last trip I will fit some sort of guard, like a dog gaurd type of thing behind the driver and passenger seats to stop everything from flying forward.
MrIFan
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First test of storage setup.
We will be adding some cargo nets and some places to hook things under the roof windows
Another tip. Make sure anything important is in water/air tight bags/containers. The fine dust you'll put up when driving on any desert piste gets in everywhere and will cover everything in the back of the truck within minutes!!
Bungy nets are probably better than ratchet straps for holding stuff on the sides. No matter how tight you strap things stuff will work it's way out!! With bungy nets it will still move about but will stay roughly where put.
Buy a roll of 5mm cord and make your own to suit your needs.
Cheers for the advice guys. I will buy some tupperware
The storage was ok, and mostly coped with some green laning, although it has highlighted that we need to think of some better ways to organise stuff.
Funny you mention bungee cords Ian, I actually ordered 10, but they didn't come in time. I hate using ratchet straps, they are a right faff.
I'm currently thinking that I put 2 of the wolf boxes with some lesser used (and not too heavy) stuff, like spare parts and tools on the roof rack and then make some more storage out of MDF for inside.
I can't decide what to do with the jerry cans though. I kind of fancy them on the roof, but would be a pain to get them down all the time, and would raise the centre of gravity a lot.
Also, our first test of the roof tent did not go amazingly, first the zip for the awning broke, then it got really really windy which is no fun in a roof tent, especially when there doesn't seem to be any obvious way to keep the door flap closed! Then it took ages to pack away, mostly cos my hands were frozen. And I think my glasses are somewhere in the tent
But on the positive side it was really comfy, warmer than being on the ground and I reckon once we have done it a couple more times should be pretty quick to set up and put away. Though with a roof tent on my 90 wouldn't go above 55 in strong winds!
The storage was ok, and mostly coped with some green laning, although it has highlighted that we need to think of some better ways to organise stuff.
Funny you mention bungee cords Ian, I actually ordered 10, but they didn't come in time. I hate using ratchet straps, they are a right faff.
I'm currently thinking that I put 2 of the wolf boxes with some lesser used (and not too heavy) stuff, like spare parts and tools on the roof rack and then make some more storage out of MDF for inside.
I can't decide what to do with the jerry cans though. I kind of fancy them on the roof, but would be a pain to get them down all the time, and would raise the centre of gravity a lot.
Also, our first test of the roof tent did not go amazingly, first the zip for the awning broke, then it got really really windy which is no fun in a roof tent, especially when there doesn't seem to be any obvious way to keep the door flap closed! Then it took ages to pack away, mostly cos my hands were frozen. And I think my glasses are somewhere in the tent
But on the positive side it was really comfy, warmer than being on the ground and I reckon once we have done it a couple more times should be pretty quick to set up and put away. Though with a roof tent on my 90 wouldn't go above 55 in strong winds!
MrIFan
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Cheers for the advice guys. I will buy some tupperware
The storage was ok, and mostly coped with some green laning, although it has highlighted that we need to think of some better ways to organise stuff.
Funny you mention bungee cords Ian, I actually ordered 10, but they didn't come in time. I hate using ratchet straps, they are a right faff.
I'm currently thinking that I put 2 of the wolf boxes with some lesser used (and not too heavy) stuff, like spare parts and tools on the roof rack and then make some more storage out of MDF for inside.
I can't decide what to do with the jerry cans though. I kind of fancy them on the roof, but would be a pain to get them down all the time, and would raise the centre of gravity a lot.
Also, our first test of the roof tent did not go amazingly, first the zip for the awning broke, then it got really really windy which is no fun in a roof tent, especially when there doesn't seem to be any obvious way to keep the door flap closed! Then it took ages to pack away, mostly cos my hands were frozen. And I think my glasses are somewhere in the tent
But on the positive side it was really comfy, warmer than being on the ground and I reckon once we have done it a couple more times should be pretty quick to set up and put away. Though with a roof tent on my 90 wouldn't go above 55 in strong winds!
