6x6 redefines adventure travel

If you have an itch for travelling into the unknown world that is Africa by vehicle, a 4x4 is by far your best option.

It is however important to remember this: “Proper planning prevents poor performance”.

“This is true,” says avid Africa travellers and friends, Pieter Stapelberg, Nico van Zyl and Adriaan Smuts. They have extensively travelled Africa for some 30 years.

I meet the team of 6x6 South

Africa, Pieter, Adriaan and Nico, at the Alkmaar 4x4 facility just outside of Mbombela. This was my first introduction to their 6x6 Toyota Land Cruisers.

“Venturing into Africa dictates that one always carries enough water and fuel, among other things, with you.

One should preferable be able to travel at least 1 000km before refuelling is required. Of course carrying this much fuel and water adds extra weight to your vehicle and dictates that one add capacity to what the vehicle can do.”

Alkmaar 4x4 off-road facility owner, Johan Sippel, guided the team through one of the many routes.

The sheer size of these vehicles complicates tight turns. This is to be expected though and Pieter explained that the intention with these vehicles is long distance off-road travel - not playing in dongas and things.

“Initially we thought of building a motorhome. This would require a vehicle with a longer suspension. We considered the Iveco and F250 options. Eventually we decided to rather convert the Land Cruiser for our specific requirements.

“I began to research the possibility and found the 6x6 concept. It hails from Australia and the inventor’s name is Bob James. The concept is unique. During normal driving the four rear wheels drive the vehicle and when engaged in 4x4, power is distributed via all six wheels. With four driving wheels at the rear, traction and grip in challenging off-road conditions is way superior to that of a standard 4x4.

With this 6x6 configuration, power is distributed with the support of an extra differential and drive shaft. This arrangement also lowers the load carried by these components and when measured, it is in fact lower than with the standard 4x4 set-up. This then offers much better performance and also improves the durability of the suspension.”

The distance between the front and second axle is the same as with the standard Cruiser. The third axle adds one metre to the vehicle.

The distance from the third axle to the rear of the vehicle, is again, the same as on the standard Cruiser. So approach, brake over and departure angles are the same as on the standard Cruiser. Converting the vehicle from 4x4 to 6x6 requires some serious theoretical and practical engineering skills and capacity.

The wonderful thing is, that all of the latter is available right here in Mbombela and although getting all of this SABS approved, presented a challenge in its own right - the design, engineering and welding, is SABS approved.

They are also investigating the possibility of fitting an automatic gearbox and a rear axle that will offer some turning ability to assist during tight cornering.

“We currently have enough parts to convert four Cruiser suspensions to 6x6 at a cost of about R400 000, depending the options chosen. Our current capacity will enable us to do one conversion every two months,” said Adriaan.

The increase in carry capacity creates an infinite number of application possibilities for these 6x6 vehicles firefighting, agriculture, forestry and adventure travel are but some.

If you are drooling for a 6x6, contact Adriaan Smuts on on 082-442-2219 or asmuts@vodamail.co.za or visit the website www.6x6sa.co.za.