We bought our Campmaster Wilderness trailer in ’09. Back then we used the trailer to supplement our 4x4’s packing space; we camped with our ground tent and used the Campmaster as a single-purpose goods trailer. After arriving at our destination we’d unpack the trailer, set up camp and move the Campmaster out of sight.
The 1 piece of gear you really cant do without
Tuesday, 13 March 2012 00:00 Published in Archives - Latest Issues
Here’s a question: what’s the most indispensable item you can take with you on an overland journey? A spare tyre perhaps – it would be really stupid to venture beyond the confines of your suburb without one. Even so, it’s quite possible you won’t end up needing it.
In our September ’11 issue we reviewed the G-Class Professional, rating it as an overpriced 4x4 not worth its hype. Mostly, we criticised the Professional’s poor axle articulation, a weakness resulting in reduced o ff-road traction and excessive body movement.
While there’s no denying the value of a roofrack or drawer system, many of us need more than these packing options when holidaying off-road, particularly when doing long hauls into neighbouring countries. For many overlanders, the obvious solution is to invest in an off-road trailer.
In December last year I had the unique opportunity of driving an exciting new 4x4 trail in the Witteberg mountains, east of Lady Grey (Eastern Cape). The route consists of two separate o ff-road trails; one that runs on the escarpment (the boundary of the old Transkei) and another that traces the Karringmelkspruit River.
ARB’s three-piece Air Locker design has a great reputation with the off -road fraternity. Trusted since the 80s, it’s become the yardstick, the diff -lock by which all others are judged. So if it ain’t broke, why mess with it? Well, there were a small number of Air Locker models that underperformed compared to the rest of the range.
The town of Kasane in Botswana is the gateway to the Chobe National Park, and lies on the banks of the Chobe River. There aren’t many experiences that beat a sunset boat ride on this river: Guides will take you to within metres of crocs that are longer than your boat or right up to hippos grazing the lush green grass on the banks.
It’s become somewhat of a tradition. Wake up on New Year’s Day feeling a little worse for wear, look at the bedside clock and work out how long I have to wait until TV coverage of the Dakar starts. Then the countdown to 22h00 begins, which is when the first day of the Dakar Rally is broadcast on DSTV.
