Prepping my 100 for an Africa-Adventure

[txtortoise]

Swiss, though my trips across the Western US and US/Mex border are incredibly minor compared to what you'll undertake, I am amazed at the amount of times I've needed to use my very basic/homebrew first aid kit that I created for long trips.

I went to an Army/Navy surplus store here in the US and purchased the following first aid kit bag(not the contents).
Elite First Aid M17 Medic Bag FA110

You can cookbook and purchase the contents individually much more cheaply than what is in the bag, that's my first suggestion. But fill it up. It's well designed and well thought out. That list is pretty good, but nothing you can't find at a pharmacy.

But depending on the distance/location, I've occasionally included the following as well.
-Cipro
-Saline IV's(for dehyrdation) x4
-Epi Pens.

Being able to combat infection, allergic reactions and dehydration without needing to see a doctor in a remote part of ANY place can be a huge plus. And it's fairly simple stuff to plan for.

Swiss, though my trips across the Western US and US/Mex border are incredibly minor compared to what you'll undertake, I am amazed at the amount of times I've needed to use my very basic/homebrew first aid kit that I created for long trips.

.......

But depending on the distance/location, I've occasionally included the following as well.
-Cipro
-Saline IV's(for dehyrdation) x4
-Epi Pens.

Being able to combat infection, allergic reactions and dehydration without needing to see a doctor in a remote part of ANY place can be a huge plus. And it's fairly simple stuff to plan for.

I'd also suggest a personal suture and dental kit.

 

[El Cid]

I'd also suggest a personal suture and dental kit.

To that point, I'd be very curious what you can take to Africa from a painkiller standpoint.

I'm sure the rules are quite a bit more relaxed.

 

[abuck99]

Budget for, and ditch the AHC. There's been some very good advice provided here in that regard.

Too many factors in in play that could fail on an older rig with AHC- just read through the threads here. You don't want to deal with a hydraulic system failure- that will be exponentially more expensive to repair in Africa- (money and time) than upgrading your suspension now.

There are many good shock options for you in Europe. The Koni raids will get the job done and then some, uprated springs and torsion bars & reinforcements and you are good to go. Lift is not the goal I am suggesting, but load capacity, stability and reliability is.

Best of luck on your trip!

 

[Live to Ski]

sutures: nice trick I heard about (never practiced) is to draw a bead of super glue (long drying type) on either side of the wound, then take thread and wrap around limp several times covering the wound and the two super glue beads. Once super glue cured, cut threads next to glue bead on side away from wound...instant suture with no stitch scars to boot!

IV: Well, you better have good medical training to put those in, plenty to go wrong. Safer bet is to just re-hydrate (with electrolytes) as dehydration is a long lead time issue (assuming you can still drink). Overhydration can kill too.

Related: I would encourage a wilderness first aid certificate/training.

Coming from a 20 year ski patroller as well as RN (you can throw mechanical engineer in there too for this overeducated mudder...though this can make easy tasks difficult)

 

[Swisscheese]

Swiss, though my trips across the Western US and US/Mex border are incredibly minor compared to what you'll undertake, I am amazed at the amount of times I've needed to use my very basic/homebrew first aid kit that I created for long trips.

I went to an Army/Navy surplus store here in the US and purchased the following first aid kit bag(not the contents).
Elite First Aid M17 Medic Bag FA110

You can cookbook and purchase the contents individually much more cheaply than what is in the bag, that's my first suggestion. But fill it up. It's well designed and well thought out. That list is pretty good, but nothing you can't find at a pharmacy.

But depending on the distance/location, I've occasionally included the following as well.
-Cipro
-Saline IV's(for dehyrdation) x4
-Epi Pens.

Being able to combat infection, allergic reactions and dehydration without needing to see a doctor in a remote part of ANY place can be a huge plus. And it's fairly simple stuff to plan for.

HI el cid

i sure will take some medical supplies with me, i will give an update as soon as i start organizing these things. i have looked into that kit you posted. epipen will surely be with us on the trip, suture kit as well, painkillers and stuff for diarrhea of course too

sutures: nice trick I heard about (never practiced) is to draw a bead of super glue (long drying type) on either side of the wound, then take thread and wrap around limp several times covering the wound and the two super glue beads. Once super glue cured, cut threads next to glue bead on side away from wound...instant suture with no stitch scars to boot!

IV: Well, you better have good medical training to put those in, plenty to go wrong. Safer bet is to just re-hydrate (with electrolytes) as dehydration is a long lead time issue (assuming you can still drink). Overhydration can kill too.

Related: I would encourage a wilderness first aid certificate/training.

Coming from a 20 year ski patroller as well as RN (you can throw mechanical engineer in there too for this overeducated mudder...though this can make easy tasks difficult)

i have had quite some experience suturing stuff since i'm from a medical student background. i do hope we wont have to apply the knowledge, but at least we would know how to in case of injury. but i also think a first aid training is always a good idea before making a trip into the wild!

