Chris Noble "MAfrica"
A lot of people spend too much time dreaming about what they want to do in their life time. You only have to pick up a 4x4 mag to read of someone travelling across Europe or Asia or Africa. Those lucky enough to have the time and resources even manage to head out East and arrive back from the West. We read those stories and think to ourselves "I'll do that some day". In the lyrics on one C.C.R. track "Someday never comes". There are but a few people who raise two fingers to the world and everyday life and set out on the "adventure of their lifetime". Chris spent most of his early years (from when he was old enough to think, that is) dreaming about travelling across Africa. There were a handful of place he wanted to visit, but when travelling that far why not see a lot more. Having sold out of his part of his company and still in his twenty something, what better a time to realize your dream?
A 300 tdi Defender 130 would be his home for the next "however long it took" with some basic but essential modifications. Chris came to us at Douglass Motors in Wolston, Warwickshire to help him with his plans and preparation to his vehicle.
Read his on going diary for his trip at www.mafrica.co.uk
We've highlighted some of his vehicle preparation here:
Chris with his farewell hot chocolate after final preps was done to "M", the name now given to his 130.
Now kitted out with his essentials "M" is looking good and ready to go. The 130 was bought part prepared by a South African couple looking to drive home. The Hannibal Roof Rack and tent were already fitted when Chris bought the 130 as was the rear alluminium top body with its side storage units.
The overall length of the 130 gives lots of living space and storing capacity. For one person this would all seem excessive, but Chris had planned on travelling with friends on different legs of his journey so the extra space would prove very useful.
The rear body on the 130 gives an excellent safe and secure storage area. The rear access door and side storage doors are all lockable, which is a must when travelling anywhere. Being no higher, wider or longer than any part of the 130 body keeps the whole thing compact.
The extra roof lighting gives any traveler/camper better visibility especially for night time driving in Africa. A snorkel is a must not only for water crossing but keeping your air intake above the dust.
Heavy duty Bearmach winch bumper and bar give that all important front protection and self recovery ability. Front bars are also a good place to mount extra driving lights.
The basic inside of a Defender go well with African conditions. Here you can see the modified gearbox tunnel. Part of the mods done, before Chris bought the 130, when it was converted from a V8 to 300 Tdi.
There are four individual side storage compartments. These are great for separating clothing, camping equipment, cooking equipment, foods… anything that needs regular access or needs to be above deep water when wading.
Steering guards and Diff guards gave the basic underbody protection. Here you can see the red polybushes used to help keep the body stable with all that weight. Also seen is the Beefed up suspension which runs "ProComp" ES9000 gas shocks
The rear main compartment is cavernous and houses spare parts, tool kit, two spare wheels, water container, extra fuel and most importantly a "Fridge/Freezer" (beer and wine are part of a mans staple diet, we would suffer enormously without them).
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