Overland with Kids

Over Easter, we brought our vehicle along to Foley’s to discuss requirements. We need to have fitted out in time for our summer shake down trip. Following a meeting and some ball-park figures, we’ll have a final discussion once we bring vehicle plus caravan along during May for LR servicing and fit-out. Following is the list of items debated as requirements:

Servicing - top of the list to ensure all parts are checked and fit for purpose/replaced. The vehicle is in excellent condition in our view but we’ll see what unfurls once the vehicle is on the ramp so to speak. In general - everything to be checked over, swapped out where necessary and given back as spares.

Spare wheel - we discussed bringing two - one of which is already in situ on back of caravan (wheels are same sizes as the LR and we can use same size wheels across both vehicles for an either/or scenario). The other wheel currently situated on back of LR may need to be removed and place on floor inside rear of vehicle  - this is due to our concerns about the wheel getting in way of caravan when reverse turning - causing jack kniving points to occur at times - it is an old model of the Xplorer.

Steel Wheels (we currently have alloys) - leaning is to go for Wolf steel wheels as the better quality of the two choices provided. In addition, need to remove the need for wheel nut key as gets worn and breaks - standard wheel nuts required.

Internal Roll bar - safety of our children is top of our list. We are not carrying much inside vehicle therefore internal roll bar rather than external advised - less messy and more than adequate for requirements. Foley’s advise will fit this accessory first in order to see how it impacts reclining 2nd row seats and load divider as needs to come back more than normal.

Rock Sliders - no - decided against under advice of Foley’s due to internal roll bar being fitted for better protection. If a car were to hit side then impact will generally be too low in Foley’s view - the children are higher up and hence protected by internal roll bar which comes down the main body sides. If we were to roll, same protection applies. This way we get to keep our fold-up steps which are quite handy for us all (if they get caught up, we can just bash them back into place but generally not worried about damage to these). Only thing is that we won’t have winch points on sides but we don’t have these anyway and we have existing points on front and rear of vehicle at present. 

Split charge system - another must-have with power outlets/sockets fitted inside vehicle including invertor. In addition, our existing Engel fridge will hardwired into a a rear top shelf of vehicle.

Metal and wood shelving to rear of vehicle - we could do ourselves but in the run of things - not important who performs at this stage - bit pricey but hassle free given the internal roll cage, load divider, reclining seats space and locations considerations plus hard-wiring of the fridge - getting the specification of requirements correct - more important at this stage.

Anti Roll Bar - already fitted to rear but front is also required for vehicle stabilisation.

Bull Bar - yes (in case we hit any kangaroos!)

Additional lighting - we requested as concerned about strength of existing standard LR driving lights - Foley’s will fit these to the bull bar for better vision.

Suspension, shocks and springs - increased/exchange to cope with caravan

Catalytic Converter - to be removed as serves no real purpose and will improve engine

Snorkel - not required - we don’t plan on wading and can check the existing air filter for dust/dirt regularly ourselves. If we feel a  desparate need at some stage - we can fit later. Let’s hope we have no rivers to cross!

Steering guard - no - not required

Concealed Fuel and Water tanks to be fitted to vehicle rear - still in the decision process (we like the idea of extra continuous fuel but not so keen on water (caravan already has 40L water plus 2 x jerry cans on board but keeping weight low is a consideration ). Could still be worth having however while the work is being done anyway - we can just leave water tank empty or slightly full. Will discuss with Foley’s further when we visit.

Hi-Lift Jack - Hmmmmmm - we’ll be bringing a trolley jack for safety reasons, If there is another use for a hi-lift jack that we’d likely use - let’s hear it! Assume it’s highly thought of for many reasons but not for changing a wheel.

Window tint - for children in second row - re: sun glare

Small winch - we’re considering in case caravan rather than Land Rover gets into trouble in order to self-recover ourselves, however, we have not had any training in use of such. Subject to further discussion.

All adds up to a pretty penny this little lot!

Diary (Blog)
Vehicle Preparation