The Great Game Reserve Trial
Mechanical fixes and fiddles (spare tyre bracket, spare tyre, reverse camera, GPS HUD etc) have taken up the last two months. In between a ton of YouTube Van Build videos and chatting to a number of suppliers, the van conversion floor plan is slowly coming together. We are very aware of “cut once” and plan to make 100% sure before we decide on windows, hatches and fans.
There is no rear door seal on the back door and as this can easily be remedied, it will be the starting point to identifying the rattles that echo around the empty van.
The radio that has been installed has front speakers that provide clear sound when travelling and rear speakers that provide great sound in the van body. The radio is on by default, even when stopped, so requires discipline to turn off when leaving the van or we will drain the battery. Once the internal batteries have been installed this will not be such a risky setup but at the moment we do feel vulnerable.
Getting the rear door hinges replaced to maximise the space available for the pull-out kitchen and the cab fan repair to facilitate airflow will be the next steps.
Plans are still under way for the floor and front seats as we collect quotes and options
On a lighter side, we spent the week in Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
Lessons Learned –
– The drive up from Johannesburg was easy and comfortable
Default gear for game drives is 2nd on sand roads and 3rd on tar – once engaged she tootles along with no clutch, break or accelerator unless you encounter a pothole
The van is the perfect height for a game drive vehicle, offering panoramic views and height that allows us to participate in the excitement and incredible vistas on offer.
There is much anticipation of the days on offer in the near future – coffee on tap, a fridge to supply cold beverages and ice and the ability to stop and work anywhere the internet signal allows!
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Itchy Feet! 