Preparation
In order to be prepared
for just about any eventuality on this trip, planning is vital.
The F350 pickup truck has
been modified with the following:-
1. an MBRP 4" 'Turbo-Back' stainless steel exhaust to ensure that
the diesel exhaust gases, which, if allowed to reach 1,400 oF, can cause serious
damage to the Turbocharger and Engine, remain as low as possible, especially
towing 15,000 lbs up steep grades in hot climates.
2. an AFE Stage-1 cold air intake to ensure that the engine is
getting enough cold air to make it work as efficiently as possible.
3. an Edge Evolution engine programmer which provides 4
different settings for the engine and gearbox; economy, towing, street and
extreme (at the top end this will add 105 hp and 185 ft. lbs of torque).
items 1, 2, & 3 supplied by Diesel
Performance Parts and Professionally
installed by Diesel Doctors of Georgetown, Ontario
4. a
Tekonsha Prodigy-3 Electronic Brake Controller to
synchronise the trailer brakes with those on the truck (you don't want to see
your own trailer overtaking you on a downhill grade !!).
5. a Reese Signature Series 18K 5th-Wheel Hitch
items 4 & 5 supplied and
Professionally installed by Blackstock Ford of Orangeville, Ontario
6. a Back-Rack
actually installed by yours truly.
item 6 supplied by Kooy Brothers
of Toronto, Ontario
7. a Trail-FX Low Profile lockable Pickup Tool Box to store all the
mechanical items.
item 7 supplied and Professionally
installed by Cobra Vehicle
Appearance Services and Accessories, Mississauga, Ontario
8. a 200 psi air pump and 5 gallon Pressure Tank to allow for
tire filling and using air wrenches, etc. to fix flats.
item 8 supplied by Siege
Engineering, Tellico Plains, Tennesee
9. Extremely loud 163 db air-horn based Anti-Theft System.
10. Midland 1001Z mobile 40 Channel CB Radio.
11. Astatic 4' Fibreglass Whip CB Antenna installed on the top
of the Back-Rack.
12. Dual Long-Range Driving Lights mounted on the top
of the Back-Rack.
13. Work Light pointing into pickup bed and mounted on the top
of the Back-Rack.
items 10, 11, 12 & 13
installed by yours truly.
The 5th wheel trailer (click
here for images & specifications) has
the following:-
1. a 3,600 va gas generator for auxiliary electricity.
2. 50 amp, 30 amp & 15 amp adapters for hooking up to just
about any outlet.
3. a 100w electrical inverter to help keep the current clean.
4. all existing baggage compartment locks changed to unique
'Cam Locks'.
5. Fresh Water tank has a capacity of 318 liters.
6. Grey Water tanks (2) have a capacity of 280 liters.
7. Black Water tank has a capacity of 170 liters.
8. Backup Camera & LCD Screen in the cab for safety.
9. Built-in Hidden Security Safe for valuables and documents.
10. Splendide 2000S front loading vented Washer / Dryer
item 10 above supplied by Factory
RV Surplus and Professionally installed by RV
One Inc. of Elkhart, IN.
Documentation & Safety:-
1. Passports (Canadian & European) renewed.
2. All inoculations and immunizations up to date for the areas
being visited.
3. Sufficient supply of all prescription drugs.
4. International Drivers License for each of us.
5. Multiple colour copies of all documents (passports,
licenses, ownerships, insurances).
6. Health coverage for 6 months.
7. Multiple Credit and Debit Cards.
8. GlobalStar GSP-1600 Satellite Phone with spare battery &
A/C charger.
9. GlobalStar
SPOT GPS Locator and Satellite Messenger.
