Table of contents for May 2018 in SA4x4

When we were working up the Shop Talk column this month with Johann Tyres Viljoen, there was a bit of a snag with one of the questions that had been asked. This was: ‘What is the best formula for rotating tyres?’ The question came up of including the spare in the process, and Johann just said, “Whoaa”. He’s been in the game so long that he knew what was going to happen: Trouble. In his words, we would be “opening a can of worms”, because most readers don’t want to add complications, and there are exceptions - this will work for certain vehicles, but may cause problems for others. Nor do manufacturers want comebacks for any reason; they are keen to protect their warranties. So, Johann opted to keep it…

Rotation will prolong tyre life and help maintain balanced handling and braking. This is particularly important when using all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres whose bigger-block pattern is subject to added heel and toe wear when used on tar. I often find my customers only do their rotations when servicing their vehicles. This is not enough. On a four-wheel drive subject to many additional stresses, and varying loads, more frequent rotation is better – not every 10 000 to 15 000km, rather every 5000 to 6000km. Every tyre carries a different weight and front tyres are not subject to the same wear stresses as the rears, so each tyre wears at a different rate. Rotation evens this out. The guideline is that if tread depth varies more than 2-3mm between tyres, you…

Southern Africa is a prime safari destination and 4x4 vehicle ownership is at a high point. The fact is that most 4x4 owners like to have their vehicle fully equipped and ready to go when an expedition calls. However, in the intervals between travelling, the vehicle often stands, taking up valuable parking space and potentially leaving all that equipment vulnerable to theft. For inbound travelers who leave their vehicles for long intervals, and for those who simply don’t have the space during the off-season for their trailers, caravans and camping equipment, safe storage is a priority. However, finding suitable space in the right location can prove to be a challenge. Self storage is a great solution for keeping all your valuable belongings and vehicles safe, without cluttering your home. Here…

Birds are generally more hygienically-minded than we may think. Hence, like most other people who have a passion for birds, I have a bird bath in my garden. In fact I have two: a bigger one on a stand, and a smaller bird bath on the ground. Many birds are plagued by mites and other parasites, and in order to take care of everyday hygiene, they have to take a regular bath. You can help them by providing a bird bath in your garden for the many bird species that are attracted in large numbers to cities and towns. In my early days of bird watching, I read somewhere that one should position a bird bath in such a way that birds will not feel threatened or exposed, and that…

The first phase of our Ironman 4x4 Bush Truck build is the installation of a performance upgrade. I was expecting more people to ask why and I was a bit disappointed that most people just accepted it without explanation. I was ready to explain that the performance upgrade would help to compensate for the additional weight of all of the accessories as well as the larger wheel and tyres that we would be fitting to turn the Ranger into a serious bush truck. It would seem however that a performance upgrade for a diesel-powered double-cab bakkie is par for the course. One only has to look at the back of any motoring magazine or do an online search to see a plethora of diesel tuning and chip companies advertising their…

Ironman 4x4 is a world leader in the design and supply of 4x4 accessories, and 2018 represents 60 years of continued Australian owned and family operated business for the Jacob family. When Günter Jacob, began making leaf springs in the backyard of his Moorabbin family home in 1958, he would not have dreamt that 60 years later his company would have become a global 4x4 accessories brand. Outgrowing the family backyard Günter moved his business, setting it up behind Harry Lark’s Black Smith Shop in Oakleigh. He started making leaf springs by hand for trucks, cars and 4WD’s. It was the era of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ25 in Australia and his company, Jacob Spring Works, was at the forefront of spring manufacturing. In 1982, the company evolved as JSW…

Fire. It’s a vital component of any overlanding journey. Internal combustion powers your 4x4; and more often than not, fire cooks your meals out in the wilderness. On the other hand, fire can be the cause of your journey’s untimely end. Unfortunately, while we are all too eager to stock up on gas bottles, jerry cans and firewood, we often overlook the absolute necessity of having fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are not too expensive to purchase and are widely available in many retail outlets. It is also simple enough to mount a fire extinguisher in your cab, or to stash it alongside your recovery equipment. However, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider first, and we’ve listed these below. How do fires start? There are several causes; and…

