Guest Feature: 4×4 overland Sprinter

July 11, 2022
EUxplore
EUxplore.eu

We're featuring 4x4overland Sprinter, who has over 45 years of overlanding experience, in and out of Europe.

Read more and learn about his wealth of knowledge below!

Tell us a bit more about yourself and how you ended up doing van life?

Traveling is my passion. Traveling has been taught to me from an early age. I have been camping abroad with my parents since I was 6 years old and by bike independently from the age of 15.

So I knew well enough that setting up a tent every day and taking it down again after a good week was actually a chore. This is especially true if things don’t go well. From my early teens I dreamed of crossing the Sahara in a 4×4.

I lived in Ostend and saw weekly military trucks passing towards the military camp in Lombardijde. These “4×4 covered wagons” reminded me of a tent on a truck and soon the first dreamy designs of a distant future with a permanently furnished tent on the back of a 4×4 came to light.

As a grown do-it-yourselfer and with some technical background as an industrial engineer, 10 years later I took the first real step into overlanding together with my wife and we bought a used 4×2 Mercedes 306D van with a limited budget that I fitted out myself. We traveled throughout Western Europe from the Pyrenees to the North Cape. That last destination made me want more and in 1982 I made a crankcase protection, mounted a second spare wheel + jerry can at the back and moved the air intake for the engine inside the cabin. Straight through Iceland became the first big adventure.

We conquered 70 cm deep river crossings. Until we drove a few kilometers in a riverbed and then had to climb out of the valley via a small steep slope.

The trail got so steep that the front-wheel drive spun.

The drum brakes were soaked from the river water, so they temporarily stopped working.

Fortunately I was able to keep my cool and kept the accelerator at the same speed. The spinning tires started to smell, the car shifted a little from left to right on the spot. The loose gravel flew around. And then miraculously, our van started to climb up cm by cm and we were able to overcome the steep obstacle.

This made us realize that you should not be overconfident and only use a car on the terrain for which it was made. But the adventure beckoned on and we felt we were ready to cross the Sahara. I went through the specialist bookshops in Brussels to find French, English and German books that gave us a little more information. We bought our first LandRover. It became a series 3 V8. In 6 months I set it up as a mini camper van and equipped it with 5 extra petrol tanks and 2 spare wheels. In this pre-internet/GSM/GPS time we navigated using a paper map (with a scale of 1 to 4 million!) and a compass. We crossed Tunisia, Algeria, Mali and Niger in this way.

We lost our heart to the Sahara and returned in 1985. Shortly afterwards we wrote the first Flemish travel guide for the Sahara. Then our daughter turned 6 and we were tied to the school holidays.

Traveling to our beloved Sahara would no longer be an option.

That is why we decided to invest all our experience in a big plan: to equip an old LandRover truck from 1969 (= Forward Control) with a BMW diesel engine and convert it into a camper so that it can be used for classic weekends and travel in Europe as well as later for overlanding and off-road. I estimated the conversion at 1 year, but in the end it became 3 years.

Meanwhile, in the Sahara, the first tourists were found dead with all their equipment stolen. Moments later it happened again a few times. These were the first signs of Al Qaeda. That scared me. So plans for our beloved Sahara were shelved and we limited our trips and vacations to the Ardennes and France.

The school-age daughter, work and other hobbies were given priority. In order to still be able to enjoy nature, we planned a move “to the outside” and during 5 years I restored a small farm in the Westhoek.

The Forward Control, which has meanwhile stopped, was then used as a weekend residence on the shipyard. After the move, we thoroughly enjoyed the fresh greenery surrounding us every day. But yes, soon the adventure travel bug reared its head again. But in addition to the good memories that remained, the disadvantages of each vehicle also lingered. We wanted to put more emphasis on:

Shorter holidays from 2 to 3 weeks, so smooth movements to the south.
Smooth movements means no big bulky car with insufficient braking power like the Forward Control truck and not too weak an engine like our first Mercedes van where you are the plaything of the big trucks on hilly roads.
More off-road capabilities even better than our first standard LandRover V8 (with leaf springs), because in the meantime we had an old Range Rover classic and can enjoy some more intense off-road in all comfort.
Can be used as a 2nd family car, so with a back seat and not weighted with fixed camping furniture.

