The best issue yet

I’ve been a regular Drive & Camp reader since the beginning – and buy it in either English or Afrikaans, whatever is available in the shops. Many a trip has been planned using your magazines. The August 2020 issue has been the best issue this far – by far. I had a similar experience to the one Tinus described in his letter where his Skipper had to brave some hectic roads. We had the same happen to us in southern Namibia. I strengthened the door hinges by drilling out the bolts on the hinges to one size bigger and installing stainless-steel cap screws. I also replaced the hasp and staple type latch on the door with the kind that can’t jump open. I’ve done some serious corrugated roads since the modification without any problem. It also improved dust insulation. I made other modifications to my Skipper Oyster: I swapped the 220 V bar fridge for an Engel 220 V/12 V fridge/ freezer. I have a separate mobile battery pack with solar panels for running this fridge when we’re in remote areas without electricity. While driving, this fridge is run from the dual battery from my vehicle as the Skipper has the necessary Brad Harrison connector. I’ve also exchanged the standard pipetype back corner steadies with proper wind-down corner steadies. I don’t use these steadies to level the Skipper, however as it is not good practice. I use levelling blocks under the wheels rather or dig a hole for the wheel when it’s possible. The snow article was very helpful as we normally get good snowfall during our visit to the Sani Pass in September. The article on the Kgalagadi was fantastic. We’ve got a booking there in February next year. And then to top it all, there was an article on the Caracal 4X4 Eco Route in the Namaqua National park. We’re planning a visit there in October.