Pumba
3.2 Ford Ranger 4×4
Provided the length of our trip and the number or hours we are expecting to undertake in the two front seats, we needed something both comfortable and practical. Meet Pumba! This vehicle comprises half of our home on wheels and has broken in quite nicely. This particular specimen was chosen based on the following criteria:
- Powerful engine with great towing capabilities
- Designed to go through water up to 800mm
- High ground clearance
- Ford Service Centres available in all major cities
- Super Cab with suicide doors for easy packing/unloading
- Plenty of Storage
- Much to Erica’s dismay – manual drive
Our own personal additions to the vehicle included:
- 4 Brand new GoodYear Wrangler A/T Tyres chosen for their kevlar side walls and price – we could be enduring some pretty rough roads!
- Luminex Smash n Grab window tinting for the UV protection and added security
- Canvas Tonnet Cover to keep our gear dust free and dry (hopefully)
- Power outlet including a fuse, isolator and an adaptor allowing us to charge the trailer battery while driving
- New windscreen wiper blades
With all this jazz however, he is not complete without his good friend Timone.
Timone
2001 Afrispoor Mongoose Off-Roading Trailer
Luckily, Robbie’s parents are overlanders themselves and we are borrowing their trailer that has stood the test of time -nearly 20 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. We have aptly named him Timone and he is equipped with the following features:
- Off-Road Capabilities
- Kitchen Area
- Rooftop Tent
- 60L Water Tank
- SnowMaster 66L Fridge/Freezer
- Battery System
- Plenty of compartments and drawers for everything from gas cylinders to toiletries.
Prior to getting hitched to Pumba he underwent a full service, getting kitted out with new shocks, springs, wheel bearings and la creme de la creme, a Victron IP 65 Battery Charger to keep all of our electronics charged and ready for action when there is no external power available. Thanks to the charger, we can last nearly one week off the grid! Let’s see if we can’t improve that along the way!
We also splurged and purchased a brand new rooftop tent for the trailer – to make sure we stay protected against the elements along our journey. Purchased from Da Safari Canvas Tents in Durban.
And there we have it – Timone and Pumba! Our home on wheels.
