Edd Cobley’s expedition preparation tips

Old-style Defenders remain popular for overlanding as the parts are readily available all round the world. Most people with a slight mechanical background can fix/bush repair them easier than later models, but before you head off across the world it’s important to learn some basics.

Off-road skills are vital because you will probably be driving in inhospitable terrain where roads consist of tracks through the sand, rocks, mud or snow. The best way to learn them is at a reputable training company run by experts with vast experience in driving these places.

Driving techniques for mud, sand and rocks (depending on your expedition) will be needed, but factor in the ground-reading skills you’ll need to acquire for travelling long distances in a heavily-laden Land Rover. You have to understand your vehicle’s capability and use the terrain to your advantage.

Any shortcomings will soon become apparent if, for example, you are driving across a desert.

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking an expedition is a holiday – it is most definitely not. You need to plan for the worst-case scenario and there’s much to learn, including:

• Vehicle preparation

• Route planning

• Border crossing issues

• Vehicle issues

• Language barriers

• Changeable weather conditions and season (especially in Africa)

• Recovery plans in remote areas

• Fuel issues

• Road traffic accidents

• Medical issues. The list goes on…

You will need to carry spares, including oils, water and fuel. You’ll also need a puncture repair kit, jacks, tools, a wheel bearing kit and seals, propshaft UJ, ancillary belt, wheel nuts plus an assortment of nuts, bolts and screws, because corrugations on off-road routes will slowly undo your vehicle.

The list can be massive, but remember you don’t have to carry everything. Research the places where you can get parts en-route.

I have never been a roof-tent lover, but they do have massive benefits. The downside is that they put extra weight in the wrong place, making your vehicle top-heavy and possibly unstable.

Off-road driving in a heavily-loaded vehicle will put your springs and dampers through hell and you may find that replacing them with uprated ones will transform the way your vehicle drives.

If you do get stuck, you will need recovery equipment. Essential kit includes a tow rope (kinetic only if your recovery points are strong enough), electric winch and winch kit (pulley blocks, gloves, strops, shackles). I always carry a high-lift jack, which can also be used as a makeshift winch, tyre bead breaker, or even straighten bent parts with them, but training is needed as they can be dangerous. Also useful are traction boards/waffles/ traction mats.

Tyre choice is important. On a long overland trip you’ll encounter all sorts of terrain, so use an all-terrain tyre. I favour Davanti Terratouras for their all-terrain ability as well as excellent on-road handling. Their wraparound tread pattern continues into the side carcass of the tyre, minimising sidewall damage and aiding off-road traction.