Tag Archives: Toyota

The expedition Toyota Hilux camper is on its way to the Andes at last

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All our equipment has been packed into the Toyota camper, most of this is photographic gear but  also some boxes of clothes and an eclectic  mix of other paraphernalia such as – a white sheet ( for wrapping up a body) a legal requirement ir you are driving a truck in Argentina ! a mountain tent in case the winds are too strong in Patagonia to put up the camper roof and  two aquariums in which to photograph fish and amphibians,  ah well our attempt at travelling light was but a dream.

Then a drive down to the Tilbury docks on the north side of the Thames and the attempt to get the truck into a container. The container will be shipped by the Pentalver shipping line.

 

Container terminal, Tilbury, London.

Container terminal, Tilbury, London.

 

With our hearts in our mouth the Toyota camper edged towards the container –

 

The tightest fit possible

The tightest fit possible

 

 

The camper went in with 3cm on the length to spare, then all 4 wheels were strapped and tightened and chocks put under all 4 tyres to prevent movement and hey presto all done.

 

Strapping and chocking the truck safely inside.

Strapping and chocking the truck safely inside.

 

 

Onto the Santa Rita ship bound for Montevideo.

The Santa Rita

The Santa Rita

 

 

 

 

 

The Andean Wildlife Project..still coming together

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The important, boring, difficult and expensive bit, that’s the stage we have been going through in recent weeks.

Going to South America and traversing the longest mountain range in the world is going to be tough.  Seeking out species of every hue, and tracking the biggest bird that soars our planets air currents is going to be the  fun stuff.  The not so fun stuff is preparing for it,  to ensure that the expedition doesn’t unravel in disaster due to being unprepared.

Reliability of the Toyota Hi lux is renown and to maximize this have had the vehicle thoroughly serviced and checked over for all possible points of wear and tear.  This pre-expedition check , undertaken by Nene Overland  sales@neneoverland.co.uk  in Peterborough, has resulted in some major component replacements.

Up in the air at Nene O

 The following have been renewed and fitted, rear leaf springs and U bolts, Koni shock absorbers, suspension coil springs.

Koni Shock absorber + leaf spring

In addition a local fabricator strengthening and re positioned our rear bumper to better protect the rear of the vehicle.

rear bumper 3

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  last major job we have done is to have fitted a long range fuel tank, done by Devon 4 x 4  info@devon4x4.com 

L R fuel tank

This fuel tank will enable us to travel up to 1000 miles between fuel stops, vital in the Andes where reliable garages are scarce.

Expedition ready-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The vehicle is now almost finished, there have been lots of other modifications as well, security bars fitted to the 4-Wheel camper window, new Michelin All-terrian tyres,  an access step to help Paula get inside the car, headlamp protectors and of course  redesigned de-cals done by Pro-graphics in Peterborough info@prographicinstallations.co.uk.