As you've already got the rack and tent on top I'd not be keen on putting anymore weight up there, but that's just a personal thing. Depending on your route to and from the desert you shouldn't encounter many, if any, extreme side slopes but lots of weight on top can seriously accentuate the rocking and rolling on rough piste. Better to sort the internal storage so the stuff you need most often is easily accessed and keep the weight low.
Re the Jerry cans, I'd make some sort of sturdy bracket to mount one on your rear ladder. Best not to keep full ones inside the truck as even the slightest dribble on the outside of a can can make things stink in 40°C+ temps! I very much doubt you will need more than one full as fuel is available even in very remote places if you know where to find it. Go to post #8 here Maps, guidebooks, and GPS (installing maps, waypoints/POI, and creating routes) Keep a clean empty one inside or on the roof just in case. There are a few issues with a shortage of unleaded petrol in the South East of Maroc at the moment and temporary shortages of all types of fuel are regular occurrences throughout the country. Fuel can usually be found for sale out of cans at a lock up somewhere even if the main gas stations are out.
Your trip to Portugal will teach you plenty about packing and organising stuff
As you've already got the rack and tent on top I'd not be keen on putting anymore weight up there, but that's just a personal thing. Depending on your route to and from the desert you shouldn't encounter many, if any, extreme side slopes but lots of weight on top can seriously accentuate the rocking and rolling on rough piste. Better to sort the internal storage so the stuff you need most often is easily accessed and keep the weight low.
Re the Jerry cans, I'd make some sort of sturdy bracket to mount one on your rear ladder. Best not to keep full ones inside the truck as even the slightest dribble on the outside of a can can make things stink in 40°C+ temps! I very much doubt you will need more than one full as fuel is available even in very remote places if you know where to find it. Go to post #8 here Maps, guidebooks, and GPS (installing maps, waypoints/POI, and creating routes) Keep a clean empty one inside or on the roof just in case. There are a few issues with a shortage of unleaded petrol in the South East of Maroc at the moment and temporary shortages of all types of fuel are regular occurrences throughout the country. Fuel can usually be found for sale out of cans at a lock up somewhere even if the main gas stations are out.
Your trip to Portugal will teach you plenty about packing and organising stuff
Thanks Ian
Yeah, in theory I won't need any jerry cans for Portugal, but I would feel safer with one just in case. I def agree with you on not putting more weight on top, it already handles like a barge with the roof tent on now... Also good point about diesel inside, I imagine it would stink after being in the sun.
I think I will do what Mike is doing and put the chairs and table on the roof, and maybe one of the Wolf boxes. The spare parts one doesn't really weigh much.
Hmm...what to do, what to do...I wonder if you can get jerry can holders for the spare wheel? As that would be able to hold the weight as I stand on it when putting the tent up! The ladder is also a good idea, though it would have to be removed easily.
SpaceDawg
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We kept all our heavy stuff in the car and the diesel did not smell as the jerry cans did not leak which was nice.
Next time were thinking of a roof tent bacause we have a couple of trips plan which may need one,but Mike's solution worked a treat.
One thing Mike and I underestimated was how much the stuff was flying about in the car, get anythhing in a box an tie it down unless you want it in the back of your head.
Which reminds me, we need a date for a June meet up? Hows the weekend of the 27th fit with everyone, somewhere in the midlands, a campsite?
Next time were thinking of a roof tent bacause we have a couple of trips plan which may need one,but Mike's solution worked a treat.
One thing Mike and I underestimated was how much the stuff was flying about in the car, get anythhing in a box an tie it down unless you want it in the back of your head.
Which reminds me, we need a date for a June meet up? Hows the weekend of the 27th fit with everyone, somewhere in the midlands, a campsite?
We are hopefully in Portugal expeditioning between the 17th and 4thish of June. Otherwise a campsite in the midlands sounds good!
My initial opinion of the roof tent is that it is slightly more effort to put down than a normal tent, but in terms of putting it up it is probably easier and a lot more comfortable. We could also keep the pillows and sleeping bag in there, which saved a lot of space inside. One thing though is that we would not want to be in it in a sand or wind storm, it was pretty crappy in Yorkshire, so we are going to probably take a cheap popup tent as well, just in case.
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