SMARTRACK FINALLY LAUNCHED RSI has officially launched its highly-anticipated SmartRack, which takes all the effort out of loading and unloading your vehicle’s roof rack. A cleverly-designed system allows it to slide off the roof onto the side of your RSI SmartCanopy (or any other canopy for that matter), making it far easier to get to those hard-to-reach places. In other news, RSI says that it has absorbed the VAT increase into most of its product prices. Excellent news for prospective buyers! COME ON TOUR WITH VOETSPORE Over a period of 18 years, Johan Badenhorst and his team explored 40 countries and travelled more than 300 000km through Africa to create Voetspore, a 13-season series. You can now see the African wilderness first-hand on one of the Voetspore tours. The trips…

There’s no point in driving around with your roofrack/ rooftop tent if you’re not on holiday. Save fuel (and wear & tear) by installing a Fredlin hoist. This proudly South African product solves the problem of where to store your roofrack/rooftop tent, canopy, or even a sports car hardtop: up and out of the way! The Fredlin hoist fastens securely to your garage roof or carport, is easily installed and can be operated by one person. TO ENTER One Fredlin hoist will be given away every month to the lucky reader featured in Me & My 4x4. Simply send a photograph – 1 MB or larger – and the answers to the categories shown above, to editor@sa4x4.co.za. Vehicle and driver must be featured together in an off-road setting. (No driveway…

WHAT SPARES TO TAKE? The warning signs were there, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Apart from the usual rattling, clattering and whining, there was the occasional whirring which I hadn’t heard before. “What on earth is that?” I would say to myself while driving along a reasonably fast stretch of road on my way somewhere. “Oh, it’s gone... Good!” Given our mission, our destination and the isolation of our planned trip into north western Zambia, I started collecting all the spare parts I could think of. If something broke, I needed to be able to fix it in the bush. By the time we left the Joburg smog behind, I had accumulated an impressive array of spares for the expedition. I had all the obvious items: wheel…

“Asking the question ‘Why?’ leads to far more fascinating experiences in the bush” Such a small word, and yet one which has had significant impact on scientific discoveries through the ages. Indeed, just such a question led to the discovery of the planet Neptune, before it was ever observed! As bizarre as this may sound, it was unexpected changes in the orbit of Uranus that led astronomer Alexis Bouvard to ask why these fluctuations were occurring. He hypothesised that they were due to the gravitational effects of an “as yet unknown planet”. In 1846, Urbain Le Verrier, (another astronomer) used mathematics rather than empirical observation to prove that the perturbations in Uranus’ orbit were indeed due to an unseen planet. Later that same year, Neptune – so named in keeping…

BMW X2 MORE GRIP AND GRIN BMW has continued to expand its X-range with the all-new X2, a sportier, sexier alternative to the functional X1. It’s been launched in two initial derivatives: a petrol sDrive20i model and an all-wheel-drive, diesel xDrive20d. Both come standard with the BMW M Sport package, which includes M Sport suspension and aesthetic upgrades, among other things. Later this year, an sDrive18i model will join the line-up. Both models are an absolute hoot to drive, with hot-hatch-like performance that contrasts with the more sluggish X1. The excellent handling is down to the sporty M Sport suspension package, coupled with BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control. The xDrive20d doesn’t share the petrol model’s seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission, but the 8-speed Steptronic is still a smooth drive. The diesel model’s…