 

[Swisscheese]

Today i got my front brakes fixed. both of them, left and right, seized almost at the same time. so we had to replace all the major parts of the brakes, bleed the system and get it all together again.

also i replaced the front left indicator light since the mounting bracket was torn. in two weeks i'll have the car inspected to get the permission and licence plates.

i have ordered a cool mounting bracket to fit into the cd slot to mount my ipad which i will use for navigation, together with a gps-reciever. it seems a bit wobbly, but has worked the few miles from the mechanics shop to get home. i dont know if it will withstand the washboardroads in africa, but i guess we will find out.

 

[Swisscheese]

i have also installed a kit to get access to an aux-input for my music. i ordered this kit: http://www.amazon.de/Connects2-CTVTYX002-Avensis-Corolla-Interface/dp/B005FMYDTW

installation is fairly easy if you get the right instructions which you find here on the forum too. Before this i tried an FM-transmitter but wasnt too happy about the background noise depending on other radio stations interfering, so this is sorted now.

the system really is plug and play. i secured the cable inputs into the adapter with some tape so i wont have to take it out of the dash again. took me 15' to do.

i ran the cable next to the fuse box inside the glovebox. Note: i had to order a longer aux cable since the stock one is about 60cm long and would barely make it into the glove box. with this one which is 1.5m i can have my ipod next to the shifter, so if i drive alone i can easily get to it.

 

[uHu]

That Ipad mount looks like a real redneck solution. But, by keeping the ahc, you will not notice any washboards. Anyhow, it doesn't look like anything you could rely on.

 

[El Cid]

That Ipad mount looks like a real redneck solution.

Whoa, easy there...

Swiss, yeah, the hard part is learning the skill of putting an IV in...I'm terrible at injections...I think you'll be fine, but lately there are a lot more options for getting medicines than before...

That kit is too pricey, I would prefer to just fill with things I purchased locally but you can go to almost ANY army/navy surplus store in the US and fine the bag by itself.

Here is the bag individually:

U.S.G.I. Military Issue Large Medical Bag M17 (Bag Only) Olive Drab, Medic Gear


Patriot

 

[txtortoise]

HI el cid

i sure will take some medical supplies with me, i will give an update as soon as i start organizing these things. i have looked into that kit you posted. epipen will surely be with us on the trip, suture kit as well, painkillers and stuff for diarrhea of course too




i have had quite some experience suturing stuff since i'm from a medical student background. i do hope we wont have to apply the knowledge, but at least we would know how to in case of injury. but i also think a first aid training is always a good idea before making a trip into the wild!

re: Suture kit, I was really thinking of having your own sterile kit in case you needed to go the doctor, but if you can do it...

 

[Live to Ski]

Actually, the last comment inspired me to sign up to having an IV bag and sterile equipment.

Even though I recommend not doing the serious procedures one's self, many "hospitals" on the road may not have the western quality supplies in their medical supply chain. May help in your care if you produce your own sterile supplies.

Probably better for your own piece of mind.

Medical supplies are not that voluminous, so probably won't seriously impact your load plan.

Although consider border crossings and roadside searches. Might be a tough explanations, especially if one isn't a licensed MD/health care provider.

The pros/cons game.....

 

[Swisscheese]

I have a problem. Today i tried out my rear diff lock but instead of locking, the red rear-diff-lock-light kept on blinking without ever engaging. i have tried to drive slowly after engaging the diff lock but it wouldnt jump in. i have read that if the car has been near the sea or in salty region, that this could be an issue for the diff lock (this would be the case with my car). i think it hasnt ever been used prior to my ownership, has it seized? what are the options of the fault? and how do i approach the search of the problem?
grateful for inputs, cheers.

 

[Julian Stead]

Did you have it in 4lo?. Try doing figure of 8's on a loose surface to get it to engage.

 

[Swisscheese]

Did you have it in 4lo?. Try doing figure of 8's on a loose surface to get it to engage.

yes, i was in low, made around 100meters around turns and twists on gravel surface but the light kept blinking. the centre diff lock worked just fine and i could notice the locking function of the centre diff lock in tight turns when the rear wheels scrubbed a bit. but the rear diff just wouldnt go in. as i mentioned, i have never tried it out before, so i guess its been years since it was used last.

 

[El Cid]

Swiss, make sure you list all the spare parts you think are definitive for the trip. I think that's a good discussion and many will be similarly interested. The dual battery set up alone will save you headaches. Good move there!

A few things that would be on my radar would be...

1. Fuses, Relays(particularly the 30a)
2. Spare Headlamps
3. and i would absolutely 2nd the suggestion of a list of the fluids mentioned earlier.

