Over(free)landing

MarcDelonghi91 · 2024-08-19T09:37:26+0100

Hey everyone,

I recently bought a Freelander (Larry), with the main purpose of serving as camping car (besides a fridge, still some modifications to do to call it a camper). The main trip planned for next year is a drive to Senegal & Gambia, and back (to The Netherlands). Quite the journey that requires some prepping. Of course did some reading about the trip, conditions, border crossings you name it, but part of the preparation I am looking for two things:

- Get connected to someone who did this before (not specifically in a Freelander) to understand better what to expect (and who isn't going to tell me I should get at least a Disco to do this :vb-smash:

).

- What kind of mods would be recommend for the car, so far on the list are, AT tyres, Roofrack + tent, snorkel, bull bar with lights, new suspension, additional fuel + water, and the regular maintenance that's due.

And in case people would be interested, I could post some pictures of the process of course!

KR,
Marc

Freddie17 · 2024-08-19T09:44:29+0100

MarcDelonghi91 said:
Hey everyone,

I recently bought a Freelander (Larry), with the main purpose of serving as camping car (besides a fridge, still some modifications to do to call it a camper). The main trip planned for next year is a drive to Senegal & Gambia, and back (to The Netherlands). Quite the journey that requires some prepping. Of course did some reading about the trip, conditions, border crossings you name it, but part of the preparation I am looking for two things:

- Get connected to someone who did this before (not specifically in a Freelander) to understand better what to expect (and who isn't going to tell me I should get at least a Disco to do this).

- What kind of mods would be recommend for the car, so far on the list are, AT tyres, Roofrack + tent, snorkel, bull bar with lights, new suspension, additional fuel + water, and the regular maintenance that's due.

And in case people would be interested, I could post some pictures of the process of course!

KR,
Marc

Pictures of the project are a must. None of us will help you at all if we don’t see pictures

Is Larry a td4?

First thing to do is check Larry has his 4 wheel drive system working correctly, if you haven’t already. Are the props in place, and does the VCU run ok? For that journey, I’d seriously consider getting the VCU replaced with a quality unit from Bell, unless you know the current history for certain.

A good friend of mine did the Mongol Rally about 5 years ago in a second hand Skoda.

Sounds like a fun trip… I’m not jealous - much!

MarcDelonghi91 · 2024-08-19T09:52:38+0100

It’s a TD4 ‘05 with 210k km.

VCU was checked when I bought it and confirmed in good condition, but we’re doing a test week this week to Slovenia and come up with a list of things to consider on top of what the experts here come up with

For now, this is what Larry looks like.

GrumpyGel · 2024-08-19T10:33:09+0100

Sounds like a challenge.

You might like to research the tyres you want to make sure they are available in Africa. Mismatched tyres cause big problems on Freelander, so if you get a couple of punctures that can't be repaired, your 1 spare won't be enough. You could carry another spare tyre, even if its not on a rim, but they are bulky.

I'd strip the rear brakes down before your trip, make sure the drums & shoes are not worn - but also the pins holding the shoes are not rusted. Lube up the adjuster and make sure the cylinder and pipework to it look OK.

I'm sure you will anyway, but replace the oil in the IRD. Making sure the old oil shows no sign of wear in the IRD.

Check the diff front mount, if its suspect, only replace with a trusted (OEM) brand. Same with the VCU support bearings, even if the VCU checks out fine.

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