A vehicle to help you escape civilisation
As a young man Dicky Swanich crossed the country behind the wheel of a truck, but now that he has reaped the rewards of years of hard work, he is able to tour how he wants to in his kitted-out Toyota Hilux.
As the owner
of a transport company, Dicky Swanich from Mossel Bay has plenty of experience on the open road. As a young man he did after all spend thousands of hours behind the wheel of a lorry, up and down all over the country. Now that he doesn’t have to physically be on the road to earn his bread and butter any more, and can decide on his own routes, he often heads for the bush in his Toyota Hilux. Dicky did most of the modifications on his bakkie himself to convert it into a proper touring vehicle. “The more off-road the better,” says Dicky. “I have driven from Lüderitz to Walvis Bay, through Angola, Botswana and several tours in South Africa like the West Coast, The Hell and the Karoo. My next tour is in August when I go to Botswana again.” “What’s really great about the Hilux is that I can now tackle more extreme off-road conditions and I can stay away from towns for much longer!” says Dicky. “I kitted it out with extra water and fuel tanks and everything you need for long tours away from civilisation.”
Why did you choose a Toyota instead of another brand?
I enjoy the Toyota a lot, but I also chose it because it’s such a popular vehicle in the rest of Africa. Parts are therefore easily available when you travel far. This is my second Xtra Cab and I bought it, amongst other reasons, for the larger load bin than what you get on the double cabs.
Have you owned other modified 4x4s?
I’ve owned several 4x4s, but never one as well kitted-out as this one.
When did you buy the Hilux?
I bought it in 2015 and I think it cost me R380 000 new.
Who did the modifications?
Safari Centre in Mossel Bay installed the suspension, but the rest I did myself or modified things to fit.
How long did it take to do the modifications?
So far it has taken two years to get it where it is now, but after every trip something new usually gets added!
What is your favourite thing on the bakkie?
I enjoy the whole vehicle so it’s hard to single out something specific. Everything I had done contributes to the practicality of my vehicle.
What is unique about your vehicle?
I’d say the fact that nearly everything was DIY. It means that we can use it in a way that fits our needs.
Anything you want to change or add?
Yes, I want to replace my rock sliders and add a solar panel.
Do you have any advice for others that want to do such a build?
It’s hard to give specific advice because I think you first have to decide how far into the bush you want to go. Then you decide according to that what you need to do to your vehicle. For instance, I have installed heavyduty suspension, but there are also lighter units available. I’m comfortable to push my vehicle to the extreme – whether it’s water, mud, sand or rock – because all my most important components are protected.