Overlander's Handbook: Best Overlanding prep book I've read

[Mike Walkabout]

Hi All,
simply wanted to use this thread to tell you of four great Land Rover books that I've read recently:
- Too long in the Bush by the great Len Beadell ... simply great stuff!
- First Overland - London - Singapore by Land Rover by Tim Slessor ... THE must read for anyone interested in Overlanding and Land Rovers!
- West of Centre - A journey of Discovery into the Heartland of Australia by Ray Ericksen ... City guy goes bush in a Landy in 1967
- Land Rover - 60 Years of the 4 x 4 Workhorse by James Taylor ... also a must have for anyone interested in these great cars. Absolutely love the book. A lot of great photos, detailed information etc. .... was a recommendation from Tom Sheppard!!!
All the Best, Mike

[DiscoMick]

My copy of the Overlander book in the original post arrived last week, after taking only a week from the UK when ordered online, and I've had my nose buried in it ever since. Really enjoying it and learning a lot. Thanks for making me aware of it.
Reading it raises the question - which 4WDs (excluding truck and buses) would be on your shortlist to drive around the world?
From reading the book, my opinion is there are really only four:

• Defender
• Early Discovery
• Landcruiser 60 - 80 series
• older Nissan Patrol

Most of the others seem to be ruled out because of their ECU-controlled electronics, difficulty of repairing in remote locations, unsuitable bodies or they're just not tough enough.
What do you think?

[gavinwibrow]

I've found the book depository prompt & reliable for book purchases (their quoted prices include delivery - usually within 10 days or so)

x 2 - mine turned up today after ordering following OP's post

[DiscoMick]

I ordered my copy directly off the publisher's website.

[DiscoMick]

Nearly finished reading the Overlanders Handbook bnow and what a great read! Loving it. Thoroughly recommended.
Now have a long list of planned mods for 'George' the Disco so we can go do it ASAP.

[MTB]

Another one?! We've been discussing this in our house for a while now.

You guys too
We are heading off this August - not long now.

[DiscoMick]

Might be several years before we get clear to go, but that just gives more time to get ready.

[Westie]

This is considered a bible in our house We're taking on board a lot of the advice as we slowly prepare for our Oz to UK adventure!

It does favour Toyota when recommending an overland vehicle and tends to put Land Rovers in the "Romantic" category as far as thats the mental picture most people have when they think of an expedition vehicle. You only have to look at the book cover for reinforcement of that notion.

Chris is not without romanticism himself, methinks! I have a sense he believes that Land Cruisers started going downhill with the arrival of the 80 series..

If you want a more pro - Land Rover book that is also an excellent overland reference check out Sahara Handbook by John Glen. It's a bit old (and may be out of print?) but still a goodie.

[DiscoMick]

[QUOTE][ Originally Posted by iClick
This is considered a bible in our house We're taking on board a lot of the advice as we slowly prepare for our Oz to UK adventure! /QUOTE]

Can I ask what route you're planning? Reading the book he basically rules out going through China because of approvals required for each province and having to have an official guide at big expense. And Burma is closed so that prevent going across to India, which would have been a good choice otherwise I think.
He seems to favour shipping from KL to Bangladesh or India and then driving across India, Pakistan and Iran into Turkey. Is that your choice?
For myself, we lived in Asia for three years and got around a bit, so I might be inclined to ship straight from here to Bangladesh or India.
Once in Europe are you going straight to the UK or wandering about a bit? And are you planning to cross to Africa for a bit, as Spain to Morocco seems to be easy (20 minute ferry ride) and relatively safe.

[MTB]

Can I ask what route you're planning?

Here is the very rough route bottom to top in 9 months.