In 2002 it eventually became a Discovery 2 TD5 with an inflatable Karsten igloo tent. Along with a tire compressor with a higher flow rate, the tent was up in a minimum of time.

We completed our list via 4x4Plus with another off-road course by an off-road champion in Rochepaule.

Because of this we regularly had fun on off-road terrains and drove the trans-Pyrenees, the trans-France and some road books through the Alps along the French-Italian border.

In the meantime we had retired and had the overlanding bug again so in 2011 this car was replaced by a Discovery 4 with a Columbus roof tent from Autohome.

With this we did the Alps and the Pyrenees again and we passed successively through Morocco, West Africa and drove via Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, the Gobi desert and Mongolia to Beijing.

In the meantime we visited 55 countries and we don’t get tired of overlanding.

What overland vehicles do you use / have you built or do you dream of?

A total loss abruptly ended the story of our beloved Disco4. That is the time to evaluate and ask yourself: where do we still want to go, what do we really want, where do we attach importance and what do we want to avoid?

We had made a wish list from all our previous vehicles and experiences at the beginning of 2017:

Max 3.5 tons allowed total weight because more and more slopes are limited to max 3.5 tons.
Max 5m30 long, so that you can park sideways at the supermarket and in city centers.
Max 2m56 high, so you can fit in a high cube sea container.
Max 1m88 wide (exterior mirrors not included), some old (mountain) slopes are after all very narrow or with bushes on both sides, those who are wider make much more scratches or cannot get through.
Turning circle smaller than 12m50. Short overhang behind the rear axle. Many pickups have an overhang of more than a meter that is too large.
Sufficiently strong motor with a torque greater than 400 Nm.
Better grip off-road tires than ATs, with reinforced sidewalls and a 33′ diameter (for sufficient ground clearance and a requirement with some tour operators).
Permanent 4×4 with a transfer case with sufficiently small gears and at least 2 limited slip differentials (like our two Discoveries).
Preferably no electronic traction control, because most don’t work ideally in loose sand.
At least 200 liters of diesel in total for a driving range of at least 1100km (for crossing deserts and a requirement with some tour operators).
Plain white paint, so you don’t stand out from the commercial vehicles and see less scratches.
No plexiglass camper windows against the scratches and sandstorm.
A permanently installed compressor that delivers at least 10 bar and at least 125 litres/minute in order to be able to adjust the tire pressure quickly and without change.
Air conditioning, so you can drive with the windows closed in hot and dusty conditions.
With a fixed bed, such as in our columbus roof tent on our Disco4, so that there is no clapping and folding after a tired ride. With a mattress from 1 piece so that the seams do not bother you. So you always have a made bed that is ready without much cover, even after a tired ride in the dark or during a short stopover, or if someone is sick and you still have to drive on.
All material must be easily accessible. By moving 1 suitcase you must be able to find the desired object in the 2nd suitcase. This way you avoid having to completely empty your suitcase on arrival before you can sit relaxed, have a drink or wash.
Being able to relax in a seat at a table within 2 minutes of parking (both indoors and out), or crawl into your bed behind closed curtains within 2 minutes.
Can cook and eat both inside and outside.
Parking heater on diesel so that it remains pleasant inside even during colder times.
No awkwardly built-in water tanks that protrude from the bottom and no long pipes that are difficult to clean or only fill with a water hose under pressure. We do like jerry cans of max 20L so that you can easily take them to the tap. And with a large opening so you can get in with your arm and a brush to clean them.
As few external signs of a camper as possible. So no sockets, filler caps, drain valves or grids in the side walls of the body. And no curtains on the driver’s cabin so that you can also sleep unnoticed in a normal parking lot (stealth camping).
Swivel seats in the driver’s cab to extend the living space. A chemical toilet so you don’t have to go outside in dark and harsh conditions or in urban environments.

After a search of 6 months, it turned out that the offer was limited, especially if you need a certificate of conformity to be able to register the vehicle in Belgium.

The Bremach T-rex was no longer being built at that time and a test drive with a used one made us decide that the cabin was too noisy. At that time, the Iveco Daily 4×4 (in short 3.5 tonne version) was no longer offered on the Iveco Belgium website. The Iglhaut Vito 4×4 was our choice, but at the last minute someone pointed out to us that they would not deliver a certificate of conformity. So the appointment was cancelled. The beloved VW Transporter did not have a full-fledged 4×4 with a reduction gearbox and only limited ground clearance.

