4WheelingSA

[Bogaards]

My latest video is now up on YouTube. It was something I wanted to make for a while now. Hope it is insightful. It might not be that much 4x4 related, but it is a road that many 4x4 drivers need to drive.

I have seen a lot of questions on the road from JHB to Upington. I drive this road at least 4 - 6 times per year. When I did it earlier this year I have decided to put a video together of it. Also stopping at some scenic parts of the road which people tend to just drive by. I have also included a part on a derailed train as well as an update on the water wheel at Keimoes. My final destination was Aggeneys.

https://youtu.be/g1RAvkBd68M

[Bogaards]

Earlier in the year the Lion and Safari park had their first Night Drive. It was our Night drive as well. It was a very interesting experience. We started by setting up camp and then went for a quick drive through the Lion Enclosures. After that we went to the 4x4 Paradise for the night drive. It give a completely different perspective in comparison to day driving, even knowing the trail it feels strange. The following day we drove some other parts of the trail which has not yet been covered in Videos. We had some very capable vehicles with us which made some of it look easy.

Link below:
https://youtu.be/u0QMwG1EofQ

[Bogaards]

I have now driven the Lion and Safari park numerous times. It is a track that keeps on growing and now really offers something for everyone. I have worked with Terence and I reckon we came up with a pretty unique concept. Have a look at the video and let me know what you think of it.

https://youtu.be/JIu9ns8r2y0

[Bogaards]

The Fortuner turned 6 in February this you. It is still going strong. I decided that it was time for a long term review of the Fortuner. I put together a video that is available on YouTube.

The Fortuner is now on 85,000km. The mileage is low, but that is because it is not my daily vehicle. I also did not touch on the theft factor. So far there has not been an attempt to have it stolen, but this might be due to the fact that it is in my garage most of time. I felt that it might come across to brag about the fact that it has not been stolen yet in a video.

https://youtu.be/tM-3uyh-2L8

[Bogaards]

When I got my Bush Lapa in 2016 it did not have a 12V Charging system installed (only a AC - DC charger). I did not opt for the Solar Panels since I would rarely use them at that stage. It only had a thin wire running from the A-frame to the battery. So only a straight wire from the vehicle to the battery, not solenoids, chargers inbetween.

Since I wanted to at least charge the battery when towing I opted for the HCDP DC DC (12A) charger. This used is single input and you could toggle it between car and solar. So on the odd occasion I could plug in a solar panel. This setup worked relatively well for about 6/7 years.

Recently the HCDP charger stopped working and it was time to have it replaced. Unfortunately these chargers cannot be repaired. HCDP does not exist anymore and most of their business has been taken over by Wolmacor (who confirmed that this unit cannot be repaired).

I have seen various videos on these upgrades by YouTubers and I feel they only show pretty videos and not much detail on what to consider when installing these systems. I have put a video together that hopefully provides more information on what to consider and what to look out for.

https://youtu.be/lNSOPn300NI

[Mad Manny]

Thanks Henkie....

[Bogaards]

Thanks Henkie....

Pleasure Manny, hope it at least give people some information and pointers on how it should be done in comparison to all the sponsored stuff out there.

Wolmacor and Victron was very close in terms of price, therefore the reason of going with Victron. (I was around 4200 for the chargers only). Redarc was more than R5000. Installation was another 4500 if I remember correctly.

And this was installed to only run my fridge, water pump and lights (not a coffee machine, air fryer etc).

[Redman]

Thanks Henk...

Really enjoyed your review of the Fortuner. I have a 2017 model and share your sentiment in the video.

[Bogaards]

Thanks Henk...

Really enjoyed your review of the Fortuner. I have a 2017 model and share your sentiment in the video.

Thank you very much

[Bogaards]

We have recently been to the Southern Part of Namibia. Before we entered Namibia we visited Witsand, Pella, Klein Pella and drove a short part of the Namakwa Trail.

https://youtu.be/CXd_8JPDV_M

[Bogaards]

Episode 2 on YouTube:
Driving the road from Noordoewer to Rosh Pinah
Camping at Klein Aus Vista
Wild Horses of the Namib
Luderitz
Kolmanskop
Diaz Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLFRClP5LiM

[Bogaards]

Episode 3 of our Namibia trip is now on YouTube
Driving the D707
Betta Campsite
Sesriem Campsite
Sesriem Canyon
Deadvlei

https://youtu.be/a9gXWFqBBgE

[Mad Manny]

Watched it last night, laughed as you struggled to explain what a 'Riem' is in English!

[Bogaards]

Yes, when you point the camera at yourself your language skills sometimes goes down the drain...

[Redman]

The Fortuner turned 6 in February this you. It is still going strong. I decided that it was time for a long term review of the Fortuner. I put together a video that is available on YouTube.

The Fortuner is now on 85,000km. The mileage is low, but that is because it is not my daily vehicle. I also did not touch on the theft factor. So far there has not been an attempt to have it stolen, but this might be due to the fact that it is in my garage most of time. I felt that it might come across to brag about the fact that it has not been stolen yet in a video.

https://youtu.be/tM-3uyh-2L8

Have you run any wires into the cabin either from the engine bay or the roof?

I'm looking at possible running wires into the cabin but would like to hear from someone that's also done it