Greetings from new Hilux Owner

[npod]

Hello everyone - I have been enjoying the forum and found it very useful when deciding whether to break the habit of a lifetime and buy a Hilux and not a Land Rover! Hopefully, it will at least be more reliable than a Land Rover..that's not a very high hurdle to clear!

So I am buying a 2005 Hilux KZTE dual cab already fully, and well equipped for overlanding, which is my objective, full specs below. It has 200k on the clock but with all service records so hopefully no horrors in store but even if there are it seems as though there are plenty of suppliers and parts around to get things fixed.

I am from Canada but know Africa pretty well, I travelled extensively overland back in the 80s and have recently been working in the Congo, so not really expecting any huge culture shocks. My plans are to go from Cape Town pretty much directly to Joburg, since I already know the Cape area and then a more leisurely trip through Kruger to Mozambique up along the coast and cut across to Malawi and Zimbabwe before ending up in Joburg. I will then store the vehicle for 6 months before leaving fro Europe via Cairo in 2016.

On to practical matters:

1. I need some basic work done in Cape Town, timing belt, water pump and clutch (maybe) replaced, fluids and oils flushed and replaced, wheel bearings checked and general checkup by a Hilux expert, I see Allan at Hilux Parts in CT is the go to guy. I will probably get the injectors and pump overhauled in Joburg when it is laid up. Any other suggestions for things to do before the first trip, which is through relatively civilised areas.

2. Any recommendations for a tools and kit, it's all metric? Any useful tools that might not be standard?

Nice to meet you all and thanks for any advice now and in advance for more questions that I will doubtless have.

Neil


Toyota Double Cab
KZTE
3L Turbo Diesel 4X4
Old Man Emu Suspension with ARB Safari kit and high rise chassis
Specs:AluCab
Howling Moon 1.4 Roof Top Tent
Frontrunner roof rack
Frontrunner jerry cans and brackets
2 spare wheel tyre
Front runner Stainless Steel table
50L water tank
Frontrunner Stainless Steel long range tank
Safari Snorkel
Frontrunner champ chairs
ARB Bumper
ARB T Max winch (2.5 ton) – front
IPF Extreme spotlights
Outback Console
GME VHF Radio
Hi Lift Jack
Engel 40L fridge / freezer
Cadac 2 burner cooker
3 kg gas bottle
Bosch C7 battery charger
ARB Compressor
120 Ah alternators
Battery bank with 2 x new AC Delcor deep cycle marine (105Ah)
3 KVA (3000 watts) Invertor
1 x Solar Controller
Brakes modified for additional load bearing capacity
Mileage about 200,000km

[Mud Dog]

Hi Neil and welcome to the forum as a member!

Yes, Allan (AEW Auto) is the guy to go to in the Cape, but from the sound of it there won't be too much for him to do to the vehicle - 200,000 km is not a lot for that vehicle, especially if it's been well cared for as the service history might suggest.

A pretty impressive asenal of overlanding extras you have listed there - I see solar controller but not solar panels?? - you will need about 120w depending on how well the alternator keeps the secondary batteries charged (your planned itinerary might not allow for enough driving every day).

I also don't see any mention of a high-lift jack - a very useful piece of equipment, especially if travelling alone (vehicle must have high-lift jacking points). A spade is another useful must, as well as an axe or decent machete - sand tracks are also another useful item. You will just have to pay attention to how much extra weight it all adds up to when you include your supplies.

Yes, bolts are all metric and a basic tool roll of spanners from 8mm to 21mm should be all you need along with some screwdrivers, pliers and side-cutter. One can so easily go overboard with what you carry along ... again, weight and space are key when defining your needs.

It would be great if you can post some pics of the vehicle, I'm certain you will enjoy it and it's reliability over the LR.

[CasKru]

Welcome to the enlightened side Neil

[FIRSTGEER]

Welcome Neil

[Haboob]

Welcome Neil & enjoy your African travels...

[npod]

Thanks Mud Dog. I have attached a couple of pictures to this post.

Luckily it has a hi-lift, sand mats and a shovel, so I am pretty much hoping it's a turn key project....but life seldom works like that. Yes, it has a solar controller but no panel so I will try and track down a 120W panel as you suggest. I was reflecting on whether to switch the RTT to the front of the vehicle...does anyone have any ideas on that? I also don't like the 50L water tank on the roof rack, or the second spare tyre for that matter, would like to keep the centre of gravity lower, not that I want to get into a situation where it's that critical.

Any tips on registering a vehicle as a foreigner in SA, I know that I will need a TRN, RWC and then registration papers. I will be doing all this in Cape Town which I am hoping may be more foreigner friendly.

Neil

[Thunder02]

Welcome Neil,

From another Neil

[ROOFER]

Welcome Neil !!

[Mud Dog]

Welcome Neil !!

Which "Neil"?

Best prices for Solar panels (and almost anything else that you need), is here ..... and they're right there in Cape Town.

I'm open to correction, but AFAIK there is no problem registering with 'foreign' credentials.

[4x4BEES]

Welcome Neil

Congrats on your purchase and hope you have safe travels with your KZ.

[Froll]

Welcome Niel.

[ROOFER]

Welcome Neil !!

Which "Neil"?

Best prices for Solar panels (and almost anything else that you need), is here ..... and they're right there in Cape Town.

I'm open to correction, but AFAIK there is no problem registering with 'foreign' credentials.

Hi Mud dog only noticed this now ,that was for the new Neil ,not that the old Neil is old

[Mud Dog]

Hehe! It was just a feeble attempt at humour on my part.

[stumps]

Welcome Niel. Enjoy that Toy of yours.