A specialist who converts 4x4s for overlanding also had strong doubts about whether the self-supporting box was sufficiently sturdy for real off-road. The VW Crafter was no longer available in the old short model at that time and the new model would no longer be available in the shortened version.

So only the Sprinter remained. It could be converted in Germany by Oberaigner with the necessary papers, approval and warranty from Mercedes, with permanent 4×4, reduction transfer case with very small gears, 3 differential locks, without traction control and included the skid plate, sump and transfer case protection.

Our dream car had been found. With the desired limited length of a European pickup (5m25). The only thing it didn’t meet according to our wish list was the limited width. It is 2 m wide.

On the other hand, this provides the advantage that we can now sleep horizontally and thus create more free interior space. So far, it has been the right balance for us between off-road capabilities, limited exterior dimensions and just enough interior space and comfort in less pleasant weather conditions.

What’s been the best and worst thing of exploring in a built out van?

The worst things we’ve experienced in 45 years of overlanding are:

No or insufficiently fine mosquito netting in the car and having to go mosquito hunting at night to get some peace of mind.
Insufficiently firm tires on the trip through Iceland. This resulted in 7 flat tires, some of which were completely torn open and so had to look for new tires on the way at a high price. So we know the importance of good tires with solid sidewalls.
One day in the high Alps, only in the evening found a bivouac. We were above 1500m and soon a cutting damp wind arose. The provided fresh dinner could not be cooked outside and inside the Land Rover we did not have the space or possibility. Then you have to provide an alternative. We had a jetboil with us to quickly boil some water in the car to prepare a freeze-dried emergency meal and still satisfy our hunger. Hence the wish to be able to cook indoors in the dream car. On overlanding trips we always have food and drinks in reserve for at least 5 days. After all, you can always have a breakdown on a lonely slope.
Waking up in the middle of the night in your roof tent by sudden strong gusts of wind that threaten to tear your tent open and then having to fold your roof tent in the dark fighting against the wind force and otherwise have to spend a sleepless night in your car. So for us, we prefer no more folding roofs that have to be opened to be able to sleep.
With the Disco4 stopped in a heavy thunderstorm on the highway because the air inlet had swallowed water. Fortunately, there was a detection that protected the engine against water injection. In the end, it appeared that the original Land Rover raised air intake in the fender had perforations to dampen the noise, but was therefore not watertight. Now we know the difference between the words “snorkel” and “raised air intake”. So with the Sprinter it became a snorkel!
As a result of the foregoing, someone with a more modern car (with electronics) must have a diagnostic tool with them to be able to read the error and clear it (otherwise you can’t leave). So after the experience with the Disco4, now also an appropriate diagnosis tool for the Sprinter (and test it on your type of vehicle and engine). This time, to be on the safe side, we have chosen a device that can also force regeneration of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) when at a standstill, if necessary. After all, there are filling stations outside the European Union with diesel with a higher sulfur content, so that the DPF silts up.
In the event of a minor breakdown, carry out the repair without a protective cloth on the ground and then have to search for an hour afterwards for a small screw or minuscule part that has fallen into the gravel or sand. So now a piece of light groundsheet is always with us.
Fallen trees can sometimes block the slopes, so if you want to stick to your planned route, it is best to have a saw with you. We opted for a handsaw of the Japanese type (= with double cutting direction).

The best memories are:

The sometimes breathtaking sunsets (like we had in Finland and at the North Cape).
The beautiful untouched nature where you are in the middle (such as the “Spanish Chinese wall” = the Muralla de Finestras, a natural rock formation in Spain).
The vistas that make you feel small and insignificant (such as from the fortress Jafferau and the Sommelier in the high Alps along the French-Italian border).

The bubbling geysers in Iceland.
The narrow gorges and canyons that force you to goosebumps and through which you squeeze your overlander (such as the gorges de Jaffaar in Morocco and the cañon del Rio Mesa near Jaraba in Spain).
The vast expanses of virgin desert landscapes that will bring tears to your eyes and through which only you trace your tire tracks (like the middle of the Sahara and the Goby desert).

Give us the thousand-fold starry sky above our overlander instead of a four-star all-in Club Med any time!