Near the US/Mex border, it's popular to own Iridium satellite phones with prepaid minutes. That phone can be pricey, rent if you can, but buying minutes isn't too bad. Just a thought..

Recently, I paid for an electrical diagnostic on my LC because of a miswired 02 sensor, but since then it's given me confidence that the LC wiring layout is extremely reliable.(Knock on wood). I think my bigger concerns in a trip through Africa would be fluids, oil changes, and battery reliability.

 

[Swisscheese]

Swiss, make sure you list all the spare parts you think are definitive for the trip. I think that's a good discussion and many will be similarly interested. The dual battery set up alone will save you headaches. Good move there!

A few things that would be on my radar would be...

1. Fuses, Relays(particularly the 30a)
2. Spare Headlamps
3. and i would absolutely 2nd the suggestion of a list of the fluids mentioned earlier.

Near the US/Mex border, it's popular to own Iridium satellite phones with prepaid minutes. That phone can be pricey, rent if you can, but buying minutes isn't too bad. Just a thought..

Recently, I paid for an electrical diagnostic on my LC because of a miswired 02 sensor, but since then it's given me confidence that the LC wiring layout is extremely reliable.(Knock on wood). I think my bigger concerns in a trip through Africa would be fluids, oil changes, and battery reliability.

Good points there. i will surely check off points 1 to 3! especially the fluids, i will have to make regular services, i guess i will do around 20'000km. i have also talked to some guys who have made trips like we will, some had sat phones, others didnt. i guess it is one of these things where there is no right or wrong. i am tending to not take one with me. but if i stumble over a good opportunity to get one, why not

 

[El Cid]

Good points there. i will surely check off points 1 to 3! especially the fluids, i will have to make regular services, i guess i will do around 20'000km. i have also talked to some guys who have made trips like we will, some had sat phones, others didnt. i guess it is one of these things where there is no right or wrong. i am tending to not take one with me. but if i stumble over a good opportunity to get one, why not

Yeah, I won't lie, the prices were eyebrow raising. Around here, there are oil people who loan/rent them, but there is a good arguments for spending that money on things that might yield a better return. The argument against it would be that the phone is irrelevant when you get to a major city and can use a calling card of some sort. I think even if I didn't do a satellite phone I would invest in a $40 GPS beacon that could be tracked.

Can I ask what point you'll embark from Europe into Africa? I've made the ferry crossing from Tarifa to Tangier before, I think that would be pretty easy...

 

[uHu]

Re your rear diff.lock:
It is common, on the salted winter roads of northern europe, that the actuator will corrode and get stuck. Don't expect it to last more than 5 years. The rear axle housing is made out of cast iron, and the acuator housing is aluminium. Then the motor on that is steel with some copper. You get all kinds of corrosion, and with the salt - it goes fast.

My 2004 is originally from Germany. When I got it in 2009, the rear diff.lock actuator was so corroded that the mating surface to the differential housing didn't fit any more. All eaten, and even one bolt hole was gone. Also the motor was corroded to pieces. Luckily I had parts from my 2000, with 137k km, which were in better shape. So that actuator lasted until 2014, when I had to get a new one again (actually got it only last year). And again the corrosion was so bad that it was beyond repair. Now, I'm keeping it covered in lanolin oil, respraying it several times per year -- We'll se if it helps.

And, when it's working, make sure to activate it weekly, as the slider bolt can also get stuck from lack of use.

 

[Julian Stead]

I use dinitrol 4010 for rust prevention on components like axles, gearbox's and suspension parts, I even spray the engine bay. Its a high temp clear wax.

 

[Swisscheese]

Re your rear diff.lock:
It is common, on the salted winter roads of northern europe, that the actuator will corrode and get stuck. Don't expect it to last more than 5 years. The rear axle housing is made out of cast iron, and the acuator housing is aluminium. Then the motor on that is steel with some copper. You get all kinds of corrosion, and with the salt - it goes fast.

My 2004 is originally from Germany. When I got it in 2009, the rear diff.lock actuator was so corroded that the mating surface to the differential housing didn't fit any more. All eaten, and even one bolt hole was gone. Also the motor was corroded to pieces. Luckily I had parts from my 2000, with 137k km, which were in better shape. So that actuator lasted until 2014, when I had to get a new one again (actually got it only last year). And again the corrosion was so bad that it was beyond repair. Now, I'm keeping it covered in lanolin oil, respraying it several times per year -- We'll se if it helps.

And, when it's working, make sure to activate it weekly, as the slider bolt can also get stuck from lack of use.

what are the costs of swapping the actuator? i will bring my 100 to an 4x4 expert to get behind the problem as soon as possible. this matter keeps me nervous i do not hope having to use the diff lock on our trip through africa, but when we do, it would be nice if it worked