I was ruminating about this daring escape and the exploits of other fugitives, the cattle rustlers who’ve operated on the tracks around Lesotho’s borders, as my co-pilot Harvey Tyson and I travelled the rutted mountain roads between Sterkspruit and Tele Bridge. We were en route to Lundin’s Nek to face the “SA’s Extreme High Five” passes challenge (as it is promoted by Tiffindell), and had decided to cram in another new pass on the way there. Although we got lost a few times on this largely un-signposted road, we eventually did arrive at the Tele Bridge-Lundin’s Nek crossroads. There we celebrated our find, and Donald Woods’s courage, with a tot of fine Irish whisky. Apart from the engaging driving and spectacular scenery along the roads that skirt Lesotho’s majestic mountain…

BASICS Date: 19 – 26 May 2018 • Venue: Mabuasehube Game Reserve, Botswana Cost: R7900 per person sharing • Includes: Camping & park fees, Guide fees, Dinner daily • Excludes: Fuel, Lunch, Drinks, VHF radio hire, Border charges TOUR DETAILS The Mabuasehube Game Reserve is located in the Kalahari Desert covering an area of almost 2000 square kilometres. The unforgiving desert terrain is characterised by high red dunes and scattered vegetation. In 1992 the reserve was incorporated into the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, and in 2000 it was also integrated into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The reserve’s name is derived from the Senalonga language, and means “red earth”. The reserve was once home to the San people, sometimes called Bushman, and to small groups of inhabitants called the Kgalagadi people.…

Harm Snijder The Eastern Cape is full of hidden wonders, and plenty of 4x4 playgrounds, to boot. Harm’s son, Jonathan, snapped this awesome shot of their brand new Hilux 2.8 GD-6 splashing through some slushy mud. Looks like fun! Jesus Saiz Jesus and his 1996 Land Rover Discovery had no trouble taking the Khumaga ferry across the Boteti River on the way to Makgadigadi Pans National Park in Botswana. It’s a fantastic experience! Sean Cordingley Late last year, Sean and his partner Simoné ventured into Nata bird Sanctuary to see the vast expanses of the Makgadigadi. He managed to capture a pretty cool shot of his trusty 2010 Ford Everest 3.0 TDI next to a very flooded pan! Connie Hillebrand Connie says that the Atlantis Dunes up the Cape’s West…

In our last update we were scrambling to get the Broject ready for the Cape Town Motorshow. With a 6pm Thursday deadline to get the Jeep to the Grand Arena we were up against the odds, especially when a missing bolt resulted in our steering box falling off while doing the final flex ramp tests to check clearances and do some light fender trimming. This was how the Motorshow deadline went… 8 working days before: We left the Kyknet Expo on the Sunday and The Broject was delivered to Hein at Burnco on Tuesday morning and work commenced on the front bumper. Based on entrant’s votes to go with an angular style bumper, Hein and the Bros designed a custom front bumper that fits as tightly to vehicle to allow…

Isn’t it strange that most South African male drivers (yes, that’s us) believe that as soon as they hit a dirt road, their skill level is suddenly on par with a driving genius combination of Sarel van der Merwe and Sebastién Loeb. The hammer goes down, the red mist descends - and before you know it, your vehicle is fishtailing all over the place while the family goes all wide-eyed and grips tightly on any handholds. Seriously, guys; what’s the rush? You are on holiday. Another 35 minutes on the road will still leave enough time to set up camp and crack a cold one. Rule 1: Slow down. You are going to see more of the surrounding countryside, and be far better prepared to avoid the usual giant potholes,…

BURNING BRIGHT The VisionX GEN 2 Cannons are powerful, versatile and customisable lamps that’ll light up any terrain. The lights come in Long Distance Single LED and Full Beam Multi LED configurations, and can be coupled with the 25-Lights-In-One cover system to create an array of colours and light patterns. From R6 315 072 395 0147 info@bdcomponents.co.za www.bdcomponents.co.za SPARE PRESSURE This nifty Spare Wheel Valve Extension from the Air Spring Supply Company allows you to check your spare tyre’s air pressure without having to move it from a secure position. Don’t get caught with a flat – call ASSC for yours! R205.20 011 397 6390 | 031 205 2293 infojhb@assc.co.za  | infodbn@assc.co.za www.assc.co.za PULL IN Opposite Lock’s new Plasma Rope Winches are specially designed for serious off-roaders. They’re totally waterproof,…

