Build Thread Building My African Overlander

[Marine bushman]

So the Big Day eventually Arrived and I took delivery of my Trail Master in Scottish White



Now it was time to start my build and long list of changes that I have been planning for Months and months reading this Forum and any other that I could.

First Step was to Upgrade the sound system. i would need to keep the head unit but opted to add new 6.5 Inch door speaker, tweeters, 4 inch Rear speakers and a sub in the boot some place.
I was introduced to Zoltan from Lifestyle Solutions in Sandton South Africa cell number +27 832571777, who did an incredible Job. I eventually settled on a BLAM Live speaker system with Musway Amp a tiny little thing but with some real power for its size fitting very well under my drivers chair.Then a Custom built Sub Box with a JL 6.5 Inch Sub.









The Sub before it was built into a custom Box by Zoltan and the Team



The completed Sub Box that I would later move to the other side as it fits perfectly with my Fridge in place.


The system being programmed for my taste in music through the amplifier.

I do still need to add a photo of the tweeters being moundted on the A pillars in the front giving a perfect picture for the driver and passnager.

The sound system is incredible. Best I have had ever.



Finally a couple of Red Letter A in Vinyl and a protective film in the door sills to stop scratching

 

[rovie]

So the Big Day eventually Arrived and I took delivery of my Trail Master in Scottish White
View attachment 7845496


Now it was time to start my build and long list of changes that I have been planning for Months and months reading this Forum and any other that I could.

First Step was to Upgrade the sound system. i would need to keep the head unit but opted to add new 6.5 Inch door speaker, tweeters, 4 inch Rear speakers and a sub in the boot some place.
I was introduced to Zoltan from Lifestyle Solutions in Sandton South Africa cell number +27 832571777, who did an incredible Job. I eventually settled on a BLAM Live speaker system with Musway Amp a tiny little thing but with some real power for its size fitting very well under my drivers chair.Then a Custom built Sub Box with a JL 6.5 Inch Sub.




View attachment 7845497


View attachment 7845498
View attachment 7845499
The Sub before it was built into a custom Box by Zoltan and the Team

View attachment 7845500

The completed Sub Box that I would later move to the other side as it fits perfectly with my Fridge in place.

View attachment 7845502
The system being programmed for my taste in music through the amplifier.

I do still need to add a photo of the tweeters being moundted on the A pillars in the front giving a perfect picture for the driver and passnager.

The sound system is incredible. Best I have had ever.

View attachment 7845503

Finally a couple of Red Letter A in Vinyl and a protective film in the door sills to stop scratching

Congratulations to you. That makes me happy for you.

 

[Marine bushman]

So I collected the car and had the joy to finally take her home. Lucky for me I had 5 hour drive home as I live in the Kruger National Park. So off I went. Not a single concern or issue. Perfect steering, no issues with foot well, and I am 6ft 5inchs and 130kg. Incredibly quiet until i fired up the sound system. It was pure joy. I loved every second of the 5 hours.

On the way home I stopped to fit my new tyres.
I had selected B F Goodrich 285 17 70r tyres and had these added. It gave me a few minutes to have a look at the syspention and breaking properly and I was in awe.




Now it was home time and time to tackle a very bumpy gravel road for an hour or so. It handled the road with easy and was an absolute pleasure to drive. Again I grinned from ear to ear.


Next was to start adding the accessories that where waiting at home to go into the car


Winch Hook Added to the factory winch. Nice and neat.



Recovery gear Loaded into the rear wheel carrier. It fits perfectly including extra Kinetic rope for the short winch rope. Then a glow collar for the key insert at night making it easier to see the hole

 

[Marine bushman]

Now it was time to get serious and start with draw systems, Solar, pressure pump, and all the Electrical needs including Solar Plugs.

Through a great mate who has a Troopy I was introduced via the Troopy whatapp group to a couple.

JME Developments
Jarryd cell number +27 844073787

I needed custom draws and vast electrical work and he was the man. Jarryd was an absolute star and from the early design, to build stage it was seamless. He traveled and hour each way to measure the car on the show room floor twice to make sure everything fitted perfectly

I added these red A to the Mud flaps that look really cool at night.





