Land Rovers The expedition is using two Land Rovers and a microlight aircraft to attempt the overland crossing. Both Land Rovers are Defender 110, long wheelbase, permanent four-wheel drive, and pink. They are equipped to a greatly higher specification than standard, as will be required through some of the terrain which will be encountered en route. The Land Rovers are both fitted with emergency strobes and air traffic specification VHF radios to act as ground controllers for the microlight when airborne. Equipment The Vehicles: Of our two Land Rover 110s, one is 13 years old ('Mutley'), and the other is 14, ('Pinky'). They are both the 'hard top' model, so van-like in body design and 2.5L normally aspirated diesel engines. Both vehicles have been heavily modified for the undertaking ahead. With extended length roof racks, and totally secured cargo areas in the rear of each, the key areas left can be looked at in detail. Put briefly, as long as it can't move, is low if heavy and does not impede entrance and exit, the basics are in place for a well prepared vehicle. The following list is in no particular order: Rear forward facing seats from BLRS (0121 373 7425) for the back passengers, crucial for comfort and safety, but able to be folded allowing crew to sleep in the back. Also one side fitted, again folding, bench seat for extra occasional passengers. Vehicle Safes from AL-KO Kober Ltd (01926 466500), one per vehicle for documents and small, high cost items. These are extremely strong and are fitted permanently, and out of sight, to each Land Rover. Mile Marker hydraulic winches (01460 61674) on the front bumpers for self and other vehicle recovery. Stronger, safer and more reliable than traditional electric winches, these are the professional choice. They also have almost zero drain on the batteries which is a major advantage over the electric alternative. Side windows, again for safety and comfort for rear passengers. Window guard grills on all side and rear windows. Mantec raised air intake and wading kits (01203 395368) to allow safe fording up to 1.6m in depth. A definite case of: 'the wagon's okay, what about our clothes!' TP seat covers, (01902 637555) fully waterproof (see above!). The key to remaining healthy on expedition is to remain clean. The easiest way to stay clean is not to get dirty in the first place. Obvious? You'd have thought so… Long range fuel tanks from Andrew Morris (01283 734324) giving each Land Rover over 1000 miles endurance. Stored behind the front seats, in the area usually taken up by rear side doors, these remove the classic problem of heavy jerry-cans ending up on the roof-rack. A Coleman fridge (01275 845024) in each, with a 33L capacity that will make ice at up to +32°C ambient temperature. Heavy duty suspension on both, double springs on the rears, and HD shocks and springs on front axle fitted by Mantec. Allow much more controllable progress when heavily laden. Under-body protection for steering and differentials, also for the rear fuel tank preventing damage from rocks etc on the road/path also fitted by Mantec. These are not an alternative to totally defensive driving techniques. Firemaster Fire Extinguishers (0181 852 8585), a 2ltr powder in the rear, plus a 1ltr extinguisher in the 'cockpit'. Also 2 fire blankets in the rear of both vehicles. Combination Squire (01922 470610) padlocks on all doors and bonnet (hood for any Americans out there!) First Aid kits from Dixon Health Care (0181 852 0088) for dealing with both minor and major trauma injuries. Spare wheel covers by Fred Cutler Manufacturing (01284 810511) to display our logo (image can be everything) and to protect spare wheels from damage. Water purification system installed above the fridge with the ability to filter water between two securely installed 20L water jerrys whilst on the road. They also provide a shower system when encamped. Made up of a filter 'candle' by Fairey Industrial Ceramics (01785 813241), and a 12v water pump. Rechargeable portable 12v worklamps donated by Concept Edge Ltd (01895 850455). Mantec's unique rear door spare wheel carrier to take the strain off the rear door hinges which otherwise give under the extra weight. Plastic Griptrax from W4 Ltd (01243 553355) for increased traction in difficult conditions, but without the need for weighty, cumbersome sand ladders (you don't need them). Mud Terrain Bridgestone tyres (01926 488508) for all the environments crossed, from tarmac through sand and snow to mud. Full length aluminum wing-top protectors for clambering over the wagons, without damaging the thin bodywork, also giving a much safer surface to walk on in wet/icy conditions. Non-slip Treadmaster flooring to make passage about the roof and other areas of the vehicles much safer. Sliding off a 10ft high roof-rack is detrimental to good health! Other modifications include: Second, in line fuel filter Air Traffic Specification VHF radios (for vehicle to microlight communications) GPS bracketry Strobe lights Roll cage (on Pinky) Foliage clearance cables Pink paint scheme by Car Images (01703 602209) Second, split charge, battery Invertor providing a 240v supply Truck cab heater Roof mounted stereo (the most important bit of kit we've got!) Hi-Lift jack, spade and pick-axe mountings Front and rear tow points 'Window locks' on all doors for very quick security Raised and sliding perspex roof for increased headroom and light Roof-rack walkboards with trapdoor for access from within vehicle Front and rear floodlights