Because of the heavy rains in Botswana and Angola in 2017 which reportedly made water crossings very tricky, we decided to do another Namibia trip instead of venturing to Chobe, Savuti and Moremi. In essence, we abandoned a carefully planned trip to Botswana, and embarked on a less-defined Namibia trip. Decisions like these allow for free-flowing experiences. Going with the flow – which always heads somewhere – has the potential of reducing stress and resistance. When one surrenders to where one is steered by the days and the environment, it is like being part of the flow of a beautiful river like the Okavango… After a six-hour drive from Cape Town, we had a pleasant rest at Kleinplasie Guesthouse in Springbok. After a hearty breakfast, we headed further north on…

THE AVIS FLEET Buying and kitting out a 4x4 for serious overland use is not a cheap exercise. Apart from the initial new-vehicle buy in, one can easily run up a R200 000 bill for accessories fitted – both of these often on HP. Then there are the monthly fuel and insurance costs. It’s an investment in a lifestyle with lasting benefits, but if you are dabbling, and perhaps want to ensure that you buy the right vehicle and the right kit assembly, there is another way: hire a 4x4 for your next planned trip before you buy. What Avis Safari Rental supplies is a fully kitted and insured vehicle that you’ll never have to service or worry about after your trip is done. By renting an equipped vehicle you…

Do you have a magic shot in your photo collection that captures the essence of overland travel? SA4x4 is keen to promote adventure travel the world over, and to share those amazing memories with all our readers.Trawl your image banks and share those moments in time on SA4x4’s Facebook or Instagram pages, along with your name and a short description of what you are seeing and where. Action, wildlife, landscapes – we want to see it all. HOW TO ENTER  Tag @SA4x4 on Instagram and SA4x4 magazine on Facebook, and use the hashtag #SA4x4OverlandImages to enter. If Instagram is too 21st Century, email your pic to editor@sa4x4.co.za with the subject line Overland Images and we will post it on Instagram for you. There is no limit to the number of…

This month’s Readers’ Rides prizewinner gets a set of Opposite Lock 100W halogen Long Range Driving Lights worth R3995, plus a recovery kit bag worth R395. The lights are 225mm in diameter with a steel body, black epoxy powder-coated finish and stainless steel rim. They feature a hardened shock resistant glass lens with a protective polycarbonate cover, and are backed by Opposite Lock’s 2-year national warranty. Opposite Lock’s range of 4x4 accessories includes Tough Dog suspensions, Lightforce Driving lights, OL bullbars, VRS winches, recovery gear, and more. Find them on www.oppositelock.co.za or contact 011 697 0001. TERMS & CONDITIONS: Email your Readers Rides entry to editor@sa4x4.co.za. Only hi-res images (1MB or larger) will be considered – no cellphone pics. Please provide a description of the vehicle and the place. Remember…

GARY SAM 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 2 TD5 ES AUTO FACELIFT Age: 45 Occupation: Stage lighting designer and operator Modifications: Rear coil spring conversion, bull bar, General Grabber AT tyres, Front Runner universal drawer system, Kirisun PT8100 VHF 2-way radio, Front Runner Slimline roof rack with Howling Moon rooftop tent and other accessories. Future modifications: Vehicle wrap, snorkel, Air Spring Supply Company air spring helpers, winch rear bumper replacement. Previous vehicle/s: Toyota Hilux 4x4 and Ford Ranger. Dream vehicle: Land Rover Defender 90 or 110. Favourite trail: East Coast and Wild Coast. Most memorable trip/s: Tiffindell and Rhodes driving all the mountain passes with the Land Rover Owners Club; two-week camping trip up the east coast from Cape Town to Hole in the Wall via the coastal roads. Planned trip:…