What has been your most memorable destination or experience traveling in Europe?

Going across Iceland
Over the high Alps along the French-Italian border, the highlights being the slope to the top of the Sommeiller, the views from the Pramand and Jafferau fortresses, the slope over the Assietta, the area around the tunnel of the Parpaillon.
Straight through the Pyrenees on the Spanish side, with the highlights of the Sierra de Guara (especially the surroundings of Alquézar and Rodellar for those who like an adventurous walk and canyoning), the walk through the Congost de Mont-Rebei, and the Muralla the Finestras.
The Desierto de Gorafe in Andalusia (like the previous one also discovered through a road book from Vibraction).
The North Cape and the Norwegian fjords.

What’s still on your bucket list within Europe? What’s the overal plan?

Offroad in the Balkans with top of the bill: Albania.
The road book from Seville to Lisbon.
The Desierto de los Monegros.

Any tips / advice for people who want to hit the road to overland Europe?

The perfect means of transport for overlanding does not exist.

It is always a compromise between advantages on one level and disadvantages on another. Think carefully before choosing an overlander. Know what really matters to you. Leave everything you can spare at home. Overcharging is the most common mistake!

Everything should be in the same proportion (and don’t overdo it). It makes no sense to have a water supply for 2 weeks if you plan to go camping every day, or if you can only store food and drink for 3 days, or if your household battery can only last 2 days without recharging.

No vehicle that comes straight from the showroom or factory is ready for the real overland. So seek advice from someone with sufficient experience and knowledge of how best to prepare and adapt your vehicle. Your vehicle will always be too big at one point when you’re driving and too small at another time when you’re standing still. It will never be finished.

You gain new experience during every journey. And as you prepare for a new trek, you will want to make a small adjustment towards the expected conditions. Many think you can’t live without a hefty 4×4 with hulking jungle tires and a solid winch. You don’t really need a winch and the order of importance is as follows:

Good tires with a decent profile for when you leave the asphalt and especially with firm sidewalls for driving with reduced pressure on sharp stones. For me, ATs don’t provide enough traction in all conditions and Muds are too noisy. That’s why I choose hybrids. Related to this, even good tires during off-road use are worth nothing without the appropriate (reduced) tire pressure. So this includes a decent tire pressure gauge and a compressor with sufficient flow to bring the tires back to the appropriate pressure.
Sufficient ground clearance, because you have to be able to drive over large stones, unevenness and deep ruts. Remember that ground clearance can only be increased with bigger tires and not by raising the suspension (as many think). Also remember that the lowest points (crankcase, gearbox, reduction box, differentials, lower attachment points of the shock absorbers) must be protected.
Max 3.5 tons with limited external dimensions and a short turning circle in 4×4. Remember that the non-permanent 4x4s give up their turning circle in two-wheel drive and that therefore at least 1 meter is added as soon as they switch on the 4×4! We see more and more slopes that are limited to a maximum of 3.5 tons. An old army truck can be cheap and provide a lot of living space, but you can’t drive it everywhere! The speed rules are also different and the ferries are much more expensive.
Only in 4th place is the importance of a solid 4×4 with very small gears and preferably a differential lock at the back. The Transporter converted by Seikel only comes with a 10 to 40 % reduced 1st and 2nd gear. With the Mercedes 4×4 Sprinter, a 40% reduction gearbox was only available as an option. This is not a safe and sufficient solution in all circumstances on very steep slopes. A Land Rover and Toyota have a 60% reduction gearbox. My Oberaigner has a 65% reduction.

Yes, some are surprised but only in 4th place comes the 4×4.

After all, what is the benefit of even the best 4×4 system if:

Your tires crack or don’t have enough grip.
You can’t get over a protruding stone or the worn tracks are so deep that you get stuck with your belly on the central reservation and your wheels no longer touch the ground.
If you are not allowed to take a slope, a tunnel, a bridge, a village or a ferry because of your size or weight!

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Guest Feature: 4×4 overland Sprinter

We're featuring 4x4overland Sprinter, who has over 45 years of overlanding experience, in and out of Europe.

Read more and learn about his wealth of knowledge below!

Follow 4x4overlandSprinter here on Youtube!

Want to connect with fellow travelers, learn tips and gain inspiration? Become a member and gain exclusive access!

EUxplore

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