Build Thread TWExplor Build

[Oxtos]

have you noticed an increase of wind noise since doing the roof conversion?

 

[TWExplor]

We finally are settled in to our new home in eastern Washington and have begun to use the Silenus roof conversion. We have not noticed any additional road noise or vibrations.

It is so incredibly quick to setup and take down…we love it!

 

[TWExplor]

We also got the 270 Shadow Awning installed. We discovered that the rear bracket mounting bolts did not have an attached nut plate inside the Silenus frame.

Left side awning attachment point.

This would be the right side attachment point.

The good folks at OK4WD worked with us on the “known” warranty issue. We were put in contact with a Alu-Cab distributor, Selkirk Off Road (near Sandpoint, ID) to do the warranty fix. We also had them install the awning, as well as the awning gutter and awning strap attachment. Joe from Selkirk Off Road was great to work with, and if you happen to be there on a late Friday afternoon you just might find some amazing smoked bbq!!

So things are good and we will keep figuring out the build. We have basically everything we need…..just not in any good organization/long term usability.

Next up:

• Interior storage
• Water storage
• Camp kitchen
• Recovery/tools and bag
• Long Range America fuel tank

 

[TWExplor]

Long Range America fuel tank is being installed now by Selkirk Off Road…. Can’t wait to try it out!

 

[Logsplitter]

Long Range America fuel tank is being installed now by Selkirk Off Road…. Can’t wait to try it out!

We have very similar builds. I had my Silenus roof conversion and Alucab 270 shadow awning fitted at the beginning of July and it’s now having the LRA auxiliary fuel tank fitted along with heavier duty coil springs all round. I’m still considering the internal kit out.
Happy travels in that beautiful Grenadier

 

[TWExplor]

I agree that we have similar ideas on the build out plans. You have a lot more behind the wheel time than I do. Loved reading your travels through Africa! We are planning our international travels for next year. Right now the idea is Europe first and then Africa.

We have not decided on the heavier duty springs but will most likely go that route soon. We don’t want to do a lift if we can help it.

 

[Logsplitter]

If you go to Africa directly from Europe I can help you with some ideas and advice. Morocco is easy and interesting. As you head south through Mauritania into Senegal and beyond you enter real Africa.
Happy travels.

 

[TWExplor]

If you go to Africa directly from Europe I can help you with some ideas and advice. Morocco is easy and interesting. As you head south through Mauritania into Senegal and beyond you enter real Africa.
Happy travels.

I have been rereading your Africa trip and watching your videos. Just awesome stuff….some hard to deal with stuff too.

 

[Logsplitter]

Morocco and Mauritania are easy but as you head south into west Africa it gets more difficult.
Southern and East Africa are relatively easy. Many people do a self drive in a hired 4x4 in Namibia as an introduction to Africa. Namibia is very tourist friendly and relatively safe. I have a friend who’s just come back from a self drive there with his family and absolutely loved it, although very nervous and apprehensive to start out even though he’d been out with me a few years back.

 

[[ Adam ]]

Morocco and Mauritania are easy but as you head south into west Africa it gets more difficult.
Southern and East Africa are relatively easy. Many people do a self drive in a hired 4x4 in Namibia as an introduction to Africa. Namibia is very tourist friendly and relatively safe. I have a friend who’s just come back from a self drive there with his family and absolutely loved it, although very nervous and apprehensive to start out even though he’d been out with me a few years back.

Any suggestions of firms that offer this service?

 

[TWExplor]

LRA install complete! With the exhaust mods it’s a bit more throaty but nothing really noticeable.

I asked Selkirk Off Road for the Grenadier to be weighed after the install…4 point comparison. This weight includes the following mods:

• Rear seat delete and replaced with a Goose Gear plate system
• Aux battery replaced with a REDARC 150ah battery
• Silenus roof conversion with 2 load bars and 4 Sunflare XPLOR Blox solar panels
• 270 Shadow Awning (on left side).

Full main fuel tank and 1/4 full in LRA tank.
Only minor gear (folding shovel, some recovery straps, few tools, portable air compressor) was left in the G.
This weight does not include any passengers.

Other than the listed mods it’s a stock Trialmaster. No rocksliders yet.

 

[Logsplitter]

Any suggestions of firms that offer this service?

Do you mean 4x4 hire in Namibia ?