Notice the Victron 500 watt Inverter switch and plugs on the right and side of the draws all built in

 

[Marine bushman]

The perfect wiring of the inverter with Fuse Box and Bus Bar all behind the draw unit to maximize space.



Power to the rear of the car and I Tow a Bush Lapa Ratel Caravan and I needed power to go from the rear all the way to the Victron DC TO DC charger in the caravan that supporters 2 x 105 Amp H Lithium Batteries and a 200 watt Victron Inverter.

 

[Marine bushman]

Now we added an ARB compressor, Solar 160 watt panel Ctech 250 SE and Lithium Battery at 105 Amp Hour with Blue Tooth

 

[Marine bushman]

Time to add some extras in the Car

USB Chargers
Ram Mounts
New Garmin Explorer GPS
Garmin Inreach











These Cables will all still be neatened up and the correct lengths purchased

 

[lagartoboy]

Impressive build! I’m intrigued by your comment that you live in Kruger National Park. What do you do?

 

[Marine bushman]

Next to Add in

VHF Radio with Wireless Blue Tooth Mic
Antenna
Max Trax







Lastly for now until I add more photos.

4X4 Assit +27 73 425 2938

helped with a range of Amazing bags for the GREN.

Wheel bag
Under seat bags
New Custom Tog Bags
Wood Bag for the roof

 

[DrahthHunter]

I have so many questions. I dont know where to begin. Thats amazing, where to start how the hell do you live in Kruger, I have always wanted to visit can I pitch a tent in your yard?
The build WOW. You have done this before! where did you get the Bull bar what brand is that? Already been on Hyteras US site nice stuff. Tell us more about your inverter battery setup please.

 

[DaBull]

Next to Add in

VHF Radio with Wireless Blue Tooth Mic
Antenna
Max Trax

View attachment 7845554View attachment 7845558View attachment 7845561





Lastly for now until I add more photos.

4X4 Assit +27 73 425 2938

helped with a range of Amazing bags for the GREN.

Wheel bag
Under seat bags
New Custom Tog Bags
Wood Bag for the roof

View attachment 7845562


View attachment 7845563


View attachment 7845564

View attachment 7845565View attachment 7845566View attachment 7845567

Hands Clapping. DaBull

 

[Marine bushman]

A few more pictures this evening as I get close to finishing

 

[Marine bushman]

I have so many questions. I dont know where to begin. Thats amazing, where to start how the hell do you live in Kruger, I have always wanted to visit can I pitch a tent in your yard?
The build WOW. You have done this before! where did you get the Bull bar what brand is that? Already been on Hyteras US site nice stuff. Tell us more about your inverter battery setup please.

Inverter is 500 watt Victron pure sign wave. It has separate plugs and switch in the boot on the side of the draw. I charge Computer Mac Book pro, Drone, Cameras, any other 220v appliances. The Battery is a Blue Nova 105 amh with 30 amp cable and fuse separately. Works very well.
Yes I have done this before my last build was my 79 Landcruiser.

 

[DrahthHunter]

Inverter is 500 watt Victron pure sign wave. It has separate plugs and switch in the boot on the side of the draw. I charge Computer Mac Book pro, Drone, Cameras, any other 220v appliances. The Battery is a Blue Nova 105 amh with 30 amp cable and fuse separately. Works very well.
Yes I have done this before my last build was my 79 Landcruiser.

Thank you but what about pitching a tent in your yard?

 

[Marine bushman]

Thank you but what about pitching a tent in your yard?

So sorry no can do. A tent where I stay you would not last very long.

 

[AFdude412]

Nice work! Very well thought out. Did you make your own mount for the ARB compressor install?

 

[WyomingRoaming]

Thoughtful build and great execution! Excited to see it put to use throughout Kruger and beyond. I have been to Kruger once--Saw some amazing animal encounters (at least from my perspective... the unfortunate zebra may disagree).

 

[Logsplitter]

Check Marine Bushman’s shirt. Sabi Sabi is a very nice Private game reserve on the edge of Kruger.
A very nice game rich part of the world

 

[lagartoboy]

Check Marine Bushman’s shirt. Sabi Sabi is a very nice Private game reserve on the edge of Kruger.
A very nice game rich part of the world

Nice work Sherlock !

 

[Logsplitter]

I’ve been there