Thread: Observations from the Sahara

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I think some people go for wider tyres thinking they are increasing their footprint, not realising they are just causing a wider wall of sand to build up in front of their tyres, making progress harder. Taller tyres give a longer footprint and that is what counts.

The thing to understand with wide tyres is that to achieve better flotation on sand they must be run at lower pressures. That makes then more likely to puncture via the sidewalls. Narrow tyres may bog a little faster but last a lot longer in mixed terrain, usually because they are built tougher than poser treads. No good having better flotation if you're constantly getting flats.

Very true.

Originally Posted by PAT303

If you like your vehicle to be at it's GVM before loading it for a trip go for it,it seems to be an Australian thing.

I was just a little confused as I thought your first reply was in relation to the pics posted.....

As mentioned above my research into overland setups most seem to have

Front bar
Roof rack
Spare wheel carrier
Side steps
Driving lights

These items seem to be the standard across all makes and model. Sure I found some very basic/stock setups, each to there own.

..and of course the availability and cost of anything in other than first world countries has absolutely nothing to do with it

you are such a cynic Strangy,,

Maybe i should have taken pics of the tourists cars also.
Plenty of them down there. The Sahara for many Europeans is just a couple of days drive to get to, so its very popular.

Originally Posted by strangy

..and of course the availability and cost of anything in other than first world countries has absolutely nothing to do with it

So how was the Sahara anyway - is